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

[@gregorystroud6119]

When I'm at a loose end, feeling a bit down or just not amped to work on any of my projects in the garage, I look for one of Matt's videos, and by the end of it I'm champing at the bit to get out that door. Thank you, Matt, for your Wheels through Time videos. They heal me!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@rexhorning7228]

It shows that the rider/builder had an imagination and desire to have a bike to ride. Everyone starts somewhere. It may have been the beginning to a lifetime of builds. A body man never drives a finished vehicle. The cobblers kids never had shoes. Clean it up and let it evolve as parts come through the shop. Part of the adventure is the hunt for parts and the rush you get from making something from a little of nothing.

[@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

[@jeanlawson9133]

He said Johnny Cash special....I put the exhaust on the one piece at a time Cadillac when it was Originally built....But I came here to say I agree with you....

[@mattskustomkreations]

Agreed, represents the reality of the situation.

[@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).

[@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.

[@dogpaw775]

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

[@James-hr4fu]

Dear Matt , I love watching you and Chris and Steve🙂 fix old bikes! Matt watching you wonder around your shop just spouting off little tid bits as you find different parts has taught me so much!!! I used to love watching Dale do the same thing!❤ I miss him but I'll bet he loves watching what you've done and are doing! God bless all of you there at the museum!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🙏🙏🙂❤

[@ronaldcitak1417]

Love watching this stuff it's very addicting

[@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.

[@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.

[@kylebecker9673]

Nailed it.

[@Uncle_Big_Paw]

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 🧐😎.

[@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😊

[@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!

[@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.

[@travezripley]

The patina on that machine is perfect.

[@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.

[@grayfox9911]

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

[@rememberthis8795]

My vote is to get it road worthy and then place it in the museum as an exhibit of the ingenuity of folks that did not have endless resources of the $$$ kind, but still built their own hot rod ‘rat rod’ jalopy. As Chris eluded, it is a part of history.

[@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.

[@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.

[@TwostrokePuchwizard]

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

[@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!

[@Teatimeted]

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

[@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.

[@vladimirlojka3740]

Hi guys, I watched your video with complete amazement, the ignition adjustment and everything else and the great comment. It's similar to watching an action movie, it has a charge, just great work and a great spectacle! I also love motorcycles, but I only do basic service, I don't do such events as you, the greater is the joy to watch the guys who really know how to do it, greetings from the Czech Republic and I wish you many more resurrected motorcycles.

[@oalmikee1234]

I do love the show. Love lots of input.

[@kennethewertz9313]

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

[@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

[@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 .

[@robhicks2117]

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

[@xXt5mkgXx]

Good luck on restoring my grandfathers bike collection!

[@wildbillbegleyjr.3523]

Serious , Do you ride ?

[@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!!!!

[@davekreitzer4358]

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

[@markmcintosh7095]

Thanks for the fun and educational channel.

[@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

[@Rollie961]

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

[@robertwolf3006]

You have the BEST job EVER !!!

[@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

[@Hog-g2z]

Good morning 🌅, Great Job Guys, From France.

[@stomper2582]

It’s got to be a war bike. As men came back from WW2, more and more wanted to start riding to try to replicate some means of replacing the adrenaline rush that made them the fighting machines they were during the war. They didn’t have a lot of money because of the depression before the war so they made them a Frankenstein Harley. Lots of those were made but they are all unique in their on special way. I’d ride it.

[@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 ..

[@VSLURK3R]

Hands down my favorite motorcycle channel!

[@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.

[@michaelhogan9053]

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

[@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.

[@edwardmckenzie3402]

Your enthusiasm makes these vids perfect.

[@brucepietro6046]

Matt, here’s an Important TIP for you, before you place an Inner Tube inside of the tire, shake some baby powder on the tube and a bit inside of the tire. This helps the inner tube find its place in the tire and prevents the tube becoming stuck to the inside of the tire. An old timer taught me this.

[@dankenny4881]

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

[@RobertTrombley-g6l]

Watching from Ireland love your programme and what you do!

[@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.

[@bobwilkerson9760]

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

[@trondcaster]

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

[@towbar2]

Thanks!

[@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

[@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 !

[@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

[@basilbrushbooshieboosh5302]

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

[@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!!

[@SkyMack_72]

Really nice job. Thanks for the video.

[@Jim-ej6yz]

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

[@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. 😮😂🎉🇺🇸🇺🇸🍻

[@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

[@travLee7]

Thanks for the new video, Brother.

[@johnpage5815]

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

[@briansullivan7887]

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

[@tonyshepherd39]

Nice job fellas ! Thanks for sharing 👍😁

[@keithcarchide806]

Great work guys! I can’t get enough. This bikes cool lol it looks like a Harley version of the VW Harlequin bug.👍🏼

[@Chainwrangler001]

Amen, Chris!! Run what you brung!!

[@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!

[@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...

[@xs650b8]

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

[@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

[@travezripley]

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

[@BarryBelcher-mm4de]

Love these guy they now there stuff excellent show Baz from Australia

[@shelbyadams9955]

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

[@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

[@jamesrkalloch323]

Great video!!! Thanks Matt!!

[@larryp106]

You are awesome, Matt!

[@TMGEE]

Wow. I’d love to hang with you guys for a month and learn all the stuff you know. That’s looks like a shit ton of fun.

[@boogieman5037]

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

[@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

[@JohnStruemph]

Those are all keepers! Thanks for sharing!

[@brianhosey3811]

Absolutely incredible!

[@SpaceTech54]

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

[@michaelmitchell5909]

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

[@samdown1914]

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

[@deljones56]

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

[@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

[@최장순-z1s]

Your repairing skill is very wonderful.

[@larrysutherland4870]

thanks for the quick respose on the plugs

[@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.

[@olsmokey]

0:55 "You're going to see this bike make noise again". The purpose of all Harleys...

[@LionelGaum]

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

[@tomhenderson1662]

You guys are so awesome. I don’t know anybody that can do what you do. I get it that you have great inventory. But. Still amazing

[@vincentstokes-dh9yd]

Fantastic video. I was smilling fir the 45 mins! I have three EVOs but secretly long for a 45🙂