Issac Chiu, owner of the 1961 Chevrolet Impala convertible you see here, is not what you’d call a typical lowriding enthusiast, given that his passion for cars has spanned multiple genres over the years. But lowriders have always held a special place in his heart. His parents swear his first word was carro, so it’s not a stretch to say that love started when he was quite young.
Chiu’s a member of the Imperials Car Club in El Paso, Texas. He joined the club with his 1963 Impala, but soon after decided to purchase one of his dream cars—a 1961 Chevy Impala convertible—when Joe Esparza put his up for sale. Soon after, a deal was struck to give the Impala a new home in Chiu’s collection.
Given all of the work that’s been done to it over the years, the car had its share of electrical gremlins. Julian Trevino of El Paso went through the Impala’s electrical system and got everything figured out. He also installed accessories including a Muntz 4-track player, guidematic, 4-way flasher, compass, and other accessories.
Chiu didn’t care for the car’s anodized trim look when he acquired it, so with the help of Benny Ramos (the club president of El Paso’s Imperials C.C.), they de-trimmed the car and sent everything out to get chromed. “Old-School” Eddie Enriquez helped install the new spotlights, along with Saul Rocha, who helped find the proper template to make sure they fit properly. The paint and bodywork were executed the Chevy Shop in El Monte, California, who did a beautiful job on the car Chiu affectionately calls Ace Dippin’. Inside, the Aqua vinyl interior with hardtop inserts was done by Ciadella.
The Impala’s stance was next on the chopping block, and Chiu knew exactly who he wanted to take on the task of installing it—Anthony Fuentes of Homies Hydraulics in Paramount, California—who affixed a new two pump, three dump setup to the Impala to get it to go up and down. Not wanting the Hydro switches to look out of place, a custom set of factory switches were mounted under the Impala’s dash. A third switch for the corners was put in place of an old vent knob to help keep everything looking mostly factory.
When Ace Dippin’ was almost cruise ready, all it needed was a sound system to crank out the cruising tunes. Chiu had Omar Castaneda of Sounds R Us in El Paso install equipment including a Pioneer head unit, Kicker amps, and JBL 6x9s. He also added a pair of DD Audio 608 subwoofers and built a custom box and amp rack painted to match the vehicle.
Chiu’s Acknowledgements
I want to give HUGE thanks to my perfect wife, Claudia, and three kids; Julio, Isabella and Paul, for their support and patience. I would also like to thank Benny Ramos, “Old-School” Eddie Enriquez, Paul “Poly” Heredia. Someone I cannot thank enough is my friend Jesus “Sarge” Silva. He has been instrumental in helping me with logistics, prepping the vehicles for events, and so much more. He has done so much for me and our club. I also want to thank my Imperials Car Club family.
1961 Chevrolet Impala Convertible
Vehicle Nickname: Ace Dippin’
Owner: Isaac Chiu
City/State: El Paso, Texas
Club: Imperials El Paso
Engine: Chevrolet original 283 cu-in
Body/Paint: Seamist Turquoise PPG
Suspension: Narrowed rearend, disc brake conversion, 2 pumps 4 batteries
Interior: Ciadella Vinyl with Aqua hardtop inserts
Sound: Pioneer head unit, JBL 6x9s, DD audio 8-inch subs and two Kicker amps
Wheels/Tires: 13×7 72 spoke Daytons with Premium Sportway 5:20s
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Source: WORLD NEWS
