DIY Network to Feature Burt Reynolds in Special Series

"It was hot then and it still is."

-Burt Reynolds on his speedy Trans Am co-star, Bandit

"Celebrity Rides: Burt Builds A Bandit"

Award-winning actor Burt Reynolds joins DIY Network in a five-part television series entitled, Celebrity Rides: Burt Builds a Bandit, premiering on Friday, Oct. 19 at 10 p.m. ET. DIY's Celebrity Rides: Burt Builds a Bandit documents the transformation of the original Trans Am to a Burt Reynolds Edition Trans Am, restored by automotive restoration company YearOne, from start to finish.

Throughout the series, viewers get an inside look at meetings with Reynolds and his design team, as they make some serious decisions to distinguish the modern edition from its predecessor. The trick is staying true to the original Bandit experience, while simultaneously giving it a contemporary look and feel. The process begins by scouring the country for old Trans Ams and laying out the daunting plan of attack to make a bucket of rust into a high-powered show car.

Once dismantled, the classic car will be completely revamped with all new design cues and gear - both under the hood and in the cockpit. From paint scheme to door panels and interior options to wheels, the new dream car will retain the feel and excitement of the vehicle that out-ran Smokey. The first Burt Reynolds Edition Trans Am to be restored will go to the star himself, and the rest will be sold to those that have the cash.

A few highlights of DIY's Celebrity Rides: Burt Builds a Bandit include: a full body inspection to establish the integrity of the shell of a 30 year-old car; a detailed inventory to determine what needs to be replaced and why; an extensive reassembly process; and a complete interior replacement. Reynolds checks in along the way to make sure his influence is felt by his dream team. And when it comes time for the unveiling, the guys do it in style and viewers get to see the award-winning actor behind the wheel once again. A memorable spin shows yet again why the car is and always will be the star!

Celebrity Rides: Burt Builds a Bandit -Brief Episode Descriptions

Episode 101: In the first episode, DIY Network delves into the history that made the original Bandit one of the auto industry's key icons and the role award-winning actor Burt Reynolds played in making the car the star! Reynolds shares his love for cars and why he is having this new model Bandit built. Plus, DIY captures a meeting with Reynolds and his design team as they go over the original specs of the Bandit car. We'll see digital renderings, as well as the first steps in creating the Burt Reynolds Edition Trans Am.

Highlights - Episode 101:

The original Bandit car and history
Burt Reynolds talks about why he is having the Burt Reynolds Edition Trans Am built
The original specs of the Trans-Am and the Bandit car are shared
How to find an original Bandit and what it will take to rebuild
Airdates - Episode 101:

Friday, Oct. 19 at 10 p.m. ET - Premiere/Series Debut
Friday, Nov. 23 at 10 p.m. ET - Encore

Episode 102: A complete thrash is in order! In the second episode of DIY's Celebrity Rides: Burt Builds a Bandit, YearOne conducts a full body inspection to establish the integrity of the shell of a 30 year-old car. A detailed inventory is taken by removing each part and identifying what needs to be replaced and how it will be done. To prepare for the extensive reassembly process, the car is sent off to be sodium blasted.

Highlights - Episode 102:

A look at the shell of a 30 year-old car
The car is completely stripped down to determine its integrity
The body is salvaged and inspected
Bad parts will be removed
The car is sodium blasted
Old sealants are removed

Airdates - Episode 102:

Friday, Oct. 26 at 10 p.m. ET - Premiere
Friday, Nov. 30 at 10 p.m. ET - Encore

Episode 103: Burt Reynolds checks-in with DIY Network on the progress of the build of the Burt Reynolds Edition Trans Am. In this episode, the crew faces a hefty amount of metal work. The body is cut out to make space for newer parts, and a lot of fabrication is needed to perfect it. The tubing of the vehicle is completed and all of the metal parts for the car will be created, fixed or applied. A new transmission and engine are installed.

Highlights - Episode 103:

Space is made for newer parts by cutting out the body
A lot of fabrication is needed to perfect the body
A transmission and engine are installed

Airdates - Episode 103:

Friday, Nov. 2 at 10 p.m. ET - Premiere
Friday, Dec. 7 at 10 p.m. ET - Encore

Episode 104: This episode is all about custom touches, the motor and suspension, and the new world muscle car. DIY Network documents the crew's progress as they put the motor into full place and test it out to make sure there aren't any issues with timing. The new suspension system and the nose-piece are installed. The interior is completed and put back into the car, along with the sound system and exhaust. All of the new muscle car touches start coming together, and it begins to look like its ready to roll!

Highlights - Episode 104:

Paint & graphics
The interior is completed and replaced
The sound system is replaced
New exhaust system is installed
Suspension replacement
Airdates - Episode 104:

Friday, Nov. 9 at 10 p.m. ET - Premiere
Episode 105: In the final episode of DIY Network's Celebrity Rides: Burt Builds a Bandit, the crew cracks the whip to get the Burt Reynolds Edition Trans Am completed before Burt's final inspection. The crew adds the final touches - wheels, rims, graphics and hood scoop. After a punishing test run, the car is ready for its big debut with Burt Reynolds!

Highlights - Episode 105

Wheels, rims, final graphics and hood scoop are added

The completion of the Burt Reynolds Edition Trans Am

Road Track testing of the car

The car is presented to Burt for final inspection and approva

Airdates - Episode 105:

Friday, Nov. 16 at 10 p.m. ET: Episode 105 - Premiere

A one-hour recap special of DIY's series, Celebrity Rides: Burt Builds a Bandit, will also air on Friday, Dec. 14 at 10 p.m. ET.

DIY's Celebrity Rides: Burt Builds a Bandit airs every Friday at 10 p.m. ET, beginning October 19. Also in October, visit www.diynetwork.com/tv for a sneak peek of the show and click on "Celebrity Rides: Burt Builds a Bandit" in the TV Showcase section. For more information on DIY Network, viewers can also visit www.DIYnetwork.com. DIY Network is available nationwide on DISH Network Ch. 111 and DIRECTV Ch. 230. For additional cable channel designations, check local listings or visit www.diynetwork.com/tv.

About DIY Network

From the makers of HGTV and Food Network, DIY Network is the television source for the best know-how and how-to when it comes to any type of do-it-yourself project and is one of the fastest growing digital networks. Currently in more than 45 million homes, DIY's programming covers a broad range of categories including home improvement and crafts. DIY's programs and experts answer the most sought-after questions and offer creative projects for do-it-yourself enthusiasts. DIY's award-winning Web site, www.DIYnetwork.com, is a leader in the Nielsen//NetRatings' Home and Garden category. The site features broadband video channels including home improvement, crafts, automotive, gardening, and woodworking along with step-by-step instructions totaling more than 20,000 projects online.