Robert Ceniceros is a 24-year-old supervisor from Chula Vista, California, a loyal family man and a member of Klique Car Club's San Diego chapter. He's also one of those lowrider guys who prefers a classic '60s-'70s Buick Riviera over any of the other popular models in the sport. "My dad had a '66 Riviera when I was young and I've always wanted a Riviera ever since," Robert reports.
Being a young vato with responsibilities and on a budget, Robert made the most of his Klique "konnections" in getting this Rivi (which he acquired locally and in "bad shape" for $300) roadworthy. "I wanted it to be a street car at first," Robert recalls. At least, that was the plan when Robert and his friend Sergio "Checho" Perez started working on it. "Little by little," Robert remarks, "the ideas changed and, five years later, it evolved into what you see today."
Even though the Rivi evolved into a very clean show-quality candy pink custom street cruiser, Robert maintained his "do it yourself" mentality throughout the entire project. "It was all done in my backyard by a handful of people who love lowriders and knew that we could do it ourselves," Robert reveals. Well, we'd have to agree that he definitely proved his point.
And he's not done yet. Robert tell us that his future plans for the ride include painting and adding chrome plating to the undercarriage, as well as "taking care of all of the little details." Robert's already won some prestigious awards at big-time shows, including First Place in '70s Semi-Custom and Best Paint at the 2007 San Diego Lowrider Tour event (not to mention worthy of selection for our cover), but he's driven to keep improving his ride and there's no telling how far he'll take it.
Right on, Robert. You and your righteous Rivi (now aptly known as "Seven-Ceros"; "ceros" being part of his last name and also meaning zero, as in "seven-zero" or 70, get it?) are alright in our book.
Rivi Seven-CerosOwner: Robert CenicerosVehicle: '70 Buick RivieraCity/State: Chula Vista, CaliforniaClub: Klique C.C.-San Diego
Engine/Drivetrain: Robert's dad, Ricardo Ceniceros, rebuilt the original 455-c.i.d. GM engine, covering the block with candy paint and adding generous amounts of chrome components.
Body/Paint: Sergio "Checho" Perez handled the bodywork, which includes a fabricated grille, chopped front bumper and custom rear bumper, moonroof, and shaved door handles and moldings, in Robert's backyard, before shooting House of Kolor hot pink paint with candy flakes and star patterns at Candy's Auto Body in Chula Vista. He later added a "girls in lingerie" mural on the lower rear bumper panel. Lyle Fisk applied pinstriping at his place in Ramona, California.
Interior: The two-tone tweed upholstery with swivel seats and custom patterns to match the exterior was conceived and carried out by Jose Luis Farfan in his garage in Chula Vista. Robert also got his hands on a billet aluminum steering wheel.
Sound System: "White Ricky" paid a visit to Robert's backyard and he didn't leave until he had equipped the Rivi with a Pioneer 4500 head unit and Kenwood amps and speakers.
Setup: Robert and his dad teamed up on a father and son project for the installation of a three-pump Pro Hopper hydro setup with three "L.A. square" dumps, steel tubing, 8-inch (front) and 10-inch (rear) cylinders, 3-ton springs, two switches and six AC Delco batteries.
Tires: 5.20 Premium Sportway
Wheels: 13-inch Roadster wires