Frank's Hydraulic credentials include hopping against, with, and for, many of the industry leaders, such as Rag top Ralph, Pump man Eddie, Steelman of Otto's Hydraulics, Gary Mays, and countless others. Frank recalls doing hydraulic work on Ephraim Lopez's Lowrider before Reds Hydraulics hit the Lowrider scene. Learning his trade amongst Otto's, Orlies, Andy's, and Rag Top Ralph aren't exactly bad credentials! Getting to see the shops change over the past 30 years has been interesting, but Frank admits that the one thing that doesn't change is the competiveness that flows through these hydro masters' veins. The need to see your car fly is contagious, and undying, that's for sure. Frank and past LRM Publisher Alberto Lopez were good friends, as it was Frank's shop that installed the tricked-out hydraulic system in the famous Lowrider mini-truck owned by Lowrider Magazine. Frank also had a brief encounter as an Official Lowrider Magazine Hop Judge, but when Alberto gave him a yellow staff shirt to wear, Frank politely bowed out, telling Al he wears black, not yellow. To this day, Spirit C.C. shirts are black with white lettering, and Frank refuses to wear anything else. Frank currently has a few cars doing 80 plus to 100 inches, cementing his reputation as one of the fiercest street competitors to travel across the country and compete against other shops and hoppers. While he has done much in many arenas, street style is still where he has the most fun.
Frank also is active in keeping the "Spirit" of Lowriding alive by mentoring the younger members of his club, and teaching them to become leaders. He notes that his skill set is always challenged, and he keeps a watchful eye on the new technical advancements available to progress the art of hopping. Frank states that while he has met so many people throughout his career, he continues to learn by networking with his Lowrider peers, including the younger guys that have the desire to excel. He feels this philosophy has been the key to keeping his club and business alive and well for all these years.
Frank has been blessed with a successful business and Car Club, but the true blessings are his three children; his sons, Frank Jr. and Mike, and his daughter Cynthia. His family continues to flourish with his grandchildren Alice and Mike. Frank's wife, Lisa, keeps a good eye on her grandchildren, and ensures that the family is taken care of. When the "King of the Street" doesn't have a tool in his hand, he spends family and personal time relaxing with grandkids, camping, fishing, and playing in the dunes. You have to recharge the batteries sometime, and no one knows that better than him!