Ep 6. Photo Finish

In the fourth season of American Restoration, season 4 episode 6 titled Photo Finish, we see Rick Dale and his team restore various vintage items to their former glory. This particular episode features two separate restoration projects: a 1940s Coca-Cola vending machine and a 1910 penny-farthing bicycle.

The episode begins with a man named Terrence bringing in the Coca-Cola vending machine to Rick's workshop. Terrence had purchased the vending machine as part of a large collection and wanted it restored to its original condition. Rick and his team begin by disassembling the machine and assessing the damage. They discover that the machine had been heavily repainted and modified over the years, which would require a lot of work to fix. However, Rick is determined to make it look as close to the original as possible.

The team starts by removing the layers of paint and rust. They then replace and repair the damaged components, such as the coin mechanism and bottler opener. The biggest challenge comes when they need to replicate the original Coca-Cola logo. They look through old photographs and historical records to find the font style and size used in the 1940s. They also paint the machine in the original red color, using a special technique to give it a glossy finish. When the restoration is complete, Terrence is thrilled with how it turned out, and the vending machine looks like it just came off the assembly line.

For the second restoration project, Rick works on a 1910 penny-farthing bicycle brought in by a customer. The penny-farthing is a unique bicycle with a large front wheel and a small rear wheel. The bike is over 100 years old and needs quite a bit of work. The restoration team starts by cleaning the rust and dirt from the metal frame, giving it a polished look. They then replace the wooden wheels and pedals, making sure that the style and color of the wood matches the original. The chain is also replaced, and the brake mechanism is repaired.

The biggest challenge comes when they need to repair the leather saddle and handlebars. Both components are severely worn, and it's challenging to find replacement parts that match the original. The team eventually finds a specialist who can restore the leather components to their original condition, making them look like new. After several weeks of work, the penny-farthing is finally ready to ride. Rick takes it for a test ride and is thrilled with how well it handles. The customer is also very happy with the restoration and can't wait to take it on a ride himself.

Overall, American Restoration season 4 episode 6 is a fascinating look at the restoration process, and how Rick and his team tirelessly work to restore these vintage items to their former glory. The Coca-Cola vending machine and penny-farthing bicycle are both incredible pieces of history, and it's satisfying to see them brought back to life. If you're a fan of vintage items or enjoy watching the restoration process, this episode is definitely worth a watch.