Are your gauges stuttering? When you accelerate, do they chip their way up to speed? If so, there’s no reason to live with malfunctioning or underperforming gauges and Auto Meter has the fix for you!

Since 1957, performance enthusiasts have relied on Auto Meter gauges to win. From dominating the track to winning custom car shows, Auto Meter has bridged the gap between performance and aesthetics, making them the leading choice for car customizers throughout the globe.

Auto Meter puts rugged, race-proven movements into every gauge, but they’re also considerate about aesthetics and styling. Seriously, when it comes to style, nobody offers you more great-looking options as well as the largest selection of speedos, tachometers, gauges, data collection, and shift lights.

Even better is the support and amount of accessories they have to offer. From wiring kits to mounting solutions, Auto Meter’s line of direct-fit mounting solutions continues to expand with the inclusion of these high-quality, American-made, billet aluminum dash panels.

Precision engineered for a perfect fit, these panels drastically simplify the process of gauge installation while providing a clean, timeless look. It’s never been easier to add the accuracy and quality of Auto Meter gauges to your project, and really, there’s no excuse to not run with the best. When it comes to the lowrider makes and models of gauges, Auto Meter selections handle just about every popular style of dashboard too. Out of the massive selections of gauges they have to offer we chose the “Best of Both Worlds” to cover instruments packages from vintage to classic.

Select Gauges for Bel Air and Popular Impalas

Chevy Heritage Bow Tie Kit: A classic design for the Bel Air and Impalas that comes with white dials, embossed chrome Bow Tie bezels, and easy-to-see orange pointers. The most popular gauge types are combined to form one simple kit with everything you need for the install process. Auto Meter’s race-proven air-core electric internals provide quick and accurate readings while keeping hazardous fluids outside of the vehicle. The gauge kit includes a 3-1/8-inch speedometer accompanied by a short sweep electric water temp gauge, fuel level gauge, voltmeter, and an oil pressure gauge with corresponding senders included as well.

• Officially licensed instruments designed and built to Chevrolet Performance Parts’ precise standards
• Features white dial and embossed chrome Bow Tie bezel design, perfect for any vintage Chevy
• Five-piece gauge kit available in 3-1/8 and 2-1/16 inch

The Cruiser AD – Original Style Gauges for your Early Model Bomb and Bomb Truck

Cruiser AD Gauge Kit: The Cruiser AD series will compliment and recapture the early Lowrider “Bomb” Era feature designs with a modern twist, featuring vibrant chrome bezels, domed lenses, and vintage-style pointers. Bright white LED through dial lighting allows optimal visibility during low light conditions. Auto Meter’s race-proven air-core electric internals provide quick and accurate readings while keeping hazardous fluids outside of the vehicle. The gauge kit includes a 3-3/8-inch electric speedometer accompanied by a short sweep electric water temp gauge, fuel level gauge, voltmeter, and an oil pressure gauge with corresponding senders included as well.

• Art deco inspired tri-tone dial and pointer backlit by our most advanced LED illumination.
• Crowned by a scalloped chrome bezel and domed lens in this evocative reinterpretation of the celebrated original.
• Five-piece gauge kit, 3-3/8 inch

The post Auto Meter Gauges – Gauging the Competition appeared first on Lowrider.

Car Club: Down 2 Scale
City: Los Angeles

Model cars have been around since the first automobiles. Originally intended as a mere child’s plaything, it wasn’t until the ’70s that adults first began picking up these small-scale model renderings. As costs for these detailed miniatures decreased and new fabricating materials became available, the challenges to create exact duplicates of the real thing became a bit simpler and readily available to larger audiences. Time would see some of these miniature fabricators eventually go on to build real-scale versions of the model cars they had once built. But most would eventually find themselves returning to a hobby that taught them both the inside and outside of the automobile, and more importantly, the patience needed to create these tiny art pieces.

The early ’90s would find Gary Seeds bringing together individuals who shared a love for this hobby. He would eventually create a platform where ideas and building techniques could be shared, one that would eventually be called “Model Masters.” Soon this newly created model-builders club found itself competing at local shows like the Carson Kit Classic and the Cactus Classic in Victorville. The club grew and the name would eventually be changed to Down 2 Scale. Sadly, as the shows that helped grow the sport began disappearing, so did its members. “Everyone just went their own separate ways,” Willie Ramirez Jr. says.

The recent lowrider resurgence would see a newer generation rediscovering this art form. It would lead Gary Seeds, along with Henry Espinoza, Manny Sinfuentes, and Willie Sr. to bring back the Down 2 Scale club. They would set out to recruit the nation’s top builders and as word spread, so did its membership. “With each new member, the level of each build has increased,” Willie says. And although they still use traditional rattle can methods of yesteryear, nowadays these guys are also using real paint materials like House of Kolor candies and flake. They’re using a process much the same as a real car with basecoat and clearcoat finishes. This club, however, is for the selected few. Prospecting rules are extremely similar to those of car or bike clubs with prospects required to construct a minimum of four models a year and attend monthly meetings. “Our members have to be respectful of themselves, but more importantly respectful of our hobby,” Willie says. Down 2 Scale is extremely involved in the community and take pride in teaching the kids this artistry. “It expands their minds and keeps them busy”, Henry Espinosa says. With chapters across the country in states like Texas and Arizona, and members from the age of 18 to 74, it is never too late to dust off that old worktable. “We have all tried to build models at one time or another, we call ourselves kit builders,” Mike Mendoza says. “Which to us means you build whatever version of car you like. From Hot Rod, Rat Rod, Low Rod to Lowriders, it is the creativity and ingenuity it takes to build these detailed miniature masterpieces that people are eager to see.”

The post Down 2 Scale Car Club appeared first on Lowrider.

Now that summer is upon us, it’s time to get into the swing of things so we’ve compiled a list of must have components and accessories in order to help get your car where it needs to be. From the inexpensive to moderately priced, all these cool tools, gadgets and essentials are a must have for anyone who takes their car building seriously.

KEEP COOL

Tired of waiting for your car to cool down before wrenching on it? Are you constantly turning into a karate expert every time you touch something hot in your engine bay? If so, then Maradyne has the product that’ll take you from fool to cool.

Their “Fast& Cool” series of high performance fans are a must have for anyone that wants to get air moving — and moving fast. This 2 speed, 1/3 horsepower motor pushes a maximum velocity of 3,000 FPM and the directional flow fan comes with a host of amenities which includes the best balanced air flow, a design which makes it durable as all hell, and even better is that it’s GFCI protected for your safety — just in case you spill a beer or any liquids on it.

When we tested out the Maradyne unit, it worked like a cool breeze, and even if you’re not using it to cool down a motor — or for dyno testing – it moves air like a wind mill so we also used it to get us by some grueling hot days in the warehouse. Now if you have the need to push even more air, then all you have to do is get another unit because the Maradyne Fast & Cool can be connected to up to 5 other units on a single branch circuit.

In years past we’ve tested out other fans, and all we can say is that these are the best fans by a long shot. They’re stackable, can be positioned horizontally, on a 45-degree angle, and a 90-degree angle — thus making it perfect for cramped spaces and cooling down transmissions or engines while up on the lift. To get more wind of these fine products please contact www.maradynehp.com

LIGHTS OUT?

As if you needed another reason to get pulled over, don’t let the little things get you caught up for even more infractions. We’ve seen dozens of cars cruisin’ the Blvd with weak or non-existent license plate lights and now OER has a solution.

Instead of just changing the bulb, swap our your whole assembly with their new reproduction of rear license lamp kits for Chevrolet vehicles in the 66-73 range. This is not only a direct replacement, but also a very detail oriented piece which features a correctly designed lends which comes complete with original factory “SAE” markings.

Each housing unit comes with a plated housing, rear reflector, OEM style lens as well as the correct wiring pigtail. In addition, it is an officially licensed General Motors Product so you know it’s a quality unit that wears its name proudly. Be sure to visit their site for a list of all applications because the list is long and my word count for this story short. For more information on all OER Products, please visit with www.oerparts.com

STEERING CLEAR OF DRAMA

If you know where you’re headed but have no control, it’s a bad situation to be in — which is exactly why you should take extreme care of your steering column. That said, this is exactly why the leaders in steering columns, ididit, has created an exclusive blend of lubricants which includes this engine assembly grease born from a collaborative effort with Joe Gibbs racing.

With cutting edge lubricant technology and advanced wear-properties, it’s a race proven lubricant which is sure to give your optimal performance while extending the lifespan of your steering column — probably the most important part of your car’s mechanicals aside from your brakes.

Since 1986 ididit has been the leaders — and producers — of the finest steering system products in the game and now they’ve added this exciting new lubricant it’s sure to have you steering clear of any future problems. Please steer over to www.ididitinc.com

DON’T FUEL AROUND

Holley is a brand known for putting out innovative and quality products you can trust, and now they’ve introduced a new series of fuel pumps, fuel pressure regulators and fuel filters to support your fuel system.

The VR1 and VR2 fuel pumps are truly powerhouse units that feature brushless pump technology and a twin-screw rotor design. This design allows them to maintain pressures up to 130 psi and flow up to 323 GPH at 13.8 volts. If even more flow is required, the VR2 pump is capable of nearly 425 GPH when it is running at 18.5 volts.

To support the level of fuel flow that the VR Series pumps are capable of, Holley designed matching VR Series fuel pressure regulators for both fuel-injected and carbureted applications. The carbureted regulators are adjustable from 4-9 psi, while the fuel injected regulators are adjustable from 40-100 psi.

Now that’s a lot of technical information that only gear heads would understand, but if we were to break it down to laymen terms all we can say is that these units can handle much more than we’ll push anytime soon so trust us when we say that these bullet-proof fuel products will last you a lifetime.

Please visit more Holley performance products at www.holley.com

The post The Summer Time Reup appeared first on Lowrider.

Without getting into the politics of things, recent media and current events have placed law enforcement under the eye of public scrutiny. With most of the press focusing on the negative and placing emphasis on the bad seeds of the force, we at LOWRIDER wanted to go against the grain and shed positive light on an officer who definitely makes a difference.

Rudy Campos Jr. is a police officer who’s indeed a Roll Model, for not only the general public but also for the lowriding community. As a member of Bridge Town Oldies, a well-known San Gabriel Valley bomb car club, Rudy is an avid lowrider who owns a 1946 Chevy Fleetmaster. With its massive presence and smooth lines, it’s a beast of a vehicle but he rides with pride and upholds the lowriding lifestyle with the same integrity he holds in his professional career.

So be sure to scope out the next episode of Roll Models and let’s all remember that a few bad seeds should never be a reason to paint an entire force—or community—with a single stroke.

The brush of ignorance and generalization is what creates more trouble than it’s worth, and we of all people should know. You see, even the negative stigma of “lowriders” is one that is based off of the negative actions of just a few, but that negative stereotype is one that we battle daily, which is another reason we started Roll Models.

So let’s welcome Rudy Campos Jr. in this latest segment. Be sure to let us know how you feel about each of our segments and don’t forget that your input is crucial to creating an even better format with more content. On that note, be sure to email me (jray@enthusiastnetwork.com) with any considerations for future editions of Roll Models and thank you for your support.

The post Roll Models Episode 6: Rudy Campos Jr. appeared first on Lowrider.

Looking back at his past, Jose Madrigal knew that his passion for lowriding was going to become a family affair. He knew from early on that he was eventually going to have kids, but he was adamant that they too become a part of the family tradition of lowriding.

Fast forward decades later, and his eldest son was already wheeling around in a custom-built vintage bike. Not wanting to leave his youngest son out of the mix, he decided it was time to build him one as well and that’s when he sourced a 12-inch frame on eBay and he stripped it down and painted the frame green. He set the frame aside while he gathered parts.

Soon after he started to realize that his youngest son was acting a bit different. “It was right after Andrew’s 3rd birthday that we noticed he acted different than the kids his age.” Jose further adds. “He had a speech delay, never made eye contact, so we took him to get tested,” says the proud father. In the ensuing weeks a diagnosis came back that Andrew had moderate autism. The turmoil was one that affected not only Andrew but also Jose and his wife. “This [diagnosis] didn’t affect our love for Andrew but we did question if we had done something wrong. It took us a while to come to terms with it but we did.”

Not wanting to be judged by strangers, Jose admits that at first they cut back on attending car shows, but they soon realized that there was a new reason to attend them. That reason was Andrew, so they decided that it was best that they increase autism awareness by building out Andrew’s bike and having him attend shows with them. So along with the help of many friends, family, and industry colleagues, they assembled a masterpiece of a bicycle just in time for the LOWRIDER Super Show in Las Vegas, and the results were spectacular.

When asked about the audience’s reception to the build he replied, “The amount of love people showed for the bike was so meaningful and amazing. We built this bike for Andrew. We wanted it to become his voice within the scene and it worked. It worked to help bring awareness and acceptance to autistic children and adults, and this bike here is the voice of our non-verbal autistic son, Andrew. He is our superhero!”

In closing, all I can say is that this build has affected so many lives, and we’re proud to say that Andrew has also become a superhero to the staff over here at LOWRIDER. This incredible build is the voice of reason, education, and awareness and we salute not only Andrew but the entire Madrigal family for taking their mission to educate to higher levels.

1974 Schwinn Little Tiger

Vehicle Nickname
Lion Pride – My Autism Story

Owner
Andrew Madrigal

City/State
Salinas, CA

Club
Valley Cruisers

Body/Paint
With the help of Milo from Master Auto Body, Jose painted the bike with a House of Kolor kandy organic green over a galaxy gray. Adolfo Arias painted the puzzle pieces and Alan Signs added the striping. Hilario Lugo and Johnny Rendon added the engraving while Moreno’s Metal Polishing and Chrome in Fresno, CA, dipped them in chrome.

Interior
Coco at Renew Upholstery in King City, CA, did the seat in a green, white, and gray vinyl.

Wheels/Tires
12.5×2.25 green and white spoke wheel with Nylon fat whitewall tire

The post A Schwinn Little Tiger that is the Voice of a Child appeared first on Lowrider.

We took a trip up to Vancouver, Washington to visit Chev’s of the 40’s Ron Wade, and what we found is more than we had ever imagined. As the world’s leading supplier of vintage parts, his inventory of Chevrolet car and truck parts is astonishing, but what’s even more interesting is the story of how he began.

Over the course of decades, Ron has always been passionate about vintage Chevrolets. He’s owned trucks, sedans and just about everything under the moon and in the course of collecting parts, he amassed such a huge inventory that it was only proper to turn his passion into profit.

Since then, he’s amassed the largest collection of parts and his place is packed aisle to aisles with rare and hard to find parts. But along with his extensive collection of parts, is a vast knowledge and history of everything available for classic Chevrolets – and this is all knowledge that he’s acquired as the builder of many of his own custom rods. That winning combination, along with an equally knowledgeable staff, makes his business an authority and a much-needed asset for those who collect, restore and customize classic Chevrolet cars and trucks.

Once a hidden gem for locals of Washington, his business, which he calls “Chevs of the 40’s”, is now a global entity for classic Chevy lovers — all in thanks to the Internet. With a full-blown site that documents many of his parts, his site has become a portal of information thanks to the forum section. In that section, classic car lovers trade information, education and entertainment.

But visiting this shop is more like stepping into an informal museum. Complete with parts on deck, he walked the aisles with the knowledge of a mainframe computer as we took witness to this “holy grail” of parts that was nothing short of mesmerizing.

We’d like to thank Ron for granting us the time to visit his shop and it’s always great to get a little more education and know-how from a man who’s been there and done that. For more of this Shop Stop & Tour, please visit online at www.chevsofthe40s.com.

The post Chev’s of the 40’s – Wade’s World appeared first on Lowrider.

Since its inception, the Impala bloodline has not only set the standard for comfort and value, but also gone on to become the best-selling, full-size automobile in the United States. The Impala was first introduced in 1958, and with its infamous slogan “lets you know you’re the boss” it created a surge of hype that lived up to the expectations. So when Gregory Smith took to restoring his very own 1958, he took the slogan to heart and flipped the script by building this remarkable twin-turbo lowrider.

Greg, who is no stranger to lowriding, didn’t have to go far to begin. As owner of TKO Kustomz in Las Vegas, Greg and crew immediately got to work. Shawn, Jason, and Greg began by prepping the body to receive the Spies Heckler Clay Coral two-stage two-toned paintjob. From there, Shawn would take on the job of installing a special ordered Ciadella interior, complete with custom fiberglassed door panels. While Yolanda at Yolanda’s Plating was busy polishing and chrome plating all of the vehicle’s metalwork, the TKO Kustomz crew began putting together a custom chrome whammy tank with two aircraft dumps and two switches to activate the six solenoids. The custom hydraulic setup soon found itself surrounded by matching interior leathers and four 10-inch FI Audio subwoofers. The audio system also included a Pioneer head unit powering the Orion amplifiers, mids, and tweeters. Once the custom 13-inch Zenith wire wheels were powdercoated and mounted into 520 Coker whitewalls, it was time for the crown jewel of this project to be installed. Once painted, Jason and Shawn began the process of fitting the 2010 Chevy 6.0 twin-turbo engine with a custom 3-inch mandrel bent exhaust with power being transferred to the ground by way of a 4L60 transmission.

“Like all projects, this one came with a few complications,” Greg says. “But thanks to the TKO Kustomz crew, friends, and fellow One1Luv Car Club members, we always manage to get it done. We are currently working on several other projects,” continues Greg. With a 1957, 1959, and 1961 Impala unveiling soon, the lowrider spirit will continue to run through his veins much as it does with his uncle and his brother, Walter. Greg adds, “Most importantly, to my little girl, Madalynn Smith … I can’t wait to see you drive your car.”

1958 Chevy Impala

Nickname
Madalynn

Owner
Gregory Smith

Car Club
One1Luv

City/State
Las Vegas, NV

Engine
2010 Chevy 6.0 Twin Turbo

Upholstery
TKO Kustoms installed an original Ciadella kit with custom door panels

Body/Paint
TKO Kustoms sprayed the Coral Gray two-stage paint

Suspension
original partially wrapped frame with a custom whammy tank setup

Wheels/Tires
custom 13-inch powdercoated Zenith wire wheel wrapped with 5/20

The post Twin-Turbo 1958 Chevrolet Impala appeared first on Lowrider.

True To It. Not New To It.

Make
Truespoke Wire Wheel

Model
Trueray

URL
www.truespoke.net

Overview
Legends in the game, and a part of automotive wheel history, Truespoke Wire Wheel is a company with deep-seated roots in the wire wheel game. From hot rods to lowriders, True Spokes were a common sight and still today they continue to serve a premium offering of wire wheels ranging from 13 to 18 inches in diameters—all of which are available in either reverse or standard styles.

In their most recent offering, they now offer a 60-spoke Trueray available with 1959 Chevrolet spinner caps. The caps come in either silver or black color ways and each set is custom-built for your needs.

Finishes range from show-quality copper, nickel, or chrome plating, and bolt patterns include 5-on-4.75 and 5-on-5. Pricing begins at $1,899 for a set of four and the 1959 Chevrolet spinners are available for $300 extra, as an option—a small price to pay for the most essential part of your custom vehicle.

It’s Miller Time

Make
Miller Electric Mfg. Co.

Model
Multimatic 215

URL
www.millerwelds.com

Overview
Now we’re not talking about that nasty beer, instead we’re talking about an essential tool that has helped keep America together—literally. Miller Electric Manufacturing Company is the leader of welding products and machines, and their latest offering delivers all-in-one multiprocess capabilities for MIG, flux-cored, DC TIG, and DC stick welding, and welds up to 3/8-inch-thick mild steel in a single pass. This Multimatic 215 is intended for light fabrication, maintenance and repair, auto body and farm and home applications.

It’s a beast of a machine that’s easy to use and dependable, and it’s a must-have in any home. The Multimatic 215 features an angled wire drive that uses an updated motor in an all-aluminum housing to support longer torch options and deliver smoother wire feeding for better welds. The Quick Select drive roll makes setup quick and easy by offering three grooves, two for different-sized solid wire and a third for flux-cored wire. In addition, Auto Spool Gun Detect automatically detects when a Miller Spoolmate 100 or Spoolmate 150 is connected, eliminating the need to install a spool gun switch.

The bottom line, it’s a multifunctional tool that needs to be in every home in America because it’s good for fixing up everything from your home to your car.

E-Street EFI

Make
Edelbrock

Model
E-Street 2 EFI

URL
www.edelbrock.com

Overview
The E-Street 2 EFI from Edelbrock has added many new enhancements to an already easy-to-use and affordable system—now making it the ideal choice for any enthusiast looking to convert to EFI.

Enhancements to this unit includes, Edelbrock’s exclusive E-Tuner App. E-Tuner is an Android based application that utilizes a simple interface for setting up and monitoring the E-Street 2 EFI system. E-Tuner is now compatible with many popular Android phones and tablets, allowing consumers to use their own personal device to tune and monitor their E-Street 2 EFI System. The Edelbrock E-Tuner App is available at no charge from the Google Play Store or it can be downloaded from.

The most exciting enhancement to E-Street 2 EFI and the E-Tuner App is the addition of ignition control. This new Ignition Control feature gives the consumer the capability to direct drive an ignition coil (optional Ignition Control Kit required), eliminating the extra expense and time involved with installing a CDI box. It also allows consumers to fully customize their ignition curve for the ultimate power and mpg, all within the E-Tuner App. E-Street 2 EFI Systems are available with a 7-inch touch-screen or without for consumers who choose to use their own Android device. Each system includes a pre-assembled throttle body, engine control unit (ECU), high-quality wiring harness, wideband O2 sensor, and detailed instructions for a hassle-free installation. E-Street 2 EFI systems are also available with a return-style fuel system or Edelbrock’s unique Universal EFI Sump Fuel Kit for vehicles equipped with a low-pressure fuel system.

The post Lowriding Essentials appeared first on Lowrider.

We first came across Chris Florez’s 2005 Harley at 2015 LOWRIDER Magazine sanctioned show in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This bike, which was magnificently on display in a 20×20 showcase, sat pretty along with three other Harleys—and each one of them nicer than the next. Now picture this: the bikes were set up with their rear fenders facing each other and the fronts pointing outward—so from an overhead view the bikes took on an X-formation in the middle of the showroom floor.

As we walked around the bikes, admiring the setups, we struck up a conversation with Chris, and damn did things get interesting. Being somewhat familiar with him—as he’s a frequent show attendee—we were pretty familiar with what he brings to the table, and soon enough we realized that he didn’t own just one of the bikes on display, but rather owned all of them.

Chris then briefly mentioned how he’s got more bikes at home, and that these were the only ones he brought out to play. After talking about the trials and tribulations of building so many bikes, he agreed with a grin and then mentioned that the only reason he didn’t bring all of them out was simply because it was a pain. He concluded saying, “This is the only time I’ve show all four of my bikes like this.”

Hoping to shoot all four bikes, time got the best of us so fortunately for us, Chris had a trip planned to Southern California later on that year for a Viejitos club event. During his trip we were able to bring him into our Santa Ana studio and snap a few flicks and here’s the outcome.

Hopefully sometime soon we can get all of them together but for now this gives you a good look at what’s in store when we finally do make that magic happen.

2005 Harley Davidson Electra Glide

Vehicle Nickname
Triple OG

Owner
Chris Florez

City/State
Bernalillo, AZ

Club
Viejitos Vicleros

Engine
Twin Cam with Kuryakyn air cleaner, Samson exhaust with 39-inch Fishtails

Body/Paint
Shaved and molded speakers to saddlebags, shaved and streatched the rear fender 7 inches. Painted the bike gray and white.

Wheels/Tires
21-inch spoke wheels with Avon tires

The post Chris Florez’s 2005 Harley Electra Glide appeared first on Lowrider.

Building a lowrider is what dreams are made of. It’s an automotive obsession that tickles the soul of those who have completed one—or an agonizing ordeal for those who have yet to realize their dreams.

From drawing out your concepts to envisioning how you’d customize it, lowriding isn’t an afterthought or a spur-of-the-moment decision. It’s a premeditated and calculated rite of passage that comes with plenty of planning—and requires even more patience. For Vilo Southichack he can attest to the struggle, as he too was once a dreamer.

His own desire to build a lowrider was one that haunted him for years. He had always dreamed about building a 1961 but the absorbent pricing and diminishing supply made it difficult for him to stomach the current market prices. Nonetheless Vilo kept that dream alive by becoming a spectator of the sport. From going to local car shows, to hanging out with new friends and acquaintances, he soon found himself in the company of the fellas from Eazy Duz It Car Club. He helped them build their rides and they soon became second family. Soon enough his immediate surroundings did little to help him extinguish his goals for owning his own. In short, Vilo could no longer ignore that dream and he knew that it was time to do something about it.

When he finally decided to take the leap he first approached his wife, Sara, who at the time was six months pregnant. Fortunately for him, his years of dragging her out to car shows made quite an impression as she was more excited about the idea than him.

Shortly thereafter, he began envisioning his dreams and managing his budget. After much thought, reality sunk in and though his heart was set on a 1961, he ultimately knew that his budget and time constraints kept him limited, so a compromise had to be made. “I knew the 1961 rag was out of my price range but I wasn’t going to compromise on building myself a ragtop,” Vilo explains.

In what almost seemed to be perfect timing, a member of Eazy Duz It had a running 1964 Impala convertible that Vilo wanted but it wasn’t for sale. His friend, however, did have another 1964 rag that he would be willing to part with so Vilo (along with longtime friend, Keo) drove almost three hours just to take a look at it. “It was just a shell in pieces and a frame but when I saw it sitting there it looked like it was just waiting for someone to bring it back to life, so I made the decision and bought it.”

That fall the duo made several trips to bring the pieces back to Seattle and Vilo’s goal was to bring this car back to life by next show season. But after getting all the parts back to home base, reality came back into play and as he stood there looking at all the parts, which is when he began thinking that his was mission was close to impossible—thus the moniker “Mission Impossible.”

Thanks to an ambitious start, persistence, and some great friends and acquaintances, Real Time Resto became a hub for the resurrection of his 1964. For the following 11 months people would come to help with the build and he vividly remembers the agonizing months that his wife would be there in full support, always bringing food and drinks while they worked on the Impala.

But ask Vic about the most memorable—or monumental—part of the build and he’d shy away from saying that it was the first time firing the motor, or playing with the switches. Rather, he’d insist that the most important parts of the build are the lifelong bonds, friendships, and memories they all created during the buildout. And while Vilo hasn’t technically built his dream ride as of yet, he’ll be the first to admit that the lifelong friendships he built during this project far outweighs the dream of owning a 1961.

Now that my friends is what lowriding is truly about. In essence, our cars are nothing more than the vessels of our creativity but what drives the soul and spirit of lowriding are the camaraderie, memories, and moments we create with friends and family, both old and new.

1964 Chevrolet Impala convertible

Vehicle Nickname
Mission Impossible

Owner
Vilo Southichack

City/State
Des Moines, WA

Club
Eazy Duz It

Engine
5.3 LS with polished water pump, 16-inch electric fan, polished radiator, Professional Products polished LS1 intake, S&P air cleaner, Speedway Motors headers, Borla exhaust, Dirty Dingo dress-up kit, and red top Optima battery

Body/Paint
With a shaved cowl and Frenched antennas Pitra Poeng got the body laser straight and sprayed the Sherwin-Williams Chrysler white gold over the patterns Keo Sanh had laid

Suspension
The 1964 has a fully wrapped, molded, and painted frame also molded and extended A-arms. Keo Sanh designed the setup to have similarity to the LS motor. The hydraulics consist of a HiLow piston pump to the front and two HiLow gravity-fed pumps with three chrome Adex super duty dumps, Accumax solenoids, 8-inch front cylinders, 12-inch rear cylinders, and eight 31-series batteries.

Interior
Shaved dash, Dakota Digital VHX gauges, chrome Banjo-style steering wheel, and Ciadellas interior kit

Sound
Pioneer deck, MTX amps, MB quarts, MTX subwoofers

Wheels/Tires
72-spoke 13×7 Daytons with Premium Sportway 5.20s

Special Thanks
Vilo would like to thank Duane Seseves, Big Chan, Lil Chan, Sergio Marquez, Bert Nolan, Thi Sok, Arturo Perez ,and everyone from RTR and EDI, and especially his biggest supporter, Sara.

The post Compromising a Dream for a ’64 Impala was his Best Decision appeared first on Lowrider.

Long before it became known as the “Las Vegas Strip,” the 4-mile stretch of land used to be barren and desolate. It’s even more shocking to think that the infamous Vegas Strip once played second fiddle to Fremont Strip—which many consider to be the genesis of everything that now defines the City of Sin.

Fast-forward to present day and both quadrants are battling for consumer dollars. The gentrification of the Fremont Strip has not only created a resurgence and new vitality, but also created a new and improved backdrop for those wanting to cruise the area.

As lowriding culture experiences the same rebirth and resurgence, Vegas is no exception. These days, both downtown and the boulevard have become the frequent stomping grounds to cruise and on this cool Saturday evening we came across over 250 cars, trucks, and bikes that were out in full force.

The usual suspects were out on the block so it came as no surprise that we ran across the fellas from the Majestics, Goodtimes, Street Players, and Lowrider Style. In addition, Tiempo Car Club and the Cardenas family hit the streets with their classic bombs, and as expected, they were snapping necks and giving tourists a glimpse into lowrider culture.

The lowriding shindig went off without a hitch, and the family affair became a vehicular experience that no one will soon forget. Even local law enforcement were in attendance, snapping tons of pictures as they too admired the hard work and heritage that each of these vehicles displayed. So as Las Vegas reignites its love affair with lowriding, it’s safe to say that you’ll be seeing more coverage of future get-togethers and events.

The post 2016 Las Vegas Cruise Night appeared first on Lowrider.

Attending your local car show can serve one of two main purposes. One, it’s a great place to enjoy the camaraderie of likeminded individuals, and second, it’s a great place to gauge the competition and draw inspiration.

So when Zek Koehler found himself at a local event, it served the latter. After being surrounded by a sea of custom lowrider bikes, he vowed to one day ride amongst them. With enough money gathered up, he started his journey by purchasing a stock 1979 Schwinn frame, and that was all he needed to get his foot in the door.

Zek knew early on that he had to go “all in” to become one of the top contenders. So with a game plan in place, he started his homework and created what you see here. While longtime friend, Simon, was busy designing a custom frame, Zek and Mando “KK” were dropping off the one-of-a-kind handmade parts to Krazy Kutting in Yuma, Arizona. There, Mando and crew would add a unique touch of three-toned engraving to all the metalwork, which included chrome, gold, and powdercoating. With the frame now in the hands of Victor, he would go on to apply a complicated layout of multiple color combinations of Raspberry Red, Silver, and Gold Kandy colors. With Mike adding his signature pinstripe lines, the legendary Alberto Herrera would tie it all together by adding murals depicting skulls and crosses. With additional chroming completed at Speedy’s Metal Finishing and custom 20-inch spider-web-like wheels in place, it was time for Dago of Garage Customs to create an old-school tuck and roll seat featuring three different colors, as well as accenting mirrors.

After nearly a four-year build time, the bike is now complete and rocks steady with some of the best in the game. It’s a detailed bike that serves as an outlet for Zek’s creative vision and in the end it’s a project that he can proudly say he built from the ground up.

1979 Schwinn

Owner
Zek Koehler

City/State
Calimesa, CA

Upholstery
Garage Customs created the old-school tuck ‘n’ roll seat

Body/Paint
Alberto Herrera, Victor, and Mike Lamberson contributed to this multi-level layout

Wheels/Tires
Custom 20-inch powdercoated spider-webbed wheels

Shout Outs
A special thanks to my dad and to my crew, Mando, Jaime, Albert, Dago, and Manny’s Bike Shop. I couldn’t have done it without you all.

The post This 1979 Schwinn was Built from the Ground Up appeared first on Lowrider.

To the general public Colorado is known best for its world-class skiing, but a little known fact is that they’re also known for their lowrider scene—especially for their infamous Denver Lowrider Tour.

So back in June the National Western Complex once again played home to the infamous Denver Lowrider Tour. Packed miles high with some of the best lowriders in town, the venue offered three floors and five indoor halls that had over 500 stunning lowriders on display. Upstairs, the venue became an exclusive hall for the ever-so-popular bicycle and pedal car display, while the downstairs area featured the hopping contest and concert hall. In all, over 10,000 local lowrider fans came out to fill up the aisles at this indoor/outdoor lowrider fest and the arena was packed with not only quality but quantity. With more than its fair share of beautiful cars on display, it’s safe to say that the competition at this show was the best it’s ever been. With top contenders traveling from California, Arizona, and Texas, enclosed trailers were littered all throughout the parking lot during setup and after taking a casual poll, it was impressive—and humbling—to know that most of these guys traveled some 15-plus hours throughout the Rockies to attend.

As expected, the Denver Lowrider culture and tradition was vibrant and alive, and to be honest, we’ve never seen this show kick off like it did. With attendees packing the venue in full force, it was great to see folks scooping up the latest parts and lowrider memorabilia. Show sponsor Hoppo’s Hydraulics had a booth that was more than impressive, as they went all-out. Inside their booth, they showcased a plethora of parts and it really didn’t matter if you were into air or hydraulics because they had a full catalog of parts in glass display cases.

Now if apparel was more of what you were after, then those looking for car-embroidered club T-shirts, jackets, or sweatshirts had the option of visiting the other Show Sponsor and stitch masters at Logos Two. Considered by many to be the best in their craft, their booth was constantly packed and in full swing.

As for entertainment, well there was no shortage as the crowd had a little bit of everything to enjoy, but a highlight seemed to be the hopping contest—and when it comes to that, we’ve seen just about everything over the years. From cars catching on fire, coils and A-arms busting out, and back bumpers bending license plates, this segment of the show has just about everything, but this year was different. This time around, spectators played witness to a special in which a crew of Majestics members rolled out a show-quality, luxury ’80s-style Cadillac Coupe De Ville hopper that would easily win awards for looks alone. In short, this hopper was unmatched and uncontested as being a true contender all the way around.

It could easily be said that the Denver crowd was treated to one of the best shows they have seen in quite some time, and as much as the passion and tradition lives on in Colorado, it was more than just a mile-high spectacle—it was the Super Show

The post 2016 Denver Super Show appeared first on Lowrider.

The nightlife is what defines our years as an adolescent. The long nights out, the women, the booze, it’s all part of an addiction that can easily run the financial well dry. But imagine having to live in one of the greatest hot spots of them all, South Beach.

As if living in Miami wasn’t already enough temptation, being in your twenties and next to South Beach can be the ultimate test of your will, and that was exactly the case for Emmanuel Sandoval. Not wanting to live paycheck to paycheck, he set his sights on something much bigger than a night of memories. Instead, he wanted to save up enough money to build a custom ride, and that’s exactly what he accomplished.

Building a custom truck was high on his priority list, and he made those dreams come true. “When I was 5, my uncles would pull up to the house in custom cars and I was immediately drawn to them,” Emmanuel says. As the years passed, his introduction to the custom car world became stronger and he soon found himself hanging out at his uncle’s shop where a lot of the members of Low Lyfe Car Club would go.

By 17, Emmanuel had already built a 2003 Chevy Avalanche with a chameleon paintjob and 26-inch wheels. Unfortunately, he ended up wrecking the Avalanche, but the next time around he set his sights on an Escalade EXT. After months of shopping and finding the right price, he drove the EXT out of the dealership and straight to his uncle’s shop in Homestead, Florida, where he began tearing the truck apart.

Being that his last build had a solid-color paintjob, he wanted to mix things up this time so he went crazy with paint and patterns. His uncles David, Juan, and Damian at Daniel & Son’s Paint and Body decided to do a custom paint mix with Ecstasy Amber Gold. Along with Candy Cane Customs, they laid the unique patterns and different paint tones on the truck and the final project was so stellar that it wound up winning the “Best Paintjob” award at the 2016 LOWRIDER Magazine Miami Super Show-an award chosen by Editor Joe Ray as his favorite paintjob at the show. Now that, my friends, is an accomplishment to be proud of.

2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT

Vehicle Nickname
La Sancha

Owner
Emmanuel Sandoval

City/State
Miami, FL

Club
Low Lyfe

Engine
LS3 6.2L

Body/Paint
The fenders were cut to accommodate the 30-inch wheels at Daniel & Son’s Paint and Body before they painting it with a custom mix of Ecstasy Amber Gold paint

Suspension
Lowered springs

Wheels/Tires
Asanti DA180 30-inch wheels with Decintis 275/25/30 tires

The post Trading the Club Life for the Club Lyfe appeared first on Lowrider.

Currently an Arizona transplant, this former SoCal resident may have left Cali behind, but what he wasn’t able to shake was the lifestyle he had become accustomed to. As a kid, Arthur Hamilton vividly remembers the days growing up in Pacoima. He remembers how his neighbors owned lowriders and how their almost daily interaction and the sights and sounds of lowriders were enough to get him hooked.

This story starts off like many, but then again, lowriding isn’t a lifestyle that’s learned in a book. Lowriding is a tradition that’s typically handed down from one generation to the next and a lifestyle that revolves around tradition, culture, and pride.

That said, Arthur wanted to following in their footsteps, so in 1977 he was finally able to purchase his first lowrider, a 1964 Chevrolet Impala. Though it was his first, it definitely wasn’t going to be his last; he’s since changed hands on a few projects that’s he’s already built, enjoyed, and flipped.

This time around, his current situation has him dippin’ in a 1963 Chevrolet Impala-but the car wasn’t always this impeccable. Arthur first bought the Impala from his brother-in-law back in 1996 and it needed much more than just a little TLC. The car needed a full restoration, and he still remembers the condition it was in when it was dropped off.

“When the tow truck pulled up with it for the first time it had a Cadillac seat, both doors looked like they had been introduced to a pole, and the quarter-panels were ruined.” He further adds, “When my kids first saw it they began laughing and thought it was a joke to bring life back to it.” Needless to say, this did nothing to deter Arthur from bringing it back to life.

The first step to reviving the wreck was to have Ramon Matta work on the body and bring it back to its original state. After plenty of massaging body panels and ironing out the kinks, Ramon then sprayed an organic candy green and followed it up with a stripe job. From there, Arthur had fellow club member “Earn One” add some colored murals and then it was off to get it juiced. The car went over to Ultimate Hydraulics where V-Max and his crew did a heart transplant and dropped in an LS3 with everything chromed or painted. While there, V-Max also had his guys install the hydraulics and stereo system.

As with most serious project cars, the car was finished up right before the Las Vegas Super Show and the fellas figured that there was no better place to deliver Arthur his car than at the show.

So what was Arthur’s response when he finally saw the car at the Lowrider Super Show? Well, he can tell your firsthand that he was floored to finally have a lowrider that he could truly be proud of, and with a final product this clean it’s only appropriate that we tip our hats to all involved in the creation of this masterpiece.

1963 Chevrolet Impala

Vehicle Nickname
Trey Day

Owner
Arthur Hamilton

City/State
Maricopa, AZ

Club
Ultimate Riders

Engine
LS3 with CPP master cylinder, Powermaster alternator, chrome pulley kit, flex hose, polished radiator

Body/Paint
Candy Green with silver lining

Suspension
Ford 9-inch rearend, two pumps, three dumps, four batteries

Interior
Chrome dash with custom green leather interior

Sound
Performance Teknique amplifiers, Pioneer mids, and 15-inch Kickers

Wheels/Tires
13-inch LA Wire Wheels and Travelstar 155/80/R13 tires

The post Restoring a 1963 Chevrolet Impala appeared first on Lowrider.

Like most men, the guys at LOWRIDER love to eat steak. However when we have a craving for a steak we’re not thinking of going to Morton’s, Black Angus, Ruth’s Chris, or even Outback (although we are big fans of their Bloomin’ Onion). Instead when we want steak, we head over to Pinnacle Peak in San Dimas. A LOWRIDER favorite for years, the thing that attracts us the most is the atmosphere. Here at LOWRIDER we’re not big fans of places that require a suit and a tie; we like places that are beyond casual, places that are just straight-up down and dirty, and with its rustic cowboy atmosphere Pinnacle Peak is as down and dirty as you can get.

When we go to Pinnacle Peak our go-to dish is the Cowboy, a 20-ounce T-bone prepared the way a steak should be: flame-broiled over mesquite charcoal and served with a baked potato. As an added bonus we also like to get a few orders of Pinnacle Peak’s famous traditional cowboy beans.

So next time you have a hankering for a nice big steak, check out Pinnacle Peak—just make sure you don’t show up wearing a tie. They have tradition of cutting ties off their customers’ necks and hanging them from the ceiling.

The post Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse appeared first on Lowrider.

So let me explain. Lowriders may be the heart and soul of our existence but trucks really do come first—you just don’t realize it. Regardless of whether you drive a Ford, Chevy, Toyota, or Dodge truck, the truth remains that there’s a good possibility that you’ll find your truck up in front of your lowrider. The reason why? It’s simple; they’re usually towing ’em.

Let’s face it, a lot of us trailer our lowriders to the shop or the show, and even if you drive your lowrider four times a week, there’s a good chance you’ve got one of the aforementioned trucks in your driveway. From picking up parts to using it for work, trucks have become a common part of our automotive DNA.

That said, there’s a new tire that’s being released that you definitely want to take a look at, and after 100 hours of computer simulation and three years of research and development, Continental Tire is finally releasing a damn cool new tire that serves the all-terrain segment.

In addition to a well thought out plan, the rigorous testing methods include Continental going through 1,500 tires for testing, 12,000-plus hours of machine testing, and over 1 million miles of machine testing—and let’s not forget over 2 million combined miles on and off road.

So what’s the name of this new tire? They’re calling it TerrainContact A/T.

This latest entry to the their lineup is an ideal all-terrain tire for CUV, SUV, and light trucks with the durability to conquer dirt, gravel, and grass while providing a quiet, comfortable ride on pavement. This tire strikes the perfect balance between off-road traction and on-road manners, and with 2.7 million miles of paved roads and 1.4 million miles of unpaved roads in the United States, this tire is ready whenever or for whatever your next project build needs will be.

With the September launch-date (just in time for the Vegas Super Show), the new TerrainContact A/T will also mark the debut of TractionPlus Technology. This innovative technology provides traction and durability, which offers the hallmarks that Continental fans have come to expect. The patented, +Silane provides excellent wet traction and drivers can expect a quiet, comfortable ride through noise blockers and pattern shifting. This is mandatory when pulling your prized possession to a long distant car show.

In addition to all-season traction, TractionPlus Technology features “traction grooves,” which provide gripping teeth inside the groove that lock snow for improved snow grip while full-depth sipes aid in snow and ice traction while providing the comfort and traction needed in wet and dry conditions the rest of the year. And while this tire is rich in technology, Continental has also managed to include technology for a long tread life. Even road surface contact provided by a flat contour shape, and strong tread shoulders, boost the tire’s tread life.

In addition to performance and aesthetics that sure do please, the tire is backed by one of the strongest warranty programs and service contracts in the industry. The TerrainContact A/T is included under Continental Tire’s Total Confidence Plan. Under the plan this all-terrain tire has a 60-day customer satisfaction trial and road hazard coverage (12 months or first 2/32 inches) as well as a 72-month manufacturer’s limited warranty program. Also included is a 60,000-mile limited mileage warranty and three-year flat tire roadside assistance. If your truck or SUV comes before your lowrider, so to speak, make sure you get the job done right and make sure the arrival of your prize is safe too.

The post LOWRIDER Review: Continental Tires TerrainContact A/T appeared first on Lowrider.

Original Parts Group Inc. (OPGI) is a leading automotive manufacturer that offers more than 75,000 classic GM restoration parts and high-performance accessories. The company has the biggest collection of first-rate Monte Carlo, Grand Prix, Cutlass, Chevelle, El Camino, Bonneville, LeMans, Riviera, Cadillac, and Malibu classic parts in the world. OPGI offers thousands of 1963-1976 Riviera parts and accessories, with new parts added daily. Their extensive catalog offers nearly everything from sheetmetal, chrome, and upholstery to engine parts and the hard-to-find details to finish a restoration with show-winning attention to detail.

Not that long ago we came upon a pretty clean California 1971 “boat tail” Buick Riviera in its original condition. The car was serviced and garaged for its entire 45 years of existence. Besides the exterior have a few parking lot dings or dents, the interior had some slight wear and tear. Besides the interior’s bench seat having a few tears the only other problem was the old worn and faded carpet and door panel armrests.

We decided to visit OPGI online and found that they cater to the 1963-1976 Buick Rivieras. We decided to start off with the interior’s carpet and replace it while upgrading to a plush cut pile “Essex-style” with the same 22-ounce cut pile carpet as Mercedes and other high-end cars use. They include original-style machine-bonded plastic heel pads in the factory location with the correct molded plastic dimmer switch grommet, and the carpet kits come complete with 1/2-inch-thick jute backing bonded to the carpet. Heat-pressed and molded to an original GM E-body floorpan die, these premium luxury carpets are simple to install and have a “pop-in” fit. There are a variety of colors that coordinate with your model’s upholstery and door panel kits for the ultimate in plush automotive interiors. These thick, deep pile carpets have that luxury car feel and look for all Rivieras. Follow along with this carpet replacement half-day, one-man job as all you need to have with you is a few wrenches, Philips screw driver for the seal plates, a utility knife or scissors, and a spray adhesive glue for the padding.

1. We brought the 1971 Riviera out of the garage and onto the driveway and opened up the doors to begin the Premium Carpet Kit and Seal Plate install.

2. Besides the interior being in pretty good condition, the carpet as you can see was faded and worn out from its 45 years of service.

3. The back seat section of the floor was really faded from the sun.

4. After removing the floor seal plates and pulling back the old carpet, you can see that even the original padding was ready to be replaced.

5. We unbolted and removed the seatbelts, the front bench seat, and the rear bottom seat to make way for a complete carpet install.

6. OPGI has a “Heat Shield” insulating and sound deadener Jute pad for under your carpet that comes in a 4×6-foot size.

7. We took the sheet of the one-sided aluminum foil and cut the sheet in to two pieces with a pair of scissors. We split the pad up to cover the front and rear heated areas of the floor. The Jute padded side was glued to the floor and is applied with a spray adhesive.

8. The two-piece front and back “Essex” premium carpet upgrade kit is a GM Authentic reproduction. The aluminum Seal Plates are shown alongside.

9. We compare brand-new reproduction seal plates versus the old scuffed and worn-out plates.

10. The new, two-piece front and rear Carpet kit lays in perfect into the belly pans and floorboards. Besides the final trim cut at the edge of the doors to screw down the new seal plates, everything hugs the contour shape of this big interior’s floor. The bench seat was put back into its new place, mounted down, and reclined in comfort with a plush Riviera look.

11. A view from the rear back seat and floor.

If you have any of the models we mentioned before, be sure to start your restoration project by visiting the Original Parts Group Superstore, 1770 Saturn Way, Seal Beach, CA 90740. Get on the phone and tell them LOWRIDER sent you-(800) 243-8355-or go online to www.opgi.com, and get your GM make and model catalog like we did.

AXALTA COATING SYSTEMS PAINT TIP OF THE MONTH

What’s the Weather Report Inside Your Paint Booth?

This month’s Paint Tip, sponsored by Axalta, is in regards to spraying paint materials during hot and humid conditions. As a product specialist for many years with Axalta Coating Systems, we can’t tell you how many times we run into painters who struggle while painting in humid or hot weather environments. Well, here’s the solution; a paint tip for all you painters. Before you begin to start spraying in any of these conditions, go out to your local hardware store, or even a Walmart, and purchase a humidity/temperature gauge. This simple gadget will prepare you to adjust and select the right hardener or reducer for all solvent or waterbase products you are spraying. When read, this simple little meter will allow you to mix accordingly so that the paint or basecoat can lay down the way it was designed to apply. Sometimes we think by grabbing a faster product in hot weather we are speeding up the process, but in all reality Axalta Products have technical data sheets that give you the right recommendations for your temperature and humidity. Hang a gauge at your shop to get a read on the weather conditions before you mix! For more technical advice please feel free to contact Steven Chaparro at Steven.c.chaparro@axaltacs.com.

The post ’63-’76 Buick Riviera Interior Restoration appeared first on Lowrider.

San Diego radio station Magic 92.5 (XHRM-FM) will host the annual Xavier The X-Man’s Cruise for the Cause Car Show, this Saturday, August 13, at Qualcomm Stadium from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This special fund-raising event will benefit the Emilio Nares Foundation, a local organization providing free medical transportation for children receiving treatments for cancer and other ailments. Hundreds of custom classic cars, trucks, and lowrider bicycles, along with the sounds from Magic 92.5 Radio Show will take over the southwest parking lot of Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. Xavier The X-Man will be broadcasting live during the event to encourage the San Diego community to stop by and donate blood to the American Red Cross and register for the National Bone Marrow List.

Well-known Xavier the DJ Host is blessed to say that “This is my favorite event of the year. I love helping people and supporting organizations that truly impact the lives of those in need. I’ve turned a lifelong passion for cars and years of community service into a signature event that helps children with their cancer treatments at Rady Children’s Hospital.”

Bring out your ride to the show and enjoy some fun for the whole family, including a free kid’s zone plus live entertainment by San Diego bands The Sleepwalkers, No Face, Jamie Limon, and The Wild$ide Band.

For more information on this fantastic charity event, or to register your vehicle in the car show, visit www.magic925.com.

The post The X-Man Proudly Presents 14th Annual “CRUISE for the CAUSE” appeared first on Lowrider.

In theory, the end of June may not be the best time to hold an outdoor car show, especially in Southern California, what with the god-awful heat. But even with the sun blazing down in full force, causing temperatures to rocket to the triple digits, that didn’t stop thousands of car fans from filling the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim stadium parking lot with hundreds of badass rides from all over the West Coast for Extreme Auto Fest Anaheim 2016.

The people behind Extreme Auto Fest pride themselves on giving their attendees a wide variety of sights to see, and this event was no different. Walking through the grounds there was something for everyone to take in, from lowriders, to off-road trucks, to tuner cars, as well as drift car demonstrations, breakdancing competitions, and bikini contests.

In the lowrider section, clubs like Showdown, Familia, Forever Clown’n, Our Style, and Nokturnal had their best and brightest customs out on display for those willing to brave the heat. For many of the cars out on display, engraving appeared to be the weapon of choice especially for those trying to stand out just a little bit more. We saw engraved undercarriages, engine bays, hydraulic setups, bumpers, or even just accessories, as these vehicles were decked out in some of the craziest scrollwork we’ve ever seen.

As the sun set and temperatures dropped down to a more tolerable level, awards and prizes were handed out signaling a close to another successful Extreme Auto Fest event. We can’t wait for the next Extreme show to happen; our only hope is that when the next event rolls around the weather will be much cooler, but we know that doesn’t matter to the many fans who support this show.

The post Extreme Auto Fest Anaheim 2016 appeared first on Lowrider.