Sometimes, the life of a lowrider builder can take unexpected turns. For instance, that project car that you've put so much effort into and thought was a sure thing for the winner's circle can go south for any number of reasons, while at other times, you might have a real beauty right under your nose and not even appreciate it at first.
"Black Sunday" began that way for Jose Garcia of Rialto, California. That's the name of his '66 Chevy Impala, a car built in tribute to the silver and black Oakland Raiders. "I originally bought it as a parts car, but it was so nice that I kept it together and began building it up at my shop [Low Lowz & More in Riverside, California] on and off for two years," Jose says.
Jose's team really came through for him, and when he had to call in an outside specialist, like Henry of Henry's Customs for the interior makeover, or talented artists like Walt Prey and Abel Rocha for their inspired additions to the exterior, he made sure that only those with a "commitment to excellence" would lay their hands on his slick '66.
Jose thanks all of those who helped him on the winning drive, including his fellow Premier Car Club-Los Angeles chapter members, his family, shop hands, Joe at MJB Plating in Rialto, and Hernan's Custom Engraving. With such a talented team, it's no surprise that the potential that Jose saw in the '66 was fully realized. Now that the car's complete, Jose's only worry is that the Raiders have a better season this year than last year (or there's gonna be plenty more "black sundays" in store for Raider fans like Jose).
Black SundayOwner: Jose GarciaVehicle: '66 Chevrolet ImpalaCity/State: Rialto, CaliforniaClub: Premier C.C.-Los Angeles
Engine/Drivetrain: The '66 327-c.i.d. engine was thoroughly reworked by Jose and the guys at Low Lowz & More in Riverside, California, and equipped with Doug Thorley headers and a Be Cool radiator with a Spal fan. A Powerglide transmission and 3-inch aluminum exhaust highlight the drivetrain specifics.
Body/Paint: The team at Low Lowz & More molded the hood and trunk before Cesar Caballero and other crew members sprayed the "Raider black" paint. The famous Walt Prey put down some of his precision pinstriping, and Abel Rocha artfully applied a mural of "various females in Raider attire."
Interior: Henry at Henry's Customs in Monrovia, California, rewrote the inside story, utilizing leather and "authentic basket-weave suede," and incorporating a molded-in color bar, billet aluminum panels and custom center console.
Sound System: Henry also kicked in the audio/video gear that includes an Alpine head unit and 10-inch monitors, and Rockford Fosgate amps and speakers.
Setup: Jesse Marquez at Custom Lowz in Riverside didn't drop the ball when he installed a two-pump hard-lined hydro setup with a custom square tank, three Adex dumps, 6-inch (front) and 10-inch (rear) cylinders, four batteries and four console-mounted switches.
Tires: 5.20 Premium Sportway
Wheels: 13x7 Dayton