Professional Documents
Culture Documents
QUAKER STATE
SEPT. 2018
LOWRIDER.COM
O LOWRIDER.COM
V O L U M E 4 0 I S S U E 0 9
CONTENTS
FEATURES
10 Born & Bred For This
Mike Lopez's '83 Cadillac Coupe De Ville
26 The Brotherhood
Julio Morales' '64 Chevy Impala
32Plain Jane
Dino Acosta's '72 Chevy Monte Carlo
44 Next Generation
Daniel Tovar's '37 Chevy Sport Coupe
52 The Risen
Jesse Cuevas' '63 Chevy Impala convertible
60 El Coqui
Jason Diaz's '84 Chevy Caprice Classic
DEPARTMENTS
06 Editorial
08 Motor Trend On Demand Schedule
18 On the Scene
22 On the Scene
64 ShopStop
68 Roll Playerz
84 Bicycle
86 New Products
88 Roll Models Series
TECH
EVENT
36 Lincoln Park Day
4
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LOWRIDER.COM
EDITOR'SLETTER
E S T A B L I S H E D 1 9 7 7
Do you remember the times when building more money than before, they won’t give you a Today you need a lawyer, a counselor, and
a lowrider would add character to your soul delivery time, and they act as though they don’t maybe a priest to help you along with dealings
because of the blood, sweat, and tears journey actually want to do the work because they’re in most shops. Chrome shops lose your parts, or
you had to go through? At the end, the finished doing you a favor to begin with. We understand in about six months the nickel starts to show up.
product cost a lot of time and money and though materials cost triple now but when we drop down Upholstery shops take their time but the price on
it was an experience and it made you proud, it the deposit we hope it goes toward our ride’s plain-designed seats and door panels are out of
became an investment because in the long run if metalwork only to find out five months later this world and you have to find a shop that won’t
you ever decided to build another car you knew that money was spent on another customer’s car be too careless and damage or scratch your paint.
what that journey would be like, only now you that was there three years before us. It’s a damn I am not knocking all painters here because
would go about it in a different way. pyramid game as we now know and you have to there are great ones out there too, and without
Well that was then. Those were the good old wait for another customer to come into this certain painters there would be no lowriders, but we just
days when you could go through a few obstacle shop to leave a deposit so that their money can need to search harder and do our homework to
courses like bodywork, chrome, paint, hydraulics, be used to start on yours. It blows me away that it find the right shops; fingers crossed. In the end
and engine work. Those were just the bumps takes a few years for a paintjob and then they wrap this is what separates the lowrider individual
in the road, the fork at the turn, and though we it up quick in two weeks just to get the headaches from all others. We were born for this! We
pulled a few U-turns traveling from shop to out of the way or to make room for the next victim. continue on pretending that one of these days,
shop with our builds we knew that building a If you survive this madness and come away or weeks they will get started on our rides, but
custom or classic lowrider wasn’t going to be easy with a finished product, did you get what you in all reality we know it’s not going to happen.
because the map toward the final finish is a long wanted, or did you just get what you needed? We just laugh it off like we’re crazy, cut our losses
one full of surprises. Inspirations, motivations, Pray nothing comes up because there’s usually no from these places of ill repute, and load our rides
and friends always help along the way to that warranty and then you’re told: “Hey, if you’re not back up on the trailers to bring them back home
ultimate completion, but in the end the memories happy go somewhere else!” Sometimes it’s best to or onward to another shop. Let's also not forget
of where you came from and when you started just drink more alcohol, play sad music, or share that there are a lot of guys who just give up and
your chosen car’s quest is what makes us the men your misery with other club members who also quit the game all together because they never saw
we are today. That said, there is no other greater drink and happen to love the songs you play. Is it hope or felt faith the shops would even start on
accomplishment. But like stated before that was worth even building a lowrider today? It’s worse their projects. We know that there is no money
then my good lowrider friends. than a divorce! in painting lowriders, as some painters say, so
Today is a totally different path for everyone We like the pain I guess because this has been then they should either charge more for their
when it comes to starting out on a car build. All the situation for the past five or so years. I go to craftsmanship and talent or don’t take on the
the past experiences, time, endless money, and so many car shows and visit with the owners of jobs in the first place. Lowriders pay the price one
a GPS system won’t guarantee the completion various builds and they look old and exhausted way or the other, and that is usually the hard way,
of a build. The old adages “you get what you pay and don’t feel like explaining the hell they went so it can’t be said that they don’t want to pay what
for” or “you can pay me now, or you can pay me through to get where they are now. Sure, we are a real paintjob is worth. I’m sorry if I got off and
later” are long gone. Things today are bad enough not the only automotive industry that lives in offended anyone but I’ve been there, done that,
that when you begin a car build project you have these dire straight situations but some things and continue to do so and so have thousands of
to start off with a survivor car because you may have to change. We work hard for our money others I know of who would cosign what I just
wind up paying twice the amount for the reason that’s spent on the hobby of building these special wrote.
that not everything can be found or bought from lowriders. There are a lot of good painters out
a cell phone and most junkyards don’t have those there but there are those who put a bad name
rides we still favor. The scary things to consider on the automotive finishers. Some painters are
today are the plans and schedules you have to way too spoiled and have monster egos and have
lay out on your build and who will become the forgotten where they came from. They think they
selected choice of body and paint shop. This is have all the talent in the world when after all they
another form of Russian roulette, so to speak. are only copying the styles of the painters before
Most of today’s car shops ask for a whole lot them, and on and on. jray@enthusiastnetwork.com
6
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L O W R I D E R . C O M
EDITORIAL ADVERTISING
WHAT'S ON Editor Joe Ray
JRay@enthusiastnetwork.com
General Manager Rudy Rivas
Eastern Sales Director Michael Essex, (863) 860-6023
DEMAND THIS Senior Managing Editor Sarah Gonzales Western Sales Director Scott Timberlake, (310) 531-5969
Feature Editor Beto Mendoza Sales Assistant Yvette Frost
Web Content Editor Josh Ching Advertising Operations Manager Monica Hernandez
MONTH? CONTRIBUTORS
Phil Gordon, John Jarasa,
Advertising Operations Coordinator Lorraine McCraw
10
SEPTEMBER 2018 LOWRIDER
11
LOWRIDER.COM
“Born into this.” the pages of Lowrider magazine reason the rules were changed to
It’s a statement that’s thrown for inspiration. Page ater page, he’d limit the number of times any one
around oten, but only few can say take mental notes but soon realized particular bike could win the title;
with credibility. But when your he had a particular fascination with quite the achievement.
parents met on the boulevard back the cars in Lifestyle Car Club. By the Mike went onto build a few
in 1976—where your dad used to lay time he was 16, he processed all that more bikes, but soon he yearned
low in a Glasshouse and your mom information and built a bike that for more. In his early twenties he
followed suit in a juiced '65 SS—it’s he debuted as “Casino Dreaming.” picked up a '94 Cadillac Fleetwood.
not only a match made in heaven, he bike was an instant hit and with His original intention was to build
but proof that you truly were “born no form of competition to deter his a full-on lowrider but searching
into this.” hat’s exactly the case for winning streak, he not only became for N.O.S. parts made him realize
Mike Lopez, aka “Cadillac Mike.” a four-time, consecutive “Lowrider just how scarce parts were. “his
As a child he used to lip through Bike of the Year” champion, but the was during the import days when
12
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everything was going to Japan. he In the process of collecting parts, Notorious luxury
with a d'Elegance
Japanese were buying sea containers Mike has also amassed quite the col- custom paintjob.
full of N.O.S. Cadillac parts and no lection of Cadillacs and today we’re
one was reproducing them,” Mike highlighting just one of them: his '83
explains. Knowing this, he took Coupe De Ville. he build began at
it upon himself to buy anything Cadillac Connect where they shaved
and everything Cadillac related. a host of body parts, added a ’90s kit,
“It became an addiction,” he says. a moonroof, and some fresh chrome.
Yet little did he know that his Phillips Finelines was called in to
addiction would develop into the come up with a one-of-a-kind paint
successful business we now know scheme and ater mixing several
as Cadillac Connect. House of Kolor candies, Phillips
14
1983 CADILLAC
COUPE DE VILLE
VEHICLE NICKNAME
House of the Rising Sun
OWNER
Mike “Cadillac Mike” Lopez
CITY/STATE
Orange, CA
CLUB
Lifestyle
BODY/PAINT
Shaved keyholes, antenna, bumpers,
and added moonroof; painted with a
custom mix of House of Kolor paint
by Philips Finelines
SUSPENSION
Two pumps, four Optima batteries
INTERIOR
Custom bucket seats and center
console wrapping in chocolate
brown leather as well as perforated
leather. Custom gauges with
Clayton Machine Works door
handles and dome lights on the
door panels only by California Auto
Upholstery
SOUND
Pioneer double-din stereo with two
6.5-inch speakers
WHEELS/TIRES
72-spoke 13x7 Daytons with 5.20
Premium Sportway tires
15
LOWRIDER.COM
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SEPTEMBER 2018 LOWRIDER
17
LOWRIDER.COM
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Beach” and suddenly you’re in a historic Virginia Key Beach Park food and entertainment to help
good mood. Those words almost has served as a place of solace, but kick off the New Year and their
instantly conjure up images of for lowriders it’s become known last get-together certainly did not
beautiful beaches, incredible as the meeting spot for the annual disappoint.
scenery, and, yes, some incredible 25th Street Riders and USO Car Always there to put on a show,
nightlife and overinflated prices Club picnic that kicks off each Frank from Red’s Miami brought
that make this destination spot New Year. Now in its ninth year out his hopper and reached for
essentially Las Vegas by the water. of production, the collaborative the stars as he catapulted his way
18
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SEPTEMBER 2018 LOWRIDER
CAR MODEL
1964 IMPALA BY CHEVROLET
One Carls' but to Julio’s surprise, his brother of House of Kolor candies. The
"Badd" Sea
breeze– eventually gifted him his old custom blend of Sea Breeze Green
colored hardtop, thus allowing Julio to was mixed with varied flake sizes
six-four.
move from the passenger chair into and laid down by Pelon’s Auto Art,
the driver seat. who also put down the artwork
No journey is without its to the sides, top, and trunk. The
setbacks, and Julio soon found out interior was replaced with a Mint
what it takes to build an award- Green vinyl and redone in its
winning masterpiece. For starters, original stitching. No bolt was left
it took three attempts to get the untouched, they were all either
paintjob right. The final version replaced or refinished. A set of
is made up of several gallons original Dayton Wire Wheels
27
LOWRIDER.COM
1964
CHEVROLET IMPALA
VEHICLE NICKNAME
The Grinch
OWNER
Julio C. Morales
CITY/STATE
Carlsbad, CA
CLUB
Members Only
INTERIOR
Original vinyl stitching and flaked
dashboard
BODY/PAINT
Sea Breeze Green with green
microflake and accenting murals
on the doorjambs
SUSPENSION
Original Canadian X-frame with
an airbag setup featuring four
switches
ENGINE
Original 327 with Edelbrock ac-
cessories and glasspack exhaust
WHEELS/TIRES
Refurbished Dayton Wire
Wheels mounted onto 520
Premium Sportways
28
SEPTEMBER 2018 LOWRIDER
29
LOWRIDER.COM
32
SEPTEMBER 2018 LOWRIDER
CAR MODEL
1972 MONTE CARLO BY CHEVROLET
A THROWBACK THAT
PAYS HOMAGE TO THE
SIMPLICITY OF THE ’70S
AND ’80S
STORY & PHOTOS BY HECTOR LEYVA
During the ’80s, Dino Acosta found So when it came time for Dino to repairs, the body was doused in a PPG
he first
himself a regular passenger in the build a lowrider of his own he already model Monte Sandstone Brown complete with pearl
backseat of his brother’s cars. It was knew the direction he’d take, but irst Carlo will and microlake. Inside, the interior
always be a
there he found an exclusive place to he’d have to get a project car to start true classic, retains a stock look while a complete
especially
sit, a place to watch the magic unfold. with. Like many of us, he started with wired down Pioneer audio system brings the
on "True
It was also his informal introduction a “sometimes running and slightly Classics." sounds up to modern-day standards.
to the world of lowriding. Since beat up” bargain that he picked up Aside from a stock frame,
then, Dino has watched lowriders for $2,200. he '72 Monte Carlo had everything he could possibly unbolt
go through phases and trends. Some previously served as a daily driver but would eventually be painted or
have lasted, others have faded to the it was about to be treated to a revamp chrome plated. Pop the trunk and
abyss, but for Dino, his childhood and full-body rejuvenation. you’ll ind a raw and unadulterated
memories are all too attached and hey started by shaving the hood, hydraulic setup created by Dino,
familiar with the lowrider styling of the irewall, as well as the trunklid. along with the help of fellow car club
the ’70s and ’80s. Once void of all blemishes and minor members and a few 18-packs. Void of
33
LOWRIDER.COM
1972 CHEVY
MONTE CARLO
VEHICLE NICKNAME
Plain Jane
OWNER
Dino Acosta
CITY/STATE
Goodyear, AZ
CLUB
Toda Madre
ENGINE
Chevy 350 with Edelbrock upgrades
and chrome and billet accents
BODY/PAINT
Custom PPG sandstone brown
with pearl and microflake
SUSPENSION
Hi-Lo custom two pumps with four
dumps and four switches
INTERIOR
Original brown leather stitching
and patterns
WHEELS/TIRES
14x7 True Classics wrapped with
Premium Sportway whitewall 5.20s
cover panels—which have become the to the wheels, the small-block 350 stop driving this car every chance he
norm by today’s standards—his trunk was brought back to life with multiple gets. His Monte Carlo has become a
pays homage to the styling cues of the Edelbrock upgrades, plenty of chrome regular sight at local cruise spots and
’70s in a fashion that’s not only period and billet accents. Much like his trunk car shows and he’s even been known
correct but a throwback that brings setup, his engine bay is minimal to hop it just to show that it’s got
back plenty of memories. but the results are nothing short of more than just good looks. In all, it’s
Connecting this time machine to mesmerizing and a deinite throwback a throwback in time and a tribute not
the streets is a set of 14x7 True Classics down memory lane. only to lowriding but to the forefathers
wrapped in Premium Sportway Now that Dino has gone from who helped create the foundation that
whitewall 5.20s. To put power back spectator to player, he has no plans to we ride on today.
34
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LOWRIDER.COM
Lincoln Park Day has become California, Phoenix, and Oklahoma. park played host to the festivities,
an annual festival in El Paso, Texas, Complete with music, art exhibits, featuring one of the region’s
that celebrates the traditions of both and vendors, it’s a sight to see, but an largest lowrider car shows. From
Mexican-Americans and Chicano experience to remember and cherish. traditional to radical, coupes to
history. In what can be considered Known by locals as being the rags, the show features a good
one of El Paso’s most anticipated symbol of a once-vibrant cultural sampling of some clean builds. In
annual events, the venue attracts mecca that is rich with history, addition, the show attracts over
thousands of people who travel from Lincoln Center and the adjoining 200 Matachines from El Paso,
36
LOWRIDER.COM
SEPTEMBER 2018 LOWRIDER
Juarez, and Nuevo, Mexico, with a Zubia, Jezus Alvardo, and Myker he Lowrider committee along with the Latin
highlight feature performance by Yrroballi. In addition, the theme Meat Up crew Pride Car Club would like to
and rig will
Danza Azteca Omecoatl. of this year’s mural was titled be in town to thank everyone who made this
support this
Spectators were thrilled to “Chicano Park El Paso TX,” year's annual special event possible and they’d
witness the latest addition of which was put together by Angel Latin Pride like to say mil gracias to la gente
Festival.
Arte en el Parque column art Ortiz, Vincent Delgado, and de el Chuco y Juarez for always
created by local artists Frank Mike Thonton. supporting them and making
Camacho, Victor Casas, Martin The Lincoln Park conservation Lincoln Park what it is today.
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40
SEPTEMBER 2018 LOWRIDER
TRUCK MODEL
1952 THRIFT MASTER BY CHEVROLET
A proper sancha knows how to keep OK so by now most of you are for—and get this, Manuel’s wife actually
it player. hey understand the terms of saying, “No mames!” Now that we’ve he Groupe likes her. In fact, his wife was well aware
Car Club on
engagement and live by a set of diferent piqued your interest and gotten your display at a of the ongoing love/hate relationship
well known
rules. But every once in a while they start attention, there is one man who has and familiar and says, “[Manuel] spends more time
acting up and before you know it they been successful in doing just that. His area backdrop. and money on her than he does on me,
want more. C’mon now fellas, you know name is Manuel Fuentes—and yes his which is why I call her ‘Sancha’.'”
what I’m talking about. sancha lives in his pad. But make no But before you get any wise ideas
Now imagine having a sancha who mistake; Manuel makes no attempt that’ll get you hospitalized, we do have to
doesn’t want to sit on the sidelines and at hiding the love afair that began in clarify that Manuel’s “Sancha” is actually
shine when called upon? But let’s make the ’80s. It started of as a rusty afair a '52 Stepside truck. Yeah … sorry to
it worse. Imagine having a sancha who but since then Manuel has spent a burst your bubble of high hopes.
doesn’t want you to herself. Imagine one small fortune on cosmetic surgery he afair between Manuel and his
who wants to live in your home, and in and bolt-ons and she’s since evolved '52 began in the early ’80s when his
the presence of your wife? into a sultry women with curves to die compadre Billy found the truck in La
41
LOWRIDER.COM
1952 CHEVROLET
Puente, California. She was in real rough restoration in 2000.
THRIFT MASTER
condition but he saw potential, so he Unfortunately Billy was no longer
struck a deal and gave the owner his around so his search for new shops to NICKNAME
Sancha ’52
own truck in return for the '52 and $800. work with went awry. As with most of
When he got the '52 back home he used us who customize cars, he was having OWNER
Manuel Fuentes
the additional money to purchase a '47 trouble inding a dependable shop, and
CITY/STATE
that was to be used as a parts truck from ater falling victim to false promises and Pico Rivera, CA
which he would use the bumper, grille tall tales, he met Oscar Ortiz. Within
CLUB
guards, window frames, bed, and other three years of their meeting, they were Groupe E.L.A.
miscellaneous parts. able to bring this masterpiece back to
ENGINE
With the help of Billy Soto, the truck life and the end result is this incredible Original 235 six-cylinder
was reassembled, cleaned up, and that’s restoration being showcased today.
BODY/PAINT
when it was painted a midnight blue. It’s an incredible piece of Americana Custom-blended light gray in lacquer
Manuel enjoyed it for a few years until that takes you back in time and it’s
SUSPENSION
one eventful day he walked out from already claimed its fair share of awards. Airbag setup
work to ind that it had been rear-ended. And while the awards make for great INTERIOR
he whole back of the truck had to be paperweights, Manuel understands that Original in light gray
replaced, and while doing so he decided they’re simply mementos of time, but WHEELS/TIRES
to repaint it blue and white. Happy to be takes even greater pride in knowing that 16-inch Artilleries with Firestone
back on the street, the truck was used he is able to hit Whittier Boulevard with whitewall tires
as a daily driver for over a decade until the same renewed pride he did some 30 SOUND
he decided to do a complete frame-of years ago. Stock
42
O LOWRIDER.COM
44
SEPTEMBER 2018 LOWRIDER
45
O LOWRIDER.COM
At birth we’re all given a last name, build that’s an honor to set eyes on. But model cars that replicated some of
but it’s what we accomplish in life as equally challenging as building up the famous rides that his family built.
that gives it meaning. So, when four a name is retaining its status, and to As each year passed, he’d daydream
brothers out of Hawaiian Gardens be honest, in this game, you’re only as about building his very own lowrider,
started restoring and customizing good as your latest accomplishment. but with limited funds his only option
some of the most sought ater and rare hat said, this bomb here is not at the time was to indulge in lowrider
bombs, they in turn created a leet of owned by any of the four brothers. models and bikes. Yet even with all the
stunning works, but also a last name Rather, it’s owned by Daniel Tovar, features he’d already landed (including
that will go down in history as being son of Paul Tovar the creator of the this one http://www.lowrider.com/
one of the greatest in the game. infamous '39 Sedan Delivery (http:// features/1407-daniel-tovar-lowrider-
Known best for their signature www.lowrider.com/rides/cars/1309- bicycle/) customization became
slammed look and pristine builds, 1939-chevrolet-sedan-delivery/). But the second nature to him, but his desire to
the Tovar family has become a staple path to greatness was a tall order to ill, build a fullsize car became a priority.
in the lowrider community. Mention especially when you consider the past Ater reaching his goal of having
the word “Tovar” and almost instantly accomplishments of the Tovar family. a feature-worthy bicycle, he decided
you’re envisioning a show-quality As a teen, Daniel began building to move up a level and build a bomb.
46
S H O WS
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LOWRI CO - July 1 mber 9
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OW R I D
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OW R I DERS
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LOWRIDER.COM
1937 CHEVROLET
SPORT COUPE
OWNER WHEELS/TIRES
Daniel Tovar 100-spoke wire wheels, 15x6 in the
front and 15x7 in the back, and U.S.
NICKNAME Royal 5.60 tires
Chingon ’37
INTERIOR
CITY/STATE Hampton Coach interior with a Banjo
Cypress, CA steering wheel
CAR CLUB SOUND
Tovars Alpine stereo, two Rockford
Fosgate mini amps, two JBL 6.5-
ENGINE inch speakers, and a single 8-inch
Six-cylinder out of a '55 Chevy with Pioneer shallow mount subwoofer
a split manifold
BODY/PAINT
Axalta Burgundy
SUSPENSION
Two Hoppo’s pumps with 6-inch
cylinders in the front, 12-inch in the
back, and two Interstate batteries
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his '39, drained his savings account, dual GM S-1 safety lights, Appleton the head unit was installed in the
and scooped up the Sport Coupe in foglights, overhead speaker, streamliner glovebox, while the heater and original
New Jersey. fender skirts, the list goes on and on. radio tube housing were converted
When the car inally showed up it While the parts trickled in, he into a speaker enclosure.
felt like Christmas for Daniel. “I’ll admit shipped out the front suspension, In all, the build took 21⁄2 years and he
that the car looked ugly but I could see grille, bumpers, and accessories to learned a lot. It remains a family build
the end result in my head and knew it Metal Finishing Marketers where they infused with decades of experience and
was everything I wanted and more.” reinished and rechromed all the parts. creativity but in the end Daniel would
he car wasn’t in the driveway for 10 His Uncle Eddie took on the task of be the irst person to admit that he’s
minutes when his uncle Michael led giving it that Tovar signature look of blessed to have such a supportive wife
him to a '39 Master DeLuxe front clip being slammed. Eddie then installed and family. In closing he’d like to thank
that he could use to begin the build. the Hoppo’s setup before having Lou’s his wife, his grandpa Amador, his father
From there, a good amount of his time Muler reroute the exhaust system Paul, and his uncles Eddie, Michael, and
was spent online—and at swap meets— so it could clear the loor. Blindstitch Donald for being his biggest supporters
tracking down rare and hard-to-ind Upholstery installed the Hampton as well as his inspiration for this
accessories. In the end, he gathered Coach interior while Daniel created incredible build that is now a part of their
a laundry list of products, including a stealth sound system. To do that, collection and incredible namesake.
51
LOWRIDER.COM
he fascination with the phoenix in Jesse tells LR. “It belonged to his brother A multi car he saw that the Impala had caught ire
club of friends'
Greek mythology should come as no who had died.” help goes a overnight. It was back to the drawing
long way to get
surprise. Its ability to regenerate from As soon as he got it back home, this '63 Rag on board.
the streets of
the ashes of its former self symbolizes Jesse added air suspension but later Virginia. Jesse began to rebuild his Chevy
renewal, and it serves as a comparative regretted it and moved onto a hydraulic out of pride and sheer determination.
reference that runs in parallel to our next suspension. Jesse brought the Impala to Problems kept coming up, “I have lost
feature car, nicknamed “he Risen,” and a stereo shop locally to get some music my entire brakes while driving this car at
we’ll explain why shortly. installed, and on the way back home he least three times,” Jesse adds, “but nothing
Jesse Cuevas irst purchased his Impala noticed a problem. He called the shop will stop me from making this into my
16 years ago from a man out of Columbia, and they told him to bring it back in the dream.” he big step came when he got
South Carolina. “he owner of the car morning. he very next morning Jesse in contact with Joe Kandy Prado from
was practically in tears when I paid for it,” went to his garage and to his disbelief Texas who had been referred to him by
52
SEPTEMBER 2018 LOWRIDER
CAR MODEL
1963 IMPALA CONVERTIBLE BY CHEVROLET
HOW SETBACKS
BECAME THE SETUP
FOR SUCCESS
STORY & PHOTOS BY PHIL GORDON
his good friend Danny Rivera. Joe lew additions. hrough samples back and transmission was upgraded to a 700-R4.
in from Texas and Jesse put him up in forth, Jesse found the pattern and style he hroughout the 16 years that Jesse
his house. he intent was to add one or wanted. Ater the material was shipped, has owned his Chevy Impala, many
two lines to the car, but when Joe started Jesse found a man named “Tattoo” things have tried to keep him and the car
doing his thing, Jesse told him to paint from Maryland to install it, as well as down. Like a phoenix, he will keep rising
the whole car. Sammy “Saco” Acosta was the convertible top color change. he and the Impala will keep getting better.
brought in to lay the pinstripe and leaing hydraulic setup was cleaned up adding Jesse wishes to thank irst and
down before the clearcoat. hard lines and painting the batteries to foremost God and then his wife, Xi, and
Now that the paint was a new Candy match the new exterior. he last stop his kids, Jasmine and Carly, for their love
Apple Red, the solid white interior just was adding more power to the motor. A and support. A special thanks goes to
wasn’t matching together. Jesse contacted Chevy 350 from a '75 Camaro was added his brother David from Old Intentionz
Gina at Ciadella Interiors for some to replace the 305 that was stock and the Car Club, because without his help
53
LOWRIDER.COM
his "comeback
1963 convertible"
has cruised
CHEVROLET IMPALA through many
trials and
CONVERTIBLE tribulations to
get here!
NICKNAME
The Risen
OWNER
Jesse Cuevas
CITY/STATE
Fairfax, VA
CLUB
No ailiation
ENGINE
Chevy 350, 700-R4 transmission,
Edelbrock 1406 carburetor, polished
aluminum high risers, serpentine
kit with A/C, stainless steel Griffin
radiator all done by Old Man Frank from
Alexandria, Virginia
INTERIOR
Custom saddle leather seats sewn
by Gina at Ciadella Interiors, installed
by “Tattoo” in Upper Marlboro,
Maryland; '59 Impala hardtop cloth
inserts; stayfast canvas top with
“gangster” rear window; Dakota
Digital dash; iberglass dashboard
smoothed by Joe Prado; A/C vents
by Pat Rowan
BODY/PAINT
House of Kolor Candy Apple Red,
Maroon, and Black done by El Joe
Kandy Prado from Texas; varie-
gated pinstriping and gold leaing
by Sammy “Saco” Acosta from
Texas; continental kit; chrome plat-
ing by Brent Reese in San Dimas,
California; LED rear brake light and
LED headlights
SUSPENSION
Fully wrapped Pitbull frame, four-
pump Black Magic setup, 31⁄4-inch
block, one Adex dump, two Italian
dumps, eight Interstate group 31
batteries, hard lines installed by
owner, Danny Rivera, Rolando
Perez, and David Cuevas
SOUND
Alpine CDE-HD149BT head unit,
JL Audio components, one JL Audio
8-inch W7 subwoofer installed by
owner, David Cuevas from Old In-
tentionz Car Club and Danny Rivera
from Individuals
WHEELS/TIRES
13x7 72-spoke Zenith Wire
Wheels two-toned and crosslaced,
P155/80R13 Travel Star whitewalls
54
LOWRIDER.COM
CAR MODEL
1987 CUTLASS BY OLDSMOBILE
HOW AN F-350
ACCIDENTALLY CREATED
ONE BAD CUTLASS
STORY & PHOTOS BY HECTOR LEYVA
56
SEPTEMBER 2018 LOWRIDER
Nothing afects our lives like (now her iancé) had a Lincoln Town Supreme But the borrowed love afair was
hydraulic
necessity. It’s what forces us to make Car parked at his shop. he Lincoln action from something she wanted to make
choices, it’s what develops our ability was lowered on a set of Dayton wire a Canadian permanent, so shortly thereater
classic.
to be creative. And while necessity is wheels and not only did it become her she purchased an '87 Oldsmobile
said to be the mother of invention, it mode of transportation, but a vehicle Cutlass Supreme, originally owned
not only changes the conditions of that would change her perception by her grandfather. he car had been
our life, but the way we live it—and on lowriding. Driving a “lowrider” purchased of the dealer lot and
this ultimately is the storyline for one was a new experience for her, and like had recently been spending its time
Georjah Jaymes. most, she fell in love with the attention, in storage, almost as if it had been
“At the time, I didn’t haven’t a admiration, and feeling one gets when waiting for her to come rescue it.
car to drive to work,” Georjah says. driving one. “I instantly fell in love with While this is generally the part
Fortunately for her, Tyler Vanderwall the culture and artform,” she says. where we introduce all the cool things
57
LOWRIDER.COM
1987
OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS
VEHICLE NICKNAME
Biological
OWNER
Georjah J.
CITY/STATE
Langley, BC
CLUB
StreetStyle
ENGINE
'87 305 with chrome upgrades
BODY/PAINT
House of Kolor Candy Brandywine
with lace patterns and pinstriping
SUSPENSION
Custom Hoppo’s two-pump setup
with four dumps and polished
hard lines
INTERIOR
Original '87 cloth interior with
Pioneer sound system
WHEELS/TIRES
13x7 Center gold McLean wire
wheels mounted onto 5.20
Premium Sportway tires
58
LOWRIDER.COM
Look anywhere in the United inspiration—especially since the wire wheels. As chance would have
States and one can ind the common frog is known for its high hop range it, he had some friends driving out
frog, but in Puerto Rico there’s a and unique green color. to California for the Majestics picnic
special frog that’s notorious for its Born and raised in Chicago, Jason so he hitched a ride and came back
extremely loud mating. Designed to took a rather unusual foray into with a new perspective—and a new
be an audible warning to competing the lowrider culture. “I was heavy project.
male frogs, and a mating call to into stereo,” Jason tells LR. “In fact Once he arrived at the picnic
all female frogs, the invasive frog my very irst car was a decked-out he spent the next ive hours in
is called Coqui. So when Jason '86 Subaru.” As time passed, he complete amazement. He perused
Diaz was asked to come up with a upgraded to a minivan for more all the diferent styles, witnessed
name for his new build, it was only audio room and it was during this his irst hop competition, and his
appropriate to use the Coqui as build that he threw on his irst set of entire outlook on custom vehicles
60
SEPTEMBER 2018 LOWRIDER
CAR MODEL
1984 CAPRICE CLASSIC BY CHEVROLET
IT’S GREEN
AND IT’S GOT HOP
STORY & PHOTOS BY PHIL GORDON
changed. His interest led to many home wired the owner the rest of Once back to Chicago, Jason put
questions and one of the lowrider the asking price. Jason brought the the Chevy away for the next two
owners even mentioned that he had Caprice to a shop to add a hydraulic years, refocusing on other things
a half-done project for sale. With suspension that was good enough to until a friend contacted him. His
interest, Jason asked if he could compete with the hoppers he saw in friend was selling an LT1 out of a
see it and the owner had it brought California. he next month there was '96 Impala SS so once again Jason
down. It was a complete '84 Chevy a show in Indy and Jason got in the car scooped up the motor and the project
Caprice Classic with worn-out paint, and drove the car to Indy, but halfway was back on. Jason sent the Caprice to
and a cut frame that was ready for a there the transmission went out. he Duran’s Bodyshop where they added
hydraulic setup. Caprice was towed the rest of the way, the moonroof and grated Cadillac
Jason shelled out the $500 deposit, unloaded from the trailer and hopped quarter-panel windows on each side.
hired a transport company, and once at the show taking hird Place. From there, the shop put the car aside
61
LOWRIDER.COM
1984 CHEVROLET
CAPRICE CLASSIC
VEHICLE NICKNAME
El Coqui
OWNER
Jason Diaz
CITY/STATE
Chicago, IL
CLUB
Majestics Chicago
ENGINE
'96 Chevy Impala SS 5.7 LT1 fuel
injected, Kiwi Green engine block,
March Performance bullet alu-
minum Sport Trac pulley kit, LT1
ceramic-coated Hooker headers,
polished intake, polished Lokar
throttle body with stainless flex
cable, custom MSD ignition wires,
aluminum polished valve covers,
engine and transmission wiring
harness with reprogrammed EPU,
chrome-plated oil pan, Kiwi Green
4L60 transmission
BODY/PAINT
Trans Star Kiwi Green, Axalta
clear, ’80s Cadillac Fleetwood
quarter-panel glass window, ’80s
Fleetwood rocker panels, ’90s
Fleetwood moldings, 44-inch
moonroof, frame-of restora-
tion, painted belly, engine bay,
full frame wrapped in 3⁄16-inch
molded, painted Kiwi Green,
pinstripe, and silver leaf
SUSPENSION
Two CCE rear pumps, one Bruce
Customs front pump, 12 Deka
batteries, 8-inch chrome cylinders
in front, 12-inch three-stage
telescopic cylinders in rear, full
chrome suspension, custom-
made Ford 9-inch rearend, upper
A-arms extended 11⁄2 inches, lower
A-arms, custom spring pocket
with swivels, four switches
INTERIOR
Pillow-top seats, ’90s Fleetwood
digital dash, ’80s Cadillac door
panels, ’80s Fleetwood quarter
sails custom, ’90s Fleetwood
seatbelts relocated to the doors
and over the shoulder in rear seats
WHEELS/TIRES
14x7 100-spoke chrome Dayton Wire
Wheels, 175/70R14 Hankook tires
SOUNDS
Kenwood Excelon head unit,
Ininity Reference 4x6 in dash,
6x9 in rear deck, Ininity Reference
1,000-watt four-way ampliier
to work on other jobs for the next two hands on deck as the group added in 2017 and came out swinging,
years until Jason took the car back a freshly purchased frame from overcoming every obstacle. Jason
and put it in his garage. Pitbull Hydraulics that took months wishes to thank all his friends and
Now as a member of Majestics to put into place. His custom painter family for their help, dedication, and
in Chicago, Jason enlisted the help Raul from Musher Body Shop in motivation, including Bruce, Jimmy,
of his friends and members Rai, Cicero added a custom Kiwi paint Raul, Alex, Silver, Alberto, Arturo,
Raul, Alberto, Alex, Jimmy, Silver, on the Caprice exterior, engine, and Sal, Beto, David, and Johnny. Like the
David, Sal, and Beto to paint the transmission. frog in Puerto Rico, El Coqui is ready
belly and engine bay. It was all El Coqui was ready to be debuted to hop at any time in Chicago.
62
LOWRIDER.COM
SOURCE
Powermaster Performance
(630) 957-4019
www.powermastermotorsports.com
64
SEPTEMBER 2018 LOWRIDER
LOWRIDERSHOPSTOP
B R O U G H T T O Y O U B Y L O W R I D E R
It’s one thing to be familiar with Powermaster Performance has he power ees manning the fort, many of them
source to
a particular brand or product, but long been known for crafting run the have been employed for decades—
to visit their facility and get to know ultrahigh-performance, custom and powerplant in proof that Powermaster cares as
your lowrider
their inner workings and history ultra-duty starters and alternators. classic. much about their employees as
provides a whole other form of ap- They’re found on the best custom they do their product line. But then
preciation and respect. And in the vehicles throughout the globe and again, why not? Employees are your
case of Powermaster Performance, regardless of whether you love rock front line and if you take care of
our visit not only left us shook, but crawling, cruising, or racing, they’ve ’em, they’ll take care of you.
gave us a sincere appreciation for got something to suit your needs. Walking their facility was a feat
their products as well as their ability Located in West Chicago, Illinois, in itself. To be honest, there was
to sustain generations of car lovers their massive 147,000-square-foot so much going on that I felt like
and families as well. facility is no joke. With 86 employ- I had ADD. From aisle to aisle,
65
LOWRIDER.COM
rack to rack, work station to work 260 lb-ft of torque for both gas and our vehicles, but they have to de-
station it was both a nightmare and diesel engines. In addition, Power- pendably start and after that your
a dream because trying to soak it master also manufactures a great car’s battery must continue to stay
all in let me mentally and physically line of performance alternators to fully charged. That’s why Pow-
exhausted. But this is what they do, as fit any need. From 120-350 amp for ermaster is the power master of
purveyors of high-quality starters and competition use, Powermaster has performance starters and alternator
alternators, their reputation is one the right alternator for your vehicle. charging demands.
that is heralded by the performance And when it comes to lowriding, this In all it was an insightful visit
and longevity of their products. is exactly what you need. that proves once again that quality
With the demanding needs of While our cars may not take the still lives in America. So in closing
today’s vehicles and custom builds, constant abuse of a Dakar Rally we’d like to thank Powermaster Per-
they require plenty of juice, which Car, we still need parts that can formance for the exclusive tour and
is why Powermaster starters pack withstand and supply the needs to we wish them continued success
a serious punch. Lightweight with fire up that weekend cruiser and as they continue to build a brand
plenty of torque, these units can blast our favorite sounds all over based on family values, perfor-
stand the abuse and their lineup in- the streets. After all, that’s when we mance, integrity, and the quest to
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66
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68
SEPTEMBER 2018 LOWRIDER
VEHICLE MODEL
2005 MAGNUM RT BY DODGE
Although the Dodge Magnum canvas also made it a target for those his draggin' him as a mode of transportation and
wagon is a
was irst introduced in the United looking to customize it. But for one Magnum force. source of inspiration.
States in 1978, it only lasted one year “West Coast Southern Boy,” who was Looking to change his life, Antwan
in production as a coupe before being raised in Los Angeles but moved to decided to study at Nashville Auto
pulled. In 2004, the Dodge Magnum Alabama, station wagons have been Diesel College because he wanted to
nameplate was revived, except this time his life. At the age of 18, he started of learn how to build and customize his
around it was brought back as a rear- with an '87 Ford LTD station wagon own vehicles. With his loyalty and
wheel-drive station wagon that struck a that he purchased for $300. “It was the attachment to station wagons, it came
nerve with car customizers globally. only thing I could aford in my price as a surprise when Dodge released
For decades, the station wagon has range,” Antwan Todd, owner of this the brand-new Dodge Magnum
gained notoriety as being a family Magnum, says. In the beginning it in 2005. “Most of my friends were
car, but its imposing size and large was his trusty LTD that would serve customizing Chargers or Chrysler
69
LOWRIDER.COM
2005 DODGE
MAGNUM RT
VEHICLE NICKNAME
Sexy Maggie
OWNER
Antwan Todd
CITY/STATE
Mobile, AL
CLUB
Swift
ENGINE
5.7L Hemi, chrome dress-up kit,
Killerglass clear radiator hose,
engraved Weapon-R cold-air intake
BODY/PAINT
Xotic Colours custom-mixed
three-stage blue and green
pearl paint done by Todd’s Auto
Innovations; Spyder 3 hood;
Duraflex Quantum-style ive-
piece body kit; SES three-piece
grilles; side pillars, side mirrors,
trunk handle, hatch, and hood
hinges all engraved by Lugos
Engraving, Engrave It Inc., and
Krazy Kutting; UFO underbody
LED kit
INTERIOR
Dark gray vinyl seats with blue
piping by It’s A New Look Upholstery,
custom-engraved steering wheel
from Krazy Kutting
SOUND
Pioneer double-din touch-screen
head unit 300s,” Antwan adds. “I had this vision something that had never been done
of being diferent and going a diferent before. Antwan decided to add high
WHEELS/TIRES
24x9 Borghini wheels with direction.” Antwan purchased an '05 heels where the woman’s feet were
4-inch lip, painted to match, Dodge Magnum RT straight from the mounted, so he measured them and
Kumho tires
Dodge dealership. went to the store to purchase high heels.
SUSPENSION Although the build started out slow, In a moment of absentmindedness
Adjustable BC Racing coilovers,
AccuAir e-Level airbag Antwan did minor upgrades while he he let the receipt at home where his
suspension, I-Level cellphone continued to pay of the new Magnum. wife found it. he “We need to talk”
control system, hand-engraved
air tank, LED lighting Ater the ive-year loan was satisied, call came next and Antwan had to
Antwan focused his funds on building reveal that the heels were for his car and
the Magnum to new heights. As a not another girl, which nearly ended
trained and efficient painter, Antwan their marriage. Once the inside stereo
used a custom mix of pearls from Xotic setup was complete, Antwan sent out
Colours to set the Dodge apart from everything chrome for engraving where
the rest. A custom hood and body kit Lugos Engraving, Engrave It Inc., and
was added to stand out. he next step Krazy Kutting all had their hands in
was bringing the Dodge closer to the engraving.
ground. Antwan enlisted J&J Kustomz Antwan wishes to thank is VERY
in heodore, Alabama, to add a full understanding wife, Janel, for not
air-ride suspension. Once the custom killing him and allowing him his
air-ride setup was installed, Antwan creative vision. He also wishes to
found it difficult to add a custom stereo thank Donald Craig and Dennis
system because of the lack of space let. Pugh Jr. for all the labor they put in
He began looking online for diferent as well as Archie Wright at Miracle
installs and happened to come up with Auto Sports for bringing to life his
a unique, one-of-a-kind idea. unique vision. A special thanks goes
“Sexy Maggie” would take on its to Bobby Washington at Its A New
name by having a woman iberglassed Look Upholstery as well as Jonathan
inside the rear of the Magnum with Harvison at J&J Kustomz for the hard
speakers for her bottom. Keeping it a work. He’d also like to thank all the
secret from his wife Janel, he brought sponsors and friends and family and his
the Dodge to Miracle Auto Sports Swit club for always being there. "Sexy
where Antwan and the owner Archie Maggie" is one car that once you see it,
put their ideas together to create you won’t ever forget.
70
DIGITAL
EDITION
Custom Show Panels Add Class To
Your Ride And Improve Cooling!
Cover the radiator core support/hood latch area with our fitted show
panels (available in clear, polished or black anodized aluminum) for
great looks and cooler cruising. They’re available custom engraved with
licensed GM logos or your own design (name, club affiliation, etc.).
72
SEPTEMBER 2018 LOWRIDER
SOURCE LOWRIDERGARAGE
E S T A B L I S H E D 1 9 7 7
Wilwood
(805) 388-1188
www.wilwood.com
“ON SOME
FACTORY
SPINDLES,
BUT NOT ALL,
A SMALL
AREA ON THE
BRACKET SIDE
OF THE SPINDLE
WILL NEED TO
BE MODIFIED
TO ACCEPT
THE WILWOOD
CALIPER
BRACKET.”
Based on the venerable forged that can be used with either manual be replaced (albeit a pain in the
billet Dynalite caliper, these or power boost master cylinders. ass), but the lives of the people
versatile kits are easily optioned So stop playing games and make inside your vehicle can’t, so get
to suit the braking requirements sure your brake system is on point right and stop playing because
and style preferences (polished and because at the end of the day all Wilwood has the answer. Now
engraved) for a daily driver, serious that money and time poured into all you have to do is step to the
competition, or the street and creating your dream car means plate and install the real brakes.
show lowrider. Most kits require nothing if it can’t stop in a hurry. Here are just a few install steps
no modiications for installation Even more important to consider demonstrated on the front and
and provide plenty of clearance is the fact that your car can always back brakes of a '61 Impala.
74
GARAGEPERFORMANCE
he Wilwood Forged Narrow neatly hidden internal shoe system
Superlite 4R rear disc kit provides provides a clean installation with
the ultimate big brake solution for superior static holding power for
popular muscle car rear axles that parking. Optional caliper inishes
require a parking brake. FNSL4R and rotor designs allow builders
four-piston calipers, 13- or 14- to personalize the style and
inch two-piece rotors, and high- performance for every application.
performance BP-10 compound he rear disc brake assembly only
pads provide optimized and needs minor modiications (as shown
balanced braking to complement here), but disc brakes should only be
front big brake upgrades on all installed by someone experienced
types of custom, show, and high- and competent in the installation and
performance street machines. he maintenance of disc brakes.
800-826-3045
www.arp-bolts.com
76
SEPTEMBER 2018 LOWRIDER
Opposite page:
1. Vintage Air
compressor for
the LS engine.
2. Vintage Air
compressor for
the big-block
Chevy.
78
his once light gray tee now outlined
GARAGERESTORATION
with sweat—and he’s the same guy
who usually wants to give you a
hand dap followed by a salty hug.
Now if that’s not enough to make
things uncomfortable, think about
2
all the sweat that’s being soaked into
your seats. OK you get the point. 1
To solve that problem, Vintage
Air has long been the standard
for classic car air conditioning
solutions and now they’re taking
it one step further with their
bolt-in SureFit systems. Available
for a large number of ’60s and ’70s
vehicles, they are electronically
controlled and provide users with
heat, cold, and defrost systems that
are designed to bolt into your car
or truck.
Vintage Air SureFit kits are the
most complete, bolt-in, climate-
control systems available for classic
lowriders, muscle cars, restomods,
and trucks. he kits install easily
and utilize most of the factory
sheetmetal and body features and
are engineered as "vehicle-speciic"
complete systems. With the ever-
increasing value of classic cars,
they have engineered these kits to
be installed using as many of the
factory-drilled holes and brackets
as possible to maintain the vehicle’s
value. In some cases, very minor
adjustments or an extra hole may
be required. This is because all
auto manufacturers made changes
to their vehicle assembly designs
during production runs.
In addition, SureFit kits are
designed to place the evaporator
case and air duct hoses behind
the dash for a factory-clean look.
In most cases, the SureFit system
will be controlled by your stock
dash controls using Vintage
Air’s exclusive patented Cable
Converters. In some applications,
a new "factory" look control
panel is included with the kit.
Some early truck kits must use
additional switches.
Of course, there’s a small list of
cars that don’t have “ready to go”
kits, but if that occurs then you can
always utilize their “Builder Series”
universal components to keep the
situation cool. Check out Vintage
Air’s featured system right here; if
you have any questions, don’t sweat
it, just visit Vintage Air online.
LOWRIDER.COM
SOURCE
American Autowire
(800) 482-9473
www.americanautowire.com
80
SEPTEMBER 2018 LOWRIDER
A classic car brings with it plenty system that gives users the ability to
of nostalgia, but along with it comes scrap their entire electrical system and
the necessary headaches. From worn
parts to rusted-out loorboards, they’re
all easily replaced; but amongst all the
start fresh—and to be honest it’s the
only way to go. No more tracing and
replacing wires, no more praying that
LOWRIDERGARAGE
E S T A B L I S H E D 1 9 7 7
problems you will encounter the worst you’ll make it back from your local
are those devious electrical gremlins. cruise, and, most importantly, no
In decades past, we’d have to rely on more costly electrical bills. his time
the expertise of our mechanics, but as around you can install an American
they traced each wire and solved the Autowire system and enjoy your ride
current problem it always seemed as for decades to come.
if another gremlin would spawn and
then we’d repeat the cycle—but not
For our '53 Bomb Truck project
it had to be a reliable daily driver, so
[ R E S TO R AT I O N ]
now. hanks to American Autowire, we went with American Autowire’s
they’ve launched a modular wiring Highway 22 complete wiring kit. he
MONTHLYPAINTTIP
82
As we’ve mentioned time and time
again, your electrical system is one
of the most commonly neglected
aspects of building a custom car,
but I get it … because there’s really
no show value attached to it. But
if you really think about it, your
car’s electrical system is like a very
simpliied version of your body’s
nervous system. It provides power,
relays pertinent information about
heat and system pressure, and
without it—or with a malfunctioning
one—it turns your car into a disaster
waiting to happen. So don’t skimp
on your electrical system. Instead
Look for the OPTIMA DIGITAL 1200 AND DIGITAL 400 chargers at a retailer near you.
of ixing your current one replace
it with a system from American The OPTIMA logo, OPTIMA Batteries, The Ultimate Power Source, Spiralcell
Autowire just to know that you’ll get Technology, REDTOP, YELLOWTOP, BLUETOP and The Six-Pack Battery Design
are trademarks of Johnson Controls, Inc. ©2017
to where you need to be with security,
safety, and conidence!
83
LOWRIDER.COM
84
SEPTEMBER 2018 LOWRIDER
In 1842, writer and poet Edgar Allan Once a year in Vegas there is a
Poe wrote and published a short story Fabricators Face Of at an OBC custom
called "he Masque of the Red Death.”
It was a literary work that relected his
attempt to avoid a plague. Although the
bicycle event. It’s the best of the best
showing of their talents on bicycles
throughout the country. here is
LOWRIDERBICYCLE
E S T A B L I S H E D 1 9 7 7
actual Red Death plague was ictional, one simple rule to be accepted as a
Poe did pull inspiration from an ac- competitor into this contest. he bicycle
tual illness to create the story. Later in accepted had to be built from scratch,
Mexico, an unexpected and dangerous meaning it could not be an older or
plague occurred to which the people newer frame that is modiied. Ater
referred to as “he Red Death.” Chris Chris was accepted out of eight total
Burke of Pinellas Park, Florida, had competitors, he knew it was time to get
read about the plague and it fascinated to work on his project.
him. he story was intriguing enough he irst step was to draw out his
to title his masterpiece “La Muerte planned coniguration for the bike.
Roja,” which translates to red death. he next step was purchasing the tube
As a teenager, Chris began his pas- and metal. A 11⁄2-inch round tube was
sion simply because he couldn’t aford modiied with 7⁄8-inch back legs. Chris
a car. “I knew I didn’t have the money added 18-gauge steel plating on both
for a lowrider car,” Chris tells LR, “so sides to create the tank. he front bars
I did the next best thing.” hat next were constructed from scratch out of
best thing was to purchase a bicycle. the round tube, and the front fork was
Of course with Chris’ creativeness that designed from a 1-inch round tube
bicycle didn’t stay stock for long. He that Chris manually bent into his own BIKE MODEL
2017 CBURKE CUSTOM CRUISER
became so versed in metalwork and design. he brackets were handmade,
custom fabrication in his teens that including the shock mounts.
he knew what direction he wanted to Chris was inspired by a motorcycle You have to bagger that he sectioned to wrap around
start from
go as an adult. His creations got more bagger so he used a 29x3 wheel in the scratch to the back wheel. To add more custom
have no
intense and intricate and he started front and the back wheel is a 26x5, match! to the build, square tubing was turned
getting a following and reputation which is the widest you can buy. he sideways and bent diamond style and
based on his builds. back fender is from a Harley-Davidson then cut in half and placed on the down
tube on the back fender. he bodywork
was inished on the custom bicycle so
2017 CBURKE Chris sent it over to Eddie Zacharek at
CUSTOM CRUISER EZ Kustoms of Clearwater, Florida, for
VEHICLE NICKNAME a complete custom paintjob. Chris de-
La Muerte Roja cided that the Red Death theme would
OWNER go perfect with this competition build.
Christopher Burke, CBurke Customs he front fork and the fender were then
CITY/STATE sent to Pro-Fab Powder Coating to be
Pinellas Park, FL coated.
SUSPENSION Chris wishes to thank Eddie for the
Fox mountain bike air shock killer paintjob that turns heads wher-
BODY/PAINT ever the bike is. He also wishes to thank
Bodywork done in-house at CBurke Robert for the custom wheels, Tim for
Customs. Full flake, seven diferent
layers of diferent tones of candy building the kickstand and grips, and
paint, variegated gold leaing, pin- John Lerew for constantly keeping him
striping and red pearls for the hand
airbrushed murals, all done with in line and focused during the build.
custom paints and Inspire airbrush Chris extends his thanks to his buddies
paints. Paint and artwork done by
Eddie Zacharek at EZ Kustoms. Jason and Joe who drove with him
on the 36-hour drive to Vegas for the
WHEELS/TIRES
Wheels are 26x5 rear, 29x3 front Fabricators Face Of. Although he didn’t
72-spoke, built by Robert Gonzales, win, he represented Florida with class
owner of Most Hated Bicycles &
Parts in Arizona. Tires are 26x3.5 and creativeness. Finally, he wishes to
rear and 29x1.95 front VEE tires. thank his beautiful wife, Michelle, who
Back wheels are wrapped with
a sectioned and modiied Harley stood beside him and never doubted
bagger front fender. his passion and talent on Red Death.
INTERIOR His creativeness led him to start his own
Custom motorcycle bobber seat with custom fabrication shop named CBurke
custom aluminum shroud, brass
Rivets, and custom leatherwork. Seat Customs, and he can guarantee he will
mounting brackets were molded and be in the shop building something even
attached with an adjustable shock. better for next year’s face-of.
85
LOWRIDERMAGAZINE.COM
NEWPRODUCTS
E S T A B L I S H E D 1 9 7 7
THESE PRODUCTS MAY BE SMALL BUT
THEY’RE DEFINITELY A BIG DEAL
STORY & PHOTOS BY JOE RAY
Similar to the human body, a car will need plenty of therapy and
1 replacement parts when it reaches a certain age. From the radiator cap to the
fuel pump, these small accessories regulate the performance of your car and
in this installment of new products we’re featuring three new products that
you’ll deinitely need sooner than later. So let’s begin.
MAKE
1 MAKE
OER Parts
2Painless
MAKE
Performance Products Holley/MSD
MODEL MODEL
MODEL Trail Rocker Switch Panels 12-Bolt VR Series Fuel Cell Pump Modules
Flat Rivet Radiator Cap
URL URL
URL www.painlessperformance.com www.holley.com
www.oerparts.com
OVERVIEW OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW Built to handle the most extreme abuse, Your fuel pump is the heart of y your
A radiator cap is easy to take for granted, the Painless Trail Rocker Switch Panels are vehicle. It’s what gets
g the fuel pumping
but once it malfunctions it’s not a good as rugged as any trail you’ll ever encounter. at the correct pressure; a faultyy or
thing. It also happens to be one of the key Designed for of-road use, these switch underperforming unit is cause for
components that regulate your cooling panels can handle mud, jumps, and tons catastrophe. That said, Holley/MSD
y
system, thus allowing a certain amount of of vibration, so what does that have to do announced the release of their Holley
pressure to build up in the system before it with lowriding? Plenty. 12-Bolt VR Series Fuel Cell Pump
opens up, allowing excess pressure to escape. Lowriders experience tremendous Modules.
On older vehicles the internal springs may vibration and sudden jolts, and that means Their brushless designg easily y support up
wear or malfunction but instead of getting these switches will feel right at home. to 4,400 hp for EFI engines
g and 4,800
a cheap Pep Boys substitute cap you can They can easily handle the jolts of your hp for carbureted applications. Fully y
now pick up one from OER. Each of their caps hopper and the weatherproof LED on/of compatible with popular 12-bolt flange g
feature the correct markings as well as an switches are enclosed in a powdercoated fuel cells and designed
g to drop right
g in,
accurate cosmetic appearance of the “flat steel housing and are available in a four-, theyy maintain pressures of 130 psi while
rivet” in the center of the cap. Please note that six-, or eight-switch options. They make flowing 335 gallons per hour. Two VR
the original caps have long been discontinued for the perfect addition to your vehicle Series brushless pumps, two controllers,
and the current GM replacement unit (and and ofer the conidence in knowing that and two harnesses deliver complete VR
other reproduction caps) doesn’t accurately they’ll always be ready to go at the flick of fuel pump power inside your fuel cell
represent the original cap. a switch. and make it easy to upgrade it to EFI.
86
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LOWRIDER.COM
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LOWRIDER.COM
LOWRIDER
"WITH A LARGE FAMILY OF HIS OWN, E S T A B L I S H E D 1 9 7 7
As a teacher who specializes in students as he does his own family of 10 early year convertibles, a few
children with special needs and but his life’s work goes above and hardtop bombs, as well as a '59 and
those with developmental disorders, beyond the traditional educational '75 Monte Carlo.
Danny “Abby” Rodriguez comes system. Outside of the classroom, So ride with us on this next
armed with patience, passion, and Danny is a classic car collector, as journey of Roll Models, sponsored
empathy. For over 25 years, his well as the last founding member by Quaker State and Shell
work as an educator has been a of Classic Dreams Car Club in Lubricants, as we take a deeper
passionate endeavor to help others Bakersfield. He was the president look at Danny’s collection of cars,
yet somehow he still manages to of his club until his father recently thoughts, and opinions. He leads a
find the time to raise a family of his died, so he took a break from life of purpose and in the end he’s
own, help arrange local charities and his position, although he advises the real deal and he’s got a thing or
shows, all the while attending to his the club and its chapters. But his two to teach us. So power up, tune
small fleet of classic cars. passion for classic cars runs deep, in, and turn up because class is in
With a large family of his own, and one look at his arsenal of cars session and you can catch it all on
Danny pours the same love into his will reveal an enviable collection our YouTube channel.
90
More than paint.
Partnership.
axalta.us/partnership