Ep 11. Pump & Gun

In American Restoration season 2, episode 11, titled Pump & Gun, the crew at Rick's Restorations takes on two very different projects. First up is a gas pump owned by the client's father, who was a collector of antique gas pumps. The team must work to restore the pump to its former glory, complete with a fresh coat of paint, new light fixtures, and accurate signage.

As they work on the pump, the team also takes on a more unusual project: a World War II-era German anti-tank gun. The owner has inherited the gun from his grandfather, who was a soldier in the war, and he wants to have it restored as a tribute to him. The gun is in rough shape, with rust and damage to the exterior, and the team must carefully disassemble it to repair and clean each individual piece before putting it back together.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a close-up look at the restoration process, as the team uses a variety of tools and techniques to bring these two items back to life. They must carefully sand and grind away rust and corrosion, fill in any dents or scratches, and repaint each piece in the appropriate colors. For the gas pump, the team also creates custom decals to accurately replicate the original signage.

As always, there are challenges along the way. The gas pump proves to be more difficult than expected to disassemble, and the team must carefully navigate around delicate parts to avoid causing further damage. Meanwhile, the gun proves to be a complex puzzle, with many intricate parts that must be cleaned and reassembled in the correct order.

Despite these obstacles, Rick and his team stay focused on their goal, putting in long hours and using their expertise to ensure that both the gas pump and the gun are restored to the highest possible standard. Along the way, they also share stories about the history of each item and the people who have owned them, giving viewers a glimpse into the personal connections that make these restorations so meaningful.

In the end, both projects are completed successfully, much to the delight of their respective owners. The gas pump looks like it just rolled off the assembly line, with a shiny new finish and accurate period details. The gun, meanwhile, is a testament to the skill and dedication of the team, with each piece meticulously restored to its original condition.

Overall, Pump & Gun is a fascinating look at the world of antique restoration, as well as a tribute to the men and women who worked with these items in the past. With its mix of history, artistry, and engineering, it's a show that will appeal to anyone who appreciates the value of the past and the beauty of a job well done.