Ep 15. Hot & Cold

In American Restoration season 1 episode 15, titled "Hot & Cold," viewers are taken on a journey through the restoration of two very different items - a 1950s motorcycle and a vintage soda vending machine. The episode begins with Rick Dale, the owner of Rick's Restorations, receiving a call from a client who wants him to restore a unique 1952 motorcycle. The client has already done some work on the bike himself, but is looking for Rick's expertise to take it to the next level.

Rick begins by inspecting the bike and taking note of what needs to be done. He plans to give it a full restoration, including new paint, chrome, and even a new engine. The challenge, however, is finding the parts he needs for such an old motorcycle. He scours the internet and reaches out to his network of contacts to try to locate the necessary items.

Meanwhile, Rick's team is working on restoring a vintage 1950s soda vending machine. The machine had been sitting in a barn for years and was in rough condition, with rust and damage to the exterior. The team disassembles the machine and starts the restoration process by sandblasting all of the rust off of the metal components.

As the restoration of both the bike and the vending machine progresses, viewers get to see the intricate and time-consuming work that goes into each project. For the motorcycle, Rick strips the old paint off of the gas tank and meticulously applies new paint, taking care to match the original colors and patterns. He also spends hours polishing each piece of chrome to a high shine.

For the vending machine, the team must carefully reassemble all of the restored components, making sure that each part fits properly and operates smoothly. They also install a new refrigeration unit to ensure that the machine can actually dispense cold drinks.

Throughout the episode, there are moments of tension and frustration, as with any restoration project. Rick and his team run into problems with both projects, such as parts that are difficult or impossible to find or unexpected challenges that arise during the restoration process. However, they remain determined to see each project through to the end, fueled by their passion for restoring historic pieces of Americana.

In the end, viewers get to see the finished products of both restorations - a beautifully restored motorcycle that sparkles in the sunlight, and a fully functional soda vending machine that looks and operates just like it did in the 1950s. The "Hot & Cold" episode showcases the amount of skill and dedication it takes to bring these old pieces back to life, and serves as a tribute to the history and craftsmanship of mid-century America.