Ep 12. Tall Order

In season 2 episode 12 of American Restoration, titled "Tall Order," viewers are taken on a journey as Rick and his team attempt to restore an old barber chair to its former glory. The chair, which was manufactured in the early 1900s, was in rough shape when it arrived at the shop. It was missing several parts, the upholstery was torn, and the original paint was chipping away.

Rick and the team got to work immediately, carefully disassembling the chair and assessing its condition. They discovered that several of the missing parts could be sourced from other antique barber chairs, but some would need to be custom-made. The team set to work restoring the metal frame and creating new pieces to replace the missing parts.

Meanwhile, Rick tasked his upholsterer, Tyler, with creating a new seat and backrest for the chair. Tyler carefully selected a high-quality vinyl that closely matched the original color of the chair and got to work cutting and sewing the material to fit the chair's unique shape.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to fascinating insights into the history of barber chairs and the art of restoration. From the hydraulic pumps that allow barbers to adjust the height of the chair, to the elaborate footrests that allow customers to relax during their shaves, Rick and his team show a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship that went into creating these functional pieces of art.

As with every restoration project, there were several challenges along the way. The team struggled to find a part needed to make the chair swivel, and had to get creative in order to make it work. There were also some unexpected setbacks in the upholstery process, but Tyler was able to troubleshoot and make adjustments to ensure that the finished product was as close to the original as possible.

In the end, the finished chair was a thing of beauty. The original paint had been carefully restored, the missing parts had all been replaced or repaired, and the upholstery was seamless and comfortable. Rick and his team were proud of the work they had done, and the owner of the chair was thrilled to have such a stunning piece of history in his shop.

Overall, "Tall Order" is a fascinating episode of American Restoration that showcases the skill and expertise of Rick and his team. With its focus on the restoration of a unique and historic piece of furniture, the episode offers a glimpse into the artistry and dedication that goes into the restoration process and is sure to delight fans of the show.