Ep 8. Two for the Road

In Junkyard Empire season 3 episode 8 titled "Two for the Road," viewers get an inside look at the world of car customization and restoration. Owner of the Maryland-based business, Andy Cohen, along with his team of dedicated mechanics, works hard to transform old and dilapidated cars into new and improved versions that their clients can enjoy.

The episode starts with the team working on a '57 Chevy Bel Air that had been sitting in a junkyard for years. The car is famous for its iconic tail fins, which Cohen believes make it the perfect vehicle to restore. He and his team begin the process by taking the car apart piece by piece and sandblasting the metal to remove all the rust and dirt that had accumulated over the decades.

While working on the Bel Air, the team receives a phone call from a potential client, who is interested in modifying his brand new Jeep Wrangler with a custom paint job, new off-road tires, and other modifications to make it unique. The team jumps at the opportunity and arranges to deliver it to a local paint shop, where they can start the customization process.

As the Bel Air restoration progresses, the team runs into some unexpected challenges that force them to think creatively to overcome them. They discover signs of previous rust damage that has been poorly repaired, and the task of welding in new metal becomes more difficult. Additionally, they find out that the new radiator they ordered doesn't fit correctly, which puts a wrench in their plans to complete the restoration on time.

Despite these roadblocks, the team perseveres, working hard to ensure that the Bel Air looks as good as new. They install a new air intake system, headers, and a Holley carburetor to the engine, giving it more power and better fuel efficiency. They also add new wheels and tires, disc brakes, and a custom interior to make the car both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Meanwhile, at the paint shop, the Wrangler is transformed with a custom matte black paint job, new wheels and tires, and other modifications that are both practical and look great. The client is thrilled with the final result and can't wait to take it out for a spin.

Back at the junkyard, the team continues working on the Bel Air, and by the end of the episode, they have successfully completed the restoration. The car looks amazing, better than when it was first manufactured, and the team is excited to show off their hard work. The episode ends with Cohen and his crew taking the car out for a test drive, where they can enjoy all the hard work that went into it.

"Two for the Road" is a thrilling episode that showcases the beauty of car restoration. It demonstrates the challenges that the team faces in restoring old cars, but also the joys that come with seeing the finished product. Viewers who love cars will appreciate the attention to detail and craftsmanship that goes into such a complex project.