Off-Road Project: 1970 Action Age Got’cha

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Some classics deserve to be treated seriously and with deep respect, while others offer an ownership experience full of laughs and adventure. This 1970 Action Age Got’cha fits into the second category, and the listing suggests it requires only minor work to return to active service. It is ideal for crossing muddy ground, and even a stretch of water shouldn’t stop it. This little gem is listed here on Facebook in Kiel, Wisconsin. The seller set their price at $3,000, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Lothar… of the Hill People for spotting it.

Action Age Inc. operated out of Cleveland, Ohio, producing a range of ATVs, three-wheelers, mini-bikes, and even a roadster. All featured simple designs, with the ATV bodies constructed from fiberglass. The company ceased production in 1974, and a lack of production records means verifying how many vehicles rolled out of the factory is almost impossible. The company’s entry-level ATV was the Got’cha, which retailed for $1,099. That figure was less than 50% of the price of the range-topping Ramrod, which came with six wheels rather than four. The history of this little classic is unclear, but it undoubtedly requires a total restoration to present at its best. This shouldn’t be complicated because the construction materials mean structural or panel rust won’t be an issue. However, ensuring the fiberglass is free from cracks or other issues would be wise because imperfections could compromise the vehicle’s aquatic abilities. Lifting the presentation should be no more complicated than stripping away the tired paint and applying a fresh coat. Someone added a roll bar, although the installation doesn’t look particularly sturdy. It would be worth checking where they bolted this down because there may be holes in the fiberglass that would allow water into the vehicle. The vinyl seat upholstery looks okay, and the seller says the tires hold air.

This ATV’s cosmetic needs are minor, and the same is true for its drivetrain. Its engine bay originally housed a Briggs & Stratton four-stroke engine producing 8hp. Its power fed to all four wheels via a chain and clutch system, with the twin-stick steering allowing the Got’cha to pivot on the spot. Many ATVs feature that capability, making it easier for drivers to extract themselves from sticky situations. The fiberglass body and balloon tires mean that water is not an obstacle, with this classic capable of hitting 2mph on most ponds and other relatively calm bodies of water. Action Age offered an optional 4hp outboard that pushed that speed to 5mph. The seller confirms the original Briggs & Stratton powerplant is gone, with a new four-stroke Predator 212 single-cylinder engine occupying its spot. This motor runs well and produces slightly less power but has stronger torque delivery to improve off-road capabilities. They confirm they replaced the bearings and chains, but the drive system requires new clutches. I could not locate these items during what I admit was a brief online search. However, I did find several owner’s clubs whose members might help the buyer source the required components.

This 1970 Action Age Got’cha appears to be a straightforward restoration project that would suit an enthusiast with limited workshop space. It is not a vehicle for relaxed open-road touring, but it promises to plaster a mile-wide smile on occupants’ faces when they plunge into a muddy spot or a body of water. It won’t appeal to everyone, but I won’t be surprised if it finds a new home fairly quickly. Will you?

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Comments

  1. Howard A Howard AMember

    You know,,oh jeez, another patriotic rant,,hey, if my patriotic ramblings bum you out, plenty of other places in the world that get the internet. This one won’t raise the hackles like my import car rants probably do, but this was a time when some outfit, “Action Age”( or whatever) from Cleveland Ohio,( or wherever) not GM, but had a manufacturing facility, had several dozen employees, and all the related industries, safety, shipping, snack foods for the breakroom, it’s what made America run. There were literally thousands of businesses that tried to make it. Most failed, but it was what America was founded on. The idea was, make a product, sell it cheap, and make a million. Today, it’s make ONE and sell it for big bucks, or just forget the whole mess and just import the dang thing.
    This will end up under the junk pile from whence it came, going to be loud with a straight pipe, and people today will laugh and say, compared to what is offered in ATVs today, this should be hanging in an ATV museum, if any. This is how it started folks, and the interest will end there. Don’t get me wrong, this had fun, ultility, and saved a lot of steps in unstable areas, but I don’t see any interest in actually restoring one.

    Like 9
  2. 'whilst' Jeff Holzer

    You left out: “and get off my lawn”. :)

    Like 14
  3. Rick

    One banana, two banana, three banana four… ;)

    Like 7
  4. Solosolo UK Solosolo UKMember

    A friend of mine had a similar vehicle made by Steyr-Puch-Haflinger in which we used to go on the local river and if we came to a low level rapids area it didn’t matter as it would just ride up and over the rocks. If we wanted to leave the river at any point he would just climb up the bank as if it wasn’t there and we would be on our way. Great fun.

    Like 3
  5. Solosolo UK Solosolo UKMember

    Forgot to mention that it was a six wheeler.

    Like 1
    • Bruce Scrambler

      Love seeing folks with experiences like this. My family had a six wheeler that my dad bought in the late 1960s. Loved that thing. Action Age also made a 6 wheeler called the Scrambler, which we had, along with this 4-wheeled Gotcha. I’ve got a restored 1974 Scrambler in my driveway (call me nostalgic). Simple mechanics, robust drivetrain that’s almost zero maintenance, and a ton of fun. I suspect the Gotcha is just a smaller version of the Scrambler. I bet it wouldn’t take much to get this Gotcha back on the trail. $3k seems steep though. Although a fully restored Scrambler recently sold on BAT for $23k.

      Like 0
  6. Greg in Texas

    *Mashed Down. If only there was ‘meshing’ or ‘washing’.

    Like 0
  7. UB SLK350

    These were built during a time when atv and snowmobiles were fairly new and booming business. There were over one hundred snowmobile manufacturers at this time. All were simple and easy to work on. This should be rescued and enjoyed by yet another generation. Love it !!

    Like 0

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