Ep 8. Pumped Up

In this episode of American Restoration, titled "Pumped Up," we are taken on another thrilling journey with Rick Dale and his team at Rick's Restorations in Las Vegas. With their passion for restoring vintage treasures to their former glory, they are about to tackle a truly unique and challenging project.

The episode kicks off as a local couple, Paul and Valerie, arrive at the shop with an item that has been gathering dust in their garage for many years. They unveil a stunning vintage gas pump, which immediately captures Rick's attention. The pump holds sentimental value for the couple, as it once belonged to Valerie's father, who owned a gas station back in the day. However, the pump is in an extremely dilapidated state, riddled with rust, missing parts, and layers of old paint.

Rick and his crew realize that restoring this gas pump will be a massive undertaking, but they are completely up for the challenge. The first step in the restoration process is to carefully disassemble the pump while documenting each part to ensure they can replicate and rebuild it accurately. They undertake this meticulous task, making note of the various components and mechanisms in order to restore it to its original functionality.

Once disassembled, the team dives into the crucial step of rust removal. They employ various techniques, including sandblasting, to strip away the layers of rust and reveal the pump's original metal surface. As they meticulously work on each individual piece, the true beauty of the pump begins to emerge from beneath the decay.

As they continue the restoration process, the team faces unexpected hurdles. They discover that some of the original parts are missing or irreparably damaged, requiring precise fabrication and skilled metalwork to replace them. Rick turns to his trusted team members, including his mechanical genius Tyler, to create custom parts and ensure the pump is restored to perfection.

Meanwhile, Rick's right-hand woman, Kowgirl, takes on the task of researching the pump's history and original design. Her expertise in vintage collectibles proves invaluable as she uncovers fascinating details about the pump's manufacturer and its importance in the gas station industry of the era. These historical insights not only deepen the team's connection to the project but also inspire them to go the extra mile in restoring it authentically.

Simultaneously, Rick recognizes the importance of restoring the gas pump's aesthetic appeal. He skillfully applies his painting techniques, carefully matching the colors and patterns to the original design. By the time he painstakingly finishes painting the pump, it looks as if it just rolled off the assembly line decades ago.

Finally, after countless hours of meticulous work, the team starts the reassembly process. With all the fabricated and restored parts in place, they methodically put everything together and pay close attention to every detail. They ensure that all the mechanisms are functioning flawlessly, giving the gas pump a new lease on life.

The grand reveal is nothing short of breathtaking. Paul and Valerie are overwhelmed with emotions as they see the fully restored gas pump, which now stands as a beautiful tribute to Valerie's father and his gas station legacy. The couple is deeply grateful to Rick and his team for their outstanding craftsmanship and their ability to bring back treasured memories through this stunning restoration.

"Pumped Up" is a heartwarming episode that showcases not only Rick Dale's expertise in restoration but also the team's dedication to preserving history and capturing the essence of vintage items. It reminds viewers of the extraordinary stories and sentimental value that lie behind ordinary objects, and the immense satisfaction that comes from restoring them to their former glory.