Ep 5. Taking a Gamble

In Restoration Garage season 1 episode 5, entitled "Taking a Gamble," the crew at the garage faces one of their biggest challenges yet. They are tasked with restoring a rare 1954 Chevrolet Corvette, a car that has been in storage for over 20 years and is in desperate need of repair.

The client who brings the car in, a collector named Jim, is hoping to sell it at an upcoming auction for a large profit. However, he is well aware that the car's current condition will not fetch him the amount he is hoping for, and so he turns to the team at the Restoration Garage for help.

The episode begins with the team inspecting the car and assessing the damage. They quickly realize that the car has been modified by previous owners, which will make restoring it a much more difficult task. However, they are determined to deliver a finished product that meets Jim's expectations.

The first step in the restoration process is disassembly. The team takes apart the car piece by piece and sends some of the parts out for restoration, while others are repurposed with newer, more modern parts. There are a few hiccups along the way, but the team is able to overcome them with their vast knowledge and expertise.

One of the most challenging aspects of the restoration is the engine. The original engine is missing, and the team must find a replacement that is compatible with the car's unique specifications. After much searching, they finally find a suitable replacement, but it's a gamble as they can't be sure if it will work until they give it a test run.

Meanwhile, the body of the car requires a lot of work. The team must remove all of the rust, straighten out the dents, and repaint it to its original color. They also restore the interior, including the seats, dashboard, and steering wheel.

As the episode progresses, tension builds as the deadline for the auction approaches. The team works tirelessly to complete the restoration, but there are setbacks along the way. At one point, a freak storm hits, which damages the garage and sets them back even further.

Despite the setbacks, the team works through the night to finish the restoration just in time for the auction. When Jim comes to pick up the car, he is amazed by the transformation. The car looks like new, and he is ecstatic that he'll be able to get the price he wants for it.

In the end, the restoration is a success. The team is able to restore the 1954 Chevrolet Corvette to its former glory, and Jim is able to sell it at the auction for a substantial profit. The episode ends with the team feeling a sense of pride in their work and knowing that they've helped to preserve a piece of automotive history.