Season 18

While hunting for collectables in Central Iowa, Mike and Frank meet 88-year-old WWII veteran Leland and buy the Japanese sword he brought back from the war. Mike takes a chance on an old saddle and ends up with a big surprise. The guys head over to Danny Beans' -- a man whose dozen barns are packed with junk but is reluctant to sell them anything. Office manager Danielle tracks down a retired carnie named "Bear" who's sitting on an awesome collection of vintage rides.

Mike's and Frank's strategy of picking--buying and negotiating--becomes clear as they use a motorcycle sidecar part found at an earlier pick to help close the deal on a rare, valuable Vespa Ape scooter. Mike meets the "Goat Man" whose collection of busses is buried under weeds and a collector who has 32 tractors and farming memorabilia. And Frank makes a rapid fire deal for two vintage dirt bikes and some stray parts.

Mike and Frank are blown away by a farm that has a White Castle hamburger building on it. They also find a veritable museum of antiques and collectibles, and negotiate for an old soda fountain and cigarette machine. Next, they meet a couple who moved into a late-19th century Victorian house filled with the previous owner's antiques--is it a gold mine or rip off? They get angry at their office manager Danielle--and then try to redeem themselves.

Mike and Frank stumble upon a potential mega-pick in Northeast Iowa, but will it yield any treasures? Danielle has a lead on a rare, 15-gallon antique gas pump. The guys explore an 1879 Illinois opera house that hasn't been touched since the 1930s. And, Mike introduces Frank to a 94-year-old master collector. Can they pick the picker?

Mike's hurt his back but can't afford time off to recuperate. The guys dive into a 92-year-old Iowa farmer's unbelievable collection but make a huge mistake in the process. Mike and Frank counsel a prolific Ohio collector reluctant to part with his magnificent jukebox. And, after kicking it into high gear in Charlie's motorcycle-packed outbuilding, Mike's back takes a turn for the worse.

Mike and Frank bet on who is the best picker. The loser gets to wash their filthy van. Working against the clock, the guys try to strike a deal in a savvy seller's jam-packed barn. They meet master picker "Mole Man" Ron and tour his 26-room underground lair. Danielle introduces the guys to a professional farm scavenger. And, John's closed-down Illinois museum is full of Americana, but will he sell them anything?