Sergio Made Sure That His Mighty Mercury Has Real Bite.
Sergio Palafox, originally from Mexico and now living in Homestead, Florida, is a foreman for an agricultural maintenance company. He got started in lowriding with an '88 Ford pickup that was fully customized, but when a friend wanted to buy it, Sergio began his search for a replacement. When he discovered this '98 Mercury Grand Marquis, he decided that this custom would be even better than the last.
Sergio's goal was simple. In his hometown, there are lots of neat custom rides, but Sergio wanted his to be the best. He wanted his "Top Dawg" to have a bite as big as its bark. He's well on his way, taking a Second Place Sweepstakes award at the Miami, Florida, Lowrider Tour show.
Recounting the three-year effort that brought his sleek lowrider to where it is now, Sergio says, "You think that you have everything and then you get another idea." And that accurately describes the process since virtually every inch of Sergio's car has been modified from rubber to roof and everything in between. Special thanks to his friends who helped him build Top Dawg, Ivan, "Beaver," "Gucci" and "Block." Sergio's planning several more mods and hopes to have something new each time that he goes to show.
TechspecsTop DawgOwner: Sergio PalafoxVehicle: '98 Mercury Grand MarquisCity/State: Homestead, FloridaClub: Rollin' C.C.
Engine/Drivetrain: A Ford 4.6-liter V-8 was detailed with chrome, paint and braided steel hoses.
Body/Paint: Body mods include twin Frenched antennas, custom taillights, suicide trunk, shaved door handles and accessory spotlights. The bodywork and unique purple-to-green chameleon paint job were done by Gil Perez in Homestead. The mural on the hood shows a young Aztec prince, complete with his trusty slingshot and pet iguana. Aztec symbolism continues with line drawings of eagles appearing throughout the car.
Interior: The custom interior was redone by Domingo Seat Covers in Hialeah, Florida, using white vinyl and green tweed on the seats with grape tweed on the dashboard and door panels. Sergio traveled to Texas to get the handmade Rosewood accents, carved by a friend.
Sound System: The stereo includes a Clarion head unit with 6.5-inch monitor. Four other 5.5-inch monitors add to the visual enjoyment with two in the headrests and two mounted on each side. (Sergio's five children enjoy watching lots of TV action!) A Clarion CD player and DVD player are mounted underneath the glove box with Clarion component sets in the factory front door locations. Four 12-inch subs are hidden behind the rear seat back and four 5.5-inch mids and tweets on the rear package tray add rear fill. The 1,000-watt Memphis amplifier that powers the system is mounted in the trunk.
Setup: Wicked Customs in Hialeah installed the hydraulics, but not before reinforcing the rear axle and adding a chain bridge for tall three-wheels. In addition to stereo, the trunk also holds the four Luxor chrome Competition pumps and eight AC Delco batteries that activate the 16-inch cylinders in the rear and 12-inch versions up front. When the car is lifted, you get to see that virtually every removable piece has been chrome plated (even the gas tank!), thanks to the experts at American Bumper.
Tires: P175/75-R14 classic radial
Wheels: 14-inch 100-spoke anodized Player wires