INTRODUTION

Lowriders have been a part of the American Southwestern cultural scene for several decades now. They are late model (or just postwar) automobiles that have been specially lowered, usually with hydraulic lifts at each wheel. This adjustment allows any corner of the car to be raised or lowered at will. The cars are given customized paint jobs and the interiors are frequently redecorated. This is to give the vehicle a high degree of luxury. Metal flake paint, murals, etched windows, swivel seats, deep pile upholstery and tiny steering wheels made of chrome chain links are all common features of lowriders.