Rick Dale is an American reality television personality and professional antique restorer who has an estimated net worth of $2 million.
Dale is best known as the owner of Rick’s Restorations and the star of the History Channel television series American Restoration.
The show followed Dale and his team as they restored damaged vintage items such as soda machines, motorcycles, gas pumps, neon signs, and antique mechanical equipment. Known for his hands-on approach and detailed craftsmanship, Dale built a reputation for turning worn-out objects into museum-quality pieces.
His television career began through the hit reality series Pawn Stars, where he appeared as a restoration expert for the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop. Pawn shop owner Rick Harrison once described Dale as a “certified miracle worker” because of his ability to restore heavily damaged items.
Dale’s popularity on the show eventually led to the spin-off American Restoration, which premiered in 2010 and ran for six seasons.
| Rick Dale Net Worth | $2 Million |
| Date of Birth | December 13, 1970 |
| Place of Birth | Newport Beach, California |
Early Life
Rick Dale was born Richard James Dale on December 13, 1970.
Some sources list his birthplace as Newport Beach, California, while others say he was born in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he later built his business.
His father was a mechanic and professional racer, which exposed Rick and his brother to mechanical work at a very young age.
Dale’s first restoration project came when he was nine years old. Instead of buying him a new bicycle, his father gave him a broken one and told him he would have to fix it himself if he wanted to ride it. After successfully repairing the bike, Dale developed a lasting interest in rebuilding machines.
As a teenager, he began building and racing Soap Box Derby cars, entering competitions at the age of 13. He later started dismantling and rebuilding motorcycles, further sharpening the mechanical skills that would later define his career.
Restoration Career
Before becoming a television personality, Dale worked in construction and operated his own construction company.
During a difficult period for the business, he visited the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena, California, where he purchased an old Coca-Cola vending machine.
After restoring the machine, he sold it for about three times what he had paid, realizing there was a profitable market for restored vintage items.
He began buying and restoring antique soda machines and mechanical collectibles, gradually building a reputation among collectors.
Over time, Dale expanded his work to include restoring:
- Antique signs
- Gas pumps
- Motorcycles
- Neon signs
- Vintage vending machines
- Rare mechanical equipment
His focus on historical accuracy and detailed restoration helped him attract a steady stream of customers and collectors.
“Pawn Stars” and “American Restoration”
Rick Dale’s national profile grew after he began appearing on Pawn Stars, which follows the operations of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop.
The show features Rick Harrison, his son Corey Harrison, and longtime employee Austin “Chumlee” Russell.
Whenever unusual or damaged items appeared in the shop, Harrison often called Dale to restore them.
Because viewers responded positively to Dale’s segments, the History Channel created the spin-off show American Restoration, which premiered on October 25, 2010.
The series focused on the daily work inside Rick’s Restorations, highlighting the complex process of restoring vintage machines and collectibles.
Over the course of six seasons, Dale and his team restored a wide range of items, including:
- Antique vehicles
- Carnival rides
- Vintage vending machines
- Rare advertising signs
The show also featured guest appearances from personalities connected to Pawn Stars and American Pickers, as well as celebrities such as:
- David Copperfield
- Lance Burton
- Billy Joel
- Sammy Hagar
In 2016, the History Channel changed the format of the show for its seventh season, shifting the focus to multiple restoration shops across the United States instead of concentrating solely on Dale’s business.
Personal Life
Rick Dale married Kelly Dale (née Mayer) in 1994.
Kelly has played an important role in the business, helping manage the administrative and operational side of Rick’s Restorations.
The restoration shop has long operated as a family-run business.
Several relatives have worked there, including:
- Tyler Dale, their son, who appeared on American Restoration and eventually became the shop foreman
- Brettly Otterman, another son who worked as a picker and salesman
- Ally Dale, their daughter who handled office management and accounts receivable
- Michelle Dale, Dale’s niece, who assisted with store management and merchandise
- Ron Dale, Rick’s brother, who worked as a picker
Real Estate
Rick Dale owns property in Las Vegas, Nevada.
In January 2012, he purchased a 4,000-square-foot home for about $244,000.
Over time, the property’s value has increased significantly, with estimates placing its current worth at around $700,000.
Also Read: Rick Harrison Net Worth
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