Ep 11. California Dreamin'

In season 3, episode 11 of American Pickers titled "California Dreamin'," Mike and Frank are on the hunt for rare and unique finds in sunny California. The episode starts off with the two picking at a flea market, where they discover a vintage phone booth and a set of rare neon signs from the 1950s. They negotiate with the sellers and manage to snag some great deals.

They then visit a collector named Jim, who has an impressive collection of motorcycles and cars. Mike and Frank are particularly interested in his 1969 Lamborghini Miura, but Jim is not willing to part with it. However, they are able to purchase a vintage Indian motorcycle from him for a decent price.

Next, the duo heads to a picker's paradise in the Bay Area, where they come across an eccentric collector named Ed. Ed has a massive collection of items, including vintage mechanical toys, oil cans, and antique bicycles. Mike and Frank are impressed by the sheer volume of items in Ed's collection, but they struggle to negotiate a fair deal. Despite not being able to purchase everything they want, they do come away with some great finds, including a bicycle from the early 1900s.

The episode also features a visit to a seller named Rusty, who has a large collection of vintage gas pumps and signage. Mike and Frank are able to purchase a rare 1930s Sinclair double-sided porcelain sign, which they later sell for a sizable profit.

Another highlight of the episode is a visit to a picker named Craig, who has a massive collection of classic cars from the 1920s to the 1950s. Mike and Frank are in awe of the beautiful cars and are able to negotiate a great deal on a 1933 Ford Roadster, which they later sell to a buyer in Europe.

Throughout the episode, Mike and Frank showcase their expert negotiation skills, charming personalities, and deep knowledge of antiques and collectibles. They also provide interesting commentary and historical context for many of the items they come across.

Overall, "California Dreamin'" is a fun and exciting episode of American Pickers that showcases the thrill of the hunt and the excitement of discovering rare and unique items. Whether you're a fan of vintage cars, antique toys, or mid-century signage, this episode has something for everyone.