writer: Reinaldo M. Robinson
photographer: Reinaldo M. Robinson
OwnerAlex Melendez
Vehicle'84 Buick Regal,"Win, Lose or Tie"
City/StateEast Los Angeles,California
ClubGoodtimes C.C.
In the life of a switch-hitting warrior on the L.A. hopping scene, the faces, cars and names come and go. Some cars even come back from the dead. Alex Melendez of Goodtimes C.C. of East L.A. resurrected his blue Regal that he flipped on its roof. The frame and motor survived the trauma and found their way into his new car, "Win, Lose or Tie." Alex did most of the work and assembly in his own garage. Going from 14 to 16 and now 18 batteries, the car is a constant work in progress. Alex is doing everything that he can to make the car bulletproof. Nothing is worse than breaking in the heat of battle.
For help with the setup, Alex went to "Happy" at Garcia Customs in Highland Park, California. Upgrading the battery situation to 18 Group 31 batteries and four Pro Hopper Competition pumps created enough power to get it on the bumper in a couple of hits, while 4 1/2-ton springs keep the front end bouncing. The G-body frame was good to go from its prior full reinforcement. A custom rear suspension and telescoping cylinders get the ass up in the air. The rearend was also reinforced and received plenty of chrome and gold plating.
These days, it's not enough to just hop, you have to look good doing it. In addition, the motor got chromed out and the paint lets fools know what club Alex is reppin' when it gets the back bumper. Once Alex gets it dialed in, look for some interior upgrades and higher highs when he noses you up.
If you have a hydraulics setup that hits back bumper or is making you "go for broke," e-mail some images along with basic information to: saul.vargas@sourceinterlink.com.