The Best Episodes of American Restoration
Last Updated: Nov 12, 2018
AMERICAN RESTORATION features Rick Dale and his crew of loose screws at Rick's Restorations in Las Vegas, Nevada, as they take rusty, beat-up items and restore them to their original glory. Whether it's a giant gas pump from the 1940s or a Hopalong Cassidy bicycle from the 1950s, every restoration is a high-stakes business project where worthless rust is transformed into a valuable collectible. However, these restorations aren't easy. Every project presents unique challenges for Rick and his team, who develop inventive processes to finish each job flawlessly and on time. From old gas carts to timeless slot machines, the items Rick restores are part of the fabric that makes up American culture. Things just aren't made like they used to be, but at Rick's Restorations, old becomes new again.
#1 - Blast Off!
Season 3 - Episode 14
Rick and his crew take on two very large and challenging projects: a 1960s rocket slide and a Wayne gas pump conversion. Later, another meticulous toy restoration comes in. With the business' reputation on the line, the crew is pushed to capacity in order fill customers' orders.
8.14
#2 - American Hero
Season 2 - Episode 13
When a client flies in with a helicopter gunner helmet from the Vietnam war, Rick and his crew have to suit up for some restoration recon. Can they get clearance to polish up this American heroes heli-hat, or will they have to call in some air-support? And later, it's bottoms up for the guys when they pop the tab on a classic 1948 Coca-Cola vending machine makeover. Can the guys quickly quench their thirst on this fizzy fix-up, or will this carbonated contraption explode in their faces?
8.10
#3 - Pegasus on a Pedestal
Season 5 - Episode 2
Rick and his crew see a big challenge after a rare 1940s Mobil Pegasus sign rolls into the shop. And when the client asks for it to spin on top of a pole, the hunt is on to make this restoration fly. But the team gets more than they bargained for when they meet Leonard, a self-proclaimed picking-nerd, who hopes to score a job at the shop.
8.09
#4 - Riders of the Storm
Season 5 - Episode 12
When an New Jersey amusement park owner brings a Hurricane Sandy damaged 1920s Haunted House Car to the shop, the pressure is on to restore a piece of history for a recovering community. With the help of Ted and new painter Niko, Rick hopes to help this wreck-on-wheels once again take some spooky spins.
8.07
#5 - Search Part-y
Season 5 - Episode 8
When Rick is tasked to repurpose a retro Cigarette Dispenser into a Bike Tool Vending Machine, the wheels are set in motion for a pedal-to-the-metal project. Then, Tyler steps in for Rick to bid on rare 1950s Pedal Bulldozer project. Can they rise to the challenge and give this pile of parts a pick-me-up?
8.05
#6 - Shocks, Locks and Clocks
Season 5 - Episode 9
Rick feels a jolt of panic when an early 1900s Electro-Shock Alarm Clock arrives in need of hard-to-find parts. Can Leonard the picker, expert in things weird and scientific, save the day on this creepy contraption? Later, the shop's got a problem when trying to convert a vintage 1940s Wayne Gas Pump into a polo player's equipment locker.
8.05
#7 - Pitch Perfect
Season 5 - Episode 7
When a 1960s Electric Mini-Car arrives for a car show quality upgrade, the crew's got the challenge of making this sparky little roadster into a fast and safe ride for the open road. Will this pint-size put-put prove to be a full-size headache? Then, Rick feels the heat when he's asked to throw the first pitch in a LA Dodger's game. Ron tries coaching his big bro, but will Rick's pitch on the mound be a ball or a strike?
8.04
#8 - Suds and Duds
Season 2 - Episode 12
Rick and his crew change gears when a 1967 Honda Scrambler motorcycle swerves into the shop. Can they win the race on this dirt road restoration, or will they run out of gas before the finish line?
8.03
#9 - Nut Job
Season 3 - Episode 37
A client s expectations are sky high when he agrees to a $10,000 restoration of his early 1900 s peanut roaster. Later, Ron and Tyler go digging for gold in a California picker s backyard that is loaded with antique gas pumps and signs. Ron buys a vintage English taxi and sets out to prove to Rick that it was worth the investment.
8.00
#10 - Un-Predicta-ble
Season 4 - Episode 13
When a 1950s Predicta TV arrives for an update, Rick must decide how to combine old-school nostalgia with modern-day technology. Later, an 1890s barber-shop towel steamer makes an appointment for a razor-sharp restoration. Then, when Rick asks Tyler and Brettly to create a TV ad to show off the Predicta remodel, he wonders if they'll make a commercial masterpiece or a small-screen snafu.
8.00
#11 - Rusted and Busted
Season 2 - Episode 10
Rick and his crew drive full speed ahead when a 1960s coin-operated motorcycle roars into the shop. Can they burn restoration rubber with this kiddie contraption, or will this rapid refurbishment suddenly hit the skids? And later, a client brings in a crumbling 1950s bumper car. Will Rick decide to buckle up and steer this challenging overhaul, or will this retro amusement park ride be more trouble than its worth?
8.00
#12 - Ameri-cone Dream
Season 5 - Episode 6
When a 1950s Cushman Ice Cream Cart glides into Rick's, the shop digs in for a sweet retro ride. Can Rick transform this fun frozen treat machine or will he leave the client feeling ice cold? Then Leonard, the new picker, takes his first treasure hunting trip with Ron. Can the prot g impress the boss's brother or will the student leave feeling stumped?
7.97
#13 - Car Before the Horse
Season 5 - Episode 11
When a client cruises in with a 1962 mini-Corvette to be modeled after his full-size version, Rick looks to turn this tiny ride into racing ragtop. Then, a 1950s coin-operated mustang ride hoofs it into the shop. Can Rick restore this broken down pony into a sleek stallion?
7.97
#14 - Clueless
Season 3 - Episode 43
A vintage scooter is shipped to the shop for a complete restoration. Rick is stumped on the make and model, so he calls on Danny "the Count" to take a look at it. Will Danny be able to shed some light on the mystery or will the job turn cold? A dentist stops by with his 1920's x-ray machine and Rick is concerned that the machine could be dangerous to restore.
7.95
#15 - The Pick, The Pawn, & The Polish
Season 2 - Episode 7
When a prominent Vegas Pawn Star hauls in a crumbling 1957 Chevy 150, Rick and his team accelerate at breakneck speed to overhaul this classic clunker. Can they restore this retro rust-bucket, or will this project stall-out before they reach the finish line? And later, a couple of American Pickers show up hoping to sell some of their varied vintage valuables. Will Rick pluck a premium prize from a collection of rusty relics, or will these sizable scraps be nothing but junk?
7.93
#16 - Pumped Up
Season 1 - Episode 8
A 1920s visible gas pump is auctioned; and salvage yard is explored.
7.93
#17 - Restoration Wipe-Out
Season 5 - Episode 4
When a 1970s Wet Bike, an early version of a jet-ski, cruises into the shop, the client raises the stakes by offering Rick and Ron a tidy sum if they can ride the restored rig. Can the brothers make it rain or will they wipe out? Also, returning customer Darius brings in an item unlike anything the shop has ever seen: A World War II era bomb.
7.93
#18 - Secret Fan
Season 2 - Episode 5
A 1960s go-kart; and a 1950s fan.
7.92
#19 - Special Delivery
Season 2 - Episode 9
Rick shifts into high gear when a 1967 Harley motors in for a surprise overhaul. Can he comfortably cruise on this road hog refurbishment, or will this retro joy ride skid out of control? And later, a 1940s U.S. mailbox arrives at the shop. Can the crew swiftly sort through a postal patch up, or will this bulky box be a correspondence catastrophe?
7.90
#20 - Smoking Hot
Season 2 - Episode 20
Rick turns up the heat when an 1881 potbelly stove whips into the shop. Can he cook this project to perfection, or will this old oven come out burnt to a crisp? And later, the guys are unexpectedly challenged to restore a 1940s children's Irish Mail cart by hand. Can they successfully conquer this manual mission, or will this rug rat ride put them in the corner?
7.89
#21 - Sofa King Cool
Season 4 - Episode 12
When Pawn Stars' Rick Harrison arrives at the shop looking for his son Corey's birthday present, Rick Dale suggests a new couch made from and old car. But the hunt for the coolest classic proves more difficult than he thought. Can Rick Dale make a sofa suitable for Corey's man cave or will the project be a wreck on wheels?
7.88
#22 - Cooler Kings
Season 1 - Episode 5
A 1950s Coke cooler is converted into a "Hot Dog Cooler Grill." Also: an antique barber's pole.
7.88
#23 - Pump & Gun
Season 3 - Episode 11
Rick and his crew take a shot in the dark when a 1943 trap machine lands in the shop. Can they get off to a flying start on this target practice project or will they end up missing the mark? And later, Ron and Tyler find a rare rusty pump while on the road. Can they crank out a successful sale or will this fuel find fail?
7.88
#24 - American Respiration
Season 4 - Episode 10
When a 1937 Iron Lung rolls into the shop for a restoration, Rick visits a strange former client in hopes of unlocking the project's mysteries. Then, a prank war breaks out after Ron gives Tyler lip and no one knows who's getting the last laugh. Later, Brettly brings in a big haul after his first solo picking trip.
7.87
#25 - Bed, Bug and Beyond
Season 5 - Episode 10
When a client asks Rick to convert a 1960s Volkswagen Beetle into a child's bed inspired by Herbie the Love Bug, Ron takes Leonard out to search for the perfect punch buggy. Can the crew turn this iconic ride into a piece of fun furniture or will they just bug out? Then, Rick gets more than he bargained for when he lets his straggly-bearded buddy, Caveman, crash in the boneyard.
7.86