Bike and Beards JUNKYARD WLA Rebuild - Success or Find A New Motor?

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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wheels through time

[@BikesandBeards]

Challenge Accepted !

[@michaelvincent-it9ls]

You guys rock, seriously old school style with REAL passion for bikes .MUST VISIT YOU GUYS.💪💯

[@OSOFLHP]

What happened to it?

[@kurtfoulke5130]

​@@OSOFLHPlooks like one of the beards pussed-out 😂

[@aaronchaffee1024]

My wife and I are about to celebrate our 25 year wedding anniversary in August of this year. She asked me what I wanted to do for our anniversary. I told her I want to take the family to visit this museum and meet Matt. I can’t get enough of these videos. I love the stories, the history and the education they provide. Great stuff folks!

[@GoldenSim27]

i would love to see more mechanical videos like this one ,thats what i like , learning about the mechanic that makes these old bikes tick

[@chadlariviere8018]

I wish I could up-vote this comment 100 times.

[@marcmuke6378]

This guy is full of knowledge. Protect him at all costs

[@ronnieboucherthecrystalcraftsm]

THIS GUY IS ! a big noting so much junk talk ! and not even true !

[@markeiler9753]

Boy I would have loved to have had your dad .

[@joemacdonald6213]

will never forget my visit to the museum a few years ago, as I walked into the entrance, your dad was walking out with another guy, and I could hear him describing some sort of old tool to the guy he was with..he was so excited about the tool, and he was saying..." man the thing is so cool, it just takes little bites at a time, like a little nibbler"....then as I walked into the main showroom...I was dumbstruck...just sort of stood there with my eyes wide and my mouth open, I could not believe the bikes I was seeing...names I never heard of, Traub, Elk...we are so grateful for you carrying forward Matt...from an old Marine, Semper Fi.

[@BikingVikingHH]

Serious question; did you enjoy fighting for Israel?

[@RobsLBL]

Semper Fi Brother!

[@Whacintosh]

I could listen to Matt talk about anything. He’s such a good speaker/storyteller.

[@EmDub215]

Very natural flow to his explanations. It’s a pretty cool watching an expert work.

[@tomeells6067]

Matt...I've been watching the progression of this bike/motor. You do amazing work on these old motors. We're very fortunate to have you.

[@steelwheels327]

Wow!! that motor is like a jewel!! Matt is so precise like a surgeon !!

[@andrewpitt621]

Been loving this channel after finding it through bikes and beards, now I'm tempted to book a holiday over that way from the UK and come visit sometime. Great vid keep them coming

[@JESUS-POTENTATE]

I especially like your video. Could be helpful to a lot of folks. Your dad would be proud

[@hondaxr100x]

Seriously, some of the best and most informative videos I have ever watched are from this channel. Great work as always!

[@chrisnixon1991]

Matt this WLA rebuild video is amazing i gotta give props to the camera man whoever he or she is because the camera person has the profession downpacked bringing the best angles,footage and more making these videos amazing.

[@1one3_Racing]

As someone who builds race engine in a pressurised clean room, this video gave me gastroenteritis! Those tolerances! Wow.

[@williamhoeweler8259]

You were blessed with a father that could see the future and brother I absolutely love these videos ❤

[@bruceburgess3580]

You are one of, if not the best at what you do my friend. I’ve never seen such quality work or explanations of each and every step of a motor assembly. I can’t wait to hear this old beast roar back to life.

[@wheelsthroughtime]

Thank you for the kind words, we're excited too!

[@craigstreetzel7743]

Glad to see you are still paying the bills and living the dream and keeping these parts to keep as many on the road as possible built with factory parts

[@cooper68ns]

Just loved this one. Historic engine rebuild. Just fantastic. Thanks

[@docholiday41colt3]

Thank you, we just love everything there is about keeping the love for beauty's like that motor alive, the tube community should be blessed with have what you bring to the table, work is tough but sure as shit pays off, again think you for y'alls great values and videos 👍🇺🇲

[@davidweidner1675]

Great job Matt! You would have made your Dad proud!

[@NYNCMIKE]

I think I could watch you build motors all day. Great great video.

[@digger8180]

Amazing, I could watch this all day. Well done Sir.

[@TomsTinkeringandAdventures]

I really like that piston pin clip installation tool. Nothing quite as frustrating as chasing those clips around the shop after it goes flying. Or worse, going fishing in the lower end of the engine!

[@t.s.racing]

Absolutely Tom, but you haven't lived until you have installed spiro-locks. In race engines we use double spiro-locks. Yes, Sir the first time you age 5 years haha ! Removing them is twice as bad. T.S. RACING

[@cooper68ns]

Sorry can't help it this was the best video I have watched in a month. So well done . Thanks again. Great stuff.

[@marshall4759]

A work of art by a true artist.

[@cameronlawrence1254]

This was the coolest video on assembling a Harley Davidson engine that I’ve ever seen! Glued to the screen! Matt is a F’king genius!!

[@anthonysmalawipredators8794]

I could watch these videos all day long

[@huntergillespie9836]

This is what I like to see. I'd love to see more builds. Thanks for the history that you keep running. You're Dad would be proud...

[@shangrila73eldorado]

Sometimes mechanics whine about how much they hate their job, but Matt seems to have the exact opposite attitude. He seems to love his job. His enthusiasm is infectious. His videos are real lessons on how motorcycles work. Great videos. I'd like to see some more riding videos. And a bit more history of the industry, racing, engineering, whatever. I saw Matt doing some street racing, and the man knows how to switch gears at high speed, giving him a clear advantage in the race. Kicks ass.

[@anncannon1797]

This is the only channel I need!!!!!

[@HDYaqui]

I’ve never worked or wrenched on a 45 before, this video was very informative! Thanks for sharing this assembly process!!! 👍🏽😉

[@jamesbrown6235]

What a masterpiece!! Excellent work.

[@daveproctor4675]

Fun build. When you blast aluminum with sand or glass beads it yields a rough surface. While this looks good, it doesn’t look original. The roughness also holds dirt, grease, and stains. After blasting spray with red Wheel Magic cleaner for alloys. It contains acid which will eat away the high peaks more than the flatter low spots. It ends up looking closer to a shiny as cast’ finish. Give it a try. Thanks. Someday I’ll make a road trip to the museum. Always loved your dad’s enthusiasm for the bikes.

[@mattwalksler]

Good suggestion. I like to put them in the parts cleaner and gently run with a brass/copper wire brush. Gives that same “glow” on original cast surface. Thanks for watching.

[@OffandOn13]

Amazing. Thank you so much. What a treat to get to follow this beautiful restoration! Matt is so calm, articulate and educational by nature it feels like I'm sneakpeeking a masterclass.

[@JoeDplummer_]

It's great to see a guy with that passion for old bikes and carrying a big basket of knowledge. 👍🇺🇸❤

[@seanlowman6785]

Absolutely glued to this bikes journey. Your knowledge is amazing and respected. Great video.

[@daviddiven1640]

Not trying to be a comment hog but this is amazing. The amount of knowledge that you possess is incredible. I think your father would be very proud of you...

[@MostlyInteresting]

You are such a natural teacher. Can't wait to visit later in the summer. I hope you can talk Shawn into leaving this one on display for awhile this summer.

[@jimgordon3468]

I love this. Bringing history back to life. Can't wait to hear it run. It's like music to my ears.

[@daveco1270]

I'm glad this motor found its way to Matt. It's fun to watch him in action. Looks like Sean at Bikes and Beards has finally been bit by the vintage motorcycle bug. My one complaint about his channel was not enough vintage motorcycle content. That seems to be changing. I can't wait to see Matt and Sean racing their old Harleys.

[@SierraThunder]

This is why I urged Shaun & Craig to come to you about the bike when they asked for help from the viewers, I don't know who else may have told them as well, but I'm pleased to see that they listened. Watching this particular video takes me back to the late 1970's & a deal that I made with a guy out of Costa Rica for a half seatrain load of flatties both big twin & 45's plus boxes of spares, (12 bikes all told), all complete bikes, for a whopping $1,200.00 at the time. And then sitting at my dining room table slowly going through one engine/tranny after another to see what needed to be repaired, rebuilt, or restored. I kept them all for several years until prices began going up like a rocket & then slowly sold a number of them off. I still have a couple in storage that I may soon put up for sale as I'm not getting any younger.

[@trail70brent]

This is such a great informative video 50 years from now people will be watching this video

[@jimstretch6109]

So satisfying listening to an expert. Reminds me of George Yarocki of 101 Scout fame. RIP. George brought owners into his shop to help with the rebuilds. An awesome experience.

[@craigpennington1251]

This is going to be awesome when it's finished. Outstanding work on every part. I think it looks better than factory when it was 1st produced. Can't wait to hear it run. Thanks guys for keeping history alive & running strong.

[@joezednick3197]

Yes, those guys are absolutely lucky you are in their corner buddy, great video! Of course you're from a whole different planet as far as knowledge too. I can't wait to see you blow them away in a race!!

[@hogdavidson489]

I am so amazed at what y’all do at WTT, I absolutely loved our visit last year and everyone was so nice and full of knowledge, it didn’t feel like a stuffy old museum, it felt like we were at your house and were welcomed with open arms, we will continue to support what y’all do and hopefully get to come back soon, thank you so much for all you do

[@cornovii3012]

love it when 2 of my favourite channels work together like this, and then throw the glove down for a race as a bonus, looking forward to watching that one :)

[@Frank289100]

MATT, INTERESTING POINT YOU BROUGHT UP. THE POINT ABOUT A LIGHT FLYWHEEL AND QUICK REVS. THIS REMINDS ME OF THE BUICK BIG BLOCK 455 WHICH MADE THE MOST FOOT POUNDS OF TORQUE OF ANY ENGINE. MANY PEOPLE THINK IT WAS BECAUSE OF A BETTER DESIGN. BUT THAT WAS THE FURTHEST THING FROM THE TRUTH. THE REASON IT MADE MORE TORQUE WAS DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE CRANKSHAFT WAS 10LBS POUNDS HEAVIER THEN THE BIG BLOCK FORD, CHEVY AND CHRYSLER. BECAUSE OF THE HEAVIER CRANKSHAFT'S ROTATING MASS, THE BUICK HAD NO TRUE RACE APPLICATION LIKE THE OTHER ENGINES DID WITH LIGHTER CRANKSHAFTS. RACING THE QUARTER MILE IS BASED ON TIME AND BRINGING UP THE REVS REAL QUICK MAKES YOU THE WINNER. THIS IS WHAT KEPT A BIG-BLOCK BUICK BACK BECAUSE OF IT'S HEAVIER CRANK WHICH TOOK THE ENGINE LONGER TO REV UP. I WILL PREDICT WHERE THE FUTURE OF, AND ADVANCEMENT OF RACE ENGINES IS GOING FOR BOTH CARS AND MOTORCYCLES. DEPENDING ON THE WEIGHT OF THE BIKE AND OR CAR AND ALSO FACTORING IN THE DRIVER. THE INDUSTRY WILL MAKE CUSTOM ROTATING ASSEMBLIES WITH DIFFERENT WEIGHT ROTATING MASSES THAT ARE SPECIFIC TO A APPLICATION. FOR NATURALLY ASPIRATED ENGINES AND POWER ADDER ENGINES. HAVING A ROTATING MASS THAT IS HEAVY WITH A SMALL CUBIC INCH CAN BE DETRIMENTAL IN RACING. BUT CAN BENEFIT WHEN MOVING AT HEAVY SEDAN. THIS IS THE REASON THAT 326 PONTIAC ENGINE COULD NEVER COMPETE AGAINST THE 327 CHEVY. BECAUSE THE PONTIAC ROTATING MASS IS HEAVIER AND WITH THAT SMALLER CUBIC INCH IT NEEDS TIMES TO GET THE RPM'S UP. ONCE YOU GO UP IN CUBIC INCH ON A PONTIAC ENGINE IT BECOMES A FIERCE COMPETITOR. BECAUSE THERE'S MORE BANG IN THE CYLINDER TO ROTATE THAT MASS UP QUICKLY. SECONDLY, THE HEAVIER ROTATING MASS HAS MORE STORED ENERGY. WHICH CAN BENEFIT YOU. IN THE FUTURE, YOU WILL SEE COMPANIES LIKE SCAT MAKE DIFFERENT WEIGHT ROTATING MASSES SPECIFIC TO AAPPLICATION. IF YOU TAKE A SMALL BLOCK CHEVY AND PUT A TURBO ON IT. IT WILL MAKE A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF POWER. DO THE SAME THING TO A 351 WINDSOR THAT HAS A HEAVY ROTATING MESS FROM THE SMALL BLOCK FORD 302. IT WILL MAKE MORE POWER THAN THE SMALL BLOCK CHEVY DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT'S ROTATING MASSES IS HEAVIER. WHEN IT COMES TO MOTORCYCLE APPLICATIONS LIKE HARLEYS AND YOU'RE USING A POWER ADDER YOU WOULD WANT THE HEAVIER FLYWHEEL IN THIS CASE AS OPPOSED TO NATURALLY ASPIRATED WITH A LIGHTER FLYWHEEL WILL BENEFIT YOU.

[@HarleyDoodyTime]

It's so awesome to see how this engine design evolved over the next 75 years. Too cool

[@genestatler2514]

Thanks a bunch Matt. It's like watching an artist paint a masterpiece seeing you, assemble that beautiful engine!!

[@dukie1616]

What a lucky treat to have been able to see this fun historical engine build. Dude knows his profession!👏

[@joebech9721]

You brought back a lot of great memories. I really enjoyed watching your talent. I just want to share a trick I used to do for the throttle body. Take a 4 inch 3/8 bolt, 2 washers and 1 nut. Add a "ball" of steel wool. Finer grit kinda like brilliant pad. Push the bolt thru the steel wool and squeeze with the hex nut. Now squeeze the ball into a cone shape. Place into a drill and polish the inside of the throttle body before reassembling. Always felt like the engine produced more power etc when polished Just sharing from ny Ps I am 65 , the Mrs 62 and we both still ride. 03 softail bored to 98, cam, baker 6 speed, bullet HD dash cam, etc etc etc. When I Crack the throttle and the bike pulls, I go to shift up and I realized I am already in 6th. She on the other hand is stock 04 sportster custom 1200. Stay safe

[@xXTECHxKNIGHTXx]

I love this assembly video! So freaking cool!

[@DrBo1]

Passing the torch to the computer generation is an amazing contribution. You can literally see it in these young guys eyes as the gears start turning in their heads as you reveal to them the wonder of the internal combustion engine!! Thank you Matt for changing their lives forever and thus bringing their almost lost generation into the wonderful life of machines that America has nearly totally conceded to the Chinese!! And of course to your Dad for giving it to you so you can be here for us!!

[@PhiddyPford]

I miss Dale. Matt is a chip off the block, Thanks for following your fathers passion and making it yours! Ride Hard to live!

[@rjoetting7594]

Great video, that's more than just a engine it's a work of art. Wheels of Time is on my bucket list of places to go to, but I'm waiting until I can get my 78 FLH Shriner back on the road to make the trip. (Not original modified, tanks,forks, fenders, ect) I have a 91 FXSTS that I could use but I really want to ride the Shovelhead. I really enjoyed watching your dad on TV and wish I could have met him, it's great to see you carry on his legacy.

[@Pittsburghpilot]

I finally understand the amazement and wonder that people have when I show them the cockpit of the jet I fly. How does Matt have this amount skill and knowledge? Just WOW!

[@riothibodeau5658]

I’m planning to be motorcycle mechanic at my construction retirement. I like & learn so much from you . Thanks a lot

[@walker2837]

Amazing vid. All this documentation should give a big boost to the value of the bike.

[@Patriot-up2td]

Matt, your old man would be so proud! You are just such a surgeon when it comes to this. Thanks for taking us along for the ride!

[@donaldday1281]

I love the way you have everything laid out in a systematic manner. The mark if a knowledgeable competent technichian/ master mechanic!

[@harleykicker]

Thanks for sharing your epic build!!

[@michaelpascual2731]

I have one word for you, Awesome job , ok two words 👌 😊 I hope to come out and see the museum sometime soon love what you do and can't wait to visit. Peace ✌

[@brianellison3525]

Been a follower of the channel since the beginning. Love it. Been doing old bike work all my life. Those other guys,? I had to block their channel a while ago. I'm planning on coming through there next summer. Hope to see the museum. Do people ever get to see the shop? That's what I love. The stuff all tore apart going back together . Thanks for the time, have fun.

[@Fezzler61]

So much fun to watch! Thanks for taking the time to walk through this in such detail.

[@perfecthockey2366]

Great cross-over with B and B, and now a race! I really enjoy this level of mechanic detail, wrenches and numbers and a little analog fudging to make it run...

[@thumpershd]

So glad they brought the motor to you for rebuild Matt, outstanding workmanship. Closely following this project WLA and as always love your channel!

[@jamesdaltrey2878]

Absolutely the right guy for the right bike !

[@mikeoc217]

I've ridden the newer HD's my whole life but I'm getting hooked on these old cruisers no doubt!! 👍🏻💯🇺🇸

[@davidbeaver39]

OMG, I'M BLOWN AWAY!!!! THIS MAN IS A MECHANICAL GENIUS WITHOUT ARGUMENT. I FEEL THAT IF YOU BLINDFOLDED HIM HE COULD TEAR APART AND REASSEMBLE AN ENGINE PERFECTLY. FANTASTIC VIDEO AND THE EXPLAINING WAS SPOT ON. I REALLY LEARNED HOW THESE OLD ENGINES WORK AND JUST WHAT GOES INTO MAKING THEM RUN. PRICELESS INFORMATION FROM A MOTOR GURU. I CAN'T EVEN IMAGINE HAVING THE KNOWLEDGE THIS MAN HAS ABOUT TEARING DOWN AND REBUILDING MOTORS. MUST BE INCREDIBLE TO HAVE THAT LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE. THANKS FOR SHOWING US THE WAY YOU BUILD, OR REBUILD AN ENGINE. I LOVE THE FACT THIS GENIUS IS REBUILDING ENGINES THAT ARE SO OLD THAT THEY PREDATE THIS GURU BY DECADES, YET HE WORKS ON THESE ENGINES AS IF THEY WERE BRAND NEW TECHNOLOGY. ABSOLUTELY UNBELIEVABLE WORK AND GREAT INSTRUCTIONS. THANKS FOR A GREAT WATCH.

[@ricarquitectura4857]

Old engines are such works of art! And science, of course! And then, when you have someone as enthusiatic and knowledgeable about it as you, Matt, we become even more interested in these machines and learn to appreciate what went into building them and maintaining them. Fantastic job! @Wheels Through Time

[@ka-bar5060]

Absolutely beautiful!!! I am so jealous of their find. Simple and durable.

[@lesthiele4921]

That is a lot of outstanding work they have done on the engine, I must admit I like the look of the older Harleys, hope you are all keeping safe and well

[@sharplessguy]

I wish that I could have been there in person to watch Matt do his thing. Watching this video has been/is great, but being there, smelling the assembly lube and seeing all the parts go together is magical. I toured the Harley factory but this, this was much better in my view. Thanks for letting us look over your shoulder and explaining everything Matt.

[@JRD77VET]

Matt, Thanks for taking the time to explain and the "how to" when assembling. Although I may never rebuild one myself, I enjoyed "sponging" the info required.

[@brianmaninger2612]

I can’t wait to see you all race those bikes!! So much history with historical bikes glorious experience for sure!!

[@matthewjones5450]

its so awesome you are taking your dads work into the future your dad was lucky to have a son with the same passion as his thanks for the both of you for saving and make running bikes that would otherwise be behind glass as display only

[@samhorner6919]

Ya know, I was a touch worried when the bike first showed up, but after seeing how professional everything is being handled I’m confident on how beautiful this bike will be. The feels like a motorcycle version of m539 restorations and I’m loving every bit of it!

[@RobsLBL]

Really appreciate you carrying on the spirit of the past, enjoy watching your videos

[@robertpirtle3638]

That just looks beautiful! Can’t wait to see it together and the race later

[@MateusMortais]

OMG, this is the best thing I found on KZbin so far!

[@davidbeaver39]

My second time watching this video. My jaw is again on the floor. I'm beyond blown away by the knowledge you have Matt. How in the world do you sit down in front of a table with, so many parts and just start putting that engine together? I know you have been doing this for a long time, but just watching the assembly is mind blowing. Also, the amount of time it took you to assemble the engine was just a matter of minutes. When the bike is all put together and you guys race who is the winner? Since you have built both bikes racing then which ever bike wins Matt is the winner. I'm understanding the genius of your plan Matt. Hahaha, you win either way. Just a fantastic video. I still will never wrap my mind around how a human being, is able to do what you can, so effortlessly. Can't wait for the finished product video and seeing this awesome Harley rumbling down the road.

[@adescon]

Love how you keep your workplace clean and under control. Watching a true professional - love it

[@jeffboudman9305]

This video is the best I’ve ever seen - informative and exciting at the same time. You are truly gifted.

[@Firestorm637]

So cool that guys, like yourself, continue restorations of vintage bikes. Jay Leno needs you on his show. So much history which I appreciate as I become older. Your dad must of been a great person.

[@billmillar7234]

Great video.....love these classic bikes with the history coming alive..... looking forward to seeing you next month

[@kaushikkalita7310]

the passion and love of this man for motorcycles is unbelievable

[@TheWizardOfTheFens]

What a BRILLIANT video! Your skills and knowledge are unbelievable! Best of luck from England.

[@JohnR783]

This is what I love on every video wheels through Time. Very educational and informative.

[@jimmyfish5388]

You are a magician. Pass your knowledge on so it’s not lost. Fantastic job. Well done sir.

[@infini1970]

This is that Man with money to spend project I wish I could do. I'm so impressed with your knowledge and wisdom from experience here.

[@jasonellis5877]

You need to make a rebuild video every week, that'd be my new Sunday arvo thing. Having a couple of beers while watching Matt build an American single, twin or four. Wish this was over here in Australia.

[@sporty196071]

I learned a few more things as usual from you. I haven't built a 45 in about 20 years. Don't see them laying around like I did 30 years ago. I used to see them settling in the back of the shed,barn,garage, or shop. I didn't have any interest in them. You have renewed my intrests in the 45s. Keep up the great videos, I'm an old dog and you are teaching me new tricks.

[@EDUARDOSANCHEZ-df5pt]

I’m so happy bikes and beards choose y’all to do the rebuild found this channel because if it

[@jonniecrabb7272]

I love your energy and passion!

[@markdean1582]

I miss seeing Dale but Matt has taken the reigns like a champ!! Great job Matt, love the videos! Keep up the good work.

[@virgilastacy5281]

Good job Matt your dad is smiling on you brother I had your dad true up my 45 in 1974 and my 57 sportster in 75 when you all were in Mt Vernon not only did he do a great job he took me in the back and explained everything he done only dealt with him three or four times but what a great guy and one hell of a mechanic anyway keep it between the mustard and mayo and rubber side down GBU later

[@eddie8279]

Such a joy to watch a master perform their art! I met Matt at DWTT on my birthday visit in 2020 A great young man with an unbelievable passion for what he does, truly an inspiration to the two wheeled brotherhood that we are privileged to be a part of. THANK YOU Matt for all you do!!!

[@barryconway]

That was an absolute pleasure to watch. Thank you!

[@tracykimball6919]

That was so cool. What a world of knowledge you have young man. They we’re lucky to find you. Thanks for sharing!

[@garyseaton4619]

Sean is so lucky to know you. Couldn't think of many people who could do what you're doing... I'm looking forward to seeing how this engine performs...

[@markbrown-us4xe]

Thanks Matt. Nice walk through. Your Dad would be proud !