Restoring the JUNKYARD 1942 WW2 Harley Davidson(Part 1)

[@supert3948]

This looks like it will be a fun series. Can't wait to watch it unfold to a beautiful bike.

[@ronmurdock8897]

I agree 💯

[@johnpearson4899]

It's already a beautiful bike. The world is full of shiny trailer queens. To find a bike in this original condition that runs is a very rare thing and becoming more so when yuppies with more money than sense get involved.

[@tommorgan88]

Craig has been a good addition the channel couldn't imagine it without him anymore

[@TimPaddy]

Understatement for sure

[@christophercounsil1748]

Yea he’s a perfect fit for the channel need more of him also maybe once in a while let him do a video

[@jrkbgk1111]

Fact for sure 💜

[@jrkbgk1111]

@@christophercounsil1748 I'd love to see Craig get a spinoff channel of his own. I'd 100% sub without a second thought at all.

[@christophercounsil1748]

@@jrkbgk1111 second that

[@gabrielburduja8780]

Many of us, can only dream of seeing and looking Ara such a beautiful motorcycle. You guys have the opportunity to restore one. It's magic! Send more videos as soon as possible.

[@BikesandBeards]

We agree!

[@manitor7782]

I'd love a restoration of the technical side, while preserving the patina. So technically grade A but original and a good cleanup with a nice matte clear coat over the original paint. But it's your bike and you're the only one allowed to decide what happens with it. I'll definitely follow the progress.

[@etherjoe505]

THIS

[@tracyjones6284]

NOTE:Put your nuts and bolts back into the particular part they came out of while taking the bike apart.

[@TheRvg03gt]

Terrible idea. Who wants to be organized.. no fun in that..

[@browngreen933]

Seriously, there are hundreds of identically restored Harley WLA army bikes out there. What you have is a unique parts bike with a WLA motor and various year stock 45 parts. You should tastefully restore it the way it sits now -- as a Class C race bike. It's way cooler and soulful this way than as a common, pieced-together faked military bike.

[@jacobvosper8118]

I agree

[@browngreen933]

@@jacobvosper8118 Turns out, it's not even a WLA stamped motor. The motor is a bogus restamp job.

[@Quakeguy7]

I agree

[@jacobvosper8118]

@@browngreen933 ouch :((

[@MrBuellMike]

I totally agree. I‘d also like to inform his buddy that there’s no need to “throw money at it every time you open the garage”… just come to Europe, you’ll find lots of good stuff, not exactly cheap, but fair…! (Still think it was a bad idea to tear this jewel apart, sorry guys.)

[@detroit19531]

Wheels through time. They have all the knowledge you'll ever need to know about that bike and maybe even help you out with parts.

[@Losermachine35]

They would tell him to stop everything he’s doing right now

[@funtyes1970]

@@Losermachine35 it all about adding views

[@samuelmoore8154]

I love the legacy of it being the modded stunt bike. I was on team left alone, because of its badass history.

[@BStott]

It would be curious to find the story about the Stunt rider, who owned it. And to present it just as the find - it is. But, alas - it is now blue and white - common.

[@Wooley689]

The frames back then were brazed together, that is the original brazing you see as gold.

[@ianjones4071]

Hi great bike,I paid 150 bucks in 1973 ,I was only 15 years old, It only had frame ,front and back wheels, tank ,motor and gearbox, speedo,no dash cover in Australia we had a old guy who sold nos 42 parts,spent many weeks wages on it ,keep up the great work mate cheers

[@jhawk1985]

The rootbeer colored one you showed looked super cool. I think the red looks great too

[@Chainedllama]

My grandfather bought 2 1942 WLA's after the war for $20 my dad restored the worst one and left the other original with sidecar and all. They're amazing bikes im so glad to see you restoring it and enjoying it along the way

[@Super_Bros.]

I’m glad you are going to restore that classic! It’s definitely an exciting project.

[@BikesandBeards]

I think so too!

[@fir7]

@@BikesandBeards Hey guys, if you need any help ordering parts from Russia I can help you with the search and delivery organisation.

[@MotoTvWoodsFarm]

I learnt to repair motorcycles from early age about 7 o 8 years old. We used to be given junk that hadn't run in years. With bright eyes full hope only 7 and 8 years old are born with. We would set about fixing them and getting them going. Made an old soul very happy watching your progress through the issues

[@jasonhowell9589]

Oh man so on the fence about restoring a bike with history I would almost say find somebody who had restored one and see if they would straight up trade you LOL just so they can put the bike in a museum it is kind of a timepiece

[@charlespiper2439]

This is the type of video series I enjoy watching. Thank you for taking us along for the ride!

[@axelotl86]

It’s funny that you call your wrenches standard and the metric ones as not the standard ones ;) Already Love this project.

[@slipknotrob666]

...I watched this video while taking a break from fixing up a Honda TLR200 that I recently picked up. It seemed pretty appropriate, and helped me to stay inspired. I'm just about to the point where I'll start buying new parts, after getting what I have to function as much as possible👍. Fixing up motorcycles isn't as fun as riding them, but it is a lot of fun.

[@gamerguy1351]

I wish I would run across one of these so glad it is getting restored. In the shape it is in I would have been happy just taking a small ride in the parking lot with it. The movie born to ride has a lot of bikes like this in it.

[@christiankress5600]

This WLA looks awesome, please leave it like it is. Just do the technical stuff , not more. Shout out to Eazy Company !

[@russellbergersen3296]

If I was you, I'd reach out to Matt Wexler at the Wheels Through Time museum. He can point you in the right direction for parts and give advice for technical info. Can't wait to see it finished.

[@BikesandBeards]

we are talking with him now

[@neodutch]

Gonna be hard as he died last year.

[@russellbergersen3296]

@@neodutch His dad is gone, but he is still going strong.

[@russellbergersen3296]

@@BikesandBeards Good deal. I wish you luck, and I'm glad you're still producing content. Keep us all posted.

[@robertstimmel1100]

With this bike, restoring it to any color other than olive green feels sacrilegious. Also, the olive green looks so cool!

[@ike8236]

I think you should completely restore it besides the tank and fenders, leave them as they are. Would look awesome.

[@MrSkullcrazy21]

Just found you guys and been on a binge loving your content its like hanging out with old friends.

[@benitohernandez5086]

Sean looked so proud when Craig looked at him proudly. Good stuff y’all. 💯🧡🤘🏽

[@BikesandBeards]

hahaha

[@thandren7437]

Would not surprise me that it does not have a title, since it’s modified to be a wr, which is a race bike. My dad told me that you could get parts for the wlc and wla everywhere in the 90s. Especially in Norway when the russians came over the border with vans full of motorcycle parts and weapons. Still, spare parts from russia is a good option, especially if you find a good seller

[@johnjonathan4463]

I worked for a Harley dealership and could never bring myself to buy a newer one. But the wla is one of the most beautiful bikes. I love what you are doing. Bless you bro

[@devisionhun]

I'm one of those "keep it looking like this"... I still stand by that, but I could see the engine and mechanics restored. Either way I'll watch the series :D

[@artmonk5907]

Awesome project. Nothing more addictive than wrenching on old bikes. I'm currently working on an old honda myself.

[@robkunz7234]

Googlie eyes...I almost did a spit take on my laptop. Great stuff man.

[@slomorico8711]

This is my favorite motorcycle of all time, the 45 was a great motor. I fell in love with it while going to school at MMI Phoenix . I blame it for my hatred of modern plastic and why I now carry all certifications for anything built by the company pre-twin cam. And by the way, when that engine is proper, you'll be able to start by hand.

[@christopherbishop1111]

After hearing Craig’s, “Hand-tight” comment, it’s clear that the Father has assigned you an extra Guardian Angel or two, Sean. 🙏

[@itarry4]

Having watched whole series came back to say you definitely definitely need to do more restoration projects. Brilliant series easily one of your best.

[@kentmckean6795]

Why do I have the feeling (fear) that this project is going to end with a bare frame and 3 or 4 Home Depot buckets of parts being listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace in 2 or 3 months from now???

[@BikesandBeards]

Not on my watch

[@B2stealther08]

I've been looking forward and hoping you'd do a cool resto on this bad boy. Such a beautiful and cool motorcycle. Can't wait to see the rest of the project. Much love, guys.

[@browngreen933]

Before you destroy this bike's historical value, you should get advice from Matt Walkster at Wheels Through Time Museum like other guys have been saying. You have a unique relic there. Don't ruin it.

[@Kingdombuisnezz]

Boohoo

[@FriendlyRider88]

Buttcheeks on tha bayou yeehaw don’t you know it’s all about money to the srk cycles guys it’s nothing personal it’s all salesmen business mentality

[@brucejeric6701]

Can’t watch any more of this video. What a shame !!!

[@apparentlywyatt]

A tip for when you're going to put the bike back together: Make sure the retroencabulator winding is of the o-deltoid type. Also, don't forget to reattach the hydrocoptic marzelvanes to the ambifacient lunar waneshaft to prevent sidefumbling.

[@tomeells6067]

Thinking there will be some sidefumbling...

[@cannonandre9513]

I cant wait to see this restored. Its such a privilege to own such a cool bike. Restore it however you please but just remember that that bike tells a story and all you are doing is adding to its long story. If you take away old parts of the story make sure it was worth it because no one will ever know that part of the story again. It would be awesome to see this bike in future episodes and I wish you luck. Remember evaporust is your friend.

[@Leochemmachel]

I would suggest naming it 'Crusader' or 'Sherman M4' . These were among the most celebrated tanks of WW2

[@RolandtheThompsonGunner]

It's beautiful even the way it is. You have now idea how much I have wanted one of those. I look forward to seeing you guys fix it up.

[@larryjett3544]

Wheels through time could tell you everything about it.

[@BikesandBeards]

yes they could maybe we can connect with those guys

[@honda200twinstar3]

Ya thats what i was thinking as i watched this.maybe not so much on restoring it to a showroom look as they dont do that, but more on the mechanics side of it ,

[@docholliday.]

@@BikesandBeards talk to Matt at Wheels Through Time. His Dad, Dale, taught him a lot about restoring antique American motorcycles! He is a really nice guy!

[@ronwoudenberg2294]

@@docholliday. and he has a gnarly beard!

[@thatsmrharley2u2]

@@BikesandBeards The first thing they'll tell you is you don't have the experience to restore it.

[@johnharker1888]

Living vicariously through you gentlemen this is something I've always wanted to do .Don't listen to people telling you this and that , you do what what you want it's your bike. If you didn't find it , it might have disintegrated into dust .

[@johnpearson4899]

You are 100% correct about one thing; it's his bike. As far as it rusting down if he hadn't found it; that would've been better. But, at least we agree on one thing. It is his bike.

[@neodutch]

Everyone: That's a unique sickle you've got there Champ. B&B: I want to make it just like every other WLA.

[@BikesandBeards]

No I want to make it the way I want it.

[@neodutch]

@@BikesandBeards Which is just like every other restored WLA. It's like dumping a hot brunette for a blond named Britianni.

[@evandrennon3534]

Ouch

[@johnpearson4899]

@@neodutch As I basically said in another comment, this a good example of what is happening to the entire country and world. Yupps with more money than sense and "a dream". It's like pissing off Carl Childers then handing him a lawn mower blade. On the surface, this might not seem like that big of a deal to some folks. But, it should. I was actually a little excited when I first saw this video. Literally cheering. Hoping he would make the ride back to the shop. Kinda felt like I was riding with him. Then, with a few words everything went out the window. It would've been better off left in the junkyard. Just my opinion.

[@davideckard5827]

"gonna be meticulous and catalogue everything" 2 seconds later "where did that bolt go i lost it" lol loving this

[@LjCaples]

Restoring that old girl? It's enough to make a grown man cry :') Can't wait to see how it looks completely revitalized!

[@BikesandBeards]

yeah me too

[@TomsTinkeringandAdventures]

That bike just got a new lease on life. Even if you don’t do a full concours restoration, just a refresh and respray will improve it immensely. Looking forward to seeing it finished.

[@NephewJamie]

If you guys ever need a stunt man lmk i’m pretty sure I’ve said that before but I’m fr! I’m from DE about to turn 24 i really tried applying at nitro circus but no response lol 😂 i’m outgoing I love Jesus and if you have no stunt man, I’m with it!!!

[@BikesandBeards]

you do flips?

[@garrettstater7700]

@@BikesandBeards haha I’d love to see a stunt guy work with you guys in some videos! I think it would add some cool action to the videos as long as it’s someone professional and proper safety precautions are taken. We would all hate to see someone get hurt! Love the videos you’re truly blessed with talent to make these videos

[@NephewJamie]

@@BikesandBeards I was learning to flip my 65cc before I sold it, I had no money and had to sell her, so never got to complete the ramp for a flip, I was going to do a video for my KZbin page flipping it in the woods, but way life goes I had to sell it…

[@NephewJamie]

@@garrettstater7700 💪🏽✅

[@loganboyer8816]

I'm laying in bed. Day 4. Covid kicking my ass. But just laughed so hard T the comment section already. "You do flips?" Had me dying 🤣

[@jimcolangelo7003]

This is awesome guys. I mean, I really do wish you keep some of that beautiful patina but the great thing about motorcycles and our community is everyone does their own thing and you gotta respect that. Love the channel and again, really looking forward to this! It's going to come out great.

[@northeastenduro5145]

Keep it original! The world doesn’t need another repop wla! Bikes worth more with the old paint and racing heritage!

[@BikesandBeards]

who said anything about using repop parts? I thought we made it pretty clear that we are going to make this bike original with OEM parts

[@josephscottunderwood1711]

Yes you are exactly right

[@jstephenallington8431]

I absolutely love the look of the old WLA's, I'm really interested in watching this brought back to life.

[@ldt_]

Whoever does the editing is a comedic genius. I lost it when I heard the Super Mario Bros death sound, wiped tears from my eyes! Thanks for that

[@bxhhddby2191]

Love the chopped look and the red..I'm hoping it doesn't turn in to a military look Just my opinion do want ever you please your bike

[@scoobymoto9858]

That is a huge undertaking! I’m glad to see that you guys are restoring that bike!

[@peacockchristopher99]

What looks like gold on the frame will most likely be brazing (as opposed to welding).

[@Losermachine35]

It is, they were oven brazed together

[@craigilan4514]

I love restoration videos. So awesome that you guys are going to be doing restoration to. Just another reason to love the channel.

[@bryanrb21]

Keep the patina and clear coat it. Would be much cooler then a shiny paint job!💯🔥🔥🔥

[@emersonb5764]

I’m starting a restoration project soon. Totally different kind of bike, but in similar condition. Watching this sort of stuff gets me pumped up for the messy, slow job. Cool bike dudes.

[@dakarpsi]

Could the gold be silicon bronze? It's used as a filler rod for torch welding

[@BikesandBeards]

that could be , but only time will tell

[@MegaBruceC]

Most likely is, as bikes back then were brazed together not welded!

[@Erik-qx8is]

It's brazing material, Harley used that instead of welding their frames for 20+ years

[@ECRNGarage]

The frames were sweated together by brazing just like the British bikes from that era.

[@neodutch]

Not Silicon Bronze. It's brass.

[@StoRMiEFailure]

You would be surprised how few long format motorcycle restoration shows there are, hopefully after you guys do this one you do more. I'm currently doing a couple bikes waiting for the winter to pass, restoring an old screaming metal death trap is a zen experience.

[@fearsomename4517]

Sean, it depends on how you want to restore it. If you want it to be factory, it should be olive drab green. The frame isn't gold, it's brazed. If the bolts have CP on them they're factory, keep them if usable. It would be much easier to make it a civilian style bike. No matter what, any 45 is an iron snail. I've owned every 45 motor except the WLR, race model. Good luck. Forever Two Wheels.

[@browngreen933]

Good advice.

[@nelsonr3186]

I’m super excited for this restoration thank you guys for all that you do.

[@greyfox4577]

Harley's used to look so cool and had some reasoning to their design other than just looks. The low profile on the bike makes it safer by having a lower center of gravity, it looks good and does not put unnecesary strain on your arms for having them lifted like it does with most modern harley's and their horrible monkey bars.

[@BStott]

Yeah, I never understood Monkey bars. Drag bars are even rough after awhile.

[@ggold3357]

"What's the game plan?" "... I got baggies". Been there brother! Good luck and I can't wait to see this project unfold. Such a cool bike.

[@daveco1270]

Glad you're restoring that bike. It'll make for good content and it's gonna look awesome when you're done. I'd spend the $400 on that book if I was you. You've got a shop manual, right? Make sure you're super organized as you take it apart. Snap lots of photos with your phone, bag and tag the parts as they come off.

[@BikesandBeards]

That's the plan!

[@firesurfer]

@@BikesandBeards There is another book on ebay for $40. HOW TO REBUILD RESTORE HARLEY DAVIDSON KNUCKLEHEAD PANHEAD GUIDE BOOK SCHUNK Also that book you mentioned is available on Abe books $81 + about $20 shipping. It's coming from the netherlands.

[@williamb.9110]

Awesome project. I have the popcorn ready!

[@williampoff3096]

Looking forward to seeing it completed. It makes my day to see new stuff from y'all. You may be from Pennsylvania, but y'all have a "Southern Heart". Stay safe, and God bless y'all🙏 And bout the name, she's red , so call her "Ruby"😁

[@BikesandBeards]

theres already a vehicle named ruby in youtube

[@mz-pv9ki]

@@BikesandBeards Ruby2sday also keep the red!

[@Markotto09]

This is my favorite series thus far. I look forward to seeing how she ends up.

[@tylerhamilton181]

You guys are going to restore a piece of history all for internet likes. It needs to stay the way it is. You guys have become the OCC of youtube. You need to give it to the easy company. They are real bike people.

[@bobcat_6665]

👏 They're going to ruin it.

[@shrederyoungblood69]

Im dead

[@BikesandBeards]

I will never ever ever give this motorcycle to whatever easy company is. But thanks

[@shrederyoungblood69]

@@BikesandBeards lmfao

[@tylerhamilton181]

@@shrederyoungblood69 apparently I hurt someone's feelings lol

[@steelcityrooferjm]

The brown with the black striping looked amazing. With lots of leather and rivits and tasles

[@jesslittle7110]

Just like it sits is AWESOME ! Restored but back to its current custom state would be FANTASTIC !

[@thereve]

I’d probably try to clean up as much of the original hardware as possible. Evaporust is good stuff. Whatever you have to replace, try to match it up as best you can and move on. Personally I would go for more of a survivor look than a showroom (or likely better than showroom) restoration. ie make it look like it was cared for but enjoyed, not a garage/trailer queen.

[@SCJ-up2ob]

I love the way that bike looks and sounds

[@cmdrdarwin3682]

I think you should call this bike the Freedom Bike, Patriot Bike, or Greatest Generation Bike, in honor of the sacrifices that it took to build during WWII.

[@AndrewM83]

Love the channel Sean! Love having Craig as part of the project as always! Can't wait to see final result

[@thesgtmonty]

I’m really excited for this. I could go either way, restore or repair. But a full restore could be so beautiful

[@karloaugilazupan3282]

Very excited to see this project move forward.

[@crawlercrew874]

My dad an some friends and family did his 49 WL servi-car. It looks amazing. Yes i helped too. Can't wait to see more of this build series.

[@patrickvanmeter2922]

I'm not a Harley fan but have always loved these old flatheads. They just look super to me.

[@rpmfreak9150]

Sean I just got a 2004 VTX 1800cc in stock. I already have a Goldwing with a 1800cc motor on it but those are totally different motors as you already know. I am planning on adding everything that my Goldwing came with like radio, cruise control, and the seat and grip warmers to the VTX. Since I don't have a KZbin channel and won't be recording it, I thought it might be something that y'all might be interested in doing on your channel. Great video brother looking forward to seeing y'all finish it up.

[@bangs2ndshotgarage865]

Sean I am stoked on this build. My grandfather had one of these bikes when I was little. I wish he would have never sold it.

[@couldntdecide8072]

doing resto is alot fun to work through, and this bike looks great

[@guitarzan0515]

Great to see you guys giving a shot at restoring this awesome machine! I’m sure you will do a great job, no matter what it takes. Missed the Words of Wisdom. Go for it!

[@barnsleytresurehunter]

This is a brill bike and glad you guys got it to restore

[@ABJG1]

Let’s go!!! Can’t wait for episode 2

[@TheSkullcleaver]

This is a dream bike. I can't wait to follow this restore.

[@Mekaniktachankatachankin]

what a beautiful bike. hope to see it fully restored

[@shayrubino9862]

the tool box drawer full of googly eyes killed me 🤣.

[@doublenickel1000]

This is a very cool bike! I'm glad you're doing this. The old girl deserves it. I just love the honesty of this bike. When it was built, it wasn't trying to be/look like anything. It just is what it is. Go for it!

[@johnminerd2889]

This is a dream of mine which will prob never happen, so this is fulfilling getting to watch this. Thank you!

[@drifter8530]

When yall get it back the way it should be it will be one of the most rewarding feelings yall will ever have.

[@Wootangtw]

This is going to be awesome to watch… that motorcycle museum in North Carolina just restored one not long ago… I don’t remember exactly what model it was… but it’s on KZbin… thanks you guys are awesome…I think it’s a 1947 knuckle head… it’s called wheels through time… thanks guys…

[@mightymoshe]

Finally, a bike worthy of the beard

[@keithfanks2836]

I’m in the process of restoring a 1970 Harley Davidson Aermacchi Rapido and I’ll give you a couple suggestions: 1 Don’t put in todays gasoline because the alcohol in the gas will destroy and rubber components….use Alcohol Free gas. 2. Take pictures of the part you are going to take off so you have a picture of how the part is installed. Take pictures of the part when you take it off that show where each bolt and nut goes. 3 before you start stripping bolts and nuts, spray everything with PB Plaster or Liquid Wrench. Let the bike sit for a couple days then spray it again and let it sit a couple more days. 4. Zip Lock bags work great to store the parts in but when it comes to small parts, put them in some type of container. 5. Join Facebook groups that are restoring the WL. They are a great source of knowledge especially when it comes to finding parts. 6. Don’t even think about trying to stick to a budget! Good luck and have fun.

[@leebryant5443]

This restoration is Awsome can’t wait till the next video .

[@paulos20030]

Ive just pulled a 1957 Francis Barnett apart to restore it, scary how many parts there are to remember!!!

[@jiveturkey9993]

Never heard of one of those. Had to go look it up. That's going to be one cool bike when you're done.

[@MyDunnLife]

I will be watching this one closely. These are really cool bikes.

[@gnsmk357]

as a vet (Kilroy 2022) would be killer. as most old guy will tell you this was the tag for that era. great video good luck.

[@owencalhoun1034]

This is just an observation. But there are literally thousands of "restored" motorcycles. What is its valuable from a historical perspective. keeping it "origional"(as found). Once restored it is just another consumable good. Food for thought.

[@browngreen933]

Yep, 100% true. Hopefully he'll get that this bike has a soul of its own.

[@keithnelson1123]

Keep the videos coming of this restoration. Love it

[@thepaulhenderson]

Thanks!