I've Been Searching My Whole Life For This!

Dale's Wheels Through Time Museum, located in Maggie Valley, NC, features over 375 American motorcycles, unique cars, and transportation history.
For more information about the museum, visit www.wheelsthroughtime.com
To learn more about "The Drive for History," visit www.wheelsthroughtime.com/donate
To purchase tickets for your chance to win our Annual Raffle Bike, visit www.wheelsthroughtime.com/win-...
Like these videos and want more exclusive content? Become a member of "Dale's Channel" at www.daleschannel.tv
Facebook.com/wheelsthroughtime
wheels through time

[@stephenkrzanowski]

Don't use any garage penetrants like wd40 or kroil or even vasoline. Use Lexol or Mink oil. Better yet, seek a good leather shop that has experience conserving leather for advice. Awesome find!

[@markharris6171]

Or some saddle soap

[@eriksforestryvision8751]

? Light kroil mixed with something I've heard is the very best with loosening leather up gently. ? Kroil is amazing stuff, so my question is hmwhy not use kroil? I'm not saying I'm right just would like to know if I've been told the "incorrect" method.

[@AcmeRacing]

You beat me too it. Lexol! Soften before you crack them by handling them.

[@davidfowler2124]

It’s incorrect. Petroleum products will break down the fibers and separate. The best thing to use is a natural lanolin based product.

[@WillyMcCoy50]

He was joking.

[@davidfowler2124]

Hi Matt…don’t use industrial oil or Vaseline on those.It will break down the fibers in the leather.Try some Lexol or bring them to an old school furrier.

[@AcmeRacing]

Lexol is the right stuff for the job. My local cobbler taught me about it when I had some old chapped western boots repaired.

[@Eezyriderr1]

Call the Restoration and Preservation people at the Smithsonian in DC. I don't know why they wouldn't at least give you some valuable pointers on bringing those bags back to life. There's The Leather Conservation Center in England, there's a contact page for them as well on the interzones. The Smithsonian works with them as well.

[@lewismocaby3646]

Neatsfoot oil is what you want for your saddlebags. Old guys i used to work with swore by it. Just paused the video and checked,Tractor Supply has it for $13.99 for their smaller jugs. I’ve personally used it on a cowboy holster I thought would never be more than a wall hanger. Used the neatsfoot oil on a soft rag to saturate the leather 3 times over a couple of weeks and the holster and belt feel like they were made yesterday. If I hadn’t used it myself I wouldn’t waste your time or mine with the comment. Btw,congrats on another great find. 👍

[@madcarew5168]

My mother was in the leather trade and I agree,she told me about it!!

[@gmwPaul]

From what I understand it is about how the leather was tanned. For Tack and baseball gloves neatsfoot oil is excellent. For good leather work boots, like Whites logging boots, neatsfoot oil will degrade the life of the leather. Different tanning processes. So, if motorcycle side bags were made by Saddle makers using Saddle Leather - which now that I think of it makes a lot of sense, thean contrary to my original thoughts, makes a lot of sense, than neatsfoot oil will be the ticket.

[@davidbaldwin1591]

I appreciate a man's love of his craft. Just how excited he gets over a new find.

[@t.s.racing]

I'm thinking Mink Oil, but I'm no expert. Someone in a Tack Shop, as in horses, might be able to help. Excellent find!

[@ccrider8483]

I think there is a product called "Neats Foot Oil" that the local tack shop here use. I have used it on shoes and it seems a good product but I am no expert.

[@rich40701]

I second neats foot oil, soak them down and let them soak it up.

[@scottimusgarrett15]

I really want to see what the saddlebags look like after you refurbish them! Thanks for the episode!✌️❤️🙂🇨🇦

[@keithmaxwell2169]

Hey Matt use Saddle Soap, Lanolin or Neatsfoot oil to bring back stiff leather, Penetrating oil will probably discolor the leather keep'em coming and Stay Safe

[@donkey10301]

Matt you're cool as hell man. Making a video and still take the time to talk to the patrons. Can't wait to come down this summer to check out the museum.

[@VTX1800MC]

I really would like to see them come to life.

[@iammike1196]

That's awesome. Yet another piece of history in the right hands.

[@davidlambert6171]

I like Matt's videos. Straight to the point of the video with no lengthy narratives.

[@partylee007]

Matt only use leather products on those bags that are for leather only!

[@stratocaster1greg]

Matt you are a ray of sunshine in the antique motorcycle world. Hope to meet you someday. God Bless.

[@TechnMoto]

Nice find. Thanks for sharing

[@soganoflarider]

Matt, HUGE THANKS for your continuing Mr Dale’s legacy!!! The bikes are the passion but what means the most is they create Family and a lifetime of memories!!! It was cool to meet you and your crew this past Thursday. Sherrie and I really do appreciate y’all’s dedication to preserving history. Also the few minutes you took to meet us was pretty cool. Kinda like seeing an old friend after a few years apart. 😎👍

[@Fezzler61]

Very cool. Good for you!

[@gregshamieh6339]

That 'Kid at Christmas' look after opening the second bag says it all. ;-)

[@saltyreesescup3104]

Very Cool, Thanks For Sharing Brother.

[@jameshuffman835]

I've taken a old set of British bags, actually put them in a bucket of neetsfoot oil and let them soak for I think two weeks, now they're soft, playable, and mounted on my 73 FLH

[@kevinaltizer]

Well stated Matt, "very, very cool." AWESOME!!!

[@smiley4288]

Awesome…. a deserved new home for such a rare HD item! 🤘😎🤘

[@bigworries5146]

Truly passionate about originality, love from Anthony and the girls England UK

[@ronniehdable]

Very nice my friend. It's so cool to see your father's enthusiasm in you when your around the scooters its you and him together. God bless. Ps glad I got to meet your dad. He had my 2 boys sit on a side car bike that was in front of the museum.

[@wheelsthroughtime]

Bring them by again, we'll give them another sidecar ride!

[@timdavis8154]

What a find. Congratulations

[@seather863]

Sweet saddle bags, nice conchos. Can't wait to see the bike driving around with those saddle bags. Hopefully someone comes through with the Rhino Seat.

[@danielseymour6726]

Icing and sprinkles for the "cake". Thanks for your excitement Matt.

[@tim_gifford]

Matt, great find! I’d like to hear more of the story about where they were found and the guy that reached out to you with them

[@justinabby1541]

Use saddle soap. It Cleans and softens the leather. Bring it to a saddle maker. They can properly clean it

[@Broadshore]

Gosh dang! That's freaking COOL!

[@kennethwise7108]

Hi Matt! Great gift

[@alangurley4152]

HEY MATT, YOU AND WTT ARE A REAL TREASURE, THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO, PLEASE DO A VIDEO ON HOW YOU RESTORE THOSE '39 LEATHER RHINO BAGS, GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS!

[@alistairmaclennan384]

Love how excited Matt is about this!

[@TroubadourJuggernaut]

incredible find

[@wisecampmotorcycles8258]

Matt, you have the best job, and the best life in the world.👍

[@dizzywehby3442]

Matt I’m learning a lot from ur channel keep up the great work n great videos

[@robertholder3581]

Merry Christmas!!

[@frankparnell7931]

Very cool!!

[@d.l.b3452]

Fantastic

[@xyzcomp08]

Connolly Hide Care aka Connolly Hide Food has always been great stuff. It's a British product.

[@TheBustedNut]

Man i just love this stuff!! So cool!!👍

[@paulaabrams7058]

Awesome find 👏 😎 👌

[@offpherj7884]

Very cool!

[@Boreascorax]

"The Eighth Concho"... new term for an unexpected grail item....

[@J2ROOSTER]

PASSION!

[@terrysmith8714]

Hi Matt, I am a big fav of - Aero Space 303. I would soak the bags for 7 days of so. I am also a huge fan of WTT. The only time I had the chanks to visit WTT was 2018, I missed seeing your dad, as he was traveling somewhere to get a bike, . Hope to make this years drawing, so I can ride the bike home after I win. :O)

[@buckyes6749]

I make a blend of non toxic oil and beeswax that would go a long way to making those look new again. Works on leather and wood - also helps prevent rust on high carbon steel. I can send some over if you want to try.

[@koolkar55]

Very nice

[@michaelmitchell5909]

Very cool. So todd from hunting harleys used Murphys oil soap to put on old harley bags similar to those and it brought em back to life. Have you ever heard of that Matt?...

[@markmcsheffreysr6890]

Love love love 🎉

[@bretwilson5197]

Huberds is my go-to for restoring old leather.

[@dalewilson4233]

Lexol is the way to go ! Don't use mineral oils motor oils penetrance or anything like that it will break down the leather big time ! Fantastic find on those rhino bags.

[@cravenmoorehead7099]

Call Hermés in NYC. They have a very long history as a saddlebag maker. They do the worlds best restorations on their old products. They wont be cheap, but the work will be the best. Please do it correctly, these are worth it

[@simoncutts8570]

echoing others on here. Get those bags to a saddle maker, they know how to revive and treat old leather better than anyone.

[@maximumoverdrive2132]

Matt to viewing audience: You want to go down and see the bike we're going to put these on? Random customers: Yep 😂

[@clarkbabin9799]

The show American restoration the guy had a convertible with all original leathers and top. It was kept out of the sun so it hadn't taken much direct sunlight. Only thing it was dry to the touch on the surface. They found a guy that does antique restoration of leathers. He didnt use mink oil saddle soap or any of tu he usual gels. It did however take about a month to get it to a buttery softness. I wish I could remember the name of the product that was used. It is supposed to not only restore but also protects the leather. Those bags look like they were made for that bike. If I were building a vintage style bike I'd want that style of bags with the exact style of mounting .

[@1953beetle]

If you can get your hands on a tin (or 3) of Dubin,it's great leather conditioner. I don't know if it's available in the states,it's easily available in Australia. Good luck.

[@martinsnyder4947]

Soak them in Neatsfoot oil it's made for leather it will soften them

[@WillKlaver]

.. those are One Of a Kind, No Doubt..🤙🇺🇲

[@ronaldslack9530]

Cool (very)!

[@dopeytripod]

yer so lucky getting to ride bikes like that all the time

[@clutchpedalreturnsprg7710]

Use Lexol or Mink oil, topped off with Sno-Seal for lasting protection to weather. Lubricate then set on flat surface in summer sunlight for heat. Gradually fill bag with filler, aluminum foil, rags, newspaper, balls, etc.

[@lysdexicsoftheworlduntie1881]

Bickmore Bick 4 is the best leather conditioner I have ever used. It will make those bags feel brand new.

[@aaronharrison7729]

Awesome find ( no! kroil) mink oil is great for leather and scout Apache boot care conditoner will make them look like new again.

[@jamesskeen3392]

😱BADASS! 👍❤️

[@jamesskeen3392]

NEETSFOOT OIL / OLD LEATHER!

[@94twentytwo76]

Freaking awesome 🍻

[@marcpinion]

Get a saddle expert to restore them for you with saddle sope they will come up fantastic.

[@stan5513]

Ad me to the chorus of NOOOO! Ixnay on the Kroil and oven for countless reasons.

[@stevegarcia1796]

I used pure extra Virgin Olive oil and coconut oil, mixed together in a jar on my Guitar strap which I made from an extremely dry hard leather weight belt Which was about 11 years old, Applying the solution every day for a week as it was being absorbed, working the leather During each application, it was in my car in the back were the sun kept it warm " Summertime Florida" for another week, Wiped her down strapped it on my Strat Perfect!! It worked for me ! Don't know what it'll do for you good luck. 👀🎸

[@lotuselanplus2s]

Get yourself some 'Saddle Soap' the liquid glycerine one. its for treating horse saddles and should bring these back nicely, just put some in a spray bottle and spray them down every day and let it soak in the leather, after a few days or a week maybe they should be nice and soft again.

[@danm2422]

I had no clue those were a thing, it’s actual rhino skin leather? That’s awesome

[@oisin666666]

So cool stuff. Think Ballistol would do the job?

[@danstewart8218]

MATT!!!! USE "HIDE FOOD"!!!....Saddle Makers use it to restore Leather...we've used it many times on Leather good that have been really bad...ie mould ridden and crusty!!! just keep rubbing it in...it will amaze you...Connolly do a great one.... 👍

[@danstewart8218]

Once you use this stuff and see how effective it is, you won't use anything else !!!

[@Wootangtw]

Awesome buddy…

[@jameshuffman835]

Matt, I'd love to take the time and hand clean, brush and oil, those could be made to look almost new!

[@davidwaskiewicz3289]

Those are awesome! A little bear grease or some mink oil and heat should bring them back👍🏻😬

[@bossbuick8615]

i use neatsfoot oil used for tack paint it on and leave it to soak in and do it again

[@floridaboiwoody]

Neatsfoot oil! I use it on all my leather work. Great stuff and made for leather

[@sporty196071]

There was an old man in Detroit that had a knucklehead with a sidecar and rino bags he had a cycle shop but you couldn't hardly buy anything he was so grochy. He died about 25 years ago I was told his son sold everything. The old man was named Cowboy. The shop was Cowboys cycle parts.

[@edwardhasiak7961]

I grew up in Detroit in the 50 60 70s just wondering where his shop was?

[@inout3513]

Go to an equestrian supply shop and get a tube of saddle leather feed... Its a thick cream put it on with a damp cloth first let it sit for about an hour.... Then repeat...next put on neat out of the tube on a dry cloth and repeat...

[@jameshuffman835]

Saddle soap, brush, oil with mink, or neetsfoot oil!

[@DailyDrivenBikes_1]

Talk about an actually cool unboxing 😎

[@ArditiPiave]

Ever try PECARD Antique Leather Dressing? I've used it on my old leathers, some that go back to the Civil War. Used it on my Motorcycle jackets, boots, gauntlets, kidney-belts, seats/saddles etc. It is the leather dressing that museums including the Smithsonian Institution uses to restore, soften, preserve and protect their old leather. According to their label, it will: Rejuvenates antique leather, restoring flexibility & reviving color Prevents further damage, cracking or flaking Safe and gentle for even the oldest of antiquities Leather Care Made in the USA Since 1902. Best Leather Conditioner for Vintage and New Leather Apparel, Furniture, Auto Interiors, Shoes, Bags and Accessories. However, if the leather is petrified, baked, rock hard, brittle, nothing will bring it back. BTW, I NEVER use neatsfoot oil, as I heard it will eventually damage, deteriorate, and weaken old cloth stitching/thread.

[@dw6506]

Optimistic, soften them up a little bit. Great find do follow up when finished

[@alfaubrom]

Hello wheels through time. I use to restore cycles, an often found dried out brooks or Lycette saddles. I found that treating Leather is quite tricky to restore, the type of leather has a barring, of most importance is the knowledge of original tanning process. So treat it like a type of paint on a car or motorcycle if you get the wrong combination you get bad reactions or bad results. My basic findings where, saddle soap is a cleaner, initially it may feel and appear to soften The leather, it actually dries it out further once moisture evaporates Neats foot oil does such a good job of getting in to the leather it softens it but then the aged leather has a habit of tearing, so to be used very sparingly an with caution. Natural products over petroleum based restore the essential oils. The connelly products work well providing you match the suitability. I.e.: 1950s leather care doesn't suit modern vehicles leather as colour applications are different. Leather best treated from the underside, so inside the bag as well as on top, that's why car trimmers strip seat leather to supple from the back on valuable old motors.as the leathers top finish resists supple treatments. I've got a name of a British company of X Connelly employees, leather care, if anyone wants it I'll endeavour to put it up here. Cheers to all.

[@patrickrobinson59]

Tractor hydraulic fluid works really well

[@DougsterWolverineGarage]

Matt, use NEATSFOOT OIL or baseball glove oil and apply very heavily and (carefully) work it in with your hands (think finger painting) let sit and the dry leather will soak it all in...repeat process...easy to do just takes time

[@certified68crazy3]

Matt try a product called Leather Honey, I use it on my bike and all my leather. I have used every product under the sun and I believe this is the best that I have ever used.

[@ironhead9507]

I have an old leather Harley kidney belt with the winged bar and shield it in rough shape and I'm not sure what year it's from, I think mid to late 40s I researched but it's been a long time since I have thought about it

[@rohantherockwiththerocketh7871]

Colts foot oil is the go to typically for saddlery shops when it comes to leather goods like saddles and bridles. I would definitely recommend that you do go to some actual saddlery stores to get better advice!

[@mtk51]

Harness Honey - used to restore leather horse harness.

[@fenderfan8543]

So all those buckles and round things that are attached to the bag came with it? Or did someone else put all that on them.

[@hughtuller6344]

For leather, use mink oil. Same stuff to keep leather boots pliable and weather proof.

[@curtisstedman6773]

The method we use is coconut oil gets into the pores and softens it up

[@jumpinggazellerathe8733]

You might have more experience with that than I do, but I have always used mink oil and it works quite well

[@shades360]

Reminds me of the old bedazzler adverts

[@martinstults9419]

Put them in a tub of warm water until bubbles stop coming out, only a few minutes. This should soften the leather enough to allow you to reshape the bags. Let them dry completely, maybe a day or two. When completely dry, rub in PURE neatsfoot oil or virgin olive oil. Avoid soaking with oil. Very old dry leather is challenging to bring back to life. Good luck and take your time.

[@andrewb5415]

Obenaufs light duty preservative, and maybe their cleaner first

[@johncimino8478]

Rarest of the rare!

[@JESUS-POTENTATE]

Mink oil is best for all leather. Will waterproof them too.