Where would we be without our ladies? It’s asking a lot for our significant others to tolerate this obsession (err … hobby, we mean), much less support it. You know you found a keeper though when one not only encourages it, but sinks her teeth into it as much as you. Danny Torrez met his match when he married fellow lowrider Nicole. After many years together Danny decided to build his better half the car of her dreams. Although many might argue that a pink car isn’t masculine, we’d have no problem parking this one in our driveway. Hey, if Elvis could rock a pink Cadillac, there’s no reason any man wouldn’t be proud to own this lovely 1961 bubbletop.

Danny put the word out that was the year he was looking for and upon finding a suitable candidate, immediately began blowing it apart for the mods to come. The frame was boxed with 3/16-inch plate, molded, powdercoated pink, and patterned by Danny’s friend Carlos “Coast One.” Custom trailing arms and a wishbone suspension were added so it sat low, but locked up high. Chrome plating throughout the undercarriage makes it all look clean. A stronger Toyota rearend was added as well as Caprice spindles and disc brakes with an RAB Performance master cylinder and booster. Deep-pocketed lower A-arms for bigger coils, a CPP steering box, and a quartet of Daytons with Zenith knockoffs keep the rolling stock going strong.

Two Hop Shop competition pumps in the rear and a one-piston pump for the front keep the juice flowing through hardlines with 1/2-inch fittings. Eight-inch front cylinders with 14-inch rear cylinders, three Adex dumps, nine solenoids, six group 31 batteries round out the hydraulic package with pink anodized and engraved blocks. A crate 350 was prettied up with some RAB Performance accessories, a Professional Products Power Plus manifold, Edelbrock 600-cfm cam, and tied to a 700-R4 trans.

The body was kept true to stock by Oscar Ruvalcaba and that beautiful PPG pastel pearl pink was done by Gilbert Acosta and is based on a shade of nail polish that Nicole liked. Accents like Curly’s pinstriping, muraling by Alberto Herrera, and engraving on the bumper guards, amp, A-arms, heater core cover, and hydraulics setup was added by Tommy Casteneda all done to Nicole’s specifications. Brightwork by D&R Chrome bring it all to life.

The interior was stitched up by Bones of San Jose in pink suede and white vinyl. Danny made a center console to house the iPad head unit that connects the Zapco equalizer, five-channel Orion amp, four Alpine Type R 6x9s in rear, a 10-inch Alpine Type R subwoofer, and two 5 1/4-inch Alpine Type R speakers in front. A Flaming River column is about the only other thing out-of-the-ordinary inside the 1961, but the rest is stock.

Although like most cars there are more details to come in the future, but Nicole and Danny get to enjoy their ride and turn heads at many car shows. Special thanks also go out to Abel Rueda, Kevin Olso, Kita, and the rest of the USO members for their support.

1961 Chevrolet Impala

Vehicle Nickname
P1nk

Owner
Nicole Torrez

City/State
San Jose, CA

Club
USO San Jose

Engine
350 V-8, 700-R4 trans

Body/Paint
PPG pastel pearl pink. Curly’s pinstriping, muraling by Alberto Herrera, and engraving on the bumper guards, amp, A-arms, heater core cover, and hydraulics setup by Tommy Casteneda. Chrome by D&R Chrome bring it all to life.

Suspension
frame boxed, molded, powdercoated pink, and patterned by Carlos “Coast One.” Custom trailing arms and wishbone suspension. Toyota rearend, Caprice spindles and disc brakes, RAB Performance master cylinder and booster. Deep-pocketed lower A-arms for bigger coils, CPP steering box. Two Hop Shop competition pumps in the rear and a one-piston pump for the front. Eight-inch front cylinders with 14-inch rear cylinders, three Adex dumps, nine solenoids, six group 31 batteries.

Interior
Pink suede and white vinyl by Bones Upholstery. Center console by Danny Torrez. Flaming River column.

Stereo
iPad head unit, Zapco equalizer, five-channel Orion amp, four Alpine Type R 6x9s in rear, a 10-inch Alpine Type R subwoofer, and two 5 1/4-inch Alpine Type R speakers in front.

Wheels/Tires
13-inch Zeniths/Firestone FR 380 155/80R13

What’s a Bubbletop?

Although it was a short-lived styling touch of the early ’60s, the bubbletop basically only existed in 1961 and 1962. These cars feature a dome-like roof with large, curved rear glass and windshields, as well as curved pillars. In 1962 they were discontinued in favor of the “crinkle” top, which resembled a convertible at first glance. Bubbletop 1962 Bel Airs equipped with a 409 are very rare and command big bucks. Only the 1962 Bel Air two-door hardtop had the bubbletop body style, while the Impala coupe had the new convertible-look hardtop. The Bel Air four-door sedan of 1961 had the “flying wing” roof, but as unusual as the 1961 Bel Air four-door hardtop was, the real oddball of the 1961 Chevrolet lineup was the two-door sedan, the only year that the Impala was ever available in that body style. Other GM makes and models featured a bubbletop as well during the same years.

The post 1961 Chevrolet Impala – Ladies Own Lowriders Too appeared first on Lowrider.

“I was 7 years old the first time I ever saw a lowrider,” Adrian Romero says. “My uncle was showing me a few pictures of his car that had been published in a recent LOWRIDER magazine feature and it was at that time that dreams of not only building my own car, but one day gracing the pages of LOWRIDER magazine began.” From lowrider bikes to car shows, this dream would follow him throughout his childhood. Coincidently, it was at a car show where he would meet his future wife who, lucky for him, also shared his affinity for classic cars.

After a few months of searching for the perfect car, they came across an Internet advertisement and soon they would have their dream car sitting in the driveway. This 1952 Chevy Fleetline restoration would take over four years. It began by visiting Louie Moncibaez, who would prep the body to receive a fresh bath of Dupont Burgundy metallic pearl two-stage paint, matching his wife Veronica’s favorite nail polish color. This color would be carried into the interior where Jaime Guanajuato Sr. of Phoenix blended a Burgundy and Cream leather combination. While Diversified Metals, also in Phoenix, was plating and chroming all the vehicle’s metalwork, Adrian’s father, Steve, and Junior Garcia continued the hard work filled with long nights that typically accompany any build of this scale. With the original 1952 Chevy 235 breathing new life, original steel wheels painted to match and Coker whitewalls gleaming, the heart and soul of this ’50s classic had been revived, thanks to a little bit of lowrider magic.

“A lot of people came together to help me build my dream car,” Adrian says, “but special thanks go out to Junior Garcia and especially my wife, Veronica, and our kids, who themselves have started their own lowrider builds with a bike and stroller often displayed alongside our car. But especially to Steve Romero: I want to say thank you for all your hard work along the way and that first trophy we received at the Las Vegas Super Show was for you, Dad.”

Nickname: Old Soul

Owner: Adrian Romero

Car Club: Sophisticated Few

City: Phoenix, AZ

Vehicle: 1952 Chevy Fleetline

Engine: Original 1952 Chevy 235

Upholstery: Jaime Guanajuato Sr. of Phoenix blended together the Burgundy and Cream leather combinations

Body/Paint: Louie applied a custom mix of DuPont Burgundy metallic pearl two-stage paint

Wheels/Tires: Original steel OE wheels with Coker 2.60-15 whitewalls

The post Adrian & Veronica Romero’s Dream Car, a ’52 Chevy Fleetside appeared first on Lowrider.

It’s three days of fun, food, Mariachi, and fiesta for everyone. Mexican Fiesta is more than just a celebration. It’s an affirmation of the belief that our community is alive with promise. Education is the key to the future, and, through scholarship awards, the festival becomes the gateway to young Hispanic men and women taking their rightful place in society.

In 1973 a South Side street was closed to traffic to celebrate Mexican Independence Day. It was the first time that there was the excitement of a neighborhood street fair, a sense that it was time for this thriving community to show itself and others the extraordinary beauty of a culture rich in diversity. The possibilities were endless! Music! Dance! Tradition! Lowriders! A colorful pageant was born and now 40 years later a flourishing Mexican Fiesta has become a stunning tribute to the vitality of the Hispanic community.

Milwaukee lowrider show promoter Mario Reyes and his crew put on one of the best lowrider shows in the Midwest in the Summerfest grounds during Mexican Fiesta. The Fiesta was also home to the Hot Wheelz 2015 Car and Truck show. With over 300 vehicles in attendance, this show has become the largest show in Wisconsin, and a highly anticipated event among area riders.

On behalf of the Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Foundation and Mexican Fiesta, they would like to extend their gratitude to all who worked together to make Mexican Fiesta 2015 a huge success. The revenue from the event will go directly to the foundation, which will give away scholarships to Hispanic students. It is hoped that the dedication and support for the festival will remain strong in the years to come, under the united cause of helping Hispanic youth pursue a higher education. Be sure to attend this event next year, as it’s really a great celebration of the Mexican culture. Besides the fun, it’s a great way to give back to the future generation of leaders in our country.

The post 2015 Wisconsin Fiesta appeared first on Lowrider.

Upgrading the technology and performance of your car doesn’t have to be a difficult or complex task. There used to be a time when it was expensive, tedious, complicated, and unreliable, but the times have changed and thanks to companies like MSD it’s become that much easier.

So in this DIY installment, we’re exploring just how easy it is to upgrade the performance of your junkyard LS (Gen III) swap. By now, plenty of you have weighed out the pricing and options for doing an LS swap and it’s a feasible upgrade with a few downfalls-integrating the motor into your factory wiring harness and having to deal with the factory ECM.

Now with MSD’s new Atomic EFI kit, the conversion not only saves you time, but a whole lot of downtime and gas money. This kit doesn’t require a laptop, and leaves owners more time spent enjoying their ride versus working on it.

An included Power Module is connected to a controller, which removes the need for a computer, and after answering a short series of questions in regards to your motor you’re all set to run. These kits are designed to be engine specific, and it comes with just about everything you need. Inside the box, the kit comes with rail assemblies, handheld controller, power module and harness, wideband 02 sensor and bung, -6 fittings for the fuel rails, and hose for the crossover. Specifically, we are using the LS2/3 Master Kit, PN 2950.

How Easy Is It To Install?

It’s easy even if you have just a little bit of technical prowess and the right tools. To be honest, it’s as easy as removing and replacing the items listed below. The install should take about a day, depending on your level of experience, but once all items have been replaced, you just plug-and-play-literally.

Here’s a List of Parts That Will Need to be Replaced:

Wideband O2 Sensor

A Wideband 02 sensor is supplied in the Atomic LS Master Kit. This sensor is responsible for constantly monitoring the exhaust gases and relaying that information to the ECU where adjustments are constantly made to the fuel delivery in order to meet the air/fuel targets. Only one sensor is required.

The O2 sensor requires that you weld the receiving bolt into the head pipe no more than 10 inches away from the collector, and not on a bend. Also make sure there are no exhaust leaks, as air leaks will affect the performance.

Once complete, install your fuel pump, fuel filter, and run all the appropriate lines, making sure to run the included clamps.

Fuel Rails

Begin by installing the four fuel rail brackets-two per bank. The fasteners have to be torqued down to 89 in/lb. Remember that the driver- and passenger-side fuel rails are different. The driver side has alternator, camshaft, and cooling temperature sensor receivers. Once the fuel rails are on, be sure to install the fuel rail by pass line, snap on the covers, and then start snapping the connectors to the appropriate receptacles. Please read below to see a list of the sensors.

Crank Sensor

The LS engine platform has used two different crank position sensors through the years. There is a 24-tooth wheel or a 58-tooth wheel on the crankshaft. The sensor has always been located behind the starter. The 24-tooth sensor has a black connector whereas the 58-tooth sensor has a gray connector. The Master Kits are supplied with connectors for both the 24x and 58x trigger sensors.

Cam Sensor

The Cam Sensors for LS engines have changed throughout the years. Not only its location, but its wiring as well. Early models have the cam sensor located at the back of the block near the deck surface. During 2005, as a running change, the location changed to the front of the block between the cam and crankshaft. The Atomic LS system can function with both designs.

Throttle Body And Sensors

The Atomic LS requires a mechanically operated throttle body. In the future throttle by wire applications will be covered. The Atomic has all of the OE connections for the throttle body, including Throttle Position (TPS) and Idle Air Control Solenoid (IAC).

Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor

This sensor is supplied and it is recommended to install it in the air intake duct before the throttle body. A 3/4-inch hole is required for the sensor.

Rev Limiter

There are two settings for a rev limiter: one through fuel, one through ignition. There is an optional 2-Step Rev Limiter that can be used on the starting line for a low-rpm limit. This is temporarily activated through the Dark Blue wire of the Power Module to produce consistent launch rpm.

Aftermarket Auxiliary Settings

The Atomic LS system can support aftermarket performance parts or power adders that carry a CARB Executive Order number. There are accessory controls to properly adjust the timing and fuel delivery to meet the requirements of these auxiliary components.

Final Step

Once complete, install and wire up your power module inside the cabin or on the firewall of your car, plug in your handheld controller, answer all the appropriate questions in regards to your motor. Once complete, fire up the car, double check for leaks, and enjoy!

What to Do About Your Fuel Pump

All fuel injection systems need a high-pressure fuel pump system and the Atomic LS fuel injection system is no different. The reason why a fuel system is not included in this kit is because of the large variety of applications. Depending on your engine combination, the Atomic LS requires a minimum of 58-62 psi to operate. When selecting a pump, regulator, and lines, be sure each component is designed to perform at high pressure. MSD offers fuel pumps, hose, and accessories to complete your installation.

Here Are a Few Tips to Keep in Mind When Selecting a System:

The Atomic is capable of operating with a return or return-less style system. For best results with either system, MSD strongly recommends an in-tank pump. Installing the fuel pump in the tank results in quieter operation, less chance of cavitation, and a reduction in pump temperature.

Before programming the computer, turn on the ignition to accessory and make sure there are no fuel leaks.

When running a return-less fuel system (Pulse Width Modulated) the fuel pump must be mounted in the tank. It is recommended to use an MSD Atomic Fuel Pump, PN 2925 or PN 2926.

MSD supplies -6 AN Push-Lock style fittings for the fuel rails. These fittings must be used with MSD’s high-pressure EFI hose.

If mounting the pump in the tank is not an option, install the pump as close as possible to the tank. Within 2 feet of the sending unit is recommended.

Do not use hard line when plumbing the fuel system. When using a PWM fuel system, pulsations and harmonics could cause unstable fuel pressure resulting in pump cavitation or poor engine performance.

Axalta Monthly Tech Tip

by Axalta Coating Systems

See the Light

As most painters know, proper lighting conditions are essential for an entire paint process. Axalta Coating Systems has harnessed the power of light by developing a light source that may forever change the way body shops achieve refinish perfection. Known as Speed Light, this handheld device allows even the finest imperfections to be seen.

The right lighting conditions are essential to every stage of the paint repair process. Speed Light’s diode bulbs, more commonly known as LEDs, save energy, last up to 60,000 hours, and are cool to the touch. This technology offers clean, pure white light that is ideal for viewing and matching colors and helps body shop professionals detect imperfections.

Speed Light can be used throughout the refinish process to help identify pre-paint defects like pinholes and sand scratches, compare color samples, check color matches, and identify flake coarseness. It can also help refinishers spot post-repair issues, like coverage and hiding.

Body shops know the importance of the paint process. It is the final step in the vehicle repair workflow. Axalta is committed to helping body shops optimize this process by providing the latest technologies. Speed Light is another example of this commitment.

So what are you waiting for painters! Go out there and get your hands on the new Axalta speed light as soon as possible and make your painting life a whole lot easier.

For more technical advice please feel free to contact Axalta’s product specialist Steven Chaparro at steven.c.chaparro@axaltacs.com.

The post DIY: Wireless EFI Systems For Your LS appeared first on Lowrider.

Harry Tapia of Cudahy, California, is a machinist and a Marine veteran who’s always had a passion for custom cars. As he grew older, so did his passion.

Harry purchased this ’05 Chevy Monte Carlo in 2007. “I bought it from a dealer in Bell, California, with the intention of building it into my show car. It was red with a stock supercharger and the first thing I did was slap on some 24-inch wheels.” At the time, he was an active Marine and didn’t have time to fully build the car, as he would train and deploy to Iraq.

In 2011 Platium Auto Body in Bell added a chameleon paintjob and Rick at LA Kustomz installed a ViAir airbag setup. Even though he knew that he was still far from completing his build, Harry decided to look around for a car club to join. “I knew that Swift was the best and that I still needed to do a lot in order to join.”

Harry took his Monte to Elio of Mobile Tech Audio once he began prospecting for Swift to have his Alpine double-din deck, multiple TVs, Alpine mids, and JL Audio W7 subwoofer installed. Joe at California Upholstery in Bell Gardens, California, stitched a two-tone interior by using a Mint Green vinyl with Forest Green vinyl inserts. With interior complete, he was able to become a full-fledged Swift member.

“I didn’t want to be a basic car in the club, I wanted to leave my mark and win trophies. So I kept working on my car.” He added fiberglass throughout the car’s interior and trunk by MCA Customs and Mobile Tech Audio. “That’s when I called Skippy to lay patterns and striping on the whole car.” Castaneda added engraving, while Speedy’s Polishing added the chrome. Harry isn’t finished with the car, as he has more plans for it.

2005 Chevy Monte Carlo

Vehicle Nickname
Money Carlo

Owner
Harry Tapia

Club
Swift

City
Cudahy, CA

Engine
GM 3800 Series II pushrod V-6 supercharged

Body/Paint
Axalta chameleon paint

Upholstery
Forest Green and Mint Green vinyl with custom fiberglass rear-center console

Suspension
Two ViAir compressors, yellow top Optima battery, and two air tanks

Sound System
Alpine double-din head unit, Alpine mids, JL Audio W7 subwoofer, and multiple TVs throughout the car

Wheels/Tires
24-inch Lexani with Fullway 245/30Z/24R tires

The post 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo – Marine’s Monte Carlo appeared first on Lowrider.

After a year of turbulence, the smoke has finally settled, the family is good, and the bike of Ernie Cruz III is sitting pretty in pink. But ask him if he’d do anything different and he’d simply say, “No, I’m really happy with this build.”

When Ernie first purchased his Harley Davidson Road Glide new in 2012, he had a lot of plans, and fortunately for him he was able to execute his ideas into rolling art. But ask him how easy it was to build his Harley and he’ll have a barrage of stories about a hell bent wife who was getting tired of the loud music, the buying of parts, and the countless hours he would spend building the bike – sound familiar? Well, fast-forward to present day, and everything is kosher in the Cruz household, and we already know a happy wife equals a happy life.

At first glance, the bike is mesmerizing. With a bold mix of magenta color tones, the bike sports a brilliant hue of pantones, which were painted and patterned to perfection. Considered by many color experts to be a color to represent change and transformation, the magenta pantones found on this bike are definitely indicative of the transformation, which took place. With just about every nut and bolt removed, the Harley’s engine casing has plenty of chrome and engraving, the stance is perfect and the oversized front wheel gives this Harley the curb appeal of a big boy toy.

In his attempt to build a Harley that would easily sit besides the best, he is proud to have placed at every show he has entered and has even more plans for the bike. Of course, this is something that only a true enthusiast would ever understand, because in our wolrd there is really no such thing as a finished project – only the next project.

In all, this bike is truly worthy of gracing the pages of LOWRIDER Magazine and we tip our hats to Ernie for pulling off an incredible job and we salute his wife and his grandmother for staying by his side – and on his back. Of course, Ernie made sure to mention that both his wife and his grandmother were both instrumental in making his dreams come true.

2012 Harley Davidson Road Glide

Vehicle Nickname: Trouble 12

Owner: Ernie Cruz III

City/State: Fresno, CA

Engine: Custom gauges and Carlini handlebars before Billy and Black Rob of Ride Motors in Fresno, CA worked on the Twin Cam 103 engine. Gino of Fresno, CA engraved the motor whileMoreno’s did the chrome and polishing. A Kuryakyn air filter was added to finish the engines look.

Body/Paint: Jake Blancas of Fresno, CA added the candy magenta paint. Jake added different fan, and tape shades patterns in pink and purple before adding gold leafing, light blue and pink pin striping. Alberto Herrera of Quality Art in Visalia, CA added religious murals on both sides. Ano-Tech in Fresno, CA anodized all the parts.

Interior: The seat was covered in light grey suede with a diamond pattern.

Sound: Manuel “Fresh” Hernandez installed a flipout Pioneer deck, JL Audio amps and Infinity speakers.

Wheels/Tires: Sinster 23×3.5-inch diamondback spokes wheels in the front and 16×5-inch in the rear wrapped in Vee Rubber tires.

The post 2012 Harley Davidson Road Glide – The Price of Dreams appeared first on Lowrider.

Owner: Ritchie Valles
Shop: Unique Twist
Car Club: Lifestyle

The ’70s were a time of excess and self-expression reflected in the cars of the day. These cars were now featuring paint schemes with more flare and flash than ever before. Those timeless bubble windows allowed you to peak and introduced the world to biscuit and diamond tuck custom interiors. It is no wonder this era would spawn some of the industry’s top custom car fabricators and builders. Such is the case for Ritchie Valles, who found himself surrounded by the custom car culture. “My brothers were into lowriders,” Ritchie says, “and my father owned an upholstery shop where I would apprentice under him. Dad was more into the traditional cars and definitely did not like the hydraulics, but what he especially did not like was the fact that I had decided not follow in his footsteps and go into the family business. Instead I chose to make a name for myself building custom cars.

“It was at the young age of 19 that things really starts taking off for me, with a centerfold feature in the recently created LOWRIDER magazine. My 1979 Caddy ‘Taste of Wine’ really put me on the map. Who would have known that I’d still be building custom-ordered cars 40 years later. But at 19, I found myself working a 9-to-5 at an aircraft shop, and it was there that I asked myself ‘Is this all I am going to be?’ It was at this time that I decided that to be the best, I had to surround myself with the best. So in 1980, I decided to join the infamous Lifestyle Car Club, known for their customized cars and vibrant paintjobs.” Ritchie’s environment was now beginning to resemble that of one of the industry’s top car fabricators and designers.”

Word spread of this real deal car builder, who was chopping Impalas in Burbank. He worked out of the original So-Cal Speed Shop, now transformed into Unique Twist Auto Body and Paint. Soon, Ritchie found himself working alongside the original king of customizers, the legendary George Barris, and as the demand for Ritchie’s custom creations grew, so did his list of high-end clientele. That long list would come to include Barry Weis, Cher, and Henry Winkler. He would eventually end up on the TV show Car Warriors, where he won the prized car.

Quality cars, however, are not built overnight … and with a waiting list that exceeds a year, you and your open checkbook better be ready when he calls your number. With a “less is more approach,” his attention to detail is what continues to set him apart. “I have a vision and follow it through, leaving a bit of my heart and soul in each build,” he says. The quality, technology, and complexity reach new heights with each passing year and for the next generation of builders I say, be humble with your work and pay attention to what everyone is doing. We are all talented in some way, with each of us having our own estilo, set your mark on the scene and don’t be a follower.”

The post Ritchie Valles – Unique Builds appeared first on Lowrider.

The Arizona Super Show kicked off the 2016 Lowrider Tour at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on February 27. This barrel cactus dome has been home to the Arizona Super Show for the third straight year. This car show and concert was an indoor and outdoor event with 600 of the best lowriders on the West Coast.

A handful of showstopper cars broke out at the show, such as Johnny Salters’ two-tone 1956 Chevy Bel Air from SouthSide Car Club. Salters is well distinguished for building stunning Chevys in South Carolina, that have been showed on both coasts.

Another car making its debut on the LOWRIDER stage was Rudy Sandoval’s red 1976 Ford LTD from Groupe Car Club. Sandoval also owns the blue 1973 Ford LTD featured on last year’s August cover of LOWRIDER. This is one of four shows were both LTDs will be displayed side-by-side.

A handful of legendary vehicles from the ’70s also displayed at the show, such as Jesse Valadez’s 1964 Impala named “Gypsy Rose” from East L.A. Another legendary car from East L.A. that came out was Joe Ray’s 1971 Buick Riviera called “Dress to Kill.”

This year’s show was code-named the “Summit of Champions” for having both the 2014 and 2015 Lowriders of the Year displaying at the show for the first time in Arizona. Bobby Garcia from Goodtimes Car Club brought out his 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass, known as RM Series from Alamo, Texas. Chris Roark from Tradicionals Car Club brought out his 1958 Impala convertible “Final Score,” from Vacaville, California.

The show was full of heavy hitter cars, like Jesse Saldana’s 1965 Impala from Thee Artistics called “Blvd Madness,” Daryl Hernandez’s green 1964 called “Chump Change,” Jose’s 1958 “South Side Blue” from Los Angeles Car Club, Asbel Carcahe’s 1967 “Heaven on Earth,” and many more. Uniques’ Bernardo Casian and Bobby Enz are known for taking their full show bombs to all LOWRIDER-sanctioned shows and had their rides on full display.

Franks Hydraulics sponsored the hop and it features over 30 hoppers. The hop moved quick, with up to four rides hopping at the same time, while DJ Drea kicked the beats. Some of the clean street hoppers included Miles “Twin” Gordon’s 1997 Lincoln Town Car from Individuals, Page One from Westside Car Club with his Monte Carlo, and Kaoru from the Hop Shop with her 1959 Impala. The concert had a variety of artists that took the stage, like J Romero, Mob Fam, Lighter Shade of Brown, Baby Bash, and ended the night with Benton Wood. With the final performance and the stadium’s retractable roof open, the crowd made its way out to the cool Arizona night. For more information on the next Arizona show, log onto arizonasupershow.com.

The post 2016 Arizona Super Show appeared first on Lowrider.

Sunday, June 12, from 11AM-5PM LOWRIDER Magazine is coming to the National Western complex for the 2016 Denver Show.

Featuring over 400 customized rides, hop exhibition and more.

Check out the live performances by DJ Yella from NWA, WC, Lighter Shade of Brown, MC Magic and more on 2 all day stages.

For car registration please click here.

Save time at the gate and purchase your tickets online here.

The post 2016 Denver Show appeared first on Lowrider.

No one can forget their first ride, but few of us ever manage to hang onto them. In the case of Bobby Enz, he bought what he calls an “old beater” 1950 Chevy 3100 as his daily driver at the age of 16. The rest is a 20-year, on-and-off project that turned into this radical chopped pickup that Bobby says won’t be finished ’til he wins Truck of the Year. He’s definitely well on his way, though.

After college Bobby started working on the truck and sort of did it backward by doing the paint and body and then moving onto the mechanicals. The suicide doors are shortened in length and width, and a pop-out gas door has been added. The roof was lopped off, windshield chopped 3 inches, and the firewall was shaved, smoothed, and molded. Bobby did all the sheetmetal work, while Perfect Colors laid down the PPG and House of Kolor Forest Green, Light Mist Green, and Organic Green shades. Sal Elias handled the muraling while Angelo Maisano and Mike Lamberson put down the fine lines. Engraving was done by Jaime and Daniel Casteñeda.

The stereo, much of which is housed in the bed, is powered by a Pioneer Double DIN, 6×9 speakers, Kicker subwoofers, Hifonics amps, and JL Audio speakers in the front. The original radio was shaved off the dash and now has custom-detailed gauges done by Bobby, a fiberglass consoled, and Glide seats covered in vinyl. The stitchwork was done by California Auto Upholstery.

The motor and trans came out of a 1962 C10 and are the 235ci inline-six and three-on-the tree. They were given a simple rebuild and some dress-up components, like Fenton header, a custom radiator, 120-amp alternator, and Rochester carb. There’s plenty of chrome to pull it all together and it turns a 1969 Nova rearend with 11-inch ABS discs all the way around to stop the 100-spoke Zeniths.

Four Blue-Top Optimas are hidden underneath and power up four A1 hydraulic pumps, four Adex dumps, eight Accumax solenoids, and 10-inch cylinders, all pumping the juice through hardlines. The frame was reinforced and lowering blocks in the back with the straight axle in front keep it suspended in period-authentic style. All the work was done by Bobby.

It’s not as often as we like that we see trucks like this, but Bobby definitely lives up to that Uniques club name.

1950 Chevrolet 3100

Vehicle Nickname: Greenghost

Owner: Bobby Enz

City/State: Whitewater, CA

Club: Uniques

Engine: 235 inline-six and three-speed manual

Body/Paint: Suicide doors shortened in length and width, roof removed, windshield chopped 3 inches, firewall shaved, smoothed, and molded. PPG & House of Kolor Forest Green, Light Mist Green, and Organic Green shades. Muraling by Sal Elias. Pinstriping by Angelo Maisano and Mike Lamberson. Engraving by Jaime and Daniel Casteñeda.

Suspension: Four A1 hydraulic pumps, four Adex dumps, eight Accumax solenoids, and 10-inch cylinders. Frame reinforced, 1969 Nova rear, lowering blocks in the back, straight axle in front

Interior: Glide seats, interior by California Upholstery, custom gauges by owner, fiberglass console

Stereo: Pioneer Double DIN, 6×9 speakers, Kicker subwoofers, Hifonics amps, and JL Audio speakers

Wheels/Tires: 13×7 Zeniths / Premium Sportway 5.20

Advance Design

The Chevy Advance Design trucks debuted in 1949 until they were replaced by the Task Force series in 1955. This 1950 3100 would have contained the 216ci inline-six with 92 hp, which helped it become Number One in sales that year. The truck weighed about 3,175 pounds with telescopic shock absorbers replacing the lever action models previously used. It was the last year for the driver’s side cowl vent as well. A 3600 series was also available with a larger bed, as well as the 3800 series. The 3100 platform was also seen on smaller panel trucks and Suburbans. Here’s some of what you could get as options: leather seat trim, chrome radiator grille, rear fenders, oil bath air cleaner, and heavy-duty clutch. Dealer accessories could even include such novelties as a toolkit bag with tools.

The post 1950 Chevrolet 3100 – First Love appeared first on Lowrider.

Sergio Martinez has an admiration for 1959 Chevy Impalas that started when he was just a kid. At the age of 13, his friend’s older cousin pulled up in a 1959 sport sedan. It was like love at first sight seeing that stylish car. A few years later when in high school, his friend showed him his dad’s 1959 four-door sedan. They went for a short cruise and that’s when it all began. He was just taken by every aspect of the ride, from the front end to the wings and cat eyes. It was the ideal oldie car and came second to none.

Since then, it was the beginning of a dream. Bedroom posters, LRM clippings and pictures of 1959s have covered the walls. After years of searching and wishing to own a 1959, Sergio realized that a 1959 was out of his price range. For the moment that dream would not come true. So he bought a Trading Time magazine and found his first oldie car, a 1957 four-door sedan in March of 2010. Upon bringing it home, it immediately underwent a total restoration. In November 2011 he came across a deal on a 1939 Chevy Master DeLuxe he couldn’t refuse. Having realized that if he had waited and saved enough funds, he could have bought a 1959. Although it was too late for that, the 1939 was restored in 2012.

Just before the completion of the 1939, a longtime friend was selling his 1959. For Sergio, the moment he had been waiting for was finally here. Sergio got ahold of his neighborhood friend Cesar Perez from 20 years ago. After that car had been advertised on Lay it Low for a while and nearly sold, it was a done deal. Sergio finally had his dream car. The 1959 was finally home in Mar of 2012 and he started the frame-off restoration process that summer. The car was then restored to original condition after tossing different ideas around.

1959 Chevrolet Impala

Vehicle Nickname
Desti-9

Owner
Sergio Martinez

City/State
Chicago, IL

Engine
348 big-block painted Chevy orange

Body/Paint
Sergio and a friend of his did the bodywork and painted it highland green to keep the original look on the 1959

Suspension
EZ-AirRide airbag setup with two polished aluminum compressors and a single black seven-gallon tank

Interior
An original green interior kit from Cars1 was installed

Sound
The all-Sony sound system consist of a Bluetooth Sony Deck with USB Port, three 6×9-inch and two 6-inch mids, a single 12-inch subwoofer, and a single amplifier

Wheels/Tires
Player Wheels with a TruClassic look and 1959 caps on 5.20 Premium Sports

The post Chicago Man Fulfills his Dream of Owning a 1959 Chevy Impala appeared first on Lowrider.

You’ve chromed and polished your engine components, got a new pulley kit but what do you do about that ugly stock intake system? You scrap it. I know a lot of you like painting intake pipes but let’s fall back from 80’s car fashion and get current by upgrading your intake system to one from AIRRAID system.

AIRRAID makes intake kits for many applications but if you don’t find one that’ll work with your motor swap then you can always go with their Universal kit. The kit not only enhances the overall appearance of your engine bay but it also helps when it comes to performance.

The U-Build-It Universal Air Box is a complete air box and filter kit for making a custom high-performance air intake system. The air box is a one-piece, roto-molded unit featuring a stylish aluminum lid. In addition, the box is designed to allow fresh air to freely flow into the air filter while protecting the intake air from engine bay heat in order to further promote additional horsepower and torque in the engine. This kit includes an AIRAID premium washable performance air filter as well as mounting hardware.

• Air box measures in at 9.68 inches tall, 9.5 inches wide by 9.75 inches in overall length. Total length of air box including fresh air inlet is 14.98 inches
• Included is an air intake tube, which includes several straight sections of pipe along with 30, 45, 60, and 90-degree tube bends to help you create your custom air intake system.
• Lightweight and durable roto-molded design
• AIRAID premium air filter included (part number 700-462)
• Aluminum cover lid, couplers, reducers, adapters, mass airflow adapters and all air intake adapters and brackets.
• Instructions and decals

1. Begin by unboxing the kit and making sure that all the parts are present. Once done, you will have to figure out where you want to mount the main air box.

2. Once you mount the air box with the supplied hardware, you will need to figure out how you will be running the intake pipe. From there, you will cut the included pipe in the proper sequence, and angles and the begin installing them with the included couplers until it mates to the air box with the least amount of resistance.

3. Once all the clamps have been tightened, you can begin to reinstall all the necessary breather lines and air mass sensor.

4. Install the aluminum lid and pull back the protective film.

The post AIRRAID Intake System Install – Breathe Easy: Intake 101 appeared first on Lowrider.

If you were lucky enough to drive a car you liked in high school, we’re sure you have a sentimental attachment to it, and are even luckier if you managed to hold onto it. Efren Cuevas wasn’t able to keep the ’85 Buick Regal he drove back then, but he did manage to get the same year, make, and model off one of his cousins. A story we typically hear is when guys purchase something that is “just supposed to be a street car,” but things have a way of deviating from the original plan.

As you can see, Efren’s Buick got a little more involved than being just a street cruiser. “Once it starts, it just keeps on trickling,” he says. We understand, and we’re certainly glad it did. From stem to stern, the car shows off how you can keep it clean and functional, but get a little crazy with some of the modifications. It would be seven long years before Efren got to see his project finished, but since he had a hand in practically every aspect of the car’s transformation, we believe his patience truly paid off.

In terms of the body, it’s the one time we enjoy seeing the expression “suicide” used, with said treatment being given to the doors, forward-facing hood, and rearward-opening trunk. A new core support had to be built for the aluminum radiator to work with the customized hood. Next to the shaved firewall resides a 350 transplanted from a Suburban and dressed up with Billet Specialties valve covers and serpentine system, Edelbrock Endurashine carb and manifold, with engraving by Cadillac Jay to show it all off. MagnaFlow mufflers keep it sounding lively.

Inside the molded trunk you’ll find a Whammy pump juicing up four Hoppo’s dumps, and four candlesticks with 8-inch front and 10-inch rear cylinders. A quartet of Optima batteries keeps things lit up. A reinforced rearend, molded frame, 2-ton front and 3-ton rear coils with extended A-arms round out the underpinnings. Like the engine, all the hydros are hardlined. It’s all sitting on four 13-inch G Boys wheels.

That hole you see in the top is no moonroof. You could say it’s a combination sunroof/cabriolet that never closes, as that’s the way Efren wanted it. After he, Ralph Nino, Cesar, and Tim McIntyre completed all the body mods, Francisco Herrera sprayed House of Kolor Sunset Pearl as the base before Bugs Auto Art added the fine pinstriping. Inside you’ll find Lexus front seats with a split seat in the back with fiberglass center console and rear seat divider holding the iPad head unit that’s powering JL Audio amps and speakers with JBLs in the decklid, and Pioneer speakers in the door. Different color vinyls, along with a billet wheel and gauges by Classic Instruments continue the clean and functional theme that Efren and Michael Wilkins brought to the interior.

When the finished product finally made it to the street, Efren named it Brighter Days as a nod to his mother who we’re sure is smiling down on what she said he’d probably never finish. Efren would also like to thank his family, club, Mike Ortiz, Angel Contreras, Tim McIntyre, Michael Wilkins, and everyone else who had a hand in building this car. Seeing his kids’ excitement when people crowd around it at shows makes it all worth the wait. Well done, carry on.

1985 Buick Regal

Vehicle Nickname
Brighter Days

Owner
Efren Cuevas

City/State
San Tan Valley, AZ

Engine
Chevy 350 with a TH350 trans

Suspension
Whammy pump, four Hoppo’s dumps, four candlesticks with 8-inch front and 10-inch rear cylinders, all hardlined. Four Optima batteries, reinforced rearend, molded frame, 2-ton front and 3-ton rear coils with extended

Sound System
iPad head unit, JL Audio amps and speakers, JBLs in the decklid, and Pioneer speakers in the door..

Interior
Lexus seats, split back seat. Custom fiberglass console and rear seat divider. Billet steering wheel. Classic Instruments gauges.

Body/Paint
Suicide doors, hood, trunk. Opening in the roof. House of Kolor Sunset Pearl by Francisco Herrera. Engraving by Cadillac Jay. Pinstriping by Bugs Auto Art.

Wheels/Tires
13-inch G Boyz/Premium Sportways 5.20-13

Regal-Est.1973

The Buick Regal was introduced in 1973 and is still manufactured to this day. It started life on the same A-body platform that you found under Chevy Monte Carlos and Pontiac Grand Prixs of the same year. During its second generation, which started with the ’78 year, it moved to the G-body platform. Weak six-cylinder motors could only be upstaged if you wanted to opt for the more powerful turbocharged Grand National version, which has become collectible among muscle car enthusiasts after only being offered for five years. With a three-speed automatic and respectable fuel mileage, the Buick Regal in 1985 was rather unassuming with a sticker price of around $12,000 in its day. In 1988 the Buick Regal was changed again for its third generation to the W-body platform. With a production run spanning 43 years and counting and five generations of platform modernizations, the Regal has held its own and doesn’t appear to be going away, unlike the Oldsmobile and Pontiac counterparts it used to compete with.

The post 1985-Buick Regal – The 7-Year Itch appeared first on Lowrider.

Would you feed your baby with an old and dirty bottle? Probably not. So if you’re thinking of rebuilding your motor or maybe putting in a newer LS then don’t forget about what’s feeding it. Simply put, your engine gives you exactly what it gets so feed it properly.

They say that the heart of a car is its engine, but far too often we’ve seen people get so lost in the chroming, polishing and engine accessories that they forget what feeds it. Now look, we understand that it’s easy to get lost in the glitz and glamour of aftermarket pullies, superchargers, steel braided lines and all that good stuff, but without the proper fuel delivery you’re left with nothing short of a big ass paperweight.

That said, it’s important you pay close attention to your fuel system. We’ve seen our fair share of people install new motors (or refresh old ones) and fail to do the same for the fuel system. Simply put, the motor is your world, and just like the world, it gives you back what you put into it.

There’s many things to consider when revamping your fuel sytem. From replacing lines, to flushing out gas tanks and resealing them, there’s a ton of things you can do but in this article we’ll go over the basics.

Now if you’re going EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection), the first you need to understand is that you will need the appropriate electric fuel pump. While there’s plenty of options, be sure to choose an inline pump which was built for your specific application. Now when it comes to buying components for your build here’s a few things to consider:

INTERNAL vs. EXTERNAL:

When it comes time to buy a fuel pump you have two options: 1) Internal or 2) External. External pumps are typically much easier to install but using an internal fuel pump has it’s advantages. For starters, a submerged fuel pump will run cooler, which translates to longer life and of course pump noise is reduced dramatically. In addition there is less chance of starvation with an internal pump. Here’s a few other factors to consider:

• In-tank pumps may also be used with carbureted systems. Depending on the pump used a fuel-pressure regulator may also be required.
• Most low-pressure pumps for carbureted systems are internally regulated to around 7 psi.
• High-pressure pumps for carburetor or fuel-injection applications often require a regulator—most are adjustable to provide the proper pressure for the application.
• The system shown here has an Aeromotive 340 in-tank fuel pump with a regulator that includes a return line and a port for a pressure gauge.

FILTRATION

You need to understand that fuel has contaminants that needs to filtered out. These particles can come from the gas station tanks, the erosion of your own tank, dirty lines and the list goes on. Filters rated by the size of contaminates they will trap (a micron is 1/1000 of a millimeter or 0.00003937 of an inch).

Aeromotive recommends that 100-micron stainless steel filter elements be used on the suction side of the fuel pump. On the outlet Aeromotive recommends a 10-micron fabric filter (the saying is suck through stainless, push through paper). The reasoning behind this is simple. Electric fuel pumps are fairly forgiving of small particles, but what they don’t like is pulling against restrictions to flow. That causes the pump to cavitate, which normally results in a noisy pump that growls in protest and wears out quickly.

CONNECTIVITY

Once all the components are decided on, it’s time to figure out hot to connect them all. There are several ways to go—standard automotive rigid lines, fuel hose, inverted flare, and pipe fittings are the most economical, AN fittings and braided hose are a little more spendy but trick looking (the reference “AN” stands for Army/Navy and it was a system devised by the government to ensure interchangeability and compatibility of parts made by various manufacturers). In many cases (ours included) a combination of these components will be used so it is critical that the connections are compatible.

• Conventional automotive lines use 45-degree double flares and inverted flare fittings while AN lines and fittings use 37-degree single flares (another application of 37-degree flares will be found on JIC hydraulic fittings).
• AN fittings are often found in combination with pipe and inverted flare fittings, which means special adapters readily available from Aeromotive will be required.
• Another important distinction when using AN fittings is port threads, such as those that may be found on filters and other components, are not NPT or “pipe thread.”
• These connections have straight threads (like any normal fastener) and use SAE O-ring Boss (ORB) technology for sealing. ORB ports and adapter fittings are measured in inch/fractional sizes. AN system lines and fittings are identified by a system that uses a dash and number, such as -6. The number after the dash indicates the internal size of the components in increments of 1/16 inch. As an example a -6 line is 6/16, or 3/8 inch.

SEAL THE DEAL

No discussion of plumbing any kind of a fluid system would be complete without including Teflon tape. Teflon tape or Teflon-based sealing compound is often used on pipe threads as it can prevent leaks, make it easier to tighten fittings and disassemble them later and it can reduce/eliminate thread galling and protect fasteners made from corrosion. However, properly flared and installed SAE and AN fittings should seal by themselves and Teflon tape should not be used. In such cases the flared components make the seal, not the threads.

The post Selecting Fuel System Components appeared first on Lowrider.

Jorge Maldonado has been involved with cars his whole life. His father was an auto mechanic and was always working on cars. Ever since he could remember, he used to wake up early to go with his dad to car show swap meets to find car parts. When Jorge was 7 years old, his first build was a 1964 Impala Model Car. This in turn led him to build a 20-inch Schwinn lowrider bike and at the age of 12 he joined Superiors O.C. Bike Club. It was Jorge’s childhood dream to build a lowrider. When he was 16 his dream came true. His father helped him purchase his first lowrider, a 1966 Chevy Impala. Like father like son, Jorge also became an auto technician and fabricator. He did a full ground-up restoration on his Impala. Since then he has owned numerous lowriders—a 1979 Monte Carlo, 1954 Bel Air, 1965 Impala, and now a 1964 Impala convertible.

Jorge bought his 1964 Impala SS convertible six years ago. The car was in fair condition and driveable, but had minor paint defects. He took it straight to Rudy from R&R Auto Body to touch up the paint and then to Edgar from Maxima Imagen to do a mural on the dashboard of his daughter, Rosalinda, who had died. Once that was completed, he threw on some wire wheels for a clean look and drove it like that for two years. He took his ride to local car shows and events and enjoyed cruising with his family. Eventually, Jorge decided that it was time for a new look and opted for a color change, taking his car to a different body shop. Eight months later and unhappy with the quality of the work, he decided to bring the car home and do it himself. Jorge had his entire family and friends helping him to remove all the paint and primer right down to the metal. So began the long process of rebuilding the body. Every weekend for six months his friend Javier Saucedo helped him work on his Impala. Finally, the hard work paid off and the car was ready for paint. Jorge rented a local spray booth and Javier sprayed the car charcoal gray. Now that the car was coming underway, he made a goal to have his car ready for the Las Vegas LOWRIDER Super Show in October 2015.

Jorge worked on his ride all day and night, along with his friend Gary Reynolds who helped him put his car back together. After finishing up the moldings and chrome, it was time to work on the hydraulic setup. Jorge put together gravity pumps that he had designed himself and had CNC-machined blocks. He then used aircraft dumps, known as click clacks and zig-zag slow down valves, with the help from Saul Vargas from Wild Child Customs. They hardlined the whole system and powered them with four Optima batteries. Jorge was very proud that he accomplished his goal. He made it to the Super Show in Las Vegas with a clean, simple lowrider. He could not have done this with without the support of his wife, Rosa, his family, friends, and his Superiors Car Club family.

1964 Chevrolet Impala SS Convertible

Vehicle Nickname
Mi Gusto Es

Owner
Jorge Maldonado

City/State
San Juan Capistrano, CA

Club
Superiors O.C.

Engine
1964 Chevy V-8 327

Body/Paint
Bodywork by Javier Saucedo & Jorge Maldonado, painted by Javier Saucedo with Glasurit Paint, Mural by Edgar Rodriguez at Maxima Imagen

Suspension:
Hydraulic setup: two pumps, Adel Click Clacks Aircraft dumps, six switches, four solenoids, 8-inch front and 10-inch back cylinders, four Optima batteries, stainless steel hardlines

Wheels/Tires
Zenith 13-inch, 72-spoke wheels; Coker Premium Sport 5.20-13 tires

Interior:
Original-style upholstery

Sound System
Alpine, 2 ppl Art Series Amps, Focal K2 6-3/4 speakers, JL audio W-3 2-8-inch subwoofer

The post Rebuilding a 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS Convertible appeared first on Lowrider.

PRODUCT

Dakota Digital VHX
Speedometer, Tachometer, Oil Pressure, Water Temp, Fuel Level, Voltmeter
www.dakotadigital.com

You’ve spent countless amounts of hours boxing your frame, getting the body straight, chroming your engine bay, and making sure that your interior is spot on, but what happens when you fire up the car? Well, the first thing that comes to life after you hit the ignition is your instrument cluster.

With the twist of a key, we watch the rpms gather, check our fuel levels, and make sure that everything’s up to par, but with a boring, dated, dusty cluster it can kill the vibe, which is why Dakota Digital has long been the answer to the simple problem.

The new VHX Systems fit directly into the stock dash of a ’61-62 Chevy Impala without modification. The upper (speedometer/voltmeter/fuel level/message centers) display utilizes the stock trim ring, whereas the lower displays (tachometer/oil pressure/water temp) include machined aluminum/chromed new instrument housings.

Fully lit needles, backlit faces, and highly visible LCD message centers are a few of the things that you can see, which set the VHX Series apart from yesterday’s traditional approach to instrumentation. A few of the features you don’t normally see are the micro-controlled precision stepper motors, solid state sensors for unparalleled accuracy, and user-customizable display feedback, all supported by an unrivaled limited lifetime warranty.

By creating these modern clusters, Dakota Digital has given life to older, archaic technology, and they’ve been in business since 1986. Since then they’ve had tens of thousands of units shipped, installed, and running in sheer perfection. In this DIY segment we’ll be showing you a step-by-step article on just how easy it is to install this cluster into a ’61 Impala.

Additional Options For This Unit Are:

• Fuel Level Sensor
• ODB II/Can face interface module
• Compass/Outside temp module
• Universal Gear Position Sensor
• Light Dimming Knob

1. Prior to install, unbox the package, lay out the parts, and make sure to check that the contents are complete.

2. Remove all gauges and your dashboard.

3A.-3B. Install the new gauges in your dashboard. Insert the three satellite cans from the front of the dash. From left to right: temp, tach, oil. Run the threaded nuts up finger tight to the back of the dash with the gauges off-center a quarter of a turn. Once you have the nut finger tight, hold the nut in place while you clock the gauge to center. This will help you torque the gauge properly. Repeat this step if necessary.

4. Install the speedometer cluster, aka main gauge, and use the two nuts provided to thread into the factory studs. Attach the ribbon cables to the matching ends.

5. Connect the CAT5 cable to the system and safely route the wires to the control box. Then re-mount the dash cluster. Mount your control box in an easily accessible space.

6. Install the water temperature sensor and oil pressure sending unit.

7. Follow the main manual to complete the installation. This manual also shows you how to program the gauges.

Dakota Digital LED Taillight Installation

Keep distracted eyes on your rearend by installing a set of Dakota Digital LED taillights. While you really don’t need a step-by-step on this topic, it’s a good way to emphasize just how easy it is to install an improved look.

1. Remove the original bulb connector from the back of the housing.. Remove the light bulbs.

2. Remove the taillight light lens. In this case, the screws for the ’61 are directly in the lens, but that didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out.

3. With the lenses removed take the time to clean out the lens and housing. Remove the screw and aluminum backplate from the new LED assembly.

4. Take your time and install the new lights making sure not to pinch any wires. Reinstall all lights, screws, and make sure your gaskets or seals are good.

5. Test your lights. Now that you’re done, light it up.

The post ’61 Impala Dakota Digital Gauge & LED Taillight Install appeared first on Lowrider.

Jovan Valenzuela was hooked in the lowrider scene after his first time going to a car show with his uncles. Jovan bought himself this ’73 Schwinn frame in hopes of building it and becoming part of the scene. “It became my dream to have a lowrider bike. I wanted to build it to go out to car shows and go riding with people who enjoy the scene,” Jovan says. He began the build but found himself overwhelmed with the amount of time and money it would take to build one. He began losing motivation and interest in it. That all changed when he saw his cousin Damian Trevizo building his three-wheeler. “His build gave me the motivation to finish mine.

“I decided to go with an Aztec theme, not because that’s what everyone does but because that is part of my culture and I’m proud of it.” Murals of Aztecs were airbrushed throughout the bike. Jovan did a twisted with birdcage look throughout the bike because that is a style that he fell in love with when he was younger and always wanted it. “I didn’t build the bike for points, I built it for myself. If it gets me points great, but I won’t be adding anything to it just for points.” The build has taken him over a year and over $1,000 and he still isn’t done with it. The bike wouldn’t be where it’s at now without the help of his uncle Steve Trevizo, who has been helping him along the way.

1973 Schwinn Sting Ray

Owner
Jovan Valenzuela

Nickname
El Azteca

City
Delhi, CA

Interior
Off-white vinyl and green stitching

Body/Paint
Candy green

Wheels/Tires
20-inch 100-spoke with 20×1.75-inch whitewall tire

The post 1973 Schwinn Sting Ray – A Bike to Ride and Show appeared first on Lowrider.

Sergio Muniz’s interest in custom cars began as a teen in New York. His father, who was a fabricator, was a big influence. Sergio became one of the original members of the most well-known and respected car clubs from the East Coast, Drastic Auto Club.

Sergio ended up moving to Pennsylvania to raise his family and create a home. “I took six years off from the lowrider scene to take care of my family. In that time, my kids saw old photos of my cars and trophies I had around the house. That gave me the urge to build another one,” Sergio says. “My wife, Manuela, and I were dating back when I was originally in the club and she supported me if I wanted to get back into it. Her support was all I needed to get back into it.”

Sergio had always been into Oldsmobiles when he came across this one. “I liked it because it was something different. The kid who had it was looking for a sports bike and we ended up trading straight across for one I had.”

The car was in fair condition with typical rust and big rims. Sergio began by prepping the body of the car and then spraying it with a PPG candy cobalt blue. He then sent it out to have fellow club member Marvin Shivnarian lay out some patterns. Sergio then extended the upper A-arms 1 inch and installed two Pro Hopper pumps, three dumps, and six batteries. His interior was sent out to Rudy in Philadelphia to install the blue tweed, suede, and vinyl interior. Unfortunately Rudy died shortly after finishing this interior. Sergio was able to complete the build in seven months and debuted it at the Drastic’s annual barbecue.

1975 Oldsmobile Cutlass

Vehicle Nickname
The Natural

Owner
Sergio Muniz

Car Club
Drastic

City
Willow Grove, PA

Engine
260ci V-8

Body/Paint
PPG candy cobalt blue

Interior
Billet Specialties steering wheel and blue tweed, suede, and vinyl interior

Sound System
Pioneer speakers and MTX subwoofers

Suspension
Two chrome Pro Hopper G-Force and six batteries

Wheels/Tires
13-inch, 100-spoke wheels

The post 1975 Oldsmobile Cutlass – East Coast Cutlass appeared first on Lowrider.

Car Club One1Luv Car Club
City Las Vegas, NV

What happens in Vegas starts with One1Luv Car Club. This club’s history started back in the late ’70s when President Jim Brown sat in third grade drawing pictures of the neighborhood lowrider club Ebony Lows. “These guys were the local celebrities,” Jim says. “They had such an influence on us that my friends Tyrell, Mike, and I began building model cars and lowrider bikes.” It wasn’t until 1987 when Big Jim tricked his mom into buying a supposed reliable car for college that his lowrider journey really began. Unbeknownst to his mom, what she really ended up buying was an ’80 Cutlass Supreme, complete with a front-back-side-to-side hydraulic setup.

After the Rodney Kings riots, Las Vegas found itself in a time of unprecedented peace among once-feuding neighborhoods. This peacetime would lead to block parties where once rival gangs and riders forged new friendships, which would eventually turn into new car clubs, like Darkside Car Club, which held a dynamic membership from Gerson Park, Marcus Estates, and Berkley Square. While this club enjoyed several years on top of the Las Vegas car scene, its rapid growth would be its ensuing downfall. While some of the displaced members enjoyed the courtship of the larger, more established, Los Angeles clubs, a meeting held in the States would eventually bring everyone together under the newly formed One1Luv Car Club, setting an unbreakable foundation that still remains in 2015. Learning from the now-debunked Darkside, Jim Brown was thrust into the role of president, with Marcus Allen as senior vice president and “One Switch” Rick as vice president. They would go on to establish rules and regulations that still remain to this day.

Within a few short years One1Luv began beating some of the nation’s top contenders, making a statement throughout the lowrider scene. “With hard work, focus, and dedication we soon began gracing magazines covers and appearing in music videos with some of the industry’s top entertainers,” Jim says. “And although we are humbled by these accolades, it’s our involvement within our community that we are most proud of.” Networking with local politicians and focusing on the youth has led to recognition from former Las Vegas mayor Oscar Goodman for their endless hours of volunteering in events such as back-to-school drives, homeless youth outreach, parades, and holiday events that help change the lives of their community’s youth.

Coming up on their 20th anniversary, they are more focused than ever and continue to grow with the addition of their motorcycle club, clubhouse, as well as chapters in Oklahoma, Utah, and New Mexico. Their members have also grown, turning a hobby into a flourishing businesses like TKO Customs, Switch Hitter Hydraulics, Dream Factory Films, tax services, barber shops, and much more. The sky is the limit with these guys and with new cars busting out on a monthly basis, don’t forget that what happens in Vegas will be coming to a car show near you.

The post One1Luv Car Club – One1Luv’s Journey appeared first on Lowrider.

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