Can We Save This Abandoned Flathead Motorcycle?

[@crankyoldman65]

I know you've probably heard this many times, but I can't get over how much you look and sound like your father. We are all so lucky you followed his footsteps and preserved not only the museum but also Dale's mechanical skills and encyclopedic knowledge of classic motorcycles. History must be cherished. Merry Christmas!

[@JESUS-POTENTATE]

I had to watch again!! 😊 Watching you guys wrenching "old school" instead of air tools is also, In my opinion a tribute to staying true to the era.😊

[@deanblanton-fh3gq]

From the opinion of an older rider that has thrown his leg over the saddle of a great number of Harleys and Indians from the past years. I love watching your videos and reliving my times as a restorer of many bikes. My first Harley when I got my license at 15, was a war surplus 1945 WLA with the reliability of the flat head. My grand dad was an an addicted Harley/Indian guy. In the 20s he was one of the many board track riders that ran the tracks on weekends for extra money. He was employed with Harley and Indian In the early 30s up to the early 40s. The War hit us and he was drafted into the military as a courier who rode Harleys and Indians to the front lines. No internet then.. He had a great history with the two wheel vehicles. His trade back then was a “blacksmith” or today a fabricator is the title. He was the one that got me into motorcycles in the late 50s. Been riding for 6 decades, mostly on the early Harleys. Had a few troublesome British stuff, and a couple of 70s Japanese bikes. Couldn’t deal with the two stroke bikes, not my style. I’ve been through the bobber world and the 70s chopper style. Bobbers were my favorite to ride. Choppers weren’t friendly on the body after a few miles.mostly a bar hopper. Short runs and look good doing it. Still ride, got an early Heritage Classic and a Gilroy Indian that I’ve restored both. As long as I can chew bubble gum and walk, I’m still riding. I’m in great health for my age. Not like Brandon is, has no clue where he is and wears a depends. Take care you guys, you make me proud. Oh, met your dad once at a bike auction in Vegas some years back. A great guy to visit with. Sorry for your loss. See ya down the rode.

[@craigbb9177]

I love the channel because no politics. Please stop

[@George-i7p]

​@@craigbb9177 NO

[@MrBiscuits-i5v]

This is by far the best you tube channel i watch i just love these old bikes and watching you guys bring them back to life is amazing.

[@Soloslayer427]

There's not anyone cooler than Dale and Chris when it comes to antique Harleys. You guys are crazy amazing! Keep up the good work. Thanks for saving the rust

[@michaelhatfield3931]

Thanks guys: we're may be the last generation to recognize & preserve machines offering soul.

[@purplepup8897]

Hopefully we start preserving grammar

[@jamiegunter7016]

​@@purplepup8897wow grammar police

[@theojilderts9729]

Jesus.a complete rebuild..??hhmm Oei...cant say that.he..?? Beautifull.video..so 37.flathead....remember..that..for my first.harley..blacksmith Theo.jilderts.harlingen The netherlands..1958 But fit...1955.studebaker.pick Up.truck..to.restore... Thanks.north.carolina..

[@drcurioustube]

Antiques never go out of popularity

[@follow_the_money_trail]

Yep I can't see old electric bikes becoming as sought after in 80 years.

[@tramptramp5401]

Growing up, I heard the stories of my father racing his 1939/80 inch flat head all over Baltimore. He also pounded it back and forth from Camp Lejeune NC. every weekend to Baltimore while in the Marines. His mechanic, (Lou Helm) often asked him how the hell it stayed together. His reply was always, I don't know, you're the one who keeps it running. I have always loved the flatties and as a teen, my first H-D was a K-Model. I love what you guys do and hope you get to keep doing it for a long time. Thanks for sharing it with us. I do not live far from there, but have never been and I don't know if I ever will get the chance. My body is pretty beat and not sure if I can handle it. So your videos mean a lot to a beat up old biker. Thanks again.

[@wheelsthroughtime]

Thanks for watching and for sharing your story!!

[@haroldloftin]

You guys show more LOVE for old bikes then most men show for their own families .

[@colinvaughan1582]

Thankyou, an hour into Christmas day ( Australia ) and this pops up, a wonderful start to the day, hope youse all have a good Christmas.

[@wheelsthroughtime]

Same to you!

[@wjb111]

1000% better than anything on tv! Great job Matt and Chris!

[@thomaskirk3548]

So soothing to watch a crew that knows how to do things the right way. Thanks for being you.

[@58dbutcher]

I think the best thing about you guys taking on these scooters that you find, is your optimistic view and positive results.

[@jeromebyrd7831]

Thank you this is the best Christmas Eve video yet

[@scottpayne33]

This video was so therapeutic to watch, thanks.

[@zoom7533]

Great job ,boys,it was a pleasure to watch you working!Greetings from Croatia!

[@darrenashley126]

G'day guys, first time watcher here. It's Christmas morning here in Australia and my disability kept me awake most of the night but watching helped take my mind off the pain. I did a full rebuild of a Honda when I was 15yo and when I kicked it over for the first time all I heard was tickety tick tick, yes the piston was 180 out so I pulled it apart and put it back together not thinking that the valve may be slightly bent and lead to it's demise a few years down the track, but it was a learning experience. Thanks for the memories. Great days great days.

[@Barrelsmoke]

Merry Christmas mate, Christmas eve here in the states

[@jenkins1979]

Matt,I'm 72 and retired and I still ride.I would give my left leg for an old Harley like that to ride around town.That is such an awesome bike .thank you for the video

[@MrParkerfly1]

Man, I love this channel. What amazing work you guys do keeping these beautiful and historic machines up and running for future generations to enjoy. Keep up the great work. I look forward to every one of these videos.

[@justingreen4450]

Thank you for the early Christmas present. We absolutely love this stuff. Merry Christmas to all the Dale's Wheels Through Time gang.

[@wheelsthroughtime]

Merry Christmas to you too! Thanks for watching!!

[@kevinhall2266]

Absolutely love these old bikes and your passion to bring them back to life. It brings me a big smile when they fire off. You guys are the real deal!

[@dragonslayer671]

What a fantastic job guys. The knowledge you guys have, and the passion for these old bikes come through in every video.

[@samwalton4598]

You definitely like a challenge! 😎👍

[@garyseaton4619]

Thank you for this. I love watching you two tear down and rebuild these precious pieces of motorcycling history. I can't wait to hear it run and see it rolling down your driveway. I'm guessing 6 kicks. That's 3 primes and 3 to go. I have faith...

[@lukebrennan5780]

Twenty-odd years ago, I visited you guys from Australia and sat with Dale out in the sunshine chatting. Matt, you are SO nailing it. Will have to visit again before I die! My HUGE congratulations to you all.

[@timculpepper4939]

At least the water and oil is not mixed. Looks like it just seeped in while it was sitting, This is a great find

[@wyattoneable]

Excellent. It's always enjoyable to see old Harleys come back to life. Merry Christmas to all.

[@tomtomlin3408]

Love the look and sound of an old flathead. Great video, have to watch it again. Merry Christmas guys...

[@lmfarms4611]

Hope you sent this video to the previous owner. This brought tears to my eyes! I love seeing the old come back to life. Great job!!!!!!!!

[@danielcombs3048]

Another awesome save Matt and Chris. Thanks for sharing your extensive knowledge.

[@HiramJonesjr-dx8tl]

It's a labor of love when you get that far into a bike

[@Merthyr-Dave]

What a great team you make, lovely to watch you work,you know so much fantastic to watch.

[@docholliday.]

Another great one. Thanks guys! By far the best channel on KZbin.

[@chrisrose_krii_lun_aus]

Wow im early. I love when they dig out a piece of motorcycle history and make it look so easy getting something most would scrap and getting them to run. Next time im down in NC thats gonna be one of my first stops is at the museum. The passion they have for these old bikes you can tell its love. Im so glad he followed after his dad and kept his dads dream alive. Im sure he would be so proud.

[@usmclee65]

Wow what a find and build, thanks for sharing! Merry Christmas everyone !

[@lukesmith8547]

Love seeing the classics brought back to life and doing what they are meant to do have a very merry Christmas and a happy new year

[@peteradely885]

Finding and buying a rare classic without full knowledge of its insides takes guts. seeing how it appears after take down and realizing its in the very best hands to make it into the Museum.

[@keithparr8880]

Outstanding dedication and craftsmanship Matt and Chris and all the Gentlemen there! Loved the 37 UL

[@douglewis3182]

I love the videos and the museum. Keep doing what you do

[@daver6421]

Thank God we have Dale and Chris to bring the old Harleys back to life. It's so cool to hear that 37 breathe again. I'll take a rusted old harley over anyone built today. That's when you truly had to maintain a bike and not just have ass time in the seat. Thank you guys.

[@ttburn6338]

Merry Christmas from Germany guys!

[@TerryJoseph-g5h]

This bike rejuvenation has inspired me. Really. Great job boys. My frankenpan chopper deserves some love. Thanks guys

[@scottlin777]

what a great team. like surgeons.

[@wheelsthroughtime]

👨‍⚕️👨🏻‍⚕️

[@gmcd9719]

Happy Christmas 🎄 Matt and all at the museum. Keep her Lit for the New Year 🇮🇪

[@steveross2797]

Gents, well done! Also an Aussie watching on Christmas morning. I instruct at a community motorcycle garage, doing courses on servicing and maintenance. I'm going to use this to explain a lot of construction techniques that were (and still are) used on motorcycles (try explaining what a flathead engine is to young people!). This video is an absolute treasure as you go so deep into the engine rebuild along with the bike. Thank you!🤝👍

[@KARSDAY]

Lucky you rescued it. Merry Christmas and cheers from Australia.

[@mullycards8277]

That was dope that you had that part hanging around for so long and found such a perfect home for it

[@randall1959]

It's a good thing you got that one when you did. A couple more years and it would have been toast.

[@wheelsthroughtime]

No kidding!

[@carlafisher7029]

Matt, you did say this flatty was in your area for a good deal of time. Did the owner decide to sell it, because it had been partially underwater? Either way, it definitely ended up in the right hands. I really enjoyed watching you and your guys bring it back!

[@bmwflyfisher]

Absolutely amazing save! I love how you and Chris work together…It seems like more of a friendship and knowing exactly what the other needs from each other. Question: What would a person pay for a find like this? Then, the finished product. I want to dip my toe into these bikes, but the prices I’m seeing in Arkansas…Wow!

[@joeblow5037]

"Doctor, Doctor, Doctor, Doctor" 'Spies Like Us'......with that fabulous Donna Dixon I thought I was the only one that used that line anymore 🙂

[@byronkimmey9701]

This like the other will it run videos is good. I enjoy seeing these classic bikes come to life 🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@WilliamKiene]

On eBay, 10 years ago, I saw an old 45 found in the desert that was only a frame, front end, Tank, 45 lower end and 2 bare rims. It was a light orange rust color and the bid was over $5,000 usd. I am 79 and have a huge connection to this wonderful channel. Post what you think this bike is worth at the end of this video. What a wonderful job and amazing knowledge. Thanks to all. The flooding there was only a few months ago. They might have just put $5,000 in parts and labor in it?

[@henrik5701]

Many Christmas greetings from Denmark. Cool machine, I myself have a 1930 DL, the old flatheads are fine machines in real American quality at their very best. I am 52 years old and if I have to travel at some point, the first priority is to visit your fine museum.

[@dwightwaldvogel2783]

Can’t wait come back to the museum and see that bike in person

[@nikkiedominy4720]

Now that was the best video in a while your old man is happy right now

[@tommythornton8258]

You guys are the Harley Whisperers! Thanks for your passion to keep these relevant.

[@wheelsthroughtime]

Thanks for watching! We appreciate the support!

[@gazza1313ify]

Not having a go love watching you videos. I remember watching your dad on American restoration he was amazing and couldn't get enough. Was sad when he passed, but I was so glad to have found this channel. You are so like your dad when getting these bikes back together, but why do you wear the sunglasses when you are fixing the bikes you seam to spend a lot of time moving them 😅

[@pipersall6761]

Incredible work. One thing that amazes me is all the pockets of special parts scattered around the shop and the museum and who restocks these shelves and corners and drawers so when Matt or Chris needs something yep, its always there tucked away waiting? You would think they would run out of those special parts in those special places but nope. They always know they have one whateveritis and its generally always there. 🙂

[@bobkeller8899]

Rode thru Maggie Valley in 2016 and 2017, from Iron Horse in Stecoah aft riding the Tail and stopped at WTT. Really loved walking through all them scoots. Love watching the wrenching.

[@sitivene4070]

I learned to ride on a 37 HD exactly like this one in the early 60's in Seattle. I used to ride it to work from the U district to Renton. It had no front brake but was otherwise flawless. It would do 80 all day. Great to see you resurrect a matching veteran.

[@hack2it]

Thank you guys for another awesome video and saving a great Flatttie.

[@dalesunderman5176]

what an amazing video to watch. I am loving watching you work on these bikes. I am learning so much. with each one. I love your passion, and attitude while you work on these motorcycles. Thank you so very much for sharing what you know and do.

[@JESUS-POTENTATE]

Stellar Job man. 😊 Thanks for sharing your journey saving that bike.

[@berryfisher4764]

That was amazing!! Hats off to you and Chris 👍

[@69dblcab]

Awesome. Always like the big smiles. Well done gentlemen. Merry Christmas. Be safe and stay warm.

[@The.Real.Timmii]

an upload on Christmas eve, awesome!

[@jirawudhvanasup4530]

What U guys are doing is amazing" It takes real practical knowledges to b able to such thing. I enjoy watching very much. A fan from Thailand.

[@craighansen147]

Good Save! Enjoy the Holidays!

[@BRICKY970]

Merry Christmas to everyone at the museum. Look forward to all your guy's vids.

[@rustymacneil3227]

Had a "51 Pan, '65 XLCH, '67 FLH and a few EVO's and TC's. Always wanted a Knuck and a flatty. Ya just can't beat them old ones for looks. Merry Christmas all!

[@garetkonigsfeld2]

Man, not a minute to soon. Imagine 6 months from now..... Great channel. Thanks for taking us along 👍.

[@marcuschambers9402]

AMAZING!!!! Hope you guys find more of those diamonds in the ruff and bring them back to life!! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !!!

[@amtcruiser]

I ride a 2012 106 CI Victory Cross Country. it isn't an antic, but it will someday be a classic. Great ride fast enough to get a rush and really corners well in the twisties in California, along the coast and in the heart of the Seirra and the Golden Chain Highway. These are the rides you all need to take on the best classics you got. You won't regret spending a month riding in the best motorcycling state in the country.

[@IcecalGamer]

More full-ish rebuild videos 👍 Great 45 min.

[@steveogee7458]

I absolutely enjoyed hanging out. Super cool. 👍

[@steveogee7458]

Merry Christmas. I'm watching What's in the barn on Prime as well. I'm a bullet bike guy but I'm getting to where I'd like to own an Indian or Harley. My hometown police department used to have a small fleet of Servi Cars for Meter Maid's. I'd love to build one with a bit more power. Maybe transplant a Shovel motor? A vintage grocery getter. Happy new year too.

[@grayfox9911]

Oh my! What a mess! Great work!!

[@gypsymonk8229]

I am really impressed how knowledgeable you guys are with these old bikes....i have impression you could rebuild old flathead with eyes CLOSED 😂....amazing stuff !👍👍👍

[@losebjughashvili8465]

Just terrific. You can tell you guys just love these old bikes, and that shop….looks like mine. Can’t find a tool…..just get another, it will show up sometime. Thank you for your video…very nice.

[@michaelmitchell5909]

Damn, that was awesome. You guys never cease to amaze!

[@davidsnow2420]

Wow, what a great Christmas present---- a Wheels Through Time get'er runnin' video! My all time favorite Harley mill. Thanks for sharing and Merry Christmas!

[@hardtail-gy8dk]

I love these rescue missions, luckily the water didn't sit in there long, nice save on a rare bike, I think the 80" flat flywheels were a stroker mod for knucks so many were lost to hotrod back in the day

[@michaelholmes4808]

Merry Christmas to the DWTT crew and staff. Hope you all stay safe in the New Year. Keep the round ones down!

[@wheelsthroughtime]

Merry Christmas to you too, and Happy New Year!

[@d1mennis]

Thanks for bringing that Flathead back to life!

[@Gordies-World]

Thanks for the vid guys! Happy Holidays!

[@ShannonWithrow-j4m]

I’m from southern Illinois near the old shop and had the privilege of helping move the museum on a couple trips for dale I remember showing up with hill climb bikes and the crane was putting the rock in thru the roof Good times

[@wheelsthroughtime]

More bikes on the hill than ever! Hope to see you back this way sometime soon.

[@ShannonWithrow-j4m]

Would love to come thanks

[@Klassiccycles]

When that tarp was pulled back I said AHHHHHHHH damn! It was awesome to watch another bike brought back from the dead.

[@garymacdonald2549]

Enjoyable video! I like your method of holding flywheels in a press while you loosen (or tighten) the shaft nuts. I did the final torquing on a lot of 45 flywheel assemblies using just a vice to hold the pinion shaft. Not a good method, but that's all I had. I always managed to get them to within a thou or two on each side. However, when I did the flywheels on my own big-twin flathead, (a '42 U-model), things went horribly wrong. I had them trued beautifully... 0.000" on the sprocket shaft and half a thou on the pinion. Just as I was doing the final crankpin torquing, the assembly twisted out of the vice and crashed onto the concrete floor. I was horrified. Sure enough, they were now way out of true! I tried for the next two hours to re-true them, but couldn't get closer than about 3 or 4 thou on each side. I went to bed distraught and disgusted. The next morning I dragged myself back into the shop, anticipating a long and frustrating day of trying to re-true the U flywheels. I put them in the truing stand expecting the worst... but to my surprise, they were back to .000" / .0005". They had gone back to true by themselves overnight! Unbelievable! I guess the Harley gods took pity upon me!

[@overboost7667]

Noticed immediately Chris has a limp, get well soon, man ! Happy Christmas to the whole community !

[@neilperry2224]

Merry Christmas to you and your family and your staff.

[@mohawkdriver4155]

That was very cool. I learn something with each video you post. Thanks!

[@fazerguy5654]

Always look forward to a wheels through time video and what a Xmas present. Thanks

[@lpaulson1964]

Very interesting job on the rebuild of the1937 it turned out fantastic.

[@Nomah1979]

Those bolts with the tapered nub on the end might have been done to help with setting the bolt alignment right away. It helped them to go in straighter as it would grab as soon as you set it in. It helped in hard-to-reach places and in some cases assisted in the bolts not backing out....especially the ones that were under load. over time becoming elongated and flattening. the nub would keep it in place....just my opinion

[@THE_DUDE64]

It’s amazing that it was that close to you for so many years. Merry Christmas ✌🏻❤️

[@VirgilLynn-o2s]

Oh my God that is absolutely one of the most beautifulest barn finds that I have ever seen you truly do have a knack for finding the good stuff and like you say it might be a little bit rough here and there but damn that thing is beautiful and it makes my heart feel good to know it is in good hands😎👍

[@BrettBrown-j4o]

This is so much on knowledge that I’m truly impressed by it your father has taught you so much and I am very grateful for it keep up the good work

[@zerkfitting]

Here's one for Chris: What has two knees and swims? A TWO KNEE FISH

[@zerkfitting]

MERRY CHRISTMAS GUYS. Sweet UL save.

[@lukeman42]

I find it very relaxing watching your videos ....keep up the great work

[@wheelsthroughtime]

Thank you very much for watching!

[@davidmcgahan5328]

As always awesome video. Merry Christmas and God bless you and your family and friends.

[@danielashford2430]

Your pop is smiling down very proud…peace folks…

[@ToddHavel]

So fewer parts needed and so much less time to disassemble and reassemble these older machines. This is what makes the hobby and maintenance less frustrating!

[@markhall9048]

Great rescue of an epic bike 👍 keep your wheels spinning and enjoy a very happy Christmas 🎄 cheers 🍻