Ep 7. Hot Rod Hero

In American Pickers season 17 episode 7, titled "Hot Rod Hero," the hosts Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz venture out to Texas in search of unique and valuable items to add to their collection. The episode starts with the duo exploring a backyard filled with vintage cars, and they soon lay their eyes on a 1932 Ford Roadster and a 1936 Ford Humpback. The cars belong to a collector who is not willing to let them go, but the hosts don't give up easily.

The hosts move on to visit a collector and restorer of vintage gas pumps and signs. They are greeted by an impressive collection, including a rare 1930s Gilbert and Barker gas pump and a 1950s Mopar clock. The collector tells the hosts stories of the objects he has collected over the years and the painstaking process of restoration. The hosts are impressed, but they have their eyes set on a rare 1936 Polly Gas sign that is in need of some love.

Next, the hosts visit a motorcycle collector who has an extensive collection of antique and rare motorbikes. Mike and Frank are particularly impressed by a 1920 Indian Powerplus and a 1930 Harley-Davidson VL that still runs. The collector takes the hosts through the history of the motorcycles and shares stories of the past owners. The hosts try to make a deal on a 1940s Schwinn Whizzer motorbike, but the collector is not willing to part with it.

The last stop for the hosts is a hot rod builder's workshop. They meet a builder who specializes in creating custom hot rods from old cars and trucks. The host's eyes are drawn to a 1951 Ford F1 truck that has been transformed into a hot rod. The builder tells the hosts about the process of rebuilding and adding new parts to the truck. The hosts try to negotiate a price, but the builder is sentimental about the truck and cannot let it go.

Throughout the episode, the hosts showcase their expertise in identifying unique and valuable items. They engage with collectors and enthusiasts and learn about the history and stories behind each piece. They try to convince owners to part with their collectibles, but they respect their decisions if they are not willing to sell. "Hot Rod Hero" is an exciting and educational episode that showcases the hosts' passion for vintage objects and the stories behind them.