Ep 5. Scrappy Go Lucky

In season 15 episode 5 of American Pickers titled Scrappy Go Lucky, Mike and Frank are back on the road, ready to go picking for treasures in unlikely places. The show follows their journey through different towns and states as they scour through people's backyards, barns, and attics in search of hidden treasures and antiques that they can buy and sell in their antique store.

The episode starts with Mike and Frank heading to a remote area in Illinois to meet a collector named Slim. Slim has been rumored to have an extensive collection of vintage cars and motorcycles that he has been collecting for decades. Upon arriving at Slim's property, they find a sprawling junkyard filled with rusted cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Mike and Frank dive into the collection, hoping to find something worth buying.

Their search leads them to a battered 1954 Chevy 3100 truck that is covered in rust and has been sitting in the yard for over 20 years. However, the truck has a high sentimental value to Slim, and he is reluctant to part with it. Mike and Frank try to convince him to sell the truck, but Slim remains firm, stating that the truck holds too much sentimental value to let go.

Undeterred, the duo moves on to other parts of Slim's collection, where they come across an old 1953 Moto Guzzi motorcycle that has been sitting in the yard for several years. The bike is in crude condition, but Mike and Frank know that with some work, it could be worth a lot of money at their antique shop. Slim initially refuses to sell it, but after some negotiation, they reach an agreement, and Mike and Frank leave with the motorcycle.

As they continue their journey, Mike and Frank meet a man named Dave, who has an interesting collection of scrap metal. While most of the items are strewn around the yard, Mike and Frank see the value in certain pieces of scrap metal, including old brass fixtures, antique tools, and an old gas pump.

Dave is thrilled that someone is interested in his collection and is more than willing to sell everything. Mike and Frank see an opportunity to recycle the scrap metal, ensuring that it will not end up in a landfill, and make some money for their business at the same time.

In another part of Illinois, Mike and Frank come across a retired architect named Ron, who has filled his property with vintage items, including old gas pumps, a red phone booth, and antique bicycles. Ron is a collector through and through, and he enjoys telling stories about each of his prized possessions. He even has a vending machine that dispenses drinks for those who visit his property.

Mike and Frank are impressed by Ron's eclectic collection and spend several hours combing through his items, looking for unique and valuable pieces that they can buy. They eventually come across an old Hales toys fire truck that grabs their attention. The truck is in decent condition, and they believe that they can easily restore it back to its former glory. Ron is happy to make a deal, and Mike and Frank leave with the fire truck.

As the episode nears its end, Mike and Frank stop at a gas station where they meet an old friend named Hobo Jack. He is a well-known figure in the area and has been living in his RV for several years. Hobo Jack has a small collection of items that he has gathered on his travels, including old signs and some vintage fishing equipment.

Mike and Frank are happy to see Hobo Jack again and try to convince him to sell some of his items. Hobo Jack is initially hesitant, but he eventually agrees to part with some of his stuff, including a rare fishing reel that has been in his family for generations.

The episode ends with Mike and Frank leaving the gas station with their latest purchases, eager to get back on the road and continue their picking journey. As always, they make sure to take the time to appreciate the history and stories behind each item they find, making the hunt more than just a business venture but a journey of discovery.