Ep 5. Cooler Kings

In American Restoration season 1 episode 5, titled "Cooler Kings," the crew at Rick's Restorations tackles the restoration of two vintage coolers.

The first cooler is a rare Coca-Cola chest cooler from the 1950s. The piece was in disrepair, with rusted metal and deteriorating insulation. Expert restorer Rick Dale and his team worked tirelessly to strip the cooler down to its base and rebuild it from the ground up. They carefully sourced replacement parts to ensure the authenticity of the restoration and worked to recreate the iconic Coca-Cola branding. The team also updated the cooler's insulation to ensure it was functional for modern use.

The second cooler was a mid-century Miller High Life beer cooler that had seen its fair share of wear and tear. Restorer Brettly Otterman took on the project, working to strip the paint and rust from the metal exterior. The team polished the cooler to restore its shine and installed new insulation to bring it back to life. Otterman also custom-built a wooden stand for the cooler that added to its vintage appeal.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to behind-the-scenes glimpses of the restoration process, from sandblasting to welding and painting. The team at Rick's Restorations works together to bring these vintage coolers back to their former glory, paying attention to even the smallest details to ensure accuracy and authenticity.

In addition to the two cooler restorations, "Cooler Kings" also features some lighthearted moments as the crew takes on a few side projects. Rick Dale and his son Tyler work on customizing a golf cart to add to their collection, while Brettly and his grandfather work on restoring an antique scale. These moments add some levity to the episode while still showcasing the team's skills and attention to detail.

Overall, "Cooler Kings" is an engaging episode that showcases the artistry and craftsmanship of the team at Rick's Restorations. Whether you're a vintage enthusiast or simply a lover of great television, this episode is sure to delight with its mix of history, restoration, and humor.