Ever stumbled upon a dusty barn filled with forgotten relics and wondered if any of it was worth something? That’s exactly what American Pickers does — they dive into the clutter, uncovering vintage gems and forgotten treasures. Whether you’re a collector, a history buff, or just curious about what’s hiding in your own backyard, this show has something for everyone.

What started as a reality TV show has turned into a cultural phenomenon. American Pickers isn’t just about buying and selling old stuff — it’s about stories, nostalgia, and the thrill of discovery. The show follows Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz (and later Danielle Colby) as they travel across the U.S., hunting for rare items in junkyards, barns, and storage units.

If you’ve ever wondered if your garage or attic could be hiding a hidden fortune, you’re not alone. American Pickers has inspired countless people to look closer at the items they might have dismissed as junk. Let’s dive into what makes this show so special, how it works, and what it really takes to find the next big find.

• Wasmo Channel 2022

Table of Contents

• What Is American Pickers?
• How the Show Works
• Where Does American Pickers Film?
• Can You Get on American Pickers?
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Is American Pickers?

American Pickers is a History Channel reality show that follows Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz, and later Danielle Colby, as they travel the country searching for collectible items in junkyards, barns, and storage units. The show focuses on uncovering valuable pieces from America’s past — from antique signs and vintage bikes to rare cars and military memorabilia.

Unlike typical reality shows, American Pickers is less about drama and more about storytelling. Each episode highlights the history behind the items found and the people who have kept them hidden for years. The hosts often negotiate with sellers, offering fair prices for their finds, which they then either resell or restore.

What makes the show unique is its blend of history, humor, and human connection. The hosts have built a loyal following by showing respect for the items they find and the people who own them. It’s not just about the money — it’s about preserving a part of American culture that might otherwise be lost.

• Harold Ford Sr

How the Show Works

The format is pretty straightforward. The team travels to different locations, usually based on tips or leads they receive, and visits properties that might have valuable items tucked away. Once on site, they explore the space, looking for anything that catches their eye — old signs, vintage motorcycles, classic car parts, or even quirky collectibles like bumper cars.

Mike and Frank (and sometimes Danielle) work together to assess the value of each item, often discussing its historical significance or rarity. Then comes the negotiation — they offer a price to the owner, usually trying to keep things fair and respectful. Sometimes the owner declines, but often they agree to sell at least a few pieces.

One thing fans love is how authentic the show feels. There’s no studio set or fake drama — just two guys passionate about finding treasures that others have forgotten. The hosts have even mentioned that episodes are often filmed months before they air, which gives them time to restore or prepare the items for sale.

What Types of Items Do They Look For?

While there’s no strict list, the team tends to focus on items with historical value or potential resale appeal. Some of the most common finds include:

• Vintage signs and advertisements
• Classic car parts
• Old bicycles and pedal cars
• Military memorabilia
• Industrial tools and machinery
• Antique furniture and décor
• Unique or quirky collectibles

They’re not just looking for the most expensive item — they’re looking for the story behind it. That’s what makes the show so engaging. You never know what they’ll find next, and each episode feels like a mini adventure.

Where Does American Pickers Film?

The show travels all over the United States, but some states and cities are featured more often than others. The hosts have visited junkyards and storage units from coast to coast, uncovering treasures in places most people wouldn’t think to look.

According to some fan discussions, American Pickers has filmed at several notable spots, including a junkyard in LaGrange, Georgia, and the now-famous Rocco and Cheaters Speed Shop in Birmingham, Alabama. These locations often become popular with fans after they appear on the show, sometimes even drawing visitors who want to see where the magic happened.

Some locations are revisited years later, especially if the hosts have a connection with the owner or if they missed something during the first visit. It’s also common for episodes to air long after they were filmed — sometimes even a year or more later — giving the team time to restore or sell the items they found.

How to Get Featured on American Pickers

If you think your property might have something interesting, you can actually submit a tip to the show. The team reviews submissions and selects locations based on the potential for valuable finds and interesting stories. While there’s no guarantee you’ll be chosen, it’s worth a shot if you’ve got something unique in your garage or barn.

One thing to keep in mind: the show doesn’t always buy everything it finds. Some owners choose to keep certain items, even if they agree to sell a few. The hosts are respectful of those decisions and often leave with just a few key pieces — sometimes even walking away empty-handed if nothing grabs their attention.

Can You Get on American Pickers?

Yes, you can! American Pickers is always on the lookout for new locations and interesting finds. If you own a junkyard, have a storage unit full of vintage items, or just stumbled upon a forgotten collection in your family’s barn, you might be able to get the team to visit.

To submit a tip or location, you can reach out through the official History Channel website or use their contact form. They typically ask for details like the location, what kind of items you have, and any photos if possible. Keep in mind that not every submission gets a visit — the team receives a lot of tips and has to choose the most promising ones.

If you do get selected, the experience can be exciting but also a bit chaotic. The crew usually arrives with a van, cameras rolling, and starts exploring. It’s not uncommon for the hosts to find more than they expected — or to walk away with something completely unexpected, like an old bumper car.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Do They Pay for Items?

There’s no set price — it all depends on the item’s rarity, condition, and historical value. Some items might only fetch a few hundred dollars, while others can be worth thousands. The team tries to offer fair prices, and they’re known for being respectful in negotiations.

Does the Show Buy Everything?

No, not at all. The hosts often leave some items behind, especially if the owner doesn’t want to sell everything. They also sometimes pass on items that don’t meet their standards or don’t fit their needs.

How Long Does a Filming Day Take?

It varies, but most visits last a few hours. The crew is pretty efficient, and once they’ve found what they’re looking for, they wrap up and move on to the next location. Some episodes are even filmed in one day with multiple stops.

Final Thoughts

American Pickers is more than just a TV show — it’s a celebration of history, nostalgia, and the thrill of discovery. Whether you’re watching from your couch or wondering if your own junk pile might be hiding something valuable, the show reminds us that sometimes the best treasures are the ones we least expect to find.

So next time you pass by that old barn or cluttered garage, take a second look. Who knows — you might just have the next big find that the American Pickers team is searching for.

Learn more about how to spot valuable antiques on our site, and see if your own collection could be worth something.