The Story of How This Indian Chief Chopper Slipped Through My Fingers

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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[@acr21957]

When you think it can’t get any better it does . Amazing as always 👍

[@robertdunhouse979]

Has to be one of the most shockingly beautiful choppers I’ve ever seen!

[@mt0115]

Love the chopper, generally speaking I’m not much of a fan of modern choppers, but I do like the ones I saw being modified in the 60s and 70s when there was fewer parts available so owners had to be personally creative with home made parts and ideas. Great sounding and looking scooter. 😎🍺

[@traviswilson4700]

I'm an Indian guy, and although I'm not much of a chopper guy, I'd TOTALLY ride that! Awesome!

[@hondaxl250k0]

I’ve got 12 Indians ranging from 34 - 47.. this chopper is sickening.. special place in hell for anyone cutting up Indians ..

[@walterward8164]

My father's brothers drove Indians back in the nineteen thirties in Kansas. He was to young but remembered.

[@tristanbuckoke9121]

That frame is freeking awesome. What a magic bike . Absolutely killer job Matt

[@lastFLnative]

I know this bike!!!! Dear Matt, back in late May of 2014 I visited Wheels through time with a former gentleman friend. You invited us behind the velvet ropes to the shop where you were building this bike. You had someone deliver the exhaust pipes ( I think? ) And asked us our opinion on what the seat color should be. You made our day if not our entire trip. We later met your dad (didn't know who he was untill later) and he was just as kind as you were. It broke my heart to hear of his passing, but I always tell the story of how kind y'all were and recommend people visit wheels through time. ❤ Thank you.

[@user-bv3cl2cl8b]

Storytime with Matt. Love the history. 🌞

[@soganoflarider]

An absolute MASTERPIECE….video doesn’t do this machine any justice

[@DougFLTRX]

Agreed. Much nicer looking in person

[@stefanlundblad7693]

That exhaust-flame was the icing of the cake.

[@jamesmurphy1480]

That is the most beautiful piece of machinery I have ever seen in my life and that’s saying a lot. I’ve been around a lot of years.

[@Alex-kp2db]

Get your eyes checked. You need glasses😂

[@wd4477]

Awesome story, awesome bike. Love your stuff Wheels Through Time!

[@Firestorm637]

One of the neatest choppers

[@T10elC]

That is an amazing chopper. Beautiful work. I rode mostly dirtbikes all through the 70s. I always loved the choppers.

[@MrAussiedarren]

I'm no bike builder but have built a couple of show winning triumphs but this build of yours is beautiful

[@specialse]

fantastic bike and story . a propper chopper build the way it used to be.....

[@browngreen933]

Nice chopper. Shift lever ultra cool.

[@jeanlawson9133]

Matt 😎 I am not a chopper guy you'll never Top what you said was your first build....You nailed it.... Simple and complexity all in one, and a Indian.... thanks 😎

[@georgef1176]

Matt that Indian build is top notch. Beautiful work of art.

[@gratefuldriver2362]

Outstanding work on that chopper! I really dig it.

[@kongswethai3964]

cool bike! a mate here in Sweden got his first 1947 Indian big chief from his father who had collected a lot of old motorcycles & cars, now he have seven 1947 Indian big chief, one with original sidecar

[@p.c.724]

Best sounding bike I've heard listening on my phone. Beautiful also.

[@edwinthompson159]

That is one of the most, if not the most, unique chopper I have ever seen . . . and I'm old! I bet that paint is blinding in the sun - beautiful chop.

[@williamkeithwatts5192]

What are the odds of finding that frame at Davenport Swap, losing it, then coming back home bumbed out to find your father-in- law bought it!? That sounds like a God thing! Beautiful work BTW...

[@DFox-ud3gx]

Fell in love from the first second this Indian is fantastic

[@garysmith7333]

This is the coolest chopper I've ever seen 😮

[@davedelany2116]

For a guy who's not that into choppers and I'm presuming that that's the first one you've built, you really knocked it out of the park 👍👌✌️

[@campbellpaul]

If that was his first, I can't wait for his second.

[@douglashine9638]

That’s the best sounding motorcycle I’ve heard from your museum. It exudes high performance! 😎🤠

[@seather863]

Great Indian build, looks and sounds amazing!

[@scottlin777]

Truthfully I prefer the rusty, oily, worn out look of the old bikes but this was still a pretty cool looking bike.

[@charlieparker2773]

THAT'S ONE BEAUTIFUL INDIAN MOTORCYCLE

[@anthonymiller8989]

Oh my God I love this chopper, it is beautiful. Look at that springer front end!

[@fidelcatsro6948]

looks as modern as a hayabusa!

[@paulgeorge1834]

Thanks for sharing that beautiful Indian. My friend Bob Nichols had 2 Big Base Indian Sport Scouts and he introduced me to Shell Thuet. Shell was a master at building engines. He made Indians win. He made Royal Enfields win when Indian went that way. Then he built Yamahas to beat the Harleys. I'm hoping to see more Indian history here. Thank You

[@scottarmstrong1172]

Beautiful bike! I love hearing the stories on these bikes. Thanks Matt!

[@Psychobilly]

I’m digging it. That Chief is a work of art!!

[@johnhenke6475]

Beautiful workmanship all the way around.

[@ReiMonCoH]

That’s absolutely spectacular. Amazing bike, amazing piece of art.

[@daniellynn3240]

That is a beautiful paint job. I love it!

[@walterfechter8080]

That Indian chop is the epitome of classic American style and class. To my mind, the bike is like the time-traveling conveyance in "The Time Machine" (1960) with rich styling appointments and with definite mechanical aspect. Wheels through Time, it is!

[@keeptwowheelsdown]

When my son and I came to your museum, the Indian caught our eye in the chopper section. You definitely nailed the 70s theme. I was so into looking at the frame and glass work, I didn't even notice the piece of chrome jewelry that was a 41 Indian! One of your workers brought that to my attention lol. The framework was so good, I didn't notice it was a 41 platform. Hats off, it screamed 1970s too hard! Now I looked the engine over better, that's awesome too! Lol great Sunday, keep the two wheels down!

[@steveshoemaker6347]

That just might be the most beautiful Chopper Bike these old eyes have ever seen❣ ....Thanks Matt.....👍 Shoe🇺🇸

[@bearkoenig7336]

Brother, brought back a huge smile !!! I still ride my 69 flh.. Thanks!

[@timcarter7616]

The polished engine jumps out at you first, then the frame lures the eye away with its futuristic curves. I've never seen such a chopper and the hours that fellow put in polishing all those parts makes that bike nearly priceless. It's way up there, man. Beautiful machine, and I never cared for Indians. My dad told me some were hella fast and gave the Harley dudes fits sometimes. It was a great time to ride.

[@scottmartin356]

Great story about your Dad, great story about the fork! This is the first video that I have seen of your work, would love to see more 🥰

[@2coolwheels139]

What a wonderfully unique bike! I love rare and unique, and this is both!

[@CUZ_2]

World class chopper builds, wow!

[@pootmahgoots8482]

Indian guys are definitely a rare breed, you always hear Harley this that and the other thing but no one seems to acknowledge Indian being first. This is a gorgeous build i love the white with the silver Indian head on the tank.

[@bobg1219]

Thank you for the chopper video!

[@PoorFokeGarage]

Never will forget when past owner of the coke bike came and showed pictures at the museum when you where building this bike awesome to see some history

[@williamwallace1127]

Absolutely beautiful beautiful Matt. What a gorgeous piece of machinery. Well done!

[@justingreen4450]

You did a great job Matt. That's just good mojo when the frame found it's way back to you.

[@danergler9149]

All I can say is AWESOME bike Matt!! I'm from PA and I've been to your museum. A simply MUST DO for any mc enthusiast. I buy chances for your raffle bike every year. Hoping to get back there this year. I've been an old school chopper fan since the easy rider movie came out 1969. Love that Indian and its sound is nothing short of incredible!!! Keep up the great work Matt! Your dad is very proud of you...

[@chriswhalen4974]

I'm not a fan of choppers not my cup of tea but I have to say I'm digging this one. I love the attention to detail and the beauty in the simplicity. My brain doesn't know how to process it there is so much going on yet its so simple. Its everything I love about motorcycles in a completely different package then I prefer. Amazing vision.

[@frankcates3909]

NICE Vid! I'm an INDIAN enthusiast w/ a 2014 low mileage Vintage. Not big on choppers either BUT have to admit yours is a piece of art.

[@talkingrock7011]

Stunning build

[@OSOFLHP]

Just got back from Baja, El Diablo chopper run, great time, thanks to everyone who made it happen

[@billmillar7234]

Saw this last summer when I visited.....I think you knocked it out of the park......it was my favorite chopper

[@joeyk810]

Comes equipped with tire warmers, nice! Awesome bike Matt one of my all time favorites.

[@iainpearce6379]

Absolutely stunning mate can't wait to see more of the choppers please

[@Simon-hf3lw]

That is a beautiful chopper very unique and very well done 👍

[@donjones3192]

Matt, my favorite of all. You done a killer job on this. Clean and simple.

[@jasonmyers3847]

The Born - Free show is a damn good show. I live about 450 miles North of L.A. up in the hills. I live in prime riding country. I'm about an hours drive from Sacramento. That's a damn cool chopper, Matt!

[@waynelyles9475]

Your museum is amazing.everything runs.super cool place.

[@nop3noperson]

I got to see this thing in person is insane how well built it is. My phone overheated taking pictures in this place. If you go to barber museum and never come to this place you have missed the big ticket.

[@darrenbrisson4336]

Turned out beautiful love tge colors you picked

[@danward2970]

Mat , gotta tell you bro , you have a heck of a task. Out of all those beautiful machines on hand there , picking a favorite. Wow ! I couldn't do it. Just goes to show you how amazing of a place you all have there !!! I haven't made it out there myself yet , but it's coming !!! Great job to everyone involved ! Keep it up. Us bikers need this. Thanks !

[@rafalsolarski3796]

That's a grew hound! Absolutely beautiful Bike.

[@Ian-bq7gp]

What an amazing unique Indian. Stunning beautiful work. Nice to see a 70s chop especially being that special. Im not surprised they are so valuable. These are some of my fave old american bikes. I really enjoy listening to the history of the manufacturers especially the post ww1 to late 1950s and adore the Henderson 4s

[@johnnylightning1491]

Not a big fan of coppers but I can appreciate the work that goes into them. Keep the good stuff coming.

[@stephenlister6419]

I'm a Harley guy' pre 50's, but I really love what you've done with the Indian. Matt, you amaze me with all your talent.

[@lpd1snipe]

Great video, Nice to see an Indian every now and then.

[@K1Racer.]

THANK YOU THANK YOU have been waiting for a long time !!!!!

[@randyjames7091]

Beautiful bikes look like the 70's! Love the Purple Haze bike and the white indian chopper! Great looking bikes!

[@markmcintosh7095]

Amazing bike thanks for building it so we can enjoy it.

[@paulfairbrass4424]

Some people go crazy during a custom build. That is tasteful and looks fantastic. At this point less is more.

[@SmithWhitey]

That Indian is one great chopper, great job Matt. I had a rear cyl. wrist pin clip jump out of it's seat and tear up a cyl. & piston on my '38 chief years ago. Yours may have the same issue! That sudden intermediate yelp for help. Afterwards I started to use what the racers use, neoprene plugs instead of the circle clips. They work great! Keep up the good work! Whitey

[@1boaters]

You are the BEST man! Loving from the UK🤟

[@fidelcatsro6948]

I'd rate him number 2 after Uncle Allen Millyard!

[@mysporty7149]

This was one of my favorite bikes there. Now I knew little more, make me want to come see it again.

[@edbennett8257]

I saw it incomplete in the shop section display in May of 2014. One of my favorites there for sure.

[@creeper50]

Absolutely liked it! Thank you! And looking forward to the coke machine episode!❤

[@robc1961]

Awesome piece.

[@spearshaker7974]

It’s beautiful I’ve never seen anything like it.

[@fester73666]

Absolutely beautiful bike Matt, sounds amazing too😎👍

[@automotiveaddiction428]

I get amazed at every video.

[@LTJC70]

Wow, what are the chances!!! I guess that frame and u were meant to be together!! Love this channel!! Thx so much to u and your crew for all your hard work getting these videos out to us all!!

[@michaelmitchell5909]

I'm a harley guy too but that is freakin awesome Matt. Amazing work, and a very cool story as well.

[@campbellpaul]

I've never seen such a beautiful bike. I think the closest thing I think was something built for Arlen Ness by a legendary metal worker who's name escapes me right now. It certainly looks super straight, as well. When a creation looks good in white, you know the design is flawless.

[@billyking722]

Absolutely awesome best bike I have seen in a long while I think you should build more well done wish it was mine all the best from Norfolk Uk

[@michaelsorrentino9279]

Great story Matt..Pop would be very proud !!

[@jamesc5793]

I have been admiring this bike for years one of my favorite things to stare at when I come to the museum. Glad you finally did a video on this.

[@wrongly05]

Absolutely GORGEOUS Indian Chief. Top shelf work. In a sea of HD bikes that ya see any more this is the epitome of kewl. Absolutely beautiful fosho.

[@v65sabreking]

So awesome.. great job

[@tbone845]

Congrates ,she is a gem in the pile .👍❤️

[@davidwood1923]

Wow!... That is One Special Lookin Bike

[@larspederson1451]

Way cool! More chopper action please 🙏

[@garyseaton4619]

Hands down, one of the prettiest choppers I've ever seen... Northern CA has lots of choppers, but that is truly one of a kind... Does your Father in law ride it? Is it still a carrot?

[@garyehrhardt3136]

Ty Matt, great story

[@davidlee7046]

That is a very beautiful bike thank you

[@eddie8279]

The chopper graveyard is one of my favorite exhibits at WTT. I didn't know that Matt built that chopper? Thanks for sharing and giving me a more indepth knowledge of that bike.

[@bigviking0001]

I love it!!! One thing. I always wanted to see someone who knew what they were doing , make a girder front end from the "Aerodynamic tubing" that dragsters use for their high wings. I think it would look great. Thanks!!!