Ep 2. Hopalong Rick

In American Restoration season 1 episode 2, titled "Hopalong Rick," the focus shifts from automotive restoration to a unique project involving a saddle and a statue of Hopalong Cassidy.

The episode begins with Rick assessing a saddle that has been in the family of a loyal customer for generations. The saddle, dating back to the early 1900s, belonged to the customer's grandfather, who was a cowboy and rodeo competitor. The customer's father used the saddle as well, but it has been sitting in storage for years. Now, the customer wants Rick to restore the saddle to its former glory so he can display it in his home.

Rick is excited about taking on the challenge of restoring the saddle, which shows signs of wear and tear from years of use and neglect. He plans to clean and condition the leather, repair any tears or holes, and replace parts that are missing or damaged.

In the meantime, Tyler comes across a unique statue of Hopalong Cassidy, the fictional cowboy hero from the early 20th century. The statue was originally used as a prop for a movie theater and has been sitting in a storage unit for years. Tyler sees the potential in the statue and convinces Rick to take it on as a project.

Rick sees the opportunity to combine the saddle restoration with the statue of Hopalong Cassidy, creating a unique display for the customer's home. He plans to incorporate the statue into a custom display case that will also showcase the restored saddle.

The next step is to disassemble the statue, which is no easy feat. Rick and his team carefully remove the statue from its pedestal, taking note of the intricate details on the outfit, gun, and holster. They clean and polish the statue, revealing a stunning bronzed finish.

With the statue disassembled, Rick focuses on creating the display case. He enlists the help of an expert woodworker to craft the perfect case, ensuring it is sturdy and fits the dimensions of the statue and saddle.

As the case is being built, Rick and his team work on restoring the saddle. They carefully clean and condition the leather, making repairs as needed. They also search for missing parts, eventually finding a set of stirrups that match the saddle perfectly.

Once the case is complete and the saddle is restored, it's time to put everything together. Rick and his team carefully place the statue inside the case, next to the saddle. The finished product is a stunning display of the artistry and craftsmanship of the American West.

The customer is thrilled with the final product, describing it as a family heirloom that will be passed down for generations. He is impressed with Rick's attention to detail and dedication to restoring the saddle and statue to their former glory.

Overall, "Hopalong Rick" is a unique episode of American Restoration that showcases the versatility of the team and their ability to take on projects outside of their usual automotive restoration work. The episode is a testament to the beauty and artistry of the American West, and the importance of preserving its history for future generations.