I Saved This Rare Motorcycle From A Hoarders Garage, WAS IT WORTH IT?

[@ckbass32]

Personally, I'd say just fix whatever isn't working quite right, clean it up, and give it a semi-gloss clear coat. I love the patina on this one!

[@brianlinton910]

VGG wipe on satin would be mint on that thing.

[@johnjagodzimski2158]

I agree keep it, this bike has personality

[@victorchance1510]

I like it the way it is. Just fix all the things you have to and make it road safe etc. Like someone else noted the patena and miss match gives it all the character. Good job gentlemen. 👍💓☮️🇨🇦☕🦫

[@Jesterpec666]

Keep it the way it is. It's a piece of history that shows a decades worth of bike beauty put together just as the bikers did at the time.

[@jeffreyhurst9552]

If it shined like new, I’d be afraid to ride it in the rain. I don’t want to polish it, I want to ride it. Raffle a bike with patina.

[@stratbike]

That bike would get so much attention in the museum just as it is. An original rat bike/junkyard special. An important category in American bike history. I would love to see it there.

[@JasonAlexander-uz4ns]

I agree completely

[@tacey01]

The 1930s and ‘40s was not the best economy in the USA. Guys had to make do when the wallet is lightened. It’s fun I imagine the guys who did the mods.

[@steeltree-fabricatingandcu3796]

@@tacey01 can you imagine guys buying parts for pennies and building that bike... your buddy has a engine!! hey ill give you 5 dollars for that 45 ci i gotta frame to put it in today its unubtainium

[@theone2be33]

Hi Matt. I had the pleasure of visiting the Museum today. But you weren't there! What an amazing place! Is so overwhelming to take it all in and comprehend what you're looking at. I read a lot of the posters of Dale. Such a great history. If anyone hasn't been there you need to go and experience the living museum! Have Fun on your vacation Matt! 💪😎👍

[@Freddie-pe9nz]

Thank you for that post that's exactly what I like to hear I love this show and there's so much I want to ask Matt and Chris not about building something just something I'd like to offer them free looking for a email address to email Matt.

[@andrewnajarian5994]

It is a great place, I’m always suggesting it to people even if they aren’t into bikes but are traveling to the area. I visited with my dad years ago, a few years before Dale passed. It’s absolutely incredible and a one of a kind place. I’m love seeing Matt continuing in Dale’s footsteps and working to take it to another level (if that’s even possible).

[@walterbrown8694]

My first bike ride was on the back of my favorite uncle's 42 Harley, in 1948 when I was 13. You guys impress me with your working knowledge of the old machines, and You are the right ones to own and be running a bike museum. In your deliberations about whether to keep this one as is, my recollections from the War years are largely about the "make do" approach common to everyone I knew. "Do whatever it takes to keep it running" was a common theme from 1942 until into the late 40s, since it was tough to impossible to get new replacement parts for just about anything. Scarcity applied to everything from groceries to tires. Kids toys during the War were largely made of paper/cardboard or other materials not needed for the War effort. The bike you rescued looks to me to be exactly something an uncle or cousin would have "kluged" together during the War, and probably just for basic transportation if he could get gasoline for it.

[@carmelbrain7399]

Keep it the way it is if you can. I am being nostalgic. Just looking at old photo taken in 1937 of dad and his bike before the war and New guinea, he loved that bike and was always tinkering with it and cannibalizing parts. After he lost his arm in 1942, his family sold it, but it was a special time in his long life. When he was nearly 100, he talked about the bike, how important it was to him before the war and how hard it was to get parts.

[@caesarillion]

That pretty much says it all. "The joy of the Lord is your strength." Prewar nugget as is. RIP Vets.

[@thumpershd]

Smiling from ear to ear when that baby fired up. I just love watching you guys bring these old Harleys back to life. Please keep em' coming and thanks so much!

[@KenGrant_LockandLean]

Keep it, run it and ride it "as is"! that thing is riddled with various parts, but it's also riddled with character!!! It showcases the history of the riders of that era.

[@bartschwartz9233]

Same as a car you use what you have or buy cheap for parts to keep it running. He got more parts than god

[@dogpaw775]

more than entertainment it's an education ; way to go Matt, Chris, DWTT.

[@Rif_Leman]

Patina from use = preserve. Patina from neglect = restore.

[@neilgrant9032]

You’ve summed that up spot on mate!

[@tacey01]

Isn’t neglect part of the history of a machine? They are built to run so a neglected machine brought back to running condition is original.

[@Eric-n3q]

Nice save I hate seeing need old stuff like that go to the scrap yard people like you are preserving motorcycle history one bike at a time😊

[@soho71]

What a emotional roller coaster… and people say machines have no soul…. “It’s ALIVE!” Love underdog stories. You guys are saving history one bike at a time. Thank you for all you do.

[@wheelsthroughtime]

You can get your Wheels Through Time Hat and MORE through this Month's Raffle Special at WinThisBike.com

[@jakebeddow866]

The new hat isn't online yet boys I'm looking forward to getting one

[@travezripley]

The patina on that machine is perfect.

[@funhouse5453]

When I was a kid, my room was "messy," but I knew where to find my stuff. Seriously, though, how does Matt know where EVERYTHING is in that place?!?! LOLLOL

[@chuckbrueck3125]

Organized confusion.

[@rodneybugher9312]

He probably grew up there and put a lot of it where it is.

[@IRL_Quests]

As someone who has no interest in owning a motorcycle I cannot really pin point why I watch every episode and take notes like I am restoring one. But I love your videos man. Thanks for making them.

[@Jesterpec666]

Same here

[@gregoryblair9810]

It's the historical aspect

[@Tcup1982]

Get you a bike bro

[@Tcup1982]

​Definitely I love the history

[@MichaelMcgill-ik3mp]

Have you started to check out the classified ads yet? It's the next step.

[@shawnwhitesel7104]

Give somebuddy there first motorcycle somthing to ride and work on great machine for a great guy .love the channel cant get enough of the things u and your team do.

[@xXt5mkgXx]

Good luck on restoring my grandfathers bike collection!

[@grayfox9911]

That would make a nice restored bike! :) Good work!

[@sigalfamily4771]

Love this series. My great uncle was a huge collector of vintage motorcycles and was a founding member of the AMCA. It's great to see these come back to life. What an amazing trove of knowledge. As far as the save or junk, I honestly prefer restored to "as is" but that's just my aesthetic preference.

[@fj9460-lr]

I’m 73 years old, and I rode and owned numerous Harleys in my day, Dale was my go to fountain of knowledge and now I look forward to watching you guys do what I still love; resurrecting old iron 👍🏽 Thanks

[@TwostrokePuchwizard]

Glad we were able to make it to the museum last week and meet Chris and see Matt . It is amazing!

[@kennethewertz9313]

I love this show. So much passion and love in this segment. Just great!!

[@kemosabegt350geuss6]

That bike is a perfect representation of America during the time of the Depression. Jobs and money were scarce. It was a hard scrabble life and that is whats on display here. I would leave as-is and let it show what times were like pre-war.

[@JW-ROADKING17]

I agree with most comments on here. Fix what needs it and make it a running time capsule like everything in your museum. I've been to the wheels thru time only once but was amazed that everything RAN! The silver platters underneath everything was awesome. Loved it more than Harleys museum in Milwaukee. Keep up the good work. This tennessee native is impressed!

[@poulsonarrow]

What a joy to wake up every morning knowing each moment brings a new project with these super cool bikes , the history, patina, style, stance, and the fire up after years sitting .

[@marcoluoma3770]

Thanks. I have less than zero % interest in HDs, but love that you resurrect old bikes and give them new life. See you this fall before you close.

[@robhicks2117]

His knowledge of old Harley Davidsons and all their parts is incredible!

[@stephengibbs4372]

I got taught tyre fitting as a teenager by an older guy and he taught me to put the tube into the tyre with a little bit of air in it and stand the tyre up with the valve tube at the bottom then put the rim into the bead and put the valve nut on about one full turn then with beads soaped put the tyre on. It saves that trying to feed the tube in with one side of tyre already on the rim which is always a pain. I even do this when fixing a puncture so I can check fun and tyre inner.

[@markmcintosh7095]

Thanks for the fun and educational channel.

[@SaltyMariner206]

This is an awesome show, both of these dudes are so interesting and know so much about the bikes. I don't own a bike yet, im actually looking for my first bike, but this show just got me twice as stoked to get into the bike life. I'm really stoked on vintage bikes and looking for a 70s Sportster/ Ironhead. The history behind the bike makes it the much more awesome

[@davekreitzer4358]

Luv you guys and what you do , sure hope to see you sometime in the future and the awesome museum that Dad started 👍✔️

[@garryrambo-dp5ur]

What a find a WLD is !!!!! Looks like you all have a blast working together. Doesn't get any better than that brother

[@VSLURK3R]

Hands down my favorite motorcycle channel!

[@johnnydscyclesservice3603]

Love that bike . I agree, give it the wheels through time touch and make it what it was always supposed to be. SAVE THEM ALL!!!!

[@JoeFurtado-xv5no]

I was at the museum today I did see Matt there but he was busy. I have to say great place to spend a day I was in complete amazement of how many bikes that are there and the conditions they were in at the museum. I highly recommend to anyone in the mc community make this a must do trip. Matt’s knowledge of these treasured bikes is amazing keep up the great work. Myself and some friends rode 1100 miles from Boston to see the museum it did not disappoint

[@wheelsthroughtime]

Hi Joe! I’m sorry we didn’t get a chance to catch up during your visit. Hope to see you back this way again.

[@darrenmckenna9115]

i have a 1943 flathead here in Australia , it sat in the fellas shed for 12 years and after cleaning the fuel tank out it started with three kicks lol. just amazing how they just want to run and ride. cheers for all your awesome vids guys. Ps I'll see you all in November when i come pick up my new 36 knuckle. 🤪😜😝

[@darknitethunder]

My Fairy Godmother told me that was too be My 1936 Elkuckle Head. 😮😂🎉🇺🇸🇺🇸🍻

[@lenjackson6842]

well it would appear that you are just 'used' to finding bikes like this one on a regular basis so you don't mind disassembling them and starting over on a new build , (and I understand that you don't have an elusive 37) but to guys like me who have never stumbled on to a great find like this , I would personally begin my intimate relationship of fixing all of the small stuff on it and riding the crap out of it , this was a. extremely cool episode guys , keep up the great work , going to your museum is way up at the top of my bucket list ..

[@Uncle_Chris_Topher]

Let her ride brother! That’s a solid showcase on how you could Frankenstein an old Harley to keep her alive. There’s character and a story behind that piece 🧐😎.

[@mavericknonconformist69721]

I am not a big HD fan, but I can appreciate what you do.

[@tetedur377]

I think a lot of people aren't big HD fans right about now - and I'm talking about the company, not the motorcycles. I've had and/or ridden just about every make and model of motorcycle that was available in the '70s and '80s. Hodaka, Hondas, Triumph, a '45 WLA, a couple of late '60s Sportsters, a '67 Shovelhead, an Evo Sportster, an '04 Dyna Glide, and I can't remember what-all. Oh, and a Gold Wing, too. And one of the first Z bikes. There's just something about a Harley that's different, and one of those things that "if you know, you know; if you don't, you wouldn't understand."

[@mavericknonconformist69721]

@@tetedur377 Oh ,I get it. His passion is what I admire.

[@illduitmyself]

Its the ppl also. Super douchy guys ​@tetedur377

[@robertwolf3006]

You have the BEST job EVER !!!

[@dankenny4881]

Just found you guys, you guys are absolutely technicians, love it!!!!

[@JohnStruemph]

Those are all keepers! Thanks for sharing!

[@Teatimeted]

Got to love people like Dave. If you are going to hoard something, let it be old motorcycles. Cheers Dave.

[@Jarhead-le1qu]

One of those rare ones where everything just falls into place. I had no doubt that it would fire up. I have an old soul, when it comes to the old bikes, just love the history and nostalgia. If this one could talk, I'd love to hear the story...

[@edwardmckenzie3402]

Your enthusiasm makes these vids perfect.

[@NewBlacksmithGirl]

Yes, this is the channel I have been looking for all this time, I like your workshop, it is really an ideal repair place....I have subscribed to the channel, hope there will be more and more useful videos. Thank you.

[@tetreaulthank4068]

I just have the warmest feeling in my heart for just the way it is ❤️, it just oozes coolness !

[@robertscheinost179]

When a bike is restored, you can't put the patina back on the bike. I agree with you 100%. Way Cool!

[@Jim-ej6yz]

Thanks Matt! Keep it as is or restore it. It's all goooood!

[@michaelhogan9053]

That's lovely Dr. Frank en steen!!!!! It's the Monster Mash.

[@FINNIUSORION]

This bike reminds me of the rat bike competitions the old timers used to have here. The only rule was it had to start and move under its own power. They would have parts hanging off and pipes with giant rust holes. They would be judged all the way down to little things like multiple master links lol. Great stuff. You can't change that bike.

[@dump_gas_go_fast]

"Old Harley never die, that's why you never see them in junk yards" , what a score find I love it.

[@travezripley]

That paint with a little lovin’ and elbow grease will look so good.

[@basilbrushbooshieboosh5302]

You guys impress me every time you work a new bike. Great job

[@MackBot72]

Really nice job. Thanks for the video.

[@tonyshepherd39]

Nice job fellas ! Thanks for sharing 👍😁

[@georgepavich8266]

Hey Matt I had a operation on my right foot so in the last few days I watched all the available episodes I miss my old 45 keep up the good work you and Chris are kool

[@trondcaster]

Love it! God bless the work you guys are doing over there. I’m in the raffle, as always. 💫. Trond, Norway

[@Hog-g2z]

Good morning 🌅, Great Job Guys, From France.

[@spw947]

I don’t know the first thing about motorcycles, but this freaking channel is fascinating!👍🏼

[@wheelsthroughtime]

Thanks for watching! We’ve got more great bikes coming up!

[@johnpage5815]

Good job guys bring it back to original form As close as you can Keep up the great work Thanks

[@travLee7]

Thanks for the new video, Brother.

[@jamesrkalloch323]

Great video!!! Thanks Matt!!

[@mattchoppers1]

Keep the cool videos coming! Keeping me entertained on this long Army deployment in Africa! Missed Oley swap meet for the first time in over 20 years! Can't wait to get home and ride my 37EL +UL

[@waynemorgan3095]

Another great video, glad to see the warrior going again, I'm leaning to restore it personally, I just like to see those old bikes in there glory. Thanks for Another interesting video, love them !

[@briansullivan7887]

That was cool. I like Dale’s Harley Davidson - Yamaha sign.

[@WizardKingCorey]

New subscription for this video! Y'all are great guys explaining everything, I'd love to see you guys get some organization help and shop helpers that you are teaching the next generation

[@samdown1914]

I'm making plans to come visit from the UK 🇬🇧 next year, can't wait to see the museum in real life 😊

[@DonTinkers]

Hey Matt!! From the UK here I’d leave it as is! See if you can get it running and working well and rat rod it! Use it daily! Or as often as possible!!

[@RobertTrombley-g6l]

Watching from Ireland love your programme and what you do!

[@xs650b8]

Very Cool!! I would leave it the way it is. Very Cool the way it is!

[@warrgri]

Keep it like that. It tells a story, and the story is worth more to me than anything.

[@miguelJsesma]

Please don't restore it. Repair ir, make it run... but it is so beautiful with all her scars... She deserves showing her history to anyone watching.

[@Shadetreetrifive]

I don’t have a Harley bit always wanted one. I seem to migrate toward the older ones. I love watching your videos. Those old Harley’s are so badass

[@shelbyadams9955]

Crazy knowledge hope someone young will carry on your love for vintage bikes

[@robert-wr6md]

More fun. Thanks guys.

[@최장순-z1s]

Your repairing skill is very wonderful.

[@ronjones1077]

Any pre woke HD is good for me! I like the look, but I like ‘em clean. No dents, rust and prefer descent paint. The mid matched parts are ok. I just hit subscribe. Back in 1968 while in high school I found an old Indian in a mud bank a river at McGrath, Alaska. It was a full fender complete less engine. I cleaned it up and put red oxide primer on it. I found the engine later. The owner was using it as a door stop for his cabin and would not sell it. I went away to college in Fairbanks and had to leave the restored roller behind.

[@Freddie-pe9nz]

I just love your show you guys make me feel like family for I have none I'm not on a pity party but I just look forward to watching you guys build and get along it's nice

[@Rollie961]

Keep it as it is. It has a history and a character all of its own

[@Patrick_Cooper]

Call it a Junkyard Harley, and show it with other old Harley parts and such. Tribute all the old boys that put these things together at some point, probably a lot post WW2. Do you have a WW1 and 2 area?

[@ronyantz7349]

I agree

[@wheelsthroughtime]

We do!

[@jamesf4405]

Sounds like a great idea!

[@michaelmitchell5909]

Absolutely loved this video! All you guys are just awesome!

[@meangene3179]

Man!!! It just looks so cool all ratty. It tells a story and the history of others working on it that will be lost if completely redone. Even if the work is shoddy, it’s shows it’s age.

[@bobwilkerson9760]

I like the way you Pace your video and you keep things interesting and moving along nicely good job guys

[@shammerhead666]

I'm loving the patina, I would probably go a semi chopper/bobber route. Fix what needs to be fixed to function, ridgid mount tooled leather seat, suicide shift. Throw some pinstriping on it and call it a day. Maybe wrap the pipes some

[@Jesse-B]

The passion makes me feel emotional.

[@andrewnajarian5994]

Matt, I say put it together with what you’ve got and display it as the Johnny Cash bike. Like Chris pointed out, it’s a great example of the hotrodding that went on over the years.

[@SpaceTech54]

Great History of Harley is one bolted together bucket of bike.. Amazing.

[@mikeskelly2356]

I really don't expect to win, but I'm happy to help fund a great bike museum!... 😁

[@justingreen4450]

Hey Sir, you should do a weekly walk around of the museum. You or one of the guys could show an exhibit, update any future plans, and walk around the parking lot showcasing visitor's bikes. Call it Museum Mondays or something.

[@rnbspowa7of69]

The guy that built that loved it, and he was very very proud of it. 👍💙😎

[@boogieman5037]

This is just the coolest bike. I can't get over it.

[@LionelGaum]

Send it to South Africa, I will take care of it and ride it as it is ... even daily it! Nice work guys!

[@brianhosey3811]

Absolutely incredible!

[@deljones56]

I think leave it as is. As Chris said, it shows how people made what they could get work during that time. 🤘🏻

[@poppajretired410]

These two men can make anything run again

[@LorneWight]

it's a cool bike as it is, leave it alone. the option though is use the engine for a perfect restoration of a 37 if you have the parts and put a 40's engine back in this one, it's a cool put togeather and ride it rough bike built by somebody somewhere and deserves it's place in the world, there's lots of restored 45's around but this is a one of a kind.

[@kwamesha3477]

Been watching your channel for about a year now and I have to say you guys are the best when it comes to Harley-Davidson history and restoration. I know you have raffled off some stellar restorations but do you do restorations/upgrades for paying customers as well. I'm just curious.

[@larryp106]

You are awesome, Matt!

[@sheiladavis2304]

Its like there was a big blob of grease and soot and everything else in the head of thT exhaust. You poked a hole through and it ran better but still low on power. I think because you just poked a hole through. You gotta get in there and douche the whole thing out. Great video. Ive been here with Mike wolf and shawn from beards and bikes but never new you had your own channel. I just love how you be-bopped your way through that bike like you were riffing on a guitar. First time its run in probably 30-40 years well done.

[@LaylaGarrett-dd9cd]

YES!!!!!!! Of course it is worth it! But I'm not an expert like you. I've never built a bike,but, I know to respect and appreciate the skills of "those who have gone before us that built this country"! TMc