1936 Buick Roadmaster - Mi Loquera
Beto MendozaWriter
1936 Buick Roadmaster - Mi Loquera
Beto MendozaWriter
Lowrider Hall of Famer, Ricardo Alvarado of Los Angeles, got this 1936 Buick Roadmaster on a trade almost 20 years ago. Due to its engineering improvements and design advancements, Buick decided to add names to all their 1936 models, making this the premier Roadmaster. Buick implied that the Roadmaster literally named itself as the first test model leveled out on the open highway, but Ricardo's Roadmaster was far from hitting the boulevard, much less the highway. "This vehicle was in poor condition and a challenge waiting to happen," says Ricardo.
For the past six years, work on this Buick has been on and off for different reasons. In 2014 the Roadmaster was taken to Washington in pieces. There, fellow Oldies club member Jaime put it back together piece by piece. When the frame-off restoration came back to Southern California in one piece it received a few final touches such as engraving, pinstriping, and trunk repair.
The Buick's final touches came by way of accessories. Ricardo has been collecting accessories from the Pomona swap meet for many years and added multiple rare items to his ride. "This may not be my final creation, but it sure is my finest and most challenging one." The Buick was loaded up and taken to El Paso, Texas, forLOWRIDERMagazine's final tour stop to qualify for the Las Vegas Super Show. Ricardo qualified for sweepstakes and ended up being the runner-up for the 2014 Bomb of the Year. " It was worth all the blood, sweat, and tears."
Ricardo is going on his fourth decade as not only the president of Oldies Car Club, but also an active member who travels to shows. "I'm proud to say that I have a third generation following in my footsteps." Ricardo's son and grandson both have lowriders of their own and have made him proud to see that they will keep the sport of lowriding alive.
Ricardo would like to thank his club members, who at times tough it out and pull all-nighters to get "Mi Loquera" looking its best. His son Ricardo Jr. for pulling many all-nighters with him, his son Boni who stayed up helping put together his display, and last but not least his wife who not only understands his passion to create beautiful cars, but who stood by him when times got tough.
Tech Specs
Vehicle Year/Make/Model:1936 Buick Roadmaster
Vehicle Nickname:My Loquera
Owner:Ricardo Alvarado
City/State:Los Angeles, CA
Club:Oldies S.F.V.
Engine:Oldies Auto Restoration in Sylmar, CA, installed the 250 straight-six from a 1968 GM. Leo Cordova installed the transmission. Straight pipes, two Edelbrock carbs, and two Optima batteries were also installed.
Body/Paint:Frank Navarro of Acton, CA, used PPG candy paint on the '36, Bob Coslett of Simi Valley, CA, pinstriped it, and Sammy de Leone of Napa, CA, airbrushed all the murals
Suspension:Jaime's Auto Customs in Toppenish, WA, installed three tanks and two VIAIR compressors
Interior:Stock with multiple accessories such as red head flashlight, GM hat holder, cigarette holder, world compass, banjo steering wheel, tilt steering wheel knob, altitude Meter, dash thermostat, umbrella holder and many more accessories
Sound System:Pioneer deck and TVs, two 10-inch Audiobahn subwoofers, and an Audiobahn amp
Wheels/Tires:100-spoke / Goodyear 155/80R13
