Rust Valley Restorers – Season 2

Rust Valley Restorers (RVR) follows Rust Bros owner Mike Hall’s attempt to restore and sell the over 400 cars he’s amassed over his lifetime. The show takes place on-site at Mike’s property along the Trans-Canada highway in whats known as “rust valley” nestled in the Rocky Mountains region of central British Columbia.

At 63 years old, Mike Hall (cover photo:right) with the help of his son Connor Hall (cover photo:left) and best friend Avery Shoaf (cover photo:center/rear) has decided he needs to thin the herd of classic/muscles cars which he calls his “metallic hallucinations” from his “field of dreams” (above:right) – a task that is nearly at a point of costing him more than its worth. “It’s bad for business, but good for my soul” – Mike says.

As you might recall we spoke briefly about RVR back in our “Top RUSToration shows you show watch“ review last year. Season-1 was unlike any of the other shows on the list, in the sense that it is a diamond in the rough (to say the least)… but that’s all part of it’s charm. #letterkenny #howareyanow? #eh?

The #50yardlooker

We’ve actually been anxiously awaiting RVR’s return… and on May 8th, Netflix in partnership with History Channel Canada released Season-2 for our enjoyment! Season-2 pickups up right where we left off last year, but with a slight change. The mantra of “saving the business at all costs” isn’t as ever-present as it was in Season-1. It is now replaced with the idea of “restoring cars that the average person can afford” and the 42-minute documentary/reality TV format starts to take on a “personal build”  (for a customer) along with a “shop build” (which will be flipped to pay the bills) rhythm. One other change comes in the re-organization of the business, Avery has been brought on full-time and promoted to shop manager (over Connor); in charge of projects, parts and purchasing.

The Projects

It was a one-eyed, one-horned, flyin’ purple Parisienne… 

The 1966 Pontiac Parisienne was a challenging multi-episode build. Clint Wilson – bassist for the band Fusionstein – wanted his Parisienne ready in time for a photo-shoot for the bands newest album “Purple Pontiac“ debut. The Parisienne might look familiar at first glance – it really resembles the Tempest/GTO – but it’s actually a Canadian-only car, built on an Impala chassis. As you can see from the picture (above:left) the Parisienne was in deep trouble. The team estimated 300-400+ man hours and $50k to get the project done within the 60-day deadline. In the end (as seen above:right), the Parisienne turned out better than expected and is a complete “sleeper” with a 6.2-litre LS swap and Tremec T56 6-speed tucked under the hood. And in typical RVR style, Mike traded the final product for $25k and a ready-to-sell ’57 GMC long box pickup.

(above:left) A 1926 Ford Model-T roadster-pickup found in a barn on Avery’s mom’s farm during a field-trip to visit and help her out. She maintains a couple hundred sheep, and the farm, mostly alone at 75 years old. WOAH! Avery and his son – with help and parts from Mike – were able to turn this 94-year-old abandoned mechanical farm hand, into a fully restored roadster (above:right).

Organization seems to be the better part of valor … when it comes to Rust Bros & RVR. You’re never really sure what “piece of junk” Mike will barter for or “feral cat of a project” the team will end up working on next. The show gets detoured several times with work-place issues, rivalries (JF Kustoms), car shows (like Cactus Jalopies, White Post Auto Museum, etc), Hit-to-Pass racing and even tending to farm equipment for a couple of days. But in the end, the unpredictable and down-to-earth nature of the show is what really makes it attractive to watch, and more “real” than other offerings in the RUSToration genre. It even provokes a chuckle or two, from time-to-time. Season-2 feels cut short (with only 6 episodes available when we reviewed it) and has a bit of a twist ending. Our recommendation (if you’re new to RVR), watch Season-1 & 2 as one entire Season and it will feel more complete. #satisfaction #bingewatching

History Channel has done a really excellent job of letting the team “do their thing” all while weaving in useful background and historical information on the vehicles. So, if you’re a little-less citified… can appreciate the outdoors… the beauty of western Canada’s interior… then Rust Valley Restorers is great watch even for folks who aren’t petrol-heads or die-hard restorers. We look forward to a Season-3 – but for now – be sure to check out Rust Valley Restorers, available on Netflix. and Follow RVR on Instagram @rustbrosrestos.