Big Fuel Tank Problems : The 1939 Harley RUSTORATION

Dale's Wheels Through Time Museum, located in Maggie Valley, NC, features over 375 American motorcycles, unique cars, and transportation history.
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[@austineight996]

You know Matt, you may not realize it now, but these videos your making will most likely be just as valuable and treasured as the very vintage bikes in your museum for future generations to watch, learn and reference from down through many generations of motorcycle enthusiasts and future builders. So in essence, you are actually recording and documenting both verbally and physically historic American motorcycle history and we subscribers are literally witnessing this in real time. Matt, it may haven’t hit you yet, but what your now producing will be extremely valuable in centuries to come!

[@hdbikerdave5835]

Matt, brother protect your eyes. I don't want to see you down and out due to unnecessary injury. You are too important and your eyes are the only way you can continue doing what you do. Keep up the good work and thank you for sharing your work with us!

[@tmackinator]

I was just going to say the same thing. I hope it sinks in.

[@fidelcatsro6948]

health safety inspector entered the chat.

[@thomasschiller5197]

Yeah eye injuries suck I've had the curlier cue from drilling metal stuck under my eyelid ,get the shield on your head ,there's a guy kicking u from heaven laughing that u are taking crap about basic shop safety

[@bigalsspeedshop2826]

For real that wire brush is just waitin to lodge a bristle in somethin

[@DougFLTRX]

When I met and talked to Jake back in the fall at the museum, I told him that he was the luckiest guy in the world because he had my dream job. I still feel that way. He was a fantastic wealth of knowledge too. Thanks again, y'all

[@wyattoneable]

I'm sure glad there are people like you who care about preserving old American iron. You're doing a great service.

[@wheelsthroughtime]

There's actually a growing community of people who love antique motorcycles!

[@patrickjm3487]

@@wheelsthroughtime dale was a very special person his passion for bikes was just up there with the best,, Really enjoyed watching his videos on repairing old bikes some of them were a 100 years old but he loved it,, When did dale pass away and may he rest in peace in heaven He was a very nice man that museum tells us all about him and his passion,, The apple didn’t fall far from the tree with the knowledge you learned from the master himself,, There will never be a man like dale ever again because of his passion for bikes and stories Of how he got a bike he loved to tell us all the story behind the bikes,, God bless,,

[@jbradkilpatrick]

I love when these longer videos come out. I save them for Saturday morning. I get up before the rest of the house wakes up, kick back on the couch, and enjoy watching them.

[@wheelsthroughtime]

Glad you like them!

[@danielseymour6726]

Rusty , crusty , and absolutely beautiful. Can't wait to see it in person. Come on April !

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

Let's Talk👆👆I have a surprise for you...🎁

[@MoBCommunity]

I just came across this channel a few days ago after seeing Matt on the Bikes and Beards episode with the WLDR and couldn't tell you how many hours I've binge watched since. The Good Lord has blessed this man with not only an exceptional mind for his craft but also a personality that makes it very enjoyable to listen to when he speaks about his true passion in life.

[@wheelsthroughtime]

Thanks for watching, make sure you subscribe! There more to come.

[@joedmac78]

My grandpop had the same bike. I have an old picture of him on it. That's an awesome bike.

[@johnnydscyclesservice3603]

Absolutely amazing! We love watching and learning. Thank you for all you do!!

[@wheelsthroughtime]

Thank you for watching along!

[@gregkistner1955]

Now here's a gentleman that gets into his work! 👏

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

Let's Talk👆👆I have a surprise for you.🎁

[@sporty196071]

Great save on the tanks. Those are some pimped out bags , I can only imagine how the guy felt when he put them on his new bike back in the 30s what else did he have? Jewelled mud flaps maybe his jacket too? WOW!!

[@user-iy6de7qi1r]

I've been welding since the early seventies, got schooled building up a "seat rail" on the back end of my early sixties 250 Ducati. One thing I've noted common these days is all sorts of mechanics welding with tig with no gloves. I've been dealing with minor cancers and skin problems that have all the appearances of being the result of "quick jobs" done without gloves. I now have several types of gloves used for light thin, work, and all the way to heavy high current work. Skin cancer really sucks!

[@ianrandell9763]

The most interesting story I've ever seen on the show.

[@huntingtonbeachsasquatch]

Big Thumbs Up Matt, I been welding dock levelers, edge mount dock bumpers and overhead doors for 22 years, mostly thicker steel. (No Weld School, On Job Learning Only) Never needed to do thin skin welding but still like seeing new stuff. Adding the bronze backer is a great idea. Thanks for sharing! 👍👍👍.....🤜🤛😉

[@thomasschiller5197]

Best way learn - grab some scrap and stick it together ,a fellow doorman ,retired after 30 yrs by a duplex that broke winding it up ,rotator cuff tore off both ends and in half at shoulder joint ,be safe brother

[@ShutterUp]

I have plans for a visit this year. I love the work you do.

[@robertsherman5428]

Awesome stuff Matt thanks for sharing your love of these beautiful classics!! These bags are out of this world to

[@zedhead2864]

The bags look AMAZING! Tom is a magician! Nice work!!!

[@wheelsthroughtime]

He really is!

[@Derf1313]

Wow! Not just the bike (& accessories), but the stories that are remembered, & then built upon... All the hands, through the years, that have, & will touch this, perhaps builds the soul, of a lump of machinery?! Very Nice, Thanx !

[@mickgerard6696]

Fantastic stuff guys! Bless you all. 🌞

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

Let's Talk👆👆I have a surprise for you..🎁

[@seather863]

Incredible 1939! Can't wait to see it rollin down the road....

[@kevinhall2266]

Dang cool stuff. Love those bags and the “as found” bike. My peepers always return to the old original bikes versus the shiny ones. Great job Matt! Love the history.

[@koolaidacidkilla179]

Make more of these. Keep it as is. Are you going to make a diner at the museum?! See you guys in April.

[@darrellkelly7614]

America's hero Matt..Thank you for what u do..!!

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

Let's Talk👆👆I have a surprise for you..🎁

[@doug3805]

You’ll get no critique from me man. From where I sit you are a genius.

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

Let's Talk👆👆I have a surprise for you.🎁

[@maggietheutubedog]

Hey Matt, Please keep making detailed rebuild videos. I have them on the whole time I’m building my dads EL and I learn so much from you. Thanks

[@wheelsthroughtime]

More to come!

[@nathansealey6270]

Modesty & humility, dude thats why yourselves achieve so much 18:52

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

Let's Talk👆👆I have a surprise for you...🎁

[@grayfox9911]

Thanks!

[@MateoDeLeon-eq6go]

I really enjoy watching this video

[@stevenpalmer4054]

Matt the saddlebags are absolutely beautiful and looks brand new it’s kind of a shame that you don’t restore the bike so that it match the saddle Bags I know a lot of people are into the rusty and crusty but there’s nothing as beautiful as a fully rebuilt And restored museum quality Harley Davison

[@wheelsthroughtime]

We have plenty of restored bikes in the museum, this is one that has an exceptional story, and as the saying goes "they're only original once."

[@lukepaulson3428]

Man I love this stuff. Such a cool idea to keep it rusty. Sleeper build!

[@michaelmitchell5909]

Wow, those bags looked amazing on the bike...can't wait to see and hear it...

[@wheelsthroughtime]

Us too!

[@Firestorm637]

Bags so cool. Glad able to restore

[@hamiltonhoover792]

Man I really need to come to the museum. I cant wait to see the bikes. I love survivor cars/bikes it tells the story of them and in my option has way more personally

[@douglashine9638]

Absolutely Gorgeous! 👏🤠

[@leetownsend46]

Always enjoy your views

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

Let's Talk👆👆I have a surprise for you...🎁

[@robertpirtle3638]

I’m not in to that look . I’m sure the bike is going to look great anyways. Them rhino saddlebags are beautiful! I love the videos. Can’t wait to see it the rest.

[@JESUS-POTENTATE]

Matt, You have the best job in the world.

[@slob0516]

When I saw the holes my first thought was lead or silver. Your technique is good for the welding. A better fit on the backer would give you better heat sink. Welding is like raising a child. No one is always right.

[@johnkoury1116]

Matt, you are doing such a fantastic job . You are sure keeping your dad's vision alive to a great extent. I am almost recovered from getting run over o n my 1957 Panhead and nearly losing my leg. I have circulation back and I am walking without assistance. I was a chemical engineer for a large pharmaceutical company that I hated. I decided to start a small engine repair and restoration shop that specializes in construction equipment and air cooled motorcycles and Porsches. I definitely want to get in touch because I have some things I would like to discuss sometime. Oh and I am also building a machine shop that will be powered by steam and populated with equipment from the 1800's and 1900's complete with central belt systems and everything. Yesterdays technology with tomorrow's results.

[@donrice8026]

the u flathead has all my attention great sickles HAPPY TRAILS

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

Let's Talk👆👆I have a surprise for you..🎁

[@benjaminholman8416]

This looks like such a cool job to have. I would love to have the knowledge to work in a shop like this. Maybe I need to move up from working on mopeds lol.

[@BackroadExploits]

Very cool to see behind the scenes of your work on the bike. Love the way you tackled the problem of welding but my next question is how is he going to keep or replace the patina/rust on the tank so the welds don't stand out like sore thumbs. Your secret sauce, ugggh. Ok I don't know need to know the sauce recipe but I sure do want to see the end result..................

[@wheelsthroughtime]

There are more shows coming. Be sure to subscribe and stay tuned to see!

[@BackroadExploits]

@@wheelsthroughtime Yeah we've been subscribed for some time now. Thanks! Look forward to it.

[@wvbiker746]

Was hoping to watch how you de-rust the inside the tank. Oh well. Betcha at some point in time a bullet went into that tank, Hope to get down to Maggie Valley this summer. Great videos. Thanks.

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

Let's Talk👆👆I have a surprise for you.🎁

[@gerrypowell2748]

Great work👌👌

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

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[@alcatrazrider]

again an amazing bike, looking forward.....

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

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[@richardturk7162]

Digging the Buc-cees hat.

[@roderickeash3216]

I want to cry when I see what you do

[@thomasschiller5197]

Mat if u find some thick copper stock, drill and tap it to put a handle on and use as a bucket to fill holes on sheet metal

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

Let's Talk👆👆I have a surprise for you.🎁

[@anthonysmalawipredators8794]

Such a cool look, the decked out bags on the crusty burnt up bike!

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

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[@cosmovet44]

OMG those saddle bags have been restored to beyond beautiful!

[@wheelsthroughtime]

You're telling us! They're beautiful!

[@victoriasiegel3278]

greatly enjoyed yout post....this rebuild is exciting. You need to post more often...at least once a week.Still miss Dale...enjoyed my too few and too short persona accounts;still hoping for improved health to allow a visit...will try to obtain a TA start....LOLi

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

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[@cheifreal]

Those saddle bags look great. Your leather dude does good work.

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

Let's Talk👆👆I have a surprise for you..🎁

[@markmcsheffreysr6890]

That was so cool Matt you are the man later man good job

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

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[@steveshoemaker6347]

So sorry i am one day late on this AMAZING video....Thanks Matt....Matt i just turned 83 years old.....My first bike was an old Indian Military Bike,i think that was back about 1959 or 1960's..... Shoe🇺🇸

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

Let's Talk👆👆I have a surprise for you...🎁

[@martinhoflich6150]

best wishes from germany 👍 sad that you'r not right around the corner

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

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[@Alan-Godden]

Dr Matt. Surgeon extrodonaire. Born to die, Live to Ride. God bless you, brother. Blessed is the Lord.

[@jfk64kennedy95]

in my opinion, to keep period correct, the old patina, you should have torch brazed those holes, not welded, let that brass/bronze braze be seen, because in it's day, that would have been how they fixed it

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

Let's Talk👆👆I have a surprise for you..🎁

[@bigalsspeedshop2826]

Not bad for not being a welder though. My brother and i are comin to visit this summer

[@jasonmyers3847]

Damn, guy's! I bought my raffle tickets online I don't know, three days ago? I already got my T-shirt, tickets, and DVD yesterday! I live in Nazifornia, too. Awesome job, guy's!

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

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[@hrogers9325]

The red one in the background is good.

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

Let's Talk👆👆I have a surprise for you.🎁

[@neilperry2224]

Have you thought about using half of a front rusted out petrol tank and cut it , and add to a better front half of a rear rusted out tank? Just an idea 💡

[@joe_preston]

It sounds good but is quite a bit more work than filling a hole and a little bit of shaping.

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

Let's Talk👆👆I have a surprise for you...🎁

[@Chopper650]

Rust, dust and restored leather... awesome

[@paulaabrams7058]

Mat Big Hugs Big Love HAPPY FRIDAY you ROCK ON AMEN 🙏

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

Let's Talk👆👆I have a surprise for you...🎁

[@kevincotta2013]

Nice job restoring the leather but considering the bike there going on I think he should have used less dye to keep them weathered looking.

[@ThePerfectSeason1972]

Great Bike

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

Let's Talk👆👆I have a surprise for you..🎁

[@grantbierlmeier7641]

So good

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

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[@chopperguy16]

First time I’ve seen Matt with his sunglasses not on his head.

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

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[@williamkennedy8768]

My dad since passed he had a1948 wish he would have kept it

[@ajc5370]

@wheelsthroughtime I always heard that the motor company they would put a small hole in the end of the tank and spray some kind of anti-rust coating inside of the gas tank is it possible that pinhole is from that?

[@robertadams4415]

Mat you can also use a piece of copper pipe flattened out

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

Let's Talk👆👆I have a surprise for you..🎁

[@KeithSage]

Matt! We need Calendars... What would Dale do,?

[@paxYmo]

Are you guys think about the motorcycles museum in Newburgh NY

[@stephenwilliams926]

It even looks good rusty .

[@fidelcatsro6948]

all it needs is a clear coat of lacquer over the rust to make sure it retains the original rust for next 20yrs🐱👍🏿

[@joedaly4195]

The leather that the bags are made of is horsehide.

[@Worldwide..motorcycle..dent.]

Hi….nice old Harley. Are you going to nickel plate the tanks inside and out 🤔

[@wadewiththebraid]

Great video. I was wondering when they are rusty like that do you have to remove all the rust from inside, or seal it? What do you have to do about inside?

[@wheelsthroughtime]

We’ll clean the inside, then use an epoxy sealer just to be sure it never leaks. Thanks for watching!

[@docholliday.]

@@wheelsthroughtime It would be cool to see how you do that epoxy sealer. Thanks for all the great videos Matt.

[@choofish]

If you wanted to eliminate or greatly reduce slag you could have filled the tank with argon gas before you welded.

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

Let's Talk👆👆I have a surprise for you.🎁

[@anvil49]

Copper is the best backing plate by far.

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

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[@stanwarner8700]

..... I make this show an event at my house . I pop some corn, and chill off a couple then me and the dog we watch your channel and eat pop-corn.....

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

Let's Talk👆👆I have a surprise for you.🎁

[@markeiler9753]

That is a scary piece to play with . I would love to do this but I could not see the puddle .

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

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[@mikeoc217]

Acid tank complete paint new chrome its to purdy to leave it a Rusty Skupper!! 👍🏻💯

[@stevethepirate123]

How do you clean the inside of the petrol tank?

[@wheelsthroughtime]

There are many different ways to go about that, it depends on their condition. With that being said, a lot of people will just use Caswell Tank sealer for the inside. There's a ton of ways to go about it.

[@Woodstock9831]

Hell yeah you can save it

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

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[@normls8615]

If only there was more appreciation for later model bikes and cars, so they don't become lost through time.

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

Let's Talk👆👆I have a surprise for you..🎁

[@HiramJonesjr-dx8tl]

When your done patching the tank spay with vinegar

[@johnnylightning1491]

Not crazy about the "patina" look, but it's not my motorcycle and interesting nonetheless. Keep the good stuff coming.

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

Let's Talk👆👆I have a surprise for you.🎁

[@haroldconover5221]

What a true Sweetheart.

[@carllynn2150]

Your welding is sufficient to do the job, farm welding look’s a lot worse, but it works, that’s what matters.

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

Let's Talk👆👆I have a surprise for you.🎁

[@Slowhand871]

Definitely leave those welds . It’s part of the story

[@joezambrano696]

Jewel in the ruff

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

Let's Talk👆👆I have a surprise for you..🎁

[@whydahell3816]

Man, I'd work there for free for ya Matt. You NEVER see beauty rings on rims anymore. Maybe I'll machine me some. Put on my 72' build. Lol

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

Let's Talk👆👆I have a surprise for you..🎁

[@t.s.racing]

Matt when's your birthday brother, I'm wanna send you a pair of Tillman gloves. 🔥

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

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[@Burnie66]

I type comments during adds

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

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[@johnsb1550]

Pretty sure that isn't a bullet hole but would make for one hell of a story if it was 😉

[@petermcfelin5979]

would have it not been a lot easier to take the tank to the welder and put the welder near the vice instead of running all over the workshop

[@Confedyank]

Howdy dudes

[@toddricketts9498]

Love everything y'all do it would be a dream to work for you Matt

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

Let's Talk👆👆I have a surprise for you.🎁

[@burlowsurviorhills4584]

Little salt water and the secret sauce 🤣

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

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[@kirkbickel6861]

Matt no disrespect intended but why would you leave a knuck this good all rusty, would make a great raffle bike restored. I own 3 knuck's 2 37's & a 39 restored w/ the help of Harry Mollenar and some parts from your father. Dale was at Harry's one day and this is how we met, many years ago. Your father was one of the best most knowledgeable person i ever met. Harry was a good friend to me i miss him.

[@wheelsthroughtime]

Hi Kirk, we have three very nice 1939 Knuckleheads in the museum. Just figured we’d do the next one a little different. Thanks for watching, and for the story about my dad.

[@claridenfirn1994]

I'd prefer old school gas welding: Fitting in a peace of sheet metal and welding it together without filler rod. That' how did it in the 30ies...

[@Tele_gramWheelsThroughTime_YT]

Let's Talk👆👆I have a surprise for you...🎁