Mr. Boulevard

Keeping family traditions alive is a good thing. Such is the case with Arthur Reyes of Corona, California. Even though Arthur's only 26 years old, he's already keeping up a long family tradition. This '46 Chevy Fleetline called "Mr. Boulevard" has been in Arthur's family for three generations, and was first driven by Arthur's grandfather. As a tribute to his family, Arthur spent four years restoring the '46 and turning it into a top-notch lowrider. The first thing on Arthur's agenda was to totally overhaul the suspension and drivetrain. The stock rear suspension was modified with a Chevy Monte Carlo rearend. For better performance on the highway, a '58 Chevy 235-c.i.d. 6-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed '81 Chevy S-10 transmission was dropped in. The engine received a Corvette manifold and a newer electronic distributor to guarantee a spark every time. Arthur's dad, Robert, was responsible for the engine compartment and making sure that the stock suspension ran smooth. Once the engine work was completed, Arthur shipped the Fleetline to Cars Auto Body in Corona for some prep work. The old Chevy was taken down to metal and received a few alterations. The side moldings were shaved, the hood was molded and a '47 grille was incorporated into the '46. The car was built back up and painted with a two-tone silver and gray finish. The two-stage paint job was later rubbed out and buffed to leave it looking like glass. To complement the paint job, Mike Lamberson of Lamberson Pinstriping in Ontario, California, added his own unique custom pinstripes.

The car was taken to Pete of NuImage in Norco, California, who air bagged the car using four Firestone heavy duty bellows with 1/2-inch air hoses controlled by fast release valves that allow the car to go up and down with the help of one 7-gallon tank and two hidden compressors. To keep that old school look, a set of all-chrome 14x7 Zenith wire wheels were bolted on. The bomb also received a set of OG Premium Sportway 5.20s, which make the car look even sleeker whether it's cruising or laid down on the ground. The lowriding family heirloom was then taken home, where Arthur and his brothers installed a Kenwood head unit and amplifier, as well as Sony midrange speakers and tweeters, and JL Audio 8-inch woofers, which gives passengers surround sound when watching movies on the 7-inch flip-down monitor. Mr. Boulevard then received two newer '65 Chevy bucket seats, which were stitched up in the original pattern, and an '80 Chevy tilt steering column.

With the help and support of the Reyes family, Arthur was able to restore and customize this family jewel that has been handed down from generation to generation. The tradition of Mr. Boulevard will roll on as the fine Fleetline will no doubt be passed down to future generations of Reyeses once Arthur is done with it.