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.
Written by Sophie and last updated on sep 02, 2021.
PS: The following content contains spoilers!
PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!
When a 1920's chainsaw arrives, the crew powers up for a razor-sharp restoration. And another customer brings in a unique slot machine–one that dispenses golf balls instead of coins. Both items present Rick and his team with what look like insurmountable problems.
The episode was rated 7.54 from 37 votes.
Rick shoots to beat the clock with a 40's high-school electric scoreboard. Can this restoration score, or will Rick run out of time? Also, an atomic age Uranium Detector arrives for a scientific spruce-up. Will the finished product be rad enough to detect this rare element?
The episode was rated 7.56 from 55 votes.
Rick puts the pedal to the metal when a toy 1950's Ferrari "Bimbo" Racecar cruises into the shop. And later, Ron, Tyler and Brettly go on a big pick finding not only a rare safe, nickelodeon, and cigar dispensing slot machine, but also live tigers.
The episode was rated 7.57 from 44 votes.
When Rick's favorite customer Big Mike comes in with a 1964 Ducati motorcycle in a basket, the search is on for rare parts. Can the shop complete this Italian job or will the pressure cause them to crash? Later, Tim from the Pinball Hall of Fame needs Rick's help on a 1960s Gatling gun arcade game. Can the crew hit the mark or will the restoration go up in smoke?
The episode was rated 7.58 from 43 votes.
When a 1920's "wig wag" train signal arrives, Rick and his crew move full steam ahead on the restoration. Will this restoration stay on track or get run off the rails? Later, Kelly plans a car show at the shop, and Rick challenges the crew to find the baddest ride for a mystery prize.
The episode was rated 7.61 from 46 votes.
Rick gets a visit from Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Jason Mraz, bringing in a sign to be restored in honor of his late grandfather. Will this project hit all the right notes or will Rick be singing the blues? Later, the crew converts a classic gas pump into a kick-ass "keg-erator." Can Rick create a macho beer machine or will his ideas get tapped out?
The episode was rated 7.63 from 48 votes.
When a star-shaped 1970s Carl's Jr. sign arrives in need of a fast-food facelift, Rick and his team aim for a restoration that's out of this world. Will the stars align for a tasty tune-up or will Rick be left with a belly ache? And later, Ron returns from a monster picking trip with a huge haul. Can he sell his treasures and earn Rick's approval or will he be left with a pile of junk?
The episode was rated 7.64 from 39 votes.
When a hacked up 1970's Harley-Davidson Golf Cart is dropped into the shop, Rick vows to give it a restoration worthy of its manufacturer, inspiring a bet that will guarantee the loser ridicule. And a vintage 1950's toy horse pedal cart trots in for much needed rejuvenation. Can Rick and his crew meet the challenge?
The episode was rated 7.69 from 54 votes.
The team prepares for a rock star restoration when Billy Joel brings in a prized item. Meanwhile, Rick sets up a picking competition for Ron, Tyler and Brettly. The winner will travel with Rick to New York and reveal the restoration to Billy Joel.
The episode was rated 7.73 from 49 votes.
Rick steps up to the plate to transform a vintage 1950s Coke cooler into a LA Dodgers inspired hot dog cart. But when he finds out he'll be revealing it to baseball greats Tommy Lasorda, Ron Cey, and Paul Lo Duca, Rick swings for the fences to do an all-star restoration. Can Rick hit a home run with this dream-come-true project or will the pressure cause him to strike out?
The episode was rated 7.74 from 34 votes.
When a 1920's floor sander rolls in, Rick and his crew clean up their act. Can the guys make this a smooth restoration or will they be left in the dust? Later, an antique apple vending machine that needs a healthy dose of TLC is shipped to the shop.
The episode was rated 7.74 from 46 votes.
When a 50's Bowling Equipment Vending Machine rolls into Rick's, the guys take aim and hope for a strike. Later, a 1900's Antique Copper Pest Sprayer buzzes to the shop. Can the crew manage both projects?
The episode was rated 7.77 from 44 votes.
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.
The episode was rated 7.78 from 40 votes.
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?
The episode was rated 7.85 from 46 votes.
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.
The episode was rated 7.95 from 37 votes.
