Ep 5. Junkyard Gold

In American Pickers: Best Of season 2 episode 5, titled "Junkyard Gold", Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz are on a mission to find hidden treasures in one of America's most famous junkyards. The episode takes the audience on a journey through the sprawling, 25-acre junkyard in Pennsylvania, filled with rusting cars, vintage motorcycles, and seemingly endless piles of scrap metal.

The episode begins with Mike and Frank arriving at the junkyard, eagerly anticipating the hidden gems they might uncover. As they start to explore the vast property, they stumble upon an old gas station from the 1920s, complete with antique gas pumps. The rusty old pumps are still intact and could fetch a high price on the collector's market. However, the owners of the junkyard are reluctant to part with them, as they have sentimental value.

Undeterred, Mike and Frank continue their search and soon come across a collection of vintage motorcycles, including one from the famous Harley-Davidson brand. The bike is in rough shape, but Mike and Frank see its potential and decide to make an offer. The owner is willing to sell, but only at a steep price. After some negotiation, they finally strike a deal, and the bike becomes one of their best finds of the day.

As they continue to explore the junkyard, Mike and Frank come across various other treasures, including old signs, gas pumps, and even a rare, vintage soda machine. They also discover a collection of old license plates, some dating back to the early 1900s. The plates are incredibly valuable to collectors, and Mike and Frank quickly snap them up.

But just when it seems like the pickers have exhausted the junkyard's treasures, they stumble upon an old, rusting car. At first glance, it seems like just another old jalopy, but upon closer inspection, they realize they have found a 1929 Chrysler. The car is rare and valuable, and the junkyard's owners are surprised to learn of its worth. After some haggling, Mike and Frank strike a deal and buy the car for a fair price.

Throughout the episode, Mike and Frank share stories about the history of the various items they discover, discussing the significance of each piece and the role it played in American history. They also share insights into the world of antique collecting, explaining how to spot a valuable piece and what to look for when visiting a junkyard.

Overall, "Junkyard Gold" is a fascinating episode that takes viewers on a thrilling journey through one of America's most infamous junkyards. With its mix of vintage cars, rare motorcycles, and antique signs and toys, there's no shortage of excitement as Mike and Frank uncover hidden treasures and share their passion for collecting and preserving pieces of American history.