Ep 7. California Kustom

California Kustom is the 7th episode of season 8 of the hit television show American Pickers. Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz are back in action as they travel across the United States to discover some of the most unique and valuable antiques hidden in backyards, barns, and basements. In this episode, the two pickers venture to California, home of one of the largest hot-rod communities in the world.

The episode starts off with Mike and Frank cruising down the streets of California, taking in the sights and sounds of the vibrant car culture that exists there. They stop by a local auto-body shop where they meet Mike Lofurno, the owner of California Kustoms. Mike Lofurno is a legendary car builder who has been building custom hot rods and motorcycles for over 30 years. He has won numerous awards for his creations and is considered one of the best custom builders in the world.

Mike and Frank are thrilled to meet Mike Lofurno and are excited to see some of his creations first-hand. As they walk through the shop, Mike Lofurno shows them some of his most famous builds, including a custom bike that was built for a famous rock star. He also shows them a one-of-a-kind car that he built using parts from a 1950s Studebaker, a 1960s Lincoln Continental, and a 1960s Cadillac. The car is truly a work of art, with its sleek lines and custom paint job.

After spending some time at California Kustoms, Mike and Frank hit the road to continue their picking journey. They come across a seller with a huge collection of vintage toys and collectibles. The seller has everything from antique dolls to vintage camera equipment to rare vinyl records. Mike and Frank are like kids in a candy store as they sift through the vast collection of items. They find some hidden gems, including a vintage toy truck that dates back to the early 1900s.

Next, the picking duo meets up with a seller who has an incredible collection of surfboards. The seller is a former professional surfer who has been collecting vintage surfboards for over 50 years. He has boards from all over the world, including some that were used in famous surf competitions. Mike and Frank are impressed by the seller's knowledge of surfboard history and are excited to pick through his collection.

The episode ends with Mike and Frank coming across a 1920s gas pump that was originally used at a small gas station in California. The pump is in rough shape, but the pickers see its potential and decide to take a risk and buy it. They load it up on their truck and head off to their next destination.

Overall, California Kustom is a great addition to the American Pickers series. The episode showcases some of the best that California has to offer, from its vibrant car culture to its incredible surf history. It's also great to see Mike and Frank back in action, doing what they do best – finding hidden treasures and showcasing them to the world. Fans of the show won't be disappointed with this latest episode.