We might not always recognize those life-changing moments as they happen. Some moments might even seem trivial – something as simple as a classmate showing you a magazine one day in school. But if that magazine was Lowrider, and your name was Danny Pechal, that most definitely was a moment to remember.
Meet Houston's own Danny Pechal. Danny grew up in the Spring area and one day in high school he noticed a friend reading a magazine called Lowrider. He was fascinated. Whether it was the colors of the cars, the skill of the builds, or the celebration of culture that struck a chord with him, it most certainly sent his life in a new direction. Danny later “acquired” that magazine when his friend wasn’t looking, but that small crime was a turning point. Danny has made up for that little indiscretion multiple times over with a rededicated life. And to highlight that moment’s impact, he still has that thirty-year-old magazine today - along with every one of the following issues until 2019 when they stopped making Lowrider print magazines!
What is a lowrider?
The lowrider culture began after World War II in Los Angeles. The large Mexican American population in the area was not benefiting as much from the boom in the economy as the rest of America. Those young men and women old enough to need a car could only afford the pre-war cars from the 1930's. Rather than trying to make their cars faster like many of the white youth—who lowered the front ends of their cars for speed—Mexican American youth did the opposite. They dropped the backend or the entire car and cruised slowly, focusing on style over speed. These cars became rolling expressions of identity, decorated with bright paint, murals, chrome, and later, hydraulics. The customization of these cars was a source of cultural pride and a visually compelling form of resistance, turning each lowrider into a statement of heritage, creativity, and community.
Lowrider culture and cars gradually moved east, eventually finding an evolved, unique flavor in Texas. And once here, the Lowrider style developed to reflect the people and culture of Texas itself, using influences unique to the area such as Tejano or Conjunto music.
Lies and negative stereotypes
While Lowrider culture was wrongly connected with drug or gang culture for years, that myth has been repeatedly proven false. In fact, as Danny puts it, "That is the dumbest stereotype possible. Because if you are a criminal, the last thing you want is attention. So why would you drive around a flashy car or ride around your neighborhood on a flashy bike? You're just making everybody look at you!"
Danny points out that his own club, the Texas chapter of "Legions" has worked hard to build a positive community by making donations to his local police force and engaging in volunteer work. "For me personally, the community helped me find myself. It helped me stay out of trouble." He credits the members of his club with "raising me" and "making me into the man that I am today," teaching him "respect" and keeping him "safe." These strong community bonds, often referred to as "familia" even among non-blood relatives, showcase the positive and welcoming nature of lowrider culture.
Why build a Whataburger-themed lowrider bike?
This isn't Danny's first bike build, but it is his most famous. The bike itself, which he has dubbed "Still Texas" was created as a dedication to his favorite restaurant as a child – A Whataburger restaurant in Spring, Texas on FM 1960. At its heart, the bike is a now unrecognizable 1972 Schwinn Fastback. The sculpture now features a chromed "Flying W" and gold-plated French fries to name just a few of the modifications.
Last year his bicycle was proudly displayed in an exhibit at the Bullock Texas State History Museum's "Carros y Cultura" exhibit in Austin alongside some of the finest examples of lowrider art cars.
And the Whataburger Bicycle is still evolving. One of the most fascinating aspects of Lowrider art is that the projects are never finished. These sculptures are like moving murals or rolling canvases; they are always changing and telling a new story. This fluidity is rooted in Mexican American cultural expression, where storytelling, identity, and pride are dynamic and deeply personal.
LEARN MORE: Come to HCPL's 4th Annual Hispanic Heritage Fiesta to see Jorge Morales' 1963 Impala Lowrider, winner of Best in Class at 2025 AutoRama
Baldwin Boettcher Branch Library
Saturday, September 20, 1 - 4 PM
FREE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
What's the connection to the library?
Danny considers himself a "child of knowledge," crediting his imagination—which he says is 99.9% of making a lowrider bike—to the books and magazines he read at the library as a kid.
But there's so much more. Today, many Harris County Public Libraries have "Maker Spaces" equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, and other machines that are free for public use. These tools can help builders create the complex components and develop the skills needed for lowrider art. Learn more about HCPL Maker Central
The world of lowriders is more than just cool cars and bikes. Danny discovered it's an art form rich with culture, respect, and a strong sense of family. This community focuses on building strong community bonds and helping young people—values that align perfectly with the Harris County Public Library's mission.
Add a comment to: The Lowrider Library Connection