Two Schwinn Lil Tigers from Big People B.C.

For most of us, our first father/son project will forever be embedded in our memories. That day you were finally allowed to help Dad in the garage is truly something special for any little boy or girl. With a little inspiration from his friend, Jorge, who was building a bike for his kid, Johnny Cruz of Las Vegas decided that what better project to share the Lowrider passion he’s had throughout his life than to build a lowrider bike with his son.

With the decision to finish the bike for the upcoming 2013 Las Vegas Super Show the project was off and running. Once Speedy of Speedy’s Metal Finishing had completed the polishing and chrome work it was off to Miguel Chavez who would take on the custom engraving found throughout the bike. From there Jesse Cruz stitched and sewed the custom seat and matching display. Zack Felix of Felix Dezigns laid down the Oriental Blue Pearl paintjob with a combination of silver leaf and baby blue pinstriping.

As with most projects, the completion came down to the last minute. The night before the Super Show Johnny and his son were up late finishing all the final details. In the end it was all worth it as they wound up taking the Street Custom First Place trophy.

Johnny and his son would like to personally thank Jesse Cruz, Frank Salcedo, Raul Cruz, Jorge Velazquez, and their tata.

schwinn lil tigers black bike training wheels

schwinn lil tigers black bike whitewall tire

El Ejemplo

Owner
Johnny Cruz

Car Club
Big People B.C.

City
Las Vegas

Vehicle
1968 Schwinn Lil Tiger Stingray

Upholstery
Jesse Cruz, Compton, California

Body/Paint
Zack Felix of Felix Dezigns

When you decide to name your firstborn Felix after the iconic Felix Chevrolet landmark in Los Angeles it’s a no brainer that the Lowriding lifestyle will eventually become part of his childhood. So what better introduction than to build a lowrider bike and begin teaching him the various aspects of the car show scene, from the move-in to detailing and eventual display setup.

Soon after purchasing a 1979 Schwinn Lil Tiger on eBay, Jorge and Felix Velazquez began the build by sanding the frame and prepping it for his Tio Emilio to lay the black pearl paint resembling the old Felix the Cat cartoons. Zack Felix of Felix Dezigns in Las Vegas complemented the paint by adding his signature combinations of fine-line pinstriping as well as silver leaf. With the chrome metalwork and custom 12-inch 52-spoke wheels in place, it was off to Paradise Upholstery who brought it all together by sewing the black and red leathers with a combination of french stitching and custom embroidery found on the custom seat.

Jorge would like to give special thanks to his wife, Yvette, and to his Tio Emilio and Johnny for all their help.