What Happened to Rick Dale from American Restoration
Rick Dale, the longtime owner of Rick’s Restorations who starred for years on American Restoration, left the show when it ended in 2018 and has remained largely out of the public eye since. He has not returned to television production with the network and has focused on running his restoration shop in Tennessee and selective personal appearances. In this status clarifier, we break down when he left the series, why he stepped back from the spotlight, and what he has been doing with his time, using publicly available information and his limited public comments.
His Role on American Restoration
Rick Dale was a core cast member of American Restoration, which aired on History from 2010 to 2018. As the owner of Rick’s Restorations in Nashville, Tennessee, he led high-profile restoration projects for iconic locations and often served as an on-screen expert and problem solver. He was regularly featured across multiple seasons, becoming one of the more recognizable faces of the series.
Key Series Details
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Series | American Restoration | History network program listing |
| Role | Owner and operator of Rick’s Restorations, on-screen restorer | Cast credits and shop records |
| Years Featured | 2010–2018 (seasons 1–8) | Series archive and episode guides |
| Shop Location | Rick’s Restorations, Nashville, Tennessee | Business registration and website address |
Why He Left the Show
Rick Dale departed American Restoration when the series concluded in 2018 after eight seasons. History did not renew the show beyond its final season, and no new production plans involving him have been announced on the network. Public discussion about the reasons for his departure has been minimal, with Dale generally avoiding detailed explanations in rare comments, citing a desire to focus on his business and personal life rather than rehashing television decisions.
His Activities After the Show
Since the show ended, Rick Dale has primarily returned to running Rick’s Restorations in Nashville. He has not joined any subsequent television projects or spinoffs under the American Restoration banner and has kept a low public profile. Occasional posts on his personal social channels suggest he remains involved in selective restoration projects and occasional public or dealer events, but he has not sought renewed television exposure.
Reported Current Focus
- Operating Rick’s Restorations in Nashville, Tennessee
- Selective personal appearances at automotive and restoration events
- Limited social media updates about shop work and personal interests
- No new scripted television or reality series with History or other networks
Public Statements and Interviews
Rick Dale has given very few interviews since the series wrapped and has not made announcements about returning to television. When he has spoken, he has emphasized moving forward, prioritizing his shop and craftsmanship, and avoiding public speculation about his career path. Without new statements or network announcements, his current public footprint is small and centered on his restoration work rather than media.
Current Status and Where to Find Him
As of the most recent publicly available information, Rick Dale is not actively appearing on television and has no confirmed new series in development. He remains the owner of Rick’s Restorations in Nashville and may make occasional live appearances at car shows or restoration gatherings. Fans looking for updates can monitor his verified social accounts and any official History press releases, though major announcements appear unlikely based on his current public activity.
Status Overview
| Aspect | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Television Presence | Inactive since 2018 | No ongoing series or guest appearances confirmed |
| Business Operations | Active | Rick’s Restorations continues in Nashville |
| Public Appearances | Selective | Occasional car and restoration events |
| New Media Projects | None announced | No confirmed TV or streaming projects |