Ep 24. Van-Tastic

Counting Cars is a popular American television series that premiered on August 13, 2012, and is aired on the History Channel. The show revolves around the lives of the employees of Las Vegas-based Count's Kustoms, a shop that specializes in customizing automobiles. The third season of the show has 26 episodes, and the 24th episode is titled "Van-Tastic."

In the episode Van-Tastic, the crew at Count's Kustoms takes on a unique project - a 1970s-style custom van. The van belongs to a customer who wants to relive his childhood memories and take his family on a road trip in a retro-style vehicle. The van is in a dilapidated condition and needs a complete overhaul to be roadworthy.

The team at Count's Kustoms, led by the shop owner Danny "The Count" Koker, takes up the challenge to transform the van into a masterpiece. The process begins with disassembling the van and assessing its damages. The van's body is found to be in poor condition, with rusted panels and damaged corners. The team decides to replace the entire body with a new one, which they fabricate from scratch.

The body is fabricated to exact 1970s specifications, complete with porthole windows and bubble top. The team also installs a custom paint job, using a vibrant orange color scheme with black and silver accents. The van is given a glossy finish, which enhances its retro appeal. The team also adds several custom accessories to the interior, such as a custom sound system and a retro-style seating arrangement. The van is also fitted with air conditioning and other modern amenities, making it a perfect blend of old-school charm and modern functionality.

However, the task is not without its challenges. The team faces several setbacks during the build, such as delays in getting custom-made parts and issues with the electrical system. However, the team perseveres and works hard to complete the van in time for its owner's big trip.

Throughout the episode, viewers get an inside look into the shop's operations, where they witness the intricate and time-consuming process of customizing cars. The show also highlights the skill and expertise of the team members, who are not just mechanics but also artists, designers, and innovators.

As the work on the van progresses, the excitement builds, and the team members are seen discussing their favorite road trips and memories. They also express their sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in their work, knowing that they are creating something unique and special for their customer.

The episode concludes with the finished van being revealed to its owner, who is overjoyed with the results. He is seen taking the van out for a spin with his family, reliving his childhood memories and creating new ones. The episode captures the emotional value that automobiles hold for their owners, who often have a deep personal connection to them.

In summary, Counting Cars season 3 episode 24, "Van-Tastic," is an exciting and engaging episode that showcases the skills and expertise of the team at Count's Kustoms. The show provides a behind-the-scenes look at the intricate process of customizing automobiles and highlights the emotional value that these machines hold for their owners. With its perfect blend of old-school charm and modern functionality, the custom van is a testament to the team's skill and creativity. The episode is a must-watch for automobile enthusiasts and anyone who loves a good renovation project.