Ep 17. Big Pickin'

In season 3, episode 17 of American Pickers: Best of, titled "Big Pickin'," antique pickers Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz are on a mission to find hidden treasures across America. The episode features some of their biggest and most valuable picks from previous seasons, including rare vintage signs, classic motorcycles, unusual art pieces, and bizarre collectibles.

The episode begins with the pair heading to Michigan to visit a collector who has been hoarding a massive amount of items for nearly 50 years. They find themselves in a 5,000 square foot warehouse filled with tons of old relics, including vintage vending machines, jukeboxes, arcade games, and rare slot machines. Mike and Frank have to sift through the piles of items in hopes of finding rare gems they can sell for a profit.

Next, the duo journeys to Iowa to visit a collector with a stash of classic motorcycles. They come across a 1918 motorcycle that belonged to an ambulance driver in World War I and a 1974 Kawasaki Z1 900, which is considered one of the most iconic bikes of all time. Mike and Frank are able to strike a deal with the collector and pick up some valuable pieces for their own collections.

The third stop on their journey is a massive junkyard in Kansas, which is filled with rusty old cars and trucks. However, Mike and Frank are on the lookout for any automotive treasures that they can repurpose or sell for a profit. They come across an old Buick coupe that has been sitting in the yard for decades. The owner admits that he has never had an offer for the car, but after some negotiations, Mike and Frank are able to strike a deal and take the car off his hands.

The final stop for Mike and Frank is a collector's warehouse in Utah that houses some of the most unusual art pieces the duo has ever seen. They find paintings made from crushed beer cans, sculptures created from recycled materials, and intricate wall hangings crafted from vintage textiles. The collector is not willing to part with any of his pieces, but Mike and Frank are able to leave with some new knowledge and appreciation for the unique art.

Throughout the episode, Mike and Frank showcase their expertise in picking valuable items, their negotiating skills, and their respect for collectors and the history behind the items they come across. The duo's passion for Americana shines through in each pick they make, as they are always on the hunt for the next hidden treasure.

"Big Pickin'" is a must-see episode for any fan of American Pickers, as it highlights some of the best picks from the series, and showcases the dedication and passion Mike and Frank bring to the world of antiquing.