Ep 3. Deuce Digging

In season 9 of American Pickers, viewers are introduced to the episode titled "Deuce Digging." This episode follows hosts Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz as they travel through California, searching for hidden treasures that might be hidden in people's backyards, garages, or barns. The theme for this episode is vintage cars, specifically, the "deuce coupe," a classic car from the 1930s.

The episode starts out with a bang as Mike and Frank come across a large collection of vintage cars from the owner's father, who was a collector of deuce coupes himself. From old motorcycles, car parts, and rusty bicycles, Mike and Frank are in vintage heaven as they begin to explore the collection. The first car the pair sets their sights on is a deluxe 1936 Ford Coupe. The car is in rough shape, but Mike sees potential and tries to make a deal with the owner. However, the owner is not interested in selling anything from his vast collection, causing Mike and Frank to move on and find other collections.

As they travel through California, they visit a few more collections and stop at an auto body shop that specializes in detailing old vintage cars. The owner of the shop shows Mike and Frank a customized deuce coupe, which he has been working on for months. The car is painted bright orange and has chrome finishing and a customized interior. Mike and Frank are impressed, and it leaves them longing for more vintage cars.

The next stop on their journey is in San Ramon, where they meet up with a friend and fellow vintage car collector. This collector has an impressive collection of deuce coupes. The most exciting car in his collection is a 1934 Ford three-window coupe that still has its original paint and intact body. Along with the 1934 Ford, the collector has a 1933 Ford model BB truck, which he restored after finding it in a barn. Mike and Frank can see that the collector is passionate about his cars and it keeps them motivated to keep searching for hidden gems.

The episode then shifts to Modesto, where Mike and Frank visit a car auction. The auction has over 180 cars, including vintage models and deuce coupes. Despite the high numbers, Mike and Frank struggle to find something that catches their eye. However, as the auction continues, they come across a rare 1933 Ford hot rod, a car that has been modified with high-performance engines and suspension systems. Mike and Frank are thrilled to find this hidden gem and make the purchase.

The final stop for Mike and Frank on this episode is in Santa Cruz. They visit a self-proclaimed "picker" who has a small collection of rusted cars tucked away in his yard. As they explore the yard, they come across a 1936 Chevy that has sat untouched for years. The owner is quick to say that he doesn't have any desire to restore it or fix it up. However, Mike and Frank see the potential in restoring this car and start to make offers. The discussion with the owner gets heated, but ultimately, Mike and Frank convince him to sell the car.

The episode ends with Mike and Frank driving off into the sunset with their newly acquired treasures. From vintage cars to deuce coupes, this episode showcases the passion that Mike and Frank have for restoring and preserving pieces of history. Fans of American Pickers will love this episode, as it is filled with excitement, drama, and an impressive collection of antique cars.