Issue 21
1964 Chevy Impala
Owner Gabino Vargas
Car Club Mellow Rides Car Club
Model Marleen
Text and Photos by Jesse Jimenez
Mellow SS

This month’s cover car comes at you from Mellow Rides Car Club in Watsonville, California. Mellow Rides members are known for just that, being mellow. Not worrying about trophies or glory, just a good cruise down the boulevard for all those haters out there to admire. They believe in tight, clean cruisers and this is what we bring you in this issue.

Gabino Vargas’s love for Impalas, specifically 64’s, has lead him to create this black beauty. Looking for the perfect car to work on, he purchased it from his compadre, David Vasquez, and immediately began to work on his project. Heading straight to the shop of Raymond De La Torre, the process of straightening out the body and prep it for the Emron Pitch Black paint and gallons of clear was begun.

While the 64 was in the body shop, Gabino began to drop off parts of the undercarriage to be chromed. Martinez Plating in San Jose took great care in chroming parts such as the front and rear ends, mufflers, drive line, a-arms, manifolds, air cleaner cover, other various engine parts, and just about everything else in between. Rivero’s upholstery added their wizardry in stitching the black leather interior. They added their magic touch to the headliners, seats, and carpet.
Having the car almost completed, Gabino opted to have a hydro set-up installed in the car. Driving to nearby Gilroy, he enlisted the help of Sergio at Del Toro Customs to install the four pump custom built set-up. You must see this car in person to appreciate the mean three wheel it usually stands on.

The last thing on the list were the wheels, here Gabino wanted something different and classic. Zenith Wire Wheels was called and a new set of all chrome 13x7’s were fit to keep the car rolling on the streets. Gabino would like to thank his family, club members, and friends for all their support.