To me this is how all 100 year old bikes should look. Not brand new paint and shiney chrome. Your carrying on the family biz very well matt. I know dale is up there grining watchin the 39 fire on the first kick.
Well it certainly works as a metaphor for manufacturing industry in the USA. The only question is how much new rust will accumulate while the majority figure that out…!??👀🙄🧐😎😜🙈
I disagree unless its just for display Because bikes should be ridden. And if you kept riding it in that condition you wont have a bike to pass on to the next generation of caretakers. And that is all we are, caretakers. We pay for the privilege to be caretakers not owners of these old bikes. They should be restored and ridden, thats the best way to keep them in working order and in good condition in perpetuity
I think this style of restoration better represents the level of quality present in these earlier American bikes. The fact that this looks AS GOOD as it does after all these years and abuse is testament to Craftsmanship and pride in work that we seem to be missing more and more each passing year. GOOD WORK. This is why I watch wheels through time - this is what makes you guys my favorite out there doing it.
Love your channel…why? If my Dad (born in 1922) were alive he would be 102 and had bought a used souped up knucklehead when he came out of the Navy after WII. Like many others he just wanted to live life to the fullest after the war. I can clearly remember him explaining about the gear shift on the side of the gas tank. I have only one black & white picture of his bike, I have to try and find in my keep sakes. Your channel brings sort of bring my dad back to life. Thank you!
I can’t believe the sheet metal is so straight! I’ve been a body man for 40 years and I’ve restored a ton of antique cars ,bikes,gas pumps,coke machines etc. I also own a 39 EL and it has to be painted to hide all the repairs to the fenders gas tanks and oil tank. I could only dream of finding one so straight! Nice one Matt!
I've never seen a basket case that was so complete. How often does that happen? It certainly made it to the right place! Great job on the restoration (as always). That is one sweet bike. I can't wait to see it in person.
I'm not even into bikes, but damn I love this channel. True passion, knowledge, precision, and solid production value keep me coming back over and over. Thanks for the proper history lessons on some ridiculous bikes. We need more dudes like you! And damn that bike sounds good!
As somebody that saw this bike as a pile of parts in tubs, it's just stunning to see her back together, complete and running. Sweet piece of work and a sweet bike.
Not a big fan of rat rods or rusty rides, but this thing would have anyone grinning from ear to ear to own. Matt this is a thing of beauty that you and your team/family can be very proud of!! I do enjoy how freely you share your knowledge of these museum pieces too. Congratulations on a job very well done!
Sweet , nice job putting this back together, I noticed just before you started it there was a whoosh of air blew in , you can see the leaves moving , it’s like the bikes spirit blew in to come back to bring this to life again. I’m not a freak , but I couldn’t help but noticed that.
Beautiful bike can't wait to see in person will be there in June with some friends who haven't been before I was there last year for the first time and will be back as often as I can. Keep up the good work 😃 love you guys
Absolutely beautiful job Matt. Dale would approve I’m sure. This is from the era of manufacturing that produced machinery that was made to last. Now we are in the plastic era where everything is cheaply mass produced and don’t last jig time. Keep up the great work. Love your old bikes.
I'm not sure who has more passion for this old bikes. You or your Dad, Love the history lesson I'll be heading your way come Aug !!! I'm super STOKED to visit the Museum !!!!!!
Memories Bought a 1942 knucklehead back in 1976 rode the wheels off of it for years After watching this video now I want to get it running again Been parked for 15 years for health reasons
After owning my '47 El Knucklehead for 40 years, watching this video is a sight for sore eyes! Seeing all the familiar sights creates a flood of old memories! (Especially the downtubes with side-car loops!) Hmmm; is that an M32 Linkert carb?
This guy is a professor. Hats off to you guys. I don't know how you all find parts. Sourcing parts nowadays must be a full time occupation. I just an ordinary guy who goes from time to time to museums and enjoy looking at old restored motorcycles on static display. There are plenty of them in England packed with beautifully restored British made motorcycles.
very cool .. personality and style , sweaty and classy - brought back memories of "whats in the barn" the board track bikes , great work - great vision
lol you are so different from your dad in many ways but the things you have in common are the best. Your excitement and enthusiasm for these Time Machines is infectious! I haven’t been to the museum YET but it’s in my bucket list.
Matt, I throughly enjoyed you explaining all of the differences on the 39 Harley. Watch your utube channel almost every day and totally enjoy and understand all of it. Thank you !
I understand the value of 'rustoration' but man, that bike runs and sounds so nice and everything works so well, it sure would be nice restored. Great bike!
Funny but the rusty look is trendy here now,perfectly fine old utes, bikes having the paint stripped off and chemically rusted ,than clear matt applied! Definatly no holes in their petrol tanks to be repaired. Lovely work and great result for a nearly complete rare Knuckle, down to nuts, bolts and accessories! Thanks for picking this road to go down with this restoration.
Bought my first Harley in 1972, 58 panhead that had been wrecked, mostly in boxes. Two years later (after I got a driver's license) I rode it daily, weather permitting
A piece by piece restoration would be nice. Also a complete bike like that is a great way to make molds to recreate accurate replacement parts for other surviving bikes needing parts.
I could listen to you talk about these bikes all day Matt. I recently got a 61 ci 46 so I am biased towards the knuckles but love all the bike you have there. Have to cross the big pond again one day soon.
I use the term Rustoration for those bikes that I make mechanically perfect but leave the finish work the way it was when it came to me. The last one I did was a 1971 CB125. Fun little bike to ride.
Looks perfect. Really appreciate leaving the paint as is Only thing that looks bad is the saddle bag, completely out of synch. Natural leather colour would probably blend in really well, or oilskin. Apart from that it’s perfect
That 39 being last year and only year of many features sounds a lot like my dad's first harley. It was 1965 fluid electraglide, first year of the electric start, last year of the panhead engine, and many parts were one year only. He had it rebuilt and bored out, ported and polished heads, bigger Valles, and higher compession but that bike would fire up with 1 kick everything even at 20 below. Which, yes, he did and still does ride at -20 f and colder. Unfortunately he sold that electraglode because if anything broke other than the engine the parts were near impossible to find oem for, and at that time there was no aftermarket parts for the 65, only the 64 and older and the 66 and newer
I had a '42 fl knucklehead that I bought in 1985 as a basketcase and was all there. Restored it and rode it a little bit here and there then traded it for a shovel flh and cash. Regret it now but got a great deal then.
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To me this is how all 100 year old bikes should look. Not brand new paint and shiney chrome. Your carrying on the family biz very well matt. I know dale is up there grining watchin the 39 fire on the first kick.
That's badass!
Well it certainly works as a metaphor for manufacturing industry in the USA. The only question is how much new rust will accumulate while the majority figure that out…!??👀🙄🧐😎😜🙈
Bad ass, made in USA
No the 37 they did for the giveaway bike last year shoulda been done the way it was
I disagree unless its just for display
Because bikes should be ridden. And if you kept riding it in that condition you wont have a bike to pass on to the next generation of caretakers.
And that is all we are, caretakers. We pay for the privilege to be caretakers not owners of these old bikes. They should be restored and ridden, thats the best way to keep them in working order and in good condition in perpetuity
I think this style of restoration better represents the level of quality present in these earlier American bikes. The fact that this looks AS GOOD as it does after all these years and abuse is testament to Craftsmanship and pride in work that we seem to be missing more and more each passing year. GOOD WORK. This is why I watch wheels through time - this is what makes you guys my favorite out there doing it.
Love your channel…why? If my Dad (born in 1922) were alive he would be 102 and had bought a used souped up knucklehead when he came out of the Navy after WII. Like many others he just wanted to live life to the fullest after the war. I can clearly remember him explaining about the gear shift on the side of the gas tank. I have only one black & white picture of his bike, I have to try and find in my keep sakes. Your channel brings sort of bring my dad back to life. Thank you!
I can’t believe the sheet metal is so straight! I’ve been a body man for 40 years and I’ve restored a ton of antique cars ,bikes,gas pumps,coke machines etc. I also own a 39 EL and it has to be painted to hide all the repairs to the fenders gas tanks and oil tank. I could only dream of finding one so straight! Nice one Matt!
I've never seen a basket case that was so complete. How often does that happen? It certainly made it to the right place! Great job on the restoration (as always). That is one sweet bike. I can't wait to see it in person.
I'm not even into bikes, but damn I love this channel. True passion, knowledge, precision, and solid production value keep me coming back over and over. Thanks for the proper history lessons on some ridiculous bikes. We need more dudes like you! And damn that bike sounds good!
I absolutely love this "rustoration"! I support your decision on this project 100%! This is the way it's done!
As somebody that saw this bike as a pile of parts in tubs, it's just stunning to see her back together, complete and running. Sweet piece of work and a sweet bike.
Not a big fan of rat rods or rusty rides, but this thing would have anyone grinning from ear to ear to own. Matt this is a thing of beauty that you and your team/family can be very proud of!! I do enjoy how freely you share your knowledge of these museum pieces too. Congratulations on a job very well done!
This bike looks like a total sleeper. Great job to get this together and back to running condition.!!
I love the “sewing machine” sound of the engine !!!
Muffler sounds great !!!
Nothing barks like a knuckle !!!!
Brings back many fond memories !!!
Sweet , nice job putting this back together, I noticed just before you started it there was a whoosh of air blew in , you can see the leaves moving , it’s like the bikes spirit blew in to come back to bring this to life again. I’m not a freak , but I couldn’t help but noticed that.
Matt is a walking/talking museum of motorcycle history and mechanics. Matt, if you see this, it's time for an Indian restoration!
Fantastic. Nothing like that first start on a project. A high that no drug or alcohol could ever give a gearhead. 😎🏍
Absolutely amazing. It only fired on one kick because you put it together Matt...
Beautiful rustoration and runs like a top.
I was right. After procedure, one kick! Great looking basket bike sir! Keep up the good work
Another great bike brought back to life. You are a miracle worker.
Beautiful bike can't wait to see in person will be there in June with some friends who haven't been before I was there last year for the first time and will be back as often as I can. Keep up the good work 😃 love you guys
Absolutely beautiful job Matt. Dale would approve I’m sure. This is from the era of manufacturing that produced machinery that was made to last.
Now we are in the plastic era where everything is cheaply mass produced and don’t last jig time.
Keep up the great work. Love your old bikes.
Freaking awesome. You and the team did a great job. I'd love to see a "rustoration" as a giveaway bike in the future!
Now that has made me SMILE! I do prefer the oily rag type bike. To see it start first kick... FANTASTIC! Thanks for sharing and your knowledge.
I'm not sure who has more passion for this old bikes. You or your Dad, Love the history lesson
I'll be heading your way come Aug !!! I'm super STOKED to visit the Museum !!!!!!
Brings a smile to my face every time you turn one of these beauties over. Gets me every single time. Awesome!
Your love for these machines is infectious !!!!!!! I love learning from your videos .William S would be proud of your dedication to his masterpiece !
Fantastic 39, can't wait to see it in person👍.
Really beautiful bike and thanks for sharing the history and your knowledge.
It was cool to see Matt show up on American Pickers tonight. (The rustoration bike was in the background in many shots.)
Memories Bought a 1942 knucklehead back in 1976 rode the wheels off of it for years After watching this video now I want to get it running again Been parked for 15 years for health reasons
After owning my '47 El Knucklehead for 40 years, watching this video is a sight for sore eyes! Seeing all the familiar sights creates a flood of old memories! (Especially the downtubes with side-car loops!)
Hmmm; is that an M32 Linkert carb?
This guy is a professor. Hats off to you guys. I don't know how you all find parts. Sourcing parts nowadays must be a full time occupation. I just an ordinary guy who goes from time to time to museums and enjoy looking at old restored motorcycles on static display. There are plenty of them in England packed with beautifully restored British made motorcycles.
Sounded so good I had to put on headphones and listen twice. Your laugh when it started told the whole story. Well done.
Fantastic work! Awesome! She sounds AMAZING! Well done, all! Thanks for the trip!
I've never been into bikes until I bumped into What's in the Barn and then your Channel)) Amazing stuff!
Congratulations! Thanks for taking us on the journey!
very cool .. personality and style , sweaty and classy - brought back memories of "whats in the barn" the board track bikes , great work - great vision
Great video! I plan on visiting the museum this July so I will now be looking for this incredible bike.
One kickstart is so cool. My wife is iffy about the rustoration, but I love it. It really makes sense to me. Great job.
I miss Dale. Matt, thank you for your passion and knowledge teaching me on some machines I will never build or ride !
That is so perfectly beautiful.
I can feel history's life breathing in this bike.
lol you are so different from your dad in many ways but the things you have in common are the best. Your excitement and enthusiasm for these Time Machines is infectious! I haven’t been to the museum YET but it’s in my bucket list.
Just perfect! Rustoration is the best definition...
Greetings from Brazil!
Amazing job, congrats! That bike has TONS of personality!
Sooo incredible! From boxes to the streets. Thanks Matt!
Outstanding! That's a beautiful Knuckle! Thanks for the ride Matt!
Absolutely love it in this finish! You guys are masters! Thanks for sharing
Thanks for keeping the history alive and running, been up to visit u were closed, hope to make it there this summer Thanks sportster Dennis.
Matt, I throughly enjoyed you explaining all of the differences on the 39 Harley. Watch your utube channel almost every day and totally enjoy and understand all of it. Thank you !
A real joy to see that bike brought back to life.
Confident rider looking into the turns ..with a legend of a motorcycle 🏍️
I would totally ride it everywhere looking just like that. Love that finish
I find that so fascinating to see an old bike like that, purring like a kitten. just wonderful. wish I had your knowledge.
The '39 is looking great and sounding AMAZING Matt, very cool motorcycle 😎👊
Sounds awesome! Looks great, Thank you for all you do
I understand the value of 'rustoration' but man, that bike runs and sounds so nice and everything works so well, it sure would be nice restored. Great bike!
It's too perfect. Hard to believe all those parts are so evenly matched. Not artificial. I mean to complement for sure.
I lost the response you sent, l didn't blow it off, just dumb. I would like to answer back. Thanks.
Keep it just like it is, what a fine looking ride! Thanks Matt!
Every technical detail I need and appreciate, love your work
My Dad after coming home from WW2 owned a 61 as it was his only transportation when he returned. ? Thank you Lord.
Matt really deserves to have a million subs,can't understand why he only has about 200K....
Funny but the rusty look is trendy here now,perfectly fine old utes, bikes having the paint stripped off and chemically rusted ,than clear matt applied! Definatly no holes in their petrol tanks to be repaired. Lovely work and great result for a nearly complete rare Knuckle, down to nuts, bolts and accessories! Thanks for picking this road to go down with this restoration.
I have to watch this video once a year now. Its timeless rust is pretty cool man
I’m glad to see that you didn’t repaint it. I think it looks great. I wished I was there to ride it right now.
I hope you stabilized the rust, so it will not get worse, great bike.
Absolutely stunning , such a wise choice to maintain that gorgeous period patina.
Bril!. Love old bits of kit being restored and ridden like this!. Nuff said!. 👍
What can I honestly say? This bike looks and sounds far better than what the Motor Co is putting out today. Keep 'em flying! Ride safe. -- W
Bought my first Harley in 1972, 58 panhead that had been wrecked, mostly in boxes. Two years later (after I got a driver's license) I rode it daily, weather permitting
Incredible find and save!
It has the perfect patina no need for paint other than maybe a clear coat
That is really sweet. I was gonna say three kicks. I was a little surprised it was only one kick after so long.
That back corner has to be one of my favorite parts of the museum.
A piece by piece restoration would be nice. Also a complete bike like that is a great way to make molds to recreate accurate replacement parts for other surviving bikes needing parts.
Modern Harleys leave me cold, but that is one ddg motorbike!
Great job. Thank you for sharing.
Omg !!!!! One kick and she is ALIVE!!!!! Love it Matt you are the Man
That is a dream come true there is a special place for that motor cycle not only in my heart but also in my living room Matt that is pure beauty 👍👍
3 prime kicks fire on 2nd. Love this channel thanks for the enjoyment.
I could listen to you talk about these bikes all day Matt. I recently got a 61 ci 46 so I am biased towards the knuckles but love all the bike you have there. Have to cross the big pond again one day soon.
Amazing looking machine , dosent look like its ever been apart ( spanner marks etc ) and didnt blow any smoke !!!! how does it go with modern fuel ?
I use the term Rustoration for those bikes that I make mechanically perfect but leave the finish work the way it was when it came to me. The last one I did was a 1971 CB125. Fun little bike to ride.
Looks perfect. Really appreciate leaving the paint as is Only thing that looks bad is the saddle bag, completely out of synch. Natural leather colour would probably blend in really well, or oilskin. Apart from that it’s perfect
Awesome! So lucky to have this place basically in my backyard. I'm due for a visit.
The rusty look gives the beast a tireless workhorse aged gracefully.........thank you.
Imagine almost 90 years ago someone bought that knuckle head and rode it. Literally like a Time Machine to a different era.
Sounds better than a new Harley , beautiful engine.
That looks a lot like an old aquaintance bike that was out here in Oklahoma all the way down to the pouch on back! Tom had it. Spittin' image!
This motorcycle build should have a link to Wikipedia for Basketcase. Awesome work.
Christmas 2023 I;m binge watching all your videos
That 39 being last year and only year of many features sounds a lot like my dad's first harley. It was 1965 fluid electraglide, first year of the electric start, last year of the panhead engine, and many parts were one year only. He had it rebuilt and bored out, ported and polished heads, bigger Valles, and higher compession but that bike would fire up with 1 kick everything even at 20 below. Which, yes, he did and still does ride at -20 f and colder. Unfortunately he sold that electraglode because if anything broke other than the engine the parts were near impossible to find oem for, and at that time there was no aftermarket parts for the 65, only the 64 and older and the 66 and newer
I've waited long enough to see this run ... nice work
Hands down the most beautiful motorcycle ever !!!
Very nice . Thank you for sharing . I hope to get to your museum someday .
Another beautiful find by Wheels Through Time second to none 👍
That is the sweetest sounding bike,,that exhaust just sounds soooo good
I had a '42 fl knucklehead that I bought in 1985 as a basketcase and was all there. Restored it and rode it a little bit here and there then traded it for a shovel flh and cash. Regret it now but got a great deal then.
If anyone could build it I knew you could Matt. I know Dale's looking at you right now smiling.
I love how you said hopefully it will run I never doubted you for a second
Digging the rusteration. Looks better than new paint and chrome
Awesome. 1939 was the year my mom was born. What a great year. 🤠
I just loved watching the Rustoration videos. The 39 looks perfect as she is. Who is going to take over after you? As you did when your Father passed?