Each year, Dale and the gang at Wheels Through Time crank out dozens of rare machines from the WTT restoration shop. This year, they've finished up some of the coolest (and most fun) machines yet, including these two "before and after" twin Harley-Davidson VLs.

The build of these two 74" "total-loss" flatheads was inspired by one of the lesser known members of the WTT team -- Dale's dog Tater the Blue Tick Hound! Painted in black, brown and blue, these two machines were built from Dale's stash of both used and new old stock Harley parts, in nearly identical form.

"I love building pairs of bikes," says Dale. "While they're identical models that use many of the same parts, a deeper glance at the two will reveal lots of the little differences that give each bike a little bit of its own character and personality."

One of those key differences is the paint, which at first, was laid down by John Dills of Dills Paint Works and striped by Mark Peters. Although the two have identical "1935 Harley" paint schemes, Dale and crew spent quite a bit of time applying their famous Crustoration finish to "Tater-Two".   With a little bit of effort, a blow torch, and years of dirt accumulated from around the shop, the WTT crew managed to give it an appearance as if it hiding in a barn for decades.  "It really gives the bike a unique look...one that can only be duplicated by years of neglect and stagnation," says Dale.  "Truly a before and after combo!"

But don't let that dirty old appearance fool you.  Dale has messaged each of these machines into perfect running order, and after months of work, they're currently running better than ever.

In fact, Dale and the team at WTT plans to take the shiny "Tater One" out to the Maxton Mile Land Speed Trials in 2011.  "We've specially prepared this engine for maximum performance.  My friend Brian Haenlien, from ACME Vintage Motorcycles in Brethren, Michigan specially rebuilt this motor, upgrading it to higher-compression, aluminum heads, and Torrington Bearing crankshaft, among many other things."  Motorcycle exhaust guru Gerald Rinehart built up a custom set of pipes, and Dale specially trued up a set of 19" Harley-Davidson wheels that roll with the best of 'em!

"We're pretty excited about seeing what this one will do." says Dale.  "These old VLs weren't meant to do much over 70, but with this one, we're gonna make sure it goes well over 100!"

To See more videos on the Twin Tater Harley-Davidson VLs, click here!

See the "Tater-One" Crustoration video, here!