SP Rides: For the Love of Lowriding
BY MICHAEL KITCHENS
Name: Alton Shima
Age: 36
Occupation: Forklift Mechanic
Hobbies: Cars, working out
Year/Make/Model: 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS
Color: Olive-Green
Chassis: Full frame-off restoration including fully strapped and molded painted frame, all chrome under carriage and painted underbelly.
Engine: LT1 Corvette engine swap, upgraded steering, electronic water pump, upgraded radiator, many chromed and polished components, 700R transmission.
Exterior: Original and aftermarket badging and moldings.
Interior: Powered windows, powered converitble top, digital Beretta gauge cluster, one JL Audio 12-inch sub.
Trunk and Suspension: 4-pump, 8-battery setup, 2 piston pumps to the front with one dump, and two pumps to the rear corners with one dump each, mirrored trunk lid.
Wheels/Brakes/Tires: 13-nch Zenith wheels, custom chrome and gold engraving, upgraded brakes, Remington Touring LX P155/80R13s.
Count Alton Shima among the fortunate to have checked off the 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS, a classic among lowrider fans, from his bucket list some time ago.
Make no mistake about it, but Shima has done this ride right with a full frame-off restoration completed by Hop Shop Hydraulics in California. From the bottom to the top, the entire car is painted or chromed out as well as fully strapped and molded. We’re talking about the wheel wells, the undercarriage and everything else that’s visible. The exterior is layered in a pleasing shade of olive-green and all the badges and details are perfectly set in place.
This ride has plenty of power thanks to a fully modified LT1 corvette motor with some serious horsepower. In addition to the engine, various components have been upgraded including the serpent setup, power steering, radiator and water pump. Practically every component has been polished to perfection. And with the gorgeous mirrored hood setup, popping open this Chevy Impala is like opening a treasure chest of modified goodness.
Since this is an open top model, the care and quality of the interior is on display for all to admire. The 52-year-old cockpit is in fantastic shape and features more upgraded goodness like its powered windows and convertible top. Of special note is the upgraded dash cluster, which features digital gauges taken from a Chevrolet Beretta.
As it is with all lowriders, the rear trunk and suspension setup is the pièce de résistance. A quick pop of the trunk reveals a cornucopia of lowrider love. A full pump setup polished to perfection is reflected in the gleaming trunk mirrors. The setup for this car is a 4-pump install with eight color-matched batteries to provide the power. Everything is installed cleanly and its power potential is obvious. Indeed, this is some serious voltage to watch out for.
When in three-wheel mode, the car’s super clean undercarriage and suspension work are on full display. This coincides perfectly with the stunning 13-inch Zenith wire wheels. What sets these wheels apart is the gold and chrome custom engraving. With beautiful wheels combined with the drop-it-low setup, this car really makes an impact.
