American Pickers may be coming to San Diego

The American Pickers, Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, are coming to California, possibly San Diego, to film new episodes for their hit TV show for the History Channel. But unlike the previous eight seasons, the antique archeology duo will not be looking for old barns and back roads.

Scheduled to hit the road in the first two weeks of March, the junk-seekers are specifically looking for leads on large private California collections of unique vintage bicycles, toys, radios, movie memorabilia, advertising, and automotive items. “We’re looking for individuals rather than scouting areas,” said a production assistant.

As portrayed on the show, the pair actually drives their white van, crisscrossing America, looking to rescue and recycle long-forgotten relics,while learning about American history along the way. Wolfe and Fritz are on the road for two or three weeks a month and are usually not at the show’s LeClaire, Iowa, store, unless filming.

The last time American Pickers was in San Diego was in season two’s episode of “California Dreamin’,” in which they paid a visit to the quonset hut that houses Bird’s Surf Shed in San Diego’s Morena District. They purchased three boards from Bird’s massive collection.

One of the boards, a 1960s Plastic Fantastic model, was purchased for $2500 and then donated, on the show, to the California Surf Museum in Oceanside. As a thank you, the museum provided surfing lessons for the pair. “Not too bad for two guys from Iowa,” said Mike on the show.

On February 22, a production assistant encouraged San Diegans to contact the show, as it has yet to be determined if the Wolfe and Fritz will come to San Diego County. The production company, Cineflix, is still looking for tips, photos, and locations. E-mail americanpickers@cineflix.com or call 855-OLD-RUST.