History Low Riders, Zoots Suiters and "Pachucos"

a couple low rides circled. The bird has that look associated with low riders. Wires (looks like it anyway) tail downish, sits super low.
The Chevy is also very low.
The BuSonic is in front of it.
1963 pic

60 caddy wagon in the background?

 

I seen this in person and might have more shots

 

For those interested in seeing lowriders, and the culture that goes along with them, alive and well, King of the Streets San Francisco 2022 is happening this Saturday.

https://sf.funcheap.com/lowrider-art-exhibit-100strong-car-cruise-mission-st-sf/

 

Stunning

 

^^^^^^^. Id drive that......

 

I only saw three sets of 13-inch wheels today.

The average was 14, 15, 16, with some stray larger ones.

I could not count how many cars and trucks were on the cruise in The Mission, but it was epic.

 

Very interesting thread and Gimpy is on his game when he writes about the culture of these cars. Focusing on the cars though, there are major differences between a "Kustom" like my sled in my Avatar, "Bombs" and traditional "Lowriders". Growing up in Venice, CA in the mid to late 70's I lived some of history related to these cars and have studied the differences. Here are the basic differences I believe and also a few bits of history I learned from talking with the "Bomb" crowd. On a side note, ANY of the 'Lowrider" and "Bomb" and "Kustom" groups LOVE their cars and LOVE talking about them. For the most part, these are true works of rolling art just like some have mentioned here with all types of cars that are appropriate on the HAMB. These definitions are as much as I know from studying and talking with many people who are associated with these style of cars. They may be semi accurate so if you have something cool to add, do it so we all can learn and respect these vehicles and the people who build them.
A true "Kustom" is a modified car that typically is built to resemble what a factory concept car would have been and includes some or many parts and pieces from different cars of the era to make it look something BETTER than the factory would have produced. The goal is to always keep it in the era and only modify it with same or newer year parts and pieces to make it better. Many were and are setup to ride low but should not be considered "Lowriders" Some were overdone but as a friend of mine says "everyone has a dream". These typically are modified metal artwork and were built back in their day to impress the girls as most that were built were done so because the owners could not afford a Cadillac, after all, if you had a Caddy back in the day, you simply got the girls. Why do you think many "Kustoms" run Caddy Caps? I will add that I have taken my sled to many lowrider shows and am always welcome with open arms and I spend hours talking with the guys who attend the shows.
A true "Bomb" is typically either pre or post WW2 cars, many based on Chevrolet styles and the most popular and sought after are the 47 and 48' Fleetlines. "Bombs" are built using stock, rare and sought after accessories that would have been available from dealerships back in the day. They resemble fully restored cars of the era and some are lowered with hydraulics. If you really want to see true restoration art, then walk up to a "Bomb" and take a close look, they are simply stunning. A quick few facts that I learned from a few "Bomb" guys I met up with at a show recently. I asked them why ALL "Bombs" have those sirens and blast them when cruising? The answer made me smile and its because they are announcing that "The Bombs are coming" just like air raid sirens did in WW2. Next, one of the guys asked my why I had "Fuzzy Dice" in my Merc and if I knew what it meant. I said no and he explained that WW2 Bomber pilots always carried a pair of dice with them for good luck and "Fuzzy Dice" were an off shoot of this good luck, kinda like why Harley motorcycle install a "Road Demon bell on their motorcycles. Now, I have a new respect for Fuzzy Dice.
Last, the "Lowrider" is usually considered early 60's Impalas and resurged in the 80's with Buick Regals and even Cadillacs. These cars are heavily suspension modified and run either Hydraulics or Bags for the lowered stance. Many are painted with stunning murals depicting the lifestyle and have their own very distinctive style. If you want to see true paint, chrome and engraved metal artwork, just go to a full on "Lowrider" show and you will be blown away at the workmanship and design of these cars.
Last and again, these guys and clubs who keep their respective style of cars alive are all very cool to talk to. They, like all of us, including the Hot Rod crowd are artists in their own right and celebrate their specific car culture.

 

Yup, I saw all of that today, in the city I call home.

La cultura de La Raza!

 

@michaelvz51
Great post.
All forms of customizing, either to go faster or look better are branches of the same tree. Taildraggers, early customs, kemps to the modern lowrider birthed from the same seed as hot rods and race cars. Each with their own unique culture.
I like to attend a local unorganized show.
Its interesting speaking with someone when we can barely speak each others language but can still have a conversation rooted in an admiration of cars. My old beater is welcome while at organized shows I’ve had owners move their ride if I parked next to em.
This particular thread is interesting and timely as I’m planning to start on my 49 gmc soon. Trying to get a couple projects to a certain point but picking up pieces for the 49 as well. The plan is for a lowrider or closely styled truck. There are none where I live. So doesn’t make sense to add another street rod to the neighborhood. Plus I dig the look anyway. I’m sure the squatted look will confuse some.
Found this pic on a private lowrider group

Really like this look.
Bout 3-4 years ago, I was contacted about a job opportunity in Palo Alto. I like where I live even though its a bit of a hotrod/custom wasteland. But the car culture of SoCal would have been cool

 

Is this your goal?

 

Love it.
That’s the stance I have in mind
I’m keeping the 235. I just picked up a 3spd OD. I’d like to keep the column shift and this would work. I like to have a sunvisor and amber fog lights. I picked up the stainless trim for the glass.
It’s a LWB, but several years ago, I bought a SWB frame and bed, but I think I’ll keep the LWB.

im cool with the LWB.(This one needs the stance reversed)
I bought a M2 set up years ago as well but I’m keeping the straight axle.
I have one hot rod piece I plan to use. A friend has a Fenton intake with dual carbs. He gave it to me if I want to use it. So that and a split exhaust will probably happen.

 

Anthony,
Very cool truck that you are looking to build. I owned a 50 Chevy 5 Window back in the day and the lowered stance always looks cool on these trucks. Note the Green example in Sky Six's post and pay close attention to ALL of the accessories, this is a particular style like the ones I was talking about in my post. The key to doing one of these is the keep the genre correct and NEVER mix genres. An example would be that you would NEVER put Billet wheels on a truck like this. The challenge in building a vehicle of these genre's, like my Kustom for example, is studying the history, deciding what parts you need, searching for the parts and then purchasing them without killing your budget. It took me 3 plus years to find the parts for my car and then I had to deal with the purists who wanted to make sure I was building it properly. Its a funny story about my 49', one year only, dash. I located one in New Hampshire and after talking to the guy selling it for over an hour and agreeing on a price, he asked me what I was putting it in. I told him a traditional Kustom Lead Sled Merc and he said "Ok, I'll sell it to you then", I asked what he meant and he replied "If it isn't going in a Merc Sled, then I wouldn't have sold it to you". WOW! How would you like to have a guy like Gene Winfield school you on your build? That what happened to me and he steered me in the right direction.
Bottom line for you is that you are collecting the info you need here to do this truck right and respectfully and it does not get any cooler than that. Keep asking questions and you will get the info you need here on the HAMB, I know because this community did that for me! Show us pics when you start building it. Last, if you find yourself in So Cal, make sure to attend the Pomona Swap Meet if timing of your visit allows as this is a GOLDMINE for parts you are seeking on this particular truck.

 

At this moment the plan is:
Stock rims. Either 15 or 16. No billets here.
Have the front axle stretched or use dropped leafs with a set of shorter spring hangers I recently acquired. Springs and hanger (pivot not the shackle) should yield a 5 inch front drop. Same set up for the rear. Shorter hanger, springs, possibly blocks if needed to get the rear lower than the front. Use an Air Lift over leaf to handle the rear. I plan to use it as a truck. The Air Lift will manage the height when being hauling, not be used to “lay frame”.
Minimal body mods. I’ve already removed the west coast style mirrors. I’d prefer the OE mirrors that mount to the cowl. But that’s about it.
The truck already has where it used to have the fog lights. Ill locate a set.
Interior will probably be restored original. Might use better material for the OE bench.
Hood and fenders are already trimmed in a sage green. Thought about a green 2 tone. But who knows.
Restored looking straight 6 with the dual carbs with OE style oil baths.
I have a set of these that I thought about adding a small cone to the center.


I missed a set of these recently. Thought something like these would work.

the OE gmc caps look great as well. I also like the gm accessory full hub cap that was used in 16s.
I have a pair of sombreros I’d like to save for a merc project.

 

Last night.

 

If your 49 GMC has a 235 you need to replace it with a GMC engine. A 228 would be correct but a 270 with a hyway rear gear would be much better.

 

The previous owner had the 235 built for it. He thought gmc engines had babbit bearings.
.060 over and shaved the head. Runs great.
I’ve got a stack of ‘em. And a 261.
Ill run it but I’m not against using a gmc if one pops up

 

Nice. Love the colors and stance.
The younger me was going to shave all the vents, remove the cab mounted tank, update the suspension……. But luckily I got busy building other peoples crap. So it’s sat in the shop.
thoughts have changed.
I want something much simpler. I love the tail dragger look. Plus it will confuse most around the house that see it.
After I get the wife’s 56 welded together, I plan on building both chassis at the same time.
The trucks doors are almost done, the fenders and hood are ready for paint and cut in. The cab is blasted. I’ll post pics after get more of it done.

 

Nice!

Trucks were a little under-represented yesterday. Usually there are more present.

There was another lowrider event to the South, so the crowd was spilt. Then again, there are enough of them here that there can be TWO big events, not that far apart.

 

This truck has all of the original stuff that you need for a traditional build. Note the venetian blinds, the original sea t frame, radio, and the rare hat holder, and the compas. If you want to buy these parts in original shape... your gonna pay !

 

That's the ticket!

I'd cruise the hell out of that!

 

That is just right!

 

What’s the story on the steering wheel and thingy above the rear view mirror?

 

At first, I thought it was a thermometer but now I have no idea, I'll have to ask the owner.

 

You can still buy spring loaded hat holders at any good western clothing store.

 

When I zoom in, the black disc the back is attached to has the word PRESSURE imprinted on it. My guess - it’s a pressure gauge. But, for what? I dunno.

 

Altimeter for flying low?

 

I believe it was for the pressure related to weather, an accessory that is very hard to find like what I talked about before. Some nice pics of pickups, also note they all have the very sought after and hard to find "spare tire rear fender and spare tire setup". If you really want to stand out, run 2 of them but good luck finding those! Also, check the skirts they are running as well as the stainless trim from either a Fleetline or rare Suburban.