Lowrider (car)
Cars , mostly sedans or convertibles, are referred to as lowrider , jumpcar or low low (especially in the Afro-American scene) , in which the body on the front wheels and each wheel suspension can be raised individually with the help of electrically operated hydraulic or pneumatic pumps . In America there are often lowrider hopping competitions . The principle is simple: whose car jumps the highest wins. Measurements are taken on the wheels on the front axle.
General information about the lowrider
With a suitable control, it is possible for the car to hop with the front axle, the rear axle or each wheel individually (hence the name bouncer ). Cars from the 1960s and 1970s, mostly Chevrolets or Cadillacs, are popular with fans . Especially Chevrolet Impalas from the 60's are popular, the 1964 Impala in Lowriderkreisen is considered "true Lowrider".
technology
Different jump systems are used depending on the basic concept of the Lowrider. The classic lowrider works by means of hydraulic pumps that work in a similar way to the hydropneumatics of the Citroën DS . There are several electric motors and pumps in the trunk that generate the oil pressure that is used to extend or retract the hydraulic cylinders . The electric motors are controlled by switches and relays, which make the car jump and dance. The electrically driven pumps require a large amount of energy, which is supplied by numerous batteries, usually also located in the trunk. Often it is a whole bunch of batteries to ensure sufficient power supply. The more power is available, the faster the car can move. Another advantage of multiple batteries is their high weight, which is the only way to make figures like “three wheel motion” possible. The weight in the trunk also has a significant influence on the jump height on the front axle. Some “hoppers” can easily be lifted by one person on the front axle. The voltage of the battery packs ranges from 12 V to 96 V.
In addition to these components, the springs on which the cylinders press are decisive for the movement sequences. Both the hardness of the springs and their length strongly influence the mobility of a Lowrider. Often, however, the possibilities are limited by the type of vehicle, so that compromises have to be made here.
Categories
In Germany the lowriders are divided into five categories.
Fat dancer
All (theoretically) fully drivable vehicles weighing 1400 kg or more are considered fat dancers. Most fat dancers are American-made vehicles with gross weights up to 2.8 tons. But there have also been various conversions based on the "German full-size" vehicles, such as the Mercedes S-Class , or the legendary "big three" from Opel, the Kapitän / Admiral / Diplomat of the A and B series. Depending on the basic concept, you master a wide variety of figures. Some of these lowriders are only capable of sedate movements and dances, while others are capable of spectacular ones.
Dancer
All fully drivable vehicles weighing up to 1400 kg are considered dancers. Since there are naturally few vehicles in this weight class, conversions based on Opel Rekord and Monza , Ford Taunus and Granada , VW Golf and Beetle , as well as Trabant and Mercedes / 8 have become established in Germany. Depending on the basic concept, like the Fat Dancer, they master a wide variety of figures. Some of these lowriders are only capable of sedate movements and dances, while others are capable of spectacular ones.
Radicals
These types of lowriders are capable of particularly “radical” movements. Vehicles that are as light as possible are used as the basis, with engines, transmissions and interior fittings being omitted to save weight and space in favor of hydraulics and batteries. At shows, whoever shows the most spectacular movements and figures with the vehicle wins. Extra points and audience sympathy can be earned if you put your lowrider on the roof or completely destroy it during the show. Basically, however, these vehicles are more of a model, as they are usually no longer ready to drive.
Show and Shine
This category includes vehicles of all weight classes. These lowriders are also fully mobile. But they are prepared with love and care and are mainly presented motionless. They impress with their unusual paintwork and elegant interior design. These lowriders are usually transported on the trailer to the meetings or shows, because on the one hand they are too good to ride, on the other hand, with a few exceptions, they are not street legal in Germany. That is why they are often referred to as "trailer queens".
Hopper
Hoppers are vehicles that are capable of extremely high jumps on the front axle. Lowriders in this category are rather rare in Germany.
Lowrider in Germany
In Germany, a lowrider scene of its own has developed since the late 1990s. The size of the German and European fan base cannot be compared to the American one, but the quality of the conversions can easily approach that of the Americans.
In addition to the classic German automobile brands Opel , VW , Audi and Mercedes , vehicles from other manufacturers such as Honda , Fiat , Renault are a popular base for converting to lowriders. The so-called "Euros" (even if they are Japanese vehicles, for example) have the advantage that they are cheaper to get and maintain in Europe than American vehicles. The American faction within the scene is not therefore any smaller. Vehicles from the manufacturers Chevrolet , Buick , Lincoln , Cadillac and others are represented here.
For some years now it has not been a problem to purchase the necessary hydraulic parts directly in Germany. Various well-known American manufacturers have authorized dealers from whom parts can be purchased at any time. There is also the possibility of having a lowrider built there, but this is frowned upon from the point of view of most lowrider owners. The goal is to build a lowrider that works reliably in operation.
Lowriders in public
A development that went hand in hand with the emergence of the scene was the discovery of the Lowrider as a show object. The GLCA ( German Lowrider Challenge Association ) from Herten has a special share in this . In addition to appearances at automobile meetings and fairs, pure low rider shows based on the American model are also held. At these events, the lowrider pilots face the assessment of an expert jury and the audience. Similar to figure skating, the owners put on a show with their lowrider in which they let the cars "dance". The jury evaluates the figures shown with grades, and the audience decides on the success of the respective show act with applause. The winners of these competitions, staggered according to the categories, then provide the “Lowrider Master” for the current year.
Lowriders are also a popular prop in American and European hip-hop and rap videos. You can also meet a lowrider in public in the areas of product presentation, company events and wedding rides.
