Add another notch to Eddie Rodriguez' record for building clean cruisers because he's busted out yet another divine lowriding creation, dubbed "Hood Lust." The endless love for the classic bowties lives stronger than ever as you can see here on the pages of LRM. The Chevy Impala is unquestionably cherished and admired by all. While Eddie cruises his divine creation through the hood, all eyes are on the candy coated classic. Eddie can testify that his new ride is his favorite project to date.
The respected members of Presidentez Car Club of Dallas, Texas, know how to rebuild quality rides and Eddie's '62 is no exception. With a dose of creativity, craftsmanship and a list of talented professionals lending a hand to the undertaking, Eddie turned the once-tarnished bucket into an award-winning gem that's guaranteed to capture the respect that it deserves.
Eddie and his fellow Presidentez members keep the lowriding movement pulsating in "Big D." Their entourage includes only the best of the best custom rides in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. "I've been into lowriding ever since I was about 10 years old," says the Texas native. "Growing up in my neighborhood, there were always custom cars so the lifestyle stuck."
Before tackling his latest endeavor, Eddie resurrected a '65 Impala ragtop that had heads turning in the streets and at the shows. This '62 was picked up for a mere $800 about three years ago, but it took a pretty penny for the rebuild. Within approximately eight short months, the "deuce" was transformed from project car to an award-winning masterpiece.
"I wanted to build a car just as clean as my past projects, but this one was going to be a little more custom," Eddie adds. "I do this for the love I have for lowriding." After it was all said and done, Eddie was more than thrilled with the results and his devotion to the sport definitely shines through.
With such a long-standing dedication to the lowriding sport, it's safe to say that Eddie Rodriguez and his impeccable '62 Impala will be flying the Presidentez plaque with pride for many more years to come. Eddie would like to thank his little brother Jesse, along with the rest of his family and club members. Look out, Big D, because Hood Lust is coming to a hood near you. a
Hood LustOwner: Eddie RodriguezVehicle: '62 Chevrolet ImpalaCity/State: Dallas, TexasClub: Presidentez C.C.
Engine/Drivetrain: Eddie desired a little more horsepower than the original engine was putting out so he dropped in a new 350-c.i.d. engine under the hood. The block was painted to match the exterior by the "Candy Man," Fabian Villareal of Kandy Kustoms in Corpus Christi, Texas. The engine compartment was bead blasted. The V-8 features an Edelbrock 700-cfm 4-bbl carb, loads of chrome accessories and an optima battery. The 3-inch Flowmaster double exhaust system sounds off a hefty bellow.
Body/Paint: The most distinguishing aspect of this ride is obviously the candy coated layers, but before it was painted, Albert made a 42-inch cut in the roof to drop in the sunroof. Eddie entrusted the Candy Man to perform the body and paint work. The '62 wasn't in the best shape so Candy Man knew that it would take some time to bang out the dents, perform the patch work, smooth out the exterior and lay down the unique paint scheme. After the body labor was completed, the "deuce" was rolled into the paint booth. The Candy Man first shot the basecoat using 2006 Volkswagen lime green paint, layered it with silver flake and topped it off with House of Kolor lime gold candy paint. A total of six gallons of clear seal the flawless ingenuity. Randy Rodriguez buffed.
Interior: The dash, steering column and steering wheel were painted to complement the exterior paint job. Albert was the stitchman behind the new threads. The caramel carpet was secured before bolting in the newly recovered seats done up in bone leather. Take a peek upwards and you'll discover the headliner was wrapped in matching skin.
Sound System: The stealth audio setup packs a potent punch. The Alpine CDA-9887 head unit is hidden away inside the glove box and is wired into a Alpine PDx amplifier. The old school tunes sound off from a pair of Alpine sPR-13s 5.25-inch two-way speakers and a pair of corresponding sPR-69C 6x9s.
Suspension: stock
Tires: 5.20x14 Premium sportway
Wheels: 14x7 O.G. wires