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Recently updated on September 20, 2023 at 07:28 am
[Update: 20.09.2023] This post was updatedto take more recent information into account. Everyone knows deep cars. Cars of the category Lowrider However, they can do a lot more than just stand low. These are specially converted vehicles that are very well known and popular, especially in the USA. Typically, classic automobiles from American manufacturers are modified so that each wheel suspension can be raised and lowered individually. This creates the typical impression that the car can jump. There is now also a larger scene in lowrider tuning in Germany.
Everything, but not normal: the lowrider
How does a lowrider work?
A lowrider often undergoes many visual changes from its owner, but a true lowrider is identified by its technology and capabilities. During the conversion, the axles of the vehicle are first stabilized so that they can later absorb jumps and other loads. Once this first step has been completed, electric pumps are mounted on each wheel arch and can be operated independently of one another. Thanks to these individually addressable pumps, it is possible to lift just one axle or even just one wheel and thus make the vehicle bounce. The pumps are therefore the key figure in a lowrider.
Hydraulic or pneumatic pumps, which are controlled by smaller electric motors, have become established here. The engines and other pumps that generate the oil pressure for the hydraulics are usually located in the trunk. The electric motors are operated either with switches mounted in the car, but preferably with a remote control, as the driver then does not necessarily have to be in the car while it jumps. The pumps require a large amount of energy, so there are also several additional batteries in the trunk. One advantage of having multiple batteries is that the car's movements can be faster because there is more power.
Lowrider are also popular in Germany
In addition to the big lowrider scene in the US, the 1990er has also developed its own scene for this tuning in Germany. In Germany, Lowrider are divided into five different categories. Fat Dancer are all fully mobile vehicles with a total weight from 1400 Kg. Dancer are all fully mobile vehicles with a weight up to 1400 Kg. Since the classic American lowrider weigh more often, it is often European small cars that fall into this category. Radicals are vehicles that are capable of particularly radical, powerful movements. Show and shine are vehicles that are not driven, but are presented motionless. The last category is Hopper, i.e. vehicles that can jump particularly high on the front axle. All hydraulic parts from American manufacturers for conversion are now sold in Germany for the lowrider community. By the way, the so-called one is just as crazy Slab culture from Houston!
Lowriders: Iconic low-flying vehicles and their history
The Lowrider, an iconic vehicle that is primarily anchored in US automotive culture, attracts a lot of attention. But what makes this type of car so special and what is its history in Germany? And is a lowrider allowed in Germany? Lowriders are not easy to find on the roads in Germany. Many have no street legal and are therefore mainly transported on trailers for meetings or shows. Because of the special handling they are often called "Trailer Queens" designated. From an engineering standpoint, almost any car could be turned into a lowrider. However, they are usually classic American cars from the 60s and 70s, especially from Chevrolet or Cadillac.
The history of the lowrider goes back to 1958. At that time... California A regulation was introduced that stated that the body could not be deeper than one tire thickness. Resourceful car hobbyists integrated hydraulic pumps from aircraft into the vehicles so that the vehicle could be easily powered up when a police car approached. This was the beginning of the characteristic “hopping”.
Key point summary on the topic of lowriders:
- Definition lowrider: Cars, preferably sedans or convertibles, with a body that can be individually raised using electric hydraulic or pneumatic pumps.
- Hopping competitions: US competitions in which the highest jumping car wins.
- Popular models: Mainly from the 1960s and 1970s; The Chevrolet Impala from 1964 in particular is considered a “true lowrider”.
- Technology:
- Hydraulic pumps create movement.
- Electric motors and pumps in the trunk.
- Multiple batteries for power supply; Voltage between 12V to 96V.
- Categories:
- Fat Dancer: Heavy, fully mobile vehicles over 1400 kg.
- Dancer: Fully mobile vehicles under 1400 kg.
- Radicals: Extremely light vehicles for radical movements, often not drivable.
- Show and shine: Beauty competition, mostly not legal for road traffic (“Trailer Queens”).
- Hopper: Vehicles that can perform extremely high jumps on the front axle.
- Lowriders in Germany:
- Scene emerged at the end of the 1990s.
- The quality of the conversions is in no way inferior to its US counterparts.
- In addition to American cars, there are also European and Asian models.
- Hydraulic parts available in Germany; The goal is to build your own lowrider.
- Öffentlichkeit:
- Lowriders as show objects; Evaluation by the jury and audience at events.
- Popular in hip hop and rap videos.
- Use at product presentations, company events and wedding trips.
In conclusion, the lowrider is not just a car, but an iconic symbol that has a deep connection to American culture and history. It may be a rarity in Germany, but its fascination is undeniable worldwide.
Of course that had not happened yet!
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I'm just thinking about converting my car into a lowrider. Thank you for pointing out that the pumps in the car are a key figure in a lowrider, although the hydraulic or pneumatic pumps in particular have evidently established themselves. The best thing to do is sit down with a specialist in hydraulics so that he can give me his expertise on draw cushions, gas pressure springs and similar topics.