Many more details followed to set this '58 apart from the pack. Chris estimates that 99-percent of the car's bolt threads were covered with stainless steel acorn nuts. For Chris, visible bolt threads were unacceptable; if the threads were too long, they were cut short. All of the engraving was done by Hernan's Custom Engraving with black shading by Carl Delgrosso for an elegant look. The 14x7 wheels were taken apart and refinished with murals done by Sammy DeLeone of Napa, California, who also did murals in the trunk and on the fender skirts.
Since its completion, Darkside Dynasty has been a powerful force at lowrider shows. It's also been invited to several NHRA shows, which is great for the lowrider industry, as it helps others recognize the Lowrider Lifestyle in a positive form. Chris would like to thank his wife, Esmeralda, daughter Elizabeth, and the newest apprentice to the C&C crew, Charles Lopez Roark, Jr. We can't wait to see what Chris breaks out next. He did tell us about the latest creation that he's working on, so this lowriding dynasty is likely to continue for some time.
Darkside Dynasty
Owner: Chris Roark
Vehicle: '58 Chevrolet Impala
City/State: Vacaville, California
Club: Oldies C.C.-East Bay
Engine/Drivetrain: Chris smoothed out and painted a '76 Corvette engine to match the exterior, and added an RV cam for added torque and power, as well as Zoops pulleys and brackets, and custom billet parts. The intake was polished to accent the painted carburetor, and Chris added stainless steel tubing throughout the engine compartment.
Body/Paint: After spending hours blocking to ensure a mirror-like finish, Manuel Angel of Manuel's Auto Body in Vallejo, California, sprayed two-stage PPG urethane black paint. Angelo Maisano added subtle pinstriping to accent the body lines. Sammy DeLeone of Napa, California, is responsible for the discrete mural work found on the fender skirts, trunk and wheels.
Interior: Gary at ABC Upholstery in Vacaville installed a red Ciadella stock upholstery kit. Other interior tricks include a custom dash and modified '59 Impala steering wheel.
Sound System: Chris and Kirk Knutson installed an Alpine head unit with Audiobahn amplifiers and Memphis Audio speakers.
Setup: Chris and Carl Hernandez of C&C Customs designed a show setup with "everything exposed." The setup includes two ShowTime Hydraulics pumps, four Adex dumps, four Optima batteries, bent and flared tubing, and 3,000-psi Dakota Digital pressure gauges.
Tires: 5.20 Coker
Wheels: 14x7 72-spoke straight-lace Dayton wires