Rhino '62

Even with most of his time spent managing a nightclub, David "Box" Cardenas found the time to have a luscious lowrider built. Since he loves cars and his work, David figured that he would tie them both together in a tribute to Spearmint Rhino, one of Southern California's top gentlemen's establishments. The result is this topless beauty called "Rhino '62."

David got the ball rolling by contacting John Kennedy at John's Exports in Long Beach, California. John was contracted to put the project together, and he started off by finding a cherry '62 Chevy Impala convertible, which was then taken off of its frame and restored. The car's minor rust spots were repaired by Oishi at House of Lowriders in San Bernardino, California.

The convertible was then taken to G's Auto Body in Long Beach, where Jose and Alfonso stripped the car down to metal and built it back up again. After hours of "blocking," the body work was sealed and shot in PPG two-stage black. The trunk lid was taken off of the car and shipped to Abel Izaguirre of Los Angeles, California, who airbrushed a scene of an average night at Spearmint Rhino. Once the players were airbrushed on the trunk, they were cleared and rubbed out with the rest of the ride.

The frame was shipped to Paramount, California, where Homies Hydraulics took care of the full-frame wrap that the car would receive. The body was then put back on and the car was hooked up with a square two-pump aluminum whammy tank hydraulics setup. The setup was engraved by David Renteria, and equipped with three Adex dumps, four switches and eight Trojan batteries. The custom setup was later plumbed and hardlined by Oishi at House of Lowriders. The engine compartment also received some custom hardline tricks.

The '62 was then gone through by Mike Lopez and Jose "Big Huey" Rubelcaba, who installed power windows, vent windows and bench seat. With a show finish in mind, Long Beach Plating took care of the chrome bumpers and molded undercarriage parts. The aluminum was restored by Juan at Restoration Pieces in Inglewood, California, who re-anodized the OG trim. The car's drivetrain was also updated with a newer engine out of a 1990 Corvette. The 5.7-liter engine was hooked up with a Street and Performance billet serpentine belt system. Chrome accessories were also bolted on by John's Exports mechanic Alvin, who deserves the credit for putting together the 350.

The '62 received a custom-stitched interior kit provided by Chris and Don of Cars, Inc. on Fullerton, California and installed by Freddie at John's Exports. The car was then taken to Accutronics in Carson, California, where it was hooked up with an Alpine head unit, and MA Audio amplifiers and speakers. The convertible was now ready to be cleaned up and detailed by the shop's hookup, Melvin of Public Detail Service in Watts, California. Melvin made sure that the new L.A. Wire Wheels were spotless and that the finish had a wet look.

Once Rhino '62 was finished, John delivered the spotless ride to David, who was very pleased with the results and occasionally makes the time to take his pride and joy on Sunday cruises. You might see this beautiful '62 on the streets or even parked in front of the popular players' club.