Ep 5. Beetle in a Haystack

In season 14 episode 5 of American Pickers titled "Beetle in a Haystack," viewers are taken on a scavenger hunt through the countryside of America. Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz are on a mission to hunt down unique and valuable items that have been stowed away in barns, garages, and surrounded by fields of crops.

The episode opens with the duo driving through the most secluded and picturesque backroads of America with the sun shining on their backs and the wind in their hair. They are surrounded by fields of sunflowers, hay bales, and red barns.

Mike receives a lead that there is a rare VW Beetle stowed away in one of the barns in the area. The condition of the car and its potential value is unknown, so the challenge is on.

As Mike and Frank make their way through the farmland, they come across an old, dusty barn. They knock on the door, and the owner greets them with hesitation and suspicion. The owner, an elderly man with a weathered face, initially refuses to let the pickers in, but after they explain their purpose, he finally agrees.

Mike and Frank make their way through the barn, which is full of vintage items, ranging from farming equipment to antique furniture. Finally, they spot the VW Beetle, peeking out from under a pile of hay.

The old man reveals that the car has been sitting in the barn for over 40 years and that he had bought it brand new in the early 60s. The car has not been started in years and has not been touched or seen the light of day in decades.

Mike and Frank are excited about the prospect of finding a valuable, untouched vintage vehicle. They take a closer look and find that the car's body is in good condition but that the engine is full of rust and corrosion.

They try to negotiate a price with the owner, who is hesitant to sell and has a sentimental attachment to the car. After some back and forth, they strike a deal and win the competition against another buyer who had expressed interest in the car.

From there, the episode takes viewers on a journey through the countryside as Mike and Frank come across various other interesting items. They visit a collector who has hoarded a massive collection of bicycles from all around the world. The bicycles range from rusty old vintage bikes to rare and exotic models, with some that are over 100 years old.

The collector shows them around his backyard, which is filled with old bikes, and finally, Mike and Frank find a gem in the pile. They also come across a vintage metal sign, which was used to advertise a long-closed sneaker factory. The sign is in excellent condition and is a rare find.

In another scene, Mike and Frank visit an old-time candy factory, where they find an enormous collection of antique candy-making equipment. They also discover that the factory still produces candy the old-fashioned way, right down to the antique equipment they use.

Finally, towards the end of the episode, the duo comes across a massive yard sale held by an eccentric gentleman who owns a small museum. The sale includes an amazing collection of vintage memorabilia, ranging from old tin toys to model trains.

In conclusion, American Pickers season 14 episode 5, "Beetle in a Haystack," is an adventure that takes viewers on a journey through the countryside of America. Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz are on the lookout for hidden treasure and unique items, picking up rare finds and discovering fascinating stories along the way.