Rust Valley Restorers is an eight-episode Canadian documentary series which was broadcast on History, a Canadian TV network. The premise of the show revolves around a restoration shop run by a number of very charismatic and fun individuals.
Their skills are used for the restoration, trading and selling of classic cars. Piles of rust are transformed into beautiful car treasures. There’s nothing quite like seeing a car go from the dump to looking like a classic!
The name of the restoration company is Rust Valley Garage, and they have earned a strong reputation within the classic car restoration industry of Canada. If you are a vintage car enthusiast, this is the perfect documentary series for you as you will find yourself sharing the passion of all the individuals present in it. The series has received a lot of praise, along with a few complaints regarding the auto technicians and mechanics in the show.
Here are 15 little known facts about Rust Valley Restorers:
15 The Show Is Fairly New
A number of people haven't heard of the show as of now, and that's because it was just recently released in December 2018. It was aired on the History channel, with just eight episodes in season one. All those who tuned in were able to witness something special, with old cars transforming into a brand-new appearance.
14 Mike Hall Has Acquired Over 400 Worn Out Cars
Mike Hall, one of the members of the company, simply cannot resist transforming a wrecked car into something brand new. Even when he was young, he was a car hoarder and evidently, his interests have stuck around to this day. He has 400 old cars lying on a piece of property near the Trans-Canada Highway.
13 Mike Is Interested In Low-Tech Aspects
While restoring a car, some might be tempted to use some cool and advanced technology. However, Mike prefers the old school ways of doing his job. In fact, he has proclaimed the following: “the higher the tech, the lower the interest”. Safe to say that Mike likes sticking to his roots.
12 Mike Once Charged The Press For Taking Pictures Of The Cars
A group from the press once showed up to take pictures of the cars in their collection. Hall said that that was perfectly fine, but he charged them $10 to take pictures of cars in the museums. Later on, they discovered that he didn’t even own the museum and ended up feeling outraged.
11 It Is A Great Show For Learning Technical Knowledge
Each episode of the series is filled with in-depth discussion regarding technical specifications of the cars they are restoring. If you love cars, or if you are interested in learning more about cars, this is without a doubt, just the series that you are looking for. Soon enough, you will be familiar with all the lingo they use.
10 The Show Kicked Off In An Unusual Manner
Mike Hall had tried to sell his property with the 400 cars on it. The initial price was $1.19 million, but then he bumped it up to $1.45 million. This caught the attention of the show executives, and they decided to give it a look after which, he was approached to do the “Rust Valley Restorers” series.
9 The Show At Last Helped Mike Earn Profit
When Mike opened his shop, the purpose behind it was to transform his passion into profits. However, he usually ended up going over-budget with his projects and would lose money paying all his contractors. Hence, it is a relief that the show came to his rescue eventually. When you’re customizing you just want the best for yourself!
8 The Show Can Make You Feel Very Nostalgic
Hall has pointed out how he has seen a faraway look in the eyes of people walking across all the cars from the past. If you are looking for a trip down memory lane, this show is precisely what you are looking for. It is this nostalgia that makes this collection a precious one for Hall.
7 The Show Is Comedy Gold
If you are a car lover who is always down for some comedy, then we are certain that you will enjoy watching this show. Most of the reviews for it revolve around how it is great for learning technical knowledge about cars, and that it can be very fun watching a bunch of guys having a great time.
6 Avery Is A Creative Mastermind
Avery Shoaf is one of the four members of the cast, and he is one of the cleverest mechanics you might ever be able to find all across the world. In fact, he is known as the “Muscle car MacGyver” of the group. He has an innovative mind that always knows what to do.
5 The Show Is An Easy Breeze To Watch
Viewers of the show have noted that while a lot of technical language is used, the cast does a good job at breaking it down and explaining it in a way that is easy to understand. Hence, everyone can always keep track of what is happening, making the show easy to digest.
4 The Son Is The Voice Of Reason
Usually, the parent is the rational voice telling the kid what the right thing to do. But in this show, Mike Hall’s son Connor is the one with the cool head, always keeping sure that his father is on the right track. He says: “He’s loud and obnoxious, but he’d give anyone the shirt off his back.”
3 The Show Features A Lot Of Classic Cars
Season 1 showcased the following cars: 1939 International Truck, 1966 Chevrolet Nova, 1966 Ford Mustang, 1970 Dodge Dart Swing, 1964 Ford Patina, and 1941 Dodge Power Wagon. If you are a fan of classic cars, this show might just end up being the absolute best thing you have ever watched.
2 The Stars Have Found Their Way To Fame
Ever since the release of the show, the stars have become extremely popular all across Canada. Mike has pointed out that he tries to ignore the cameras while working and just stays focused on what he has to get done, but there is no doubt that the fame of the show has provided them with a lot of business.
1 Connor Is The Business Brains
Connor has been working for his father ever since he was 14. Like his dad, he is passionate about restoring cars too. However, he also has the business skills which his father doesn’t have. He ensures that his father stays organized and focused, and that he makes a profit at the end of the day.