Ep 12. The Big Bet

In episode 12 of season 13 of American Pickers, entitled "The Big Bet," Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz continue their journey across the country to find hidden treasures. This episode begins with the pair visiting a former Chevrolet dealership in Michigan, where they hope to find some rare car parts. The owner is a collector himself, so they hope he has some unique items they can add to their collection.

After browsing through the dealership's collection, Mike and Frank stumble upon a 1950s Coca-Cola vending machine that has been converted into a beer dispenser. The owner bets the pickers that they won't be able to get the machine working again, so Mike and Frank take on the challenge.

Next, the pair travels to Indiana to meet with a collector who has a large collection of vintage toys and games. After sifting through his collection, they spot a rare "Steve Scout" tricycle from the 1950s that they've been searching for. The owner is hesitant to sell at first, but Mike and Frank eventually convince him to part with it.

The pickers then head to Ohio to meet with a collector who has a large collection of antique motorcycles. They hope to find some unique bikes to add to their collection, but the owner is more interested in showing them his collection of rare gas pumps. Mike and Frank are impressed with the variety and condition of the pumps, and they strike a deal to purchase some of them.

In their next stop, the pickers visit an antique store in Kentucky where they meet with an owner who has a unique item for sale – a vintage Harley-Davidson golf cart. Mike and Frank know that this type of cart is a rare find, and they hope to negotiate a good price for it.

Finally, Mike and Frank head to a vintage sign shop in Georgia. The owner has a large collection of neon signs that he has been collecting for years. Mike and Frank are interested in purchasing a few of the signs, but they are unsure if they will be able to negotiate a fair price.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to behind-the-scenes footage of Mike and Frank as they negotiate with sellers, load items into their van, and reflect on their successful (and not so successful) picks. Along the way, the duo reminds viewers of the importance of preserving history through collecting and appreciating vintage items.

Overall, episode 12 of season 13 of American Pickers highlights the thrill of the hunt for rare and unique items, while also showcasing the importance of preserving history through collecting. With a mix of vintage toys, motorcycles, and gas pumps, this episode is sure to please fans of the show.