The vision of the perfect Lowrider build varies with each prospective builder. Some of the influences behind builder preference stem from factory design changes that occur from year to year. Wondering "what might've been" is common among certain enthusiasts, as some models change radically overtime. The second generation Impalas and Caprices from the 70's were no exception. These classics were completely restyled, as GM built the cars on a longer wheelbase platform. The redesigned Caprice felt like driving a land yacht, and while fun to drive, these big body beauties signaled their own extinction; they were quickly downsized due to government mandates. Once this restriction became law in the '70's, the convertibles that were available became the first victims on the chopping block, as they were quickly discontinued after the 1975 model year. This would include the full-size B-body ragtop counterparts, such as the Oldsmobile Delta '88, Buick LeSabre, and Pontiac Grand Ville. Inventive builder Maclovio "Mac" Garcia of Northridge, CA, used this time period as his inspiration by taking a 1975 Caprice and converting it into what a 1976 Chevrolet Caprice would have looked like!
For Mac, this $12,000 investment turned into a two-year project, and one that he would have to get done in between paying jobs. Being the shop owner of Mac's Classics, he had little time to juggle in order to paint his convertible. The first version of Mac's creation was shown last year at the San Bernardino, Lowrider Tour stop. Though it had made its debut, the car was not quite finished up to Mac's standard. Mac took his car home and made a game plan.
Initially, Mac started off by changing over the header panels, in order to give the car the classic square lights that were featured in that year. Mac had also originally shaved the door handles, as well as the firewall. Once he finished with the metal work, he did all the body work before porated into the trunk. Within the molded floorboards, Mac installed Pioneer subwoofers which were powered by a MTX amplifier, in a neatly wrapped and streamlined design. This sound system was not huge, but it was certainly enough to give Mac the sound that he wanted for those afternoon cruises. This is not Mac's first time in the Lowrider scene, as he has owned his fair share of cars in his lifetime, but this one is certainly gaining him some impressive accolades. Mac gave this car its official debut at the 2010 Grand National Roadster Show, where it took home top honors for Best Paint. This award was a special honor for Mac, since he was the primary painter, and it was a good look for the Lowrider Community as well. We hope to see more of Mac's "World Premier" in future shows, so keep your fingers crossed, as you might see him at an upcoming Lowrider event.
moving onto paint. Mac spent a few weeks laying down a blue foundation, which was customized and dressed with House of Kolor candies and Pearls. Mac also used a few SEM Pearls and Candies on the job, as well as some old school Murrano Pearls, before ultimately shipping the car over to Walt Prey of Northridge, CA. Walt worked his magic and complemented the designs that Mac had already laid out.
The engine compartment was completed next, and it featured a stock 350 and transmission combination. This rebuilt engine was Candy-painted and dressed up with chrome billet accessories. For cooling purposes, an aluminum radiator was used in the conversion. The radiator featured a dual inlet and a custom hose, both of which helped to allow a better flow of the engine coolant. In order to upgrade the car's starting power and aesthetics, the car would receive dual batteries, and a touch of paint, which spilled from the outside of the car to the inside.