American Pickers Robbie Wolfe - Crossing the USA 2023 - Ep 8: Classic Restos - Series 54

Fletch continues his journey across the US, stopping in Illinois to meet car collector and automotive fixit man Tony Lalor. He then heads to Iowa to catch up with Robbie Wolfe, who is well-known for his appearance in the TV series 'American Pickers'.

First, Fletch meets Tony and one of his American classics, a 1968 Ford XL 2-door Coupe with a 390 V8 under the bonnet. Tony purchased the car in 2005 in New York for US $6,500, with only 21,000 original miles on it. Although the exterior was rough, the car was in good condition. Tony decided to add a few extras, including a power window system, power bucket seats, tilt steering column, a new console, factory tachometer and AM/FM radio, to name but a few. He is very handy on the tools handy on the tools and often gets asked to fix power window systems. He demonstrates the often-confronting mechanism of the electric window system via a cutaway door panel. No wonder people beat a path to his door for his services.

Fletch put in some more miles before arriving in Davenport, Iowa, which is Robbie Wolfe's hometown. Robbie is known for his appearance in the TV series 'American Pickers'. The current location has been a body shop since 1932, where five generations of one family serviced mechanical transportation needs, with 16 craftsmen working there at one time. Robbie recalls being a young boy staring through the windows and doors of the building, fascinated with all the goings-on, only now to own the building for his own business. 

Robbie mentions that his partner in ‘American Pickers’, Frank Fritz, had a stroke some time back and is still not in good health. ‘American Pickers’ is in its 23rd Season and has been running for over 15 years. Fletch dedicates this episode of Classic Restos to Frank, who is well-known to followers of the show.

The highlight of the visit is when Fletch mics up Robbie, and he takes us on a tour of his collection. There are over 50,000 items, memorabilia galore, gas & oil cans, neon signs, motorcycles, cars, trophies, jukeboxes, and some quite quirky items. It's a treasure trove that could take days to explore. Even the restroom has more interesting items to catch your eye.

Robbie explains just because they have a TV series, these items don’t necessarily just walk in the door; he and his brother Mike travel thousands of miles looking for more stuff, as he calls it. The merchandise is sold via his website, Instagram, and other private collectors. Robbie doesn't have a favourite item, as he loves them all, especially if they have a story attached to them.

Robbie invites Classic Resto followers who visit Davenport, Iowa, to stop by and take a look for themselves.