Ron Learn, Jr’s Deuce Coupe Dream

Photos & Story by Joe Secka

Cruisin' Times Magazine

RON LEARN, JR’S DEUCE COUPE DREAM

Photos and Story by Joe Secka

Most of us have put things off long enough that something important to us never seems to get completed. Ron Learn, Jr. was feeling that way when he

turned 49. Determined not to let a childhood dream escape him, he made the decision to begin a ’32 Ford coupe build!

Ron was introduced to cars at a young age as his grandfather raced stock cars and, along with Ron’s dad, was always in the garage. Ron’s first car was a Nova that instilled the passion that lurks in the souls of most gearheads. Ron headed out to Outlaw Performance in Avenmore, PA and liked what he saw. A chassis and body were delivered in short order. Ron’s uncle also purchased a Deuce body and they began their builds together in the Learn garage. Yep, space soon was in short supply and the two projects had to continue in different garages.

RON LEARN JR’S DEUCE COUPE DREAM

Photos by Joe Secka

The Outlaw Performance chassis was fitted with a Pete & Jakes front suspension and shocks. Wilwood provided the front discs and rear drum stopping power. A Borgeson/Vega steering box manages the turns for this ’32. Out back, a 4 bar triangulated with coil overs stabilizes a Ford 9” rear axle holding a Currie-Moser center section with 3.90 gearing. Weld Racing wheels, 15x5 in front and 15x12 in the rear, were mounted with Mickey Thompson rubber 15x6 steering and 15x16x31 providing the traction.

Pair of Holley 390 cfm carbs supply the fuel through a Weiand Tunnel Ram to the 1970 Chevy 383 stroker motor. Transfer Machine went to work on a virgin 4 bolt main block going .30 over along with performing the line boring and decking tasks. A Callie crankshaft and rods, Comp Cams Big Mother Thumper and Moroso 7qt oil pan were installed before the engine was sent off to Ron. MSD Ignition fires through Taylor plug wires. Hamburger fabricated valve covers and a Vintage Shotgun air scoop add some engine bay glitter. Sanderson headers, Flowmaster 40s and a full stainless 2.5” tubing exhaust create a nice rumble you can hear coming around the corner. A Tremec TKO-600 5 speed tranny and driveshaft from Rowe’s Auto Service send the power out back.

Finally, a Powermaster starter and a 100 amp alternator were added along with a Griffin radiator and Wix oil filter so Ron’s dream ride could hustle down the highway.

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The chassis had all welds filled prior to paint. A few small defects in the body were corrected as well. The goal was to have a very clean build when it finally would hit the road. The fiberglass body has a 3’ chop for that sleek vintage appearance. Ron’s friend Kurt, from First Place Fab, laid down the Rally Yellow PPG base coatclear coat finish.

The Ultra Leather tuck and roll interior with hidden stitching was created at home by Ron and Nancy. It helped that Nancy was a seamstress. Well, that was a hidden advantage for sure!

The mandatory interior credits go out to Wise Guy seats, Outlaw steering wheel and shifter, Auto Meter gauges and tach, Lokar pedals, Bullring door pulls, Summit 32’ tilt steering column, So-Cal dash panel and Art Deco knobs. Believe me; the finished product is absolutely stunning.

As with most home builds, “The Crew” (Bob, Ron Sr., Wibb & Kurt) spent some long nights fitting, modifying and discussing all of the aspects of this project. Ron said special a thanks go out to Kurt for the guidance and late phone calls and most of all to Nancy, his wife, for allowing a dream to come true. Yes, good things do happen!

It wasn’t an easy project as numerous parts had to be modified or completely hand fabricated. Ron’s experience as a Die Technician helped him see the light at the end of the tunnel when progress seemed to stall. Although the build took about six years, the reward of sitting in a completed interior and firing the power plant for the first “real” time was a memorable event for sure.

Ron said finishing the Deuce and realizing he had built and turned every bolt was a totally rewarding experience and he would do nothing different at all. Ron, Nancy and their Yellow Deuce Coupe have picked up numerous awards at cruises and car shows. He is especially proud of receiving the Bob Lorei Family Choice Award at the 8th Annual Bonnell’s Rod Shop CruiseIn last year. Every time I see Ron’s hot rod “showing off” at a cruise, I have to ask myself, and any other procrastinator out there, what’s holding you back! Get crackin’ on that build you have been putting off!