History Channel's 'American Restoration' starts it's second season tomorrow January 11 at 10PM. I talked to Rick Dale about the show, the restorations and the team.
Terra- What got you started in the business?
Rick-I use to restore stuff as a kid. In '83 my construction company went out of business. A Coke machine I restored sold. I would restore and sell things at a swap meet. I mostly restored the Coke machines- that lead into gas pumps. When the show started we needed something different for each show.
Terra-What was the most expensive restoration?
Rick-Brettly's truck, it's a Red '65 chevy. Cars take a long time to restore, I can restore 4 Coke machines in a month. Cars are time consuming.
Terra-Is there something you haven't restored that you would be interested in restoring?
Rick-Since I use to be in construction, I would like to full on restore a drug store, like a Rexall drugs, from the ground up.
Terra-What kind of education do you have, or are you self taught?
Rick-I am educated in construction. When I was 9 my dad gave me a bike from a dumpster to restore. My dad helped.
Terra-What items to you enjoy working on most?
Rick-The Coke machines and gas pumps. Motorcycles were a huge challenge. I use to buy them, restore them and then run around to sell them.
My Biggest enjoyment is when the customer comes to see their restoration. the look on their face is a huge pleasure.
Terra- How did the team come together?
Rick-When I hire and when I 've grown the company, I hire people off the street down on his luck.
Cowboy came literally off the street. I give people who have less, an opportunity for a job. They tend to become very very loyal. They are eager to learn. Every single day, the job is new.
Terra-How did the TV show come about.
Terra-Tyler (Rick's son) was just learning how to paint and would sell stuff on craig's list. Pawn Stars called to have a gas pump restored. I was one of their experts that restored things for the show. I did three shows on Pawn Stars. Those shows had great ratings. They wanted to give me my own show and I said no a few times. I was planning on moving out of town. I finally said OK and changed my plans to move.
This show is enjoyable to all of you weekend restorers.
This show isn't just for guys, the family dynamics and the beauty of watching something being restored is very woman friendly.
American Restoration is filmed right here in Las Vegas and can be viewed on the History Channel
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