I saw one of these a few years ago at Pate and just thought it was one of the coolest things I ever saw. The guy that had it was only displaying it and would not sell it. I don't know that I would have the guts to get on it these days, but as a kid it must have been a heck of a ride. ANyone ever seen one of these? The funny thing is that Chance Mfg is better known for amusement park rides. (Chaz, ever seen one?) I bet there are some crazy stories to go with the owner of one of these. http://www.bpmlegal.com/wpogo.html
It sure does. You go first! Personally, I've lost the desire to try things that may result in me seeing my femur sticking out of my thigh...
I have one . You can only hop a foot or so. I have the origonal box, parts list, store poster, and most of the magazines that did ''road tests''. Richard.
He also built a pair of roller skates with model airplane engines driving them.Saw a pic in the letters column of Hot Rod around 55 or so.
Hard to believe Chance used to make those. They are far more known for little ride-on trains, ferris wheels, and other carnival rides.
Chance Manufacturing (Now Chance Morgan) Was at one time the largest amusement supplier in the world. Their factory in Kansas was so large you couldn't see from one end to the other because of the curvature of the earth. Harold Chance was a freaking genius. Unfortunately his sons were not. After many bankruptcies (the most recent a few years ago) The company is just a shadow of its former self. The entire industry is pretty much a shambles. Oddly enough the amusement business is safer than the airline industry, which is safer than driving your car. Few people really want to know this, cause its easy to dismiss these people as "carnies" I wish I had time to relate how important the industry was. But if you've ever had an infant saved by the use of an incubator , you can thank a carny. Nuff said.
I got one too... I even have some cans of the "Go-Go Juice" that it runs on. I bought mine from my buddies dad back in '88... for $80... he said he broke his leg on it, and then never rode it again. Sam.
I saw one for sale there this year too. Near Clark's booth near the stadium. It was hanging on the side of a box truck. For the first 5 seconds I thought it was an awesome idea and a must purchase. Then I thought again.
Yup, only 5 pounds of thrust, worked great until it exploded. Good thing I put the heat shield on. these things are stupid loud! like a firecracker going off 20 times/second.
I'm the guy who purchased the 2 Hop Rod's (one of them is still in the original unopened box!) from Edward Skakie, the guy who posted the article in the link above. I took my used one to the largest annual 2-stroke motorcycle show last year and it got a huge amount of attention along with various stories from people telling me about one they had, or a friend of theirs had. You don't see them that often but when you do they draw a lot of attention. A photo journalist took a picture of me and it got published in 3 different motorcycle magazines this year. If anybody has any memorabilia they would like to sell related to Hop Rod's , I would like to hear from you. Thanks, Scott
An update for what its worth. I have one also. Took it to the Portland swap meet this past weekend to see if there was any interest. Got very tired of explaining over and over what it was and how it worked. BUT. Got not one offer or trade offer. Maybe they are all afraid of the attorneys.
I have an early Jacobson model. Same thing only is orange with Jacobson decal on shaft. Got it from my father-in-law years ago. I wouldnt try it at my age. He says he saw kids go over 10' in the air when they were new and popular!