The Buick Riviera has been a popular ride with lowriders since the 1970s. With big engines and stylish body lines, these cars were perfect candidates to make into lowriders or hot-rods. When Jose Barreras of Gardena, California, bought his '69 Riviera he wanted to build something to replace his radical bomb that he could not enjoy as much as he would've liked. Jose fell in love with his new ride and he knew that he was going to enjoy building a cool cruiser. The car was solid, requiring only minimal work. It had a strong 430-c.i.d. engine that ran great and needed no help in getting the car cruising.
Jose paid a visit to Angel's Body Shop in Los Angeles, California, where Angel did all of the body work and got the car ready for paint. Angel sprayed a custom mint green three-stage PPG finish. The car was then taken to "Doc," who patterned out the body to complement the striping that was done by Edgar's Pinstriping. "Wiro" of Compton, California, airbrushed candy green panels to give the car a unique old school feel, almost like that gangster Chicano-style tattoo artwork that can be seen on some of the hardest individuals.
Jose paid a visit to Lorenzo at One Way Hydraulics in South Central L.A. Lorenzo built a street setup that's a match for many shows setups. When Jose activates the rear 10-inch cylinders, the painted and chromed-out undercarriage that was done through Speedy's Metal Finishes in Santa Fe Springs, California, is revealed in all of its glory.
The modest builder Jose could not have put his "Most Wanted '69" back together without the support of his family and friends. After the shoot, we asked Jose what was next and he said that he might just do the engine compartment as he had already accomplished what he wanted to do with the car and that's drive it down the boulevard. Jose's ready to take it to the next level. Good luck and we hope that you keep up the good work.
Most Wanted '69Owner: Jose BarrerasVehicle: '69 Buick RivieraCity/State: Gardena, CaliforniaClub: High Class C.C.-Los AngelesEngine/Drivetrain: Stock 430-c.i.d.
Body/Paint: Angel at Angel's Body Shop in Los Angeles, California, did all of the body work and got it ready for paint. Angel sprayed a custom mint green three-stage PPG finish. The car was then taken to "Doc," who patterned out the body to complement the striping that was done by Edgar's Pinstriping. "Wiro" of Compton, California, airbrushed candy green panels to give the car a unique old school feel.
Interior: Louie at G's Custom Interiors in Hawthorne, California, hooked up the interior in leather, suede and crocodile trim inserts. The upholstery was taken to the trunk as well.
Sound System: Custom trunk panels make a 15-inch Kicker subwoofer look flush to the floorboards. This mega woofer is powered by a dedicated Kicker amplifier, with a second Kicker amp powering the Pioneer midrange speakers that were incorporated into the door panels and package tray. A Pioneer head unit sends out the signal.
Setup: Lorenzo of One Way Hydraulics in South Central L.A. built a street setup with oversized aluminum blocks, and Parker slow-down valves to control the return from the three aircraft hydraulic dumps. A chrome whammy tank holds the hydraulic fluids. Six batteries, four switches, and 6-inch (front) and 10-inch (rear) cylinders round out the setup.
Tires: 5.20 Coker Sportway
Wheels: 14x7 L.A. Wires