The 1936 VEL

Ever since I was a kid, I've been into just about anything old motorcycles. I started with a transmission, traded that into a pile of parts, and quickly built that into my first vintage motorcycle -- a hot-rod Harley-Davidson 45" three-wheel chopper.

Throughout my career, I have been very fortunate to have the encouragement and support of my father, Bernie, in fulfilling my dreams. This is something that, unfortunately, doesn't happen as much as it should. Since I was young, my father gave me the freedom to pursue my own goals. He put his trust in me that I knew the life I wanted and gave me the confidence and self-belief I needed to reach my goals. Through good times and bad, he was always there with positive reassurance, and kindly helped me find my way if I had gotten lost. There cannot be enough said for people like this, and I hope that I can be the same person for my son, Matt, as my father has been for me. Everyone should be fortunate enough to have someone like this in their life.

Mock-Up StageA few years back, I decided to do something for my dad to show him my respect and admiration. The project at hand -- a one-off custom H-D to be built in his honor. It all started about two years ago, when I found a pile of rare custom-modified parts at the Davenport Swapmeet. After getting back to the museum and quickly "mocking up" the bike, I knew it would take quite a bit of inspiration to get this one finished. And who better to dedicate it to than the man that inspired me.

Consisting of an early 1930s Harley-Davidson VL frame and the infamous 1936 Knucklehead engine, this machine would be a far cry from your average knucklehead or flathead. Countless friends chipped in on the project, from fabricating tanks and fenders to the finish-up pinstriping. Heck...we had two Brians, two Johns, a Myron, a Matt, a Jason, and a Dale...just in making the tanks!!!

The '36 VEL TanksOver the next year and a half, the bike would progress slowly, as I waited for that final burst of inspiration to get the project finished. When it came, the at one time near stagnant project came together as if it had been waiting to be fired up for the first time. Matt, Moe, and I completed the final steps of assembly, and my friend Mark Peters' steady hand made the machine glow with his pinstriping.

As we rolled the machine off the lift and out the garage door, we all knew that the moment had arrived. It was time to crank it up. A couple kicks to prime, and one to go. It started on the first kick. And man does it roar.

We documented the build of this machine on the Wheels Through Time video website and also have released a full length DVD on the VEL and its story. Over 15 shows were produced on everything from finding the parts to fabricating sheet-metal to its first run down the road. Its one of my favorite series that we've produced and it'd make a great gift idea for your friends and family. So be sure to order one from our Online Gift Shop today. I know you won't be dissappointed.

Without the help and support from my family and friends, this machine would not have turned out like it did, if at all. I'm grateful to have so many people in my life that have stood behind me in what I do and have helped me become the person I am today. I never could have done it by myself!

Until Next Time.........

--Dale

Comments
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~Annie~     |2009-03-04 17:12:49
This is a wonderful tribute to your Dad and the "art" of motorcycle
restoration. Love is evident in all you do, Dale, and our childhood is where it
can all begin. Good luck with your new plans for the museum.
Steve Trainum   |2009-03-10 18:51:01
Dale, Like you, I'm crazy over Knucks. I LOVE THIS ONE!!! Hope you saw my letter
in the new IronWorks. What are you going to do about the museum? So many
different stories, nothing really said. Would like to hear from you. Also, the
rear on the Knuckle trike...Studebaker maybe??? Like a Gouldcar??
Dale   |2009-03-11 11:05:21
Hi Steve,

Thanks for the kind words. It sure was a lot of fun to build.
Haven't seen the new IronWorks yet, but I'll be picking up a copy soon.


We're working on a lot of things behind the scenes at the museum, and
ramping up our virtual experience all the time. We've got about 280 shows on
our video site, and are adding more all the time. Producing DVD's, like our
full-length build on the VEL, have also been keeping us busy. Be sure to pick
up a copy from our online gift shop if you get a chance.

Also, great idea on
the 3-wheel rear end. I'll have to do a little research
STEVE TRAINUM   |2009-03-29 14:07:48
THE GOULDCAR ARTICLE IN IRONWORKS STATED THAT GOULDING USED THE STUDE REAR.
THAT'S MY LINE OF THOUGHT.
Luther & Miriam Moore     |2009-03-12 16:31:55
We have visited your museum and found it very fascinating and enjoyable! Just
to know that all the machines in there are in running order makes it even more
fantastic.
I see on your website that you will be appearing on the History
Channel in the near future. Is there anyway that you can tell us when that will
air? We live in the Northeast near Phila but if we could find out when that is
airing we would be very happy to be able to catch that.
Thank you for your
time. Mrs. Moore
Matt Walksler  - History Channel     |2009-03-15 12:48:31
Hi Luther and Miriam,

Thanks for staying in touch. I'm glad that you
enjoyed your visit to the museum.
We have not been notified yet on the airing
of the History Channel show. When we find out, we'll be sure to post it on our
blog.

Thanks,

Matt
henry kipling  - Thanks   |2009-05-22 20:05:19
Hi Dale and Matt
Just to say a BIG thank you for opening up your collection for
me and my family, my wife Jean , my son Tony, and his wife Jennie ,We where on
holiday in NC to visit my son and his wife . this was one of the high lights of
our trip from England.the welcome you gave us was fantastic ,and it was nice to
be left to ourselves to look at anything we wanted see , thanks for starting up
some of these rare machines. we had a great time If I can help you out with
anything in England ,, please let me know Thanks again Harry (henry) Bye
harry kipling ( england)  - Old magazines     |2009-05-28 11:33:16
Hi Dale, Ive just found a couple of mags 1 1985 1 1989 , with articles on The
Flying Merkel ,one or two nice pictures of 1902 Indian,and others, I thought
you might like them. watch out for them , its not junk mail .. Thank for the
nice day at Wheels Though Time .. Harry
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