Ep 11. Precious Metal

In Restoration Garage season 5 episode 11, titled "Precious Metal," the team at The Guild of Automotive Restorers take on a stunning but challenging project - a rare 1931 Cadillac V16 Convertible Sedan. Owner Howard bought the car over 10 years ago and started to restore it himself, but after two decades of collecting parts, he realizes he needs professional help to finish the job.

The car's original color was Formal Black, but Howard wants it painted in a rare color that was only available for one year, called Pewter Gray. The team at The Guild agrees to take on the project, but they know it won't be easy - there are hardly any resources available to help restore this specific model of car, and finding parts that are in good enough condition to use is a challenge.

After a thorough inspection, it's clear that the car was in a major accident at some point and the damage was never properly repaired. The team has to carefully reconstruct part of the frame to ensure that the car is structurally sound and safe to drive. They also have to rebuild the engine from scratch, as many of the parts are missing or damaged beyond repair.

One unique challenge of this restoration is that the car has a rare hydraulic system that controls the windows, top, and divider glass. The team has never worked on this system before, so they have to do extensive research and testing to make sure it's functioning properly. They also have to find and restore the intricate and delicate glasswork that is a hallmark of these high-end pre-war cars.

As with any restoration, there are setbacks and challenges along the way. The team has to get creative in finding ways around problems they encounter, such as finding a way to repair the stainless steel dash. They also have to work with unusual materials, like the car's original mohair interior, which is hard to find and even harder to work with.

The team at The Guild puts their years of experience and expertise to use, bringing the car back to its original glory. The final result is a stunning example of pre-war luxury and engineering, with a rare color and finish that sets it apart from other cars of its era.

Throughout the episode, viewers get to see the intricate and meticulous restoration process, from the careful disassembly of the car to the painstakingly detailed finishing work. The team at The Guild are passionate about their work and treat each project with the care and attention it deserves, making each restoration a true labor of love.

Overall, Restoration Garage season 5 episode 11 is a fascinating look at the complex and challenging world of automotive restoration. It's a great example of the dedication and expertise required to bring these rare and special cars back to life, and a testament to the timelessness and beauty of classic automobiles.