Rolling with Gerry and Cathy Orozco in their 1939 Pontiac
What started out as a cloudy cool morning, turned into another great day out on the backroads with the family.
It’s time for A Sunday Drive.
Gerry Orozco and his wife Cathy work hard for these precious moments. Gerry always wanted a historic ride like this and after they paid off the house and took care of the family, it was time to reap the rewards.
The lowrider and bomb community are family. They stick with each other through thick and thin, and they support each other to drive their passion. Literally. They form in clubs which create a vibrant and multi-generational culture. Gerry and his family are members of Bridgetown Oldies from La Puente, California. They roll out together for charitable cruises, and significant shows throughout Southern California.
That is what Sundays are for. Getting the family together and going for a Sunday Drive. A drive like today. It usually starts off with a big breakfast in the morning and out to see more of the extended family. They may be grillin in the park, or cruisin’ down to the beach, usually making it to charitable event. And then back home to get ready for the week of work and school for the kids Elissa and Nicholas.
I asked Gerry: “Why a ’39 Pontiac”? He said he grew up around old cars and has a ’58 Impala lowrider but wanted something with a bit more history. He asked his friend Rudy Dominguez, son of original founding Bridgetown member David Dominguez. to find him something from 54 and earlier and it has to be a convertible. Rudy found this well-preserved ’39 Pontiac on ebay as a Pennsylvania Street Rod for 30K. They immediately tore it completely apart and started rebuilding it to this fully restored time bomb.
In just under a year Rudy and friends all got busy building it in his home garage. As Gerry tells it, Rudy had a vision in his head and Gerry, knowing the work Rudy has done in the past said: “You do what it takes to get that vision you have in your head.”
I have said it here time before too, When you are working with a skilled professional craftsman or a talented artist, give them as much free reign as you can, you will NEVER be disappointed. Rudy did everything on the car, touched every panel and every nut and bolt. All but the upholstery. This is true with a lot of the cars we feature: Upholstery is most always farmed out. Usually to a friend in a nearby shop. This one went to J&R Upholstery in nearby Montebello, California. A quick look at some reviews: “…Still the best work ever and you’re keeping history alive.” “Great work, great service awesome prices.” One look and you can see Audrie Loraine sure is comfortable among the subtle custom touches.
Gerry and Cathy’s kids are growing out of the jump seats, so they are working on her car, a ’37 Pontiac 4-door Convertible. Stay tuned, I am sure we will see them both these rides cruising to the next opportunity to give a little for those in need.
