1999 Chevy Corvette C5 VIP Widebody Build SEMA Tribute to Father

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Romeo Rones Jr

Chevy Corvette C5 VIP Widebody

Instagram: @romeo_rones_jr

Photographer/Author: Donnie Rochin 

IG: @r0cean11 

FB: r0cean11 Photography 

"Do what makes you happy — at the end of the day, it's your build." – Romeo Rones Jr.

Built for Legacy: A Father's Gift Transformed

For Romeo Rones Jr., cars are more than metal and horsepower — they're family, history, and a legacy that lives on through every bolt, paint layer, and memory.

Hailing from Pittsburg, California, Romeo has been immersed in car culture since childhood. Now 40 years old and running his own autobody shop, R&R Autobody LLC, he's turned a lifelong passion into both a career and a tribute.

The 1999 Chevy Corvette Convertible sitting under his care isn't just another project. It was his father's pride and joy, the first significant purchase his dad made after opening his own shop — and now, it stands as a living tribute to that legacy.

"When I graduated from trade school in 2014, my dad gave me the Corvette as a gift," Romeo recalls. "After he passed, I decided to build it in his honor. Every time I work on it, I know he's watching. Every mile, every show — it's for him."

Where the Passion Began: Hot Wheels to Hot August Nights

It all started with toy cars. "My dad always had cool stuff around when I was a kid — Hot Wheels, models, all that," Romeo says. "But seeing real cars at shows like Hot August Nights in Reno — that was an eye-opener. The sound, the paint, the creativity — I knew I wanted to be part of that world."

When he got his first car, a 1993 Honda Del Sol, his tuner side was born. "That's when it really started," he says with a grin. "Learning what worked, what didn't, and finding my own style — it became my language."

Over the years, Romeo has built and learned across platforms — from imports to exotics — always chasing the next evolution of his craft.

Why This Corvette: The Family Icon

When Romeo's dad purchased the C5 Corvette back in 1999, it instantly became the family's icon. "It was his baby," Romeo recalls. "When I rode with him, it was like being in a spaceship — loud, sleek, full of attitude. He told me one day it would be mine, and when that day came, I knew I had to make it special."

The car now stands as both a tribute build and a reimagining — a C5 Corvette transformed through VIP-inspired design, blending American muscle with high-end Japanese luxury aesthetics.

"Everyone goes performance first with these," he says. "I wanted to do something no one had tried before — a VIP Corvette. Smooth, classy, detailed, and different."

A Driving Experience Like No Other

Behind the wheel, Romeo laughs. "Honestly, I feel like Batman," he says. "It's that mix of power and presence — it turns heads everywhere I go."

But the more profound emotion comes from what the car represents. "When I park it and look back, I just smile. I know my dad would be proud. I can hear him saying, 'That's my boy!' Every show, every compliment — that's me carrying him with me."

Since debuting the car in April 2025, Romeo's Corvette has exploded in popularity. From California show circuits to national features, it's been recognized for its originality and craftsmanship — a true one-of-one creation that blurs genres and expectations.

Complete Corvette C5 VIP Build Specifications

Engine and Drivetrain Performance

• 5.7L LS1 V8 (345 HP @ 5,600 RPM | 350 lb-ft torque @ 4,400 RPM)
• Dual Twin Ram Air Intake Kit
• High Flow Power Coupler
• SLP Power Flo Cat-Back Exhaust System
• BBK Shorty Headers
• 4-Speed Automatic Transmission

Suspension and Air Ride System

• Air Force Air Suspension with Air Lift 3P Management
• Speedway 2.8-Gallon Seamless Air Tank
• Dual Viair 444C Compressors

Brakes, Wheels, and Tires

• C6 Z06 Polished BBK
• StopTech Stainless Brake Line Kit
• R1 Concepts Pads & Rotors
• 19x11.5 (rear) / 19x10.5 (front) Weds Kranz Bazerias

Interior VIP Upgrades

• C7 Seats wrapped in black diamond stitching
• Matching armrests and Maniniccii floor mats
• TESFEEL Carbon Fiber Steering Wheel
• Carbon fiber shifter & e-brake handle
• Custom velvet & suede trunk setup
• Light-up VIP tray from @oneupacrylix
• Custom dispenser and carbon-fiber trim dress-up kit

Audio and Video System

• Pioneer double-din head unit
• 12" Kicker CVR Subwoofer
• 600W Kicker Amp
• Kicker door panel speakers

Exterior Modifications and Widebody Kit

• Black Sapphire Pearl paint with red flake
• Two-tone rear bumper and lace artwork
• Fiberglass Mofia widebody (shaved & molded)
• Corvette Creations aero kit: front lip, side splitters, diffuser, hood, and spoiler (all with lace or carbon details)
• Carbon Creations rear spoiler with lowrider-style ghost design
• Custom carbon-fiber fender inserts, trunk, tonneau cover, and mirrors
• iJDMTOY Sequential DRLs / Turn Signals
• Laser engraving and acrylic work by @oneupacrylix

Who Built It: R&R Autobody LLC

Proudly built by Romeo himself at his shop:

R&R Autobody LLC
1436 Bobo Ct, Pittsburg, CA
(925) 848-6184 | IG: @rr_autobody68

"Every part of this build was personal," Romeo says. "This wasn't about sending it off somewhere — it was about me putting my hands on everything, learning, and making it mine."

Future Plans and Upgrades

"Next up is adding more 'ice' to the engine bay," Romeo teases, "and maybe supercharging it. Just because it's VIP doesn't mean it can't have some bite."

Car Community and Culture Connections

Romeo's connected with a wide network of builders and show groups, including @hhwhh_collectibles, @lexus.alliance, @southshoreshowdown, @giftedlifestyles, and @inspire_usa.

"The car scene gave me a home," he says. "It's where I found my people. It's family now — friends who became brothers and sisters. I wouldn't trade it for anything."

The Road to SEMA 2025

The journey to SEMA began most unexpectedly.

"I was at the Filipino Fiesta Charity Car Show in Sacramento when Donnie Rochin (@r0cean11) spotted my build," Romeo explains. "He shot it for Stance Auto Magazine, and we started talking about SEMA. Next thing I know, he's on the phone with Jeff from @742marketing — and boom, it became real."

In just two months, the dream became a reality. "We went from idea to acceptance between June and August," Romeo says. "It still doesn't feel real. I'm just thankful for everyone who believed in me."

Sponsors and Support

• @oneupacrylix – Laser engraving, light-up VIP tray, and hood prop
• @r1concepts – Pads and rotors
• @caliberproducts – Show flooring and display support
• @742marketing – Marketing and SEMA coordination
• @r0cean11 – Media coverage, photography, and brand partnership

"Big love to everyone who helped make this happen," Romeo says. "Without Donnie, Jeff, and my supporters, this wouldn't have been possible."

Build Changes for SEMA

• Added lace artwork to the hood, spoiler, and tonneau cover
• Integrated lowrider-inspired ghost designs over carbon fiber panels
• Upgraded Pioneer double-din head unit and matching center trim
• Installed new intake system and headers for visual and performance upgrades
• Repainted select panels for consistency and added detail refinements

"The SEMA rush is real," he laughs. "You don't sleep much — but man, it's worth it."

Looking Ahead: SEMA 2026 and Beyond

Romeo plans to return to SEMA 2026 with the same car, now even more refined. "I'm not done with it yet," he says. "It'll keep evolving, just like me."

Beyond SEMA, he wants to keep inspiring others to build their dreams. "Keep the ball rolling. Stay creative. Enjoy the process — that's what it's all about."

Final Thoughts: Tribute to Transformation

From tribute to transformation, Romeo Rones Jr.'s VIP-styled 1999 Corvette isn't just a show car — it's a love letter to family, legacy, and the art of doing things your way.

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