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VIP-Inspired 1999 C5 Corvette Convertible Build

Experience Romeo Rones Jr’s 1999 C5 Corvette Convertible build – a heartfelt tribute with luxury styling and carbon-fiber upgrades that honor legacy and passion.

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1999 C5 Corvette Convertible

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Romeo Rones Jr - 1999 C5 Corvette Convertible

IG - @romeo_rones_jr

Photographer/Author - Donnie Rochin

IG - @r0cean11

FB - r0cean11 Photography

http://www.r0cean11.com

From Dad’s Legacy to Custom Convertible

I’m Romeo Rones Jr, born and raised in Pittsburg, California. At 40, I now run my dad’s former auto body shop, R&R Auto Body LLC, working solo Monday through Friday to build and refinish cars—what started as a hobby is now my life.

My dad introduced me to this world—taking me to shows, letting me tinker on cars, and encouraging my wild ideas. His pride in my independence made me confident. This Corvette was his pride: the first major purchase he made when he started the shop, and a gift to me when I graduated. After he passed away, finishing this build became my tribute to him—showing that his investment in me still drives us forward, now watched by him from above.

1999 C5 Corvette Convertible

Early Car Days

My automotive journey started with a 1988 Acura Legend, leading up to my first manual in a 1993 Honda Del Sol—where I tested my creativity with cardboard spoilers and a speaker-laden interior. After a decade-long break, I returned in 2019 with a 2003 Lexus SC430, and that build finally got me noticed. The grind was worth it: long nights, late weekends, and connecting with people who shared the same passion—that’s what keeps me going.

A VIP-Inspired Vette: Style Over Speed

Instead of focusing on power, I drew inspiration from the VIP scene, blending luxury styling with sleek performance. The result is a Corvette that commands attention—not with speed, but with presence.

1999 C5 Corvette Convertible interior

Modifications on the 1999 C5 Corvette Convertible

Engine & Drivetrain

Dual‑cone intake
SLP exhaust
Custom carbon-fiber engine bay with chrome accents

Suspension & Air Ride

Air Force Performance air suspension struts
Air Lift 3P management system
Dual Viair chrome compressors
2.8 gal seamless air tank

Brakes, Wheels & Tires

C6 Z06 front and rear brakes, polished
Steel‑braided brake lines
Custom WEDS Bazerias 19″ wheels (19×11.5 front, 19×10.5 rear) with zero offset

Interior Upgrades

C7 seats, armrest, and floor mats wrapped in black diamond‑stitch
Carbon-fiber steering wheel, shifter, e‑brake handle, engine-bay lace trim
Sparco steering and tilt wheel
Auto Fashion neck pillows
Custom velvet & suede trunk setup with 12″ Kicker CVR sub + matching amp

Exterior Enhancements

Corvette Creations carbon-fiber hood, lip, side extensions, diffuser
Carbon Creations rear spoiler
Fiberglass Mafia wide-body kit, shaved and painted black pearl with red flake
Two-tone rear bumper with lace design
Carbon-fiber deck lid and tonneau cover
Carbon-fiber mirror spikes
LED headlight and side-marker upgrade
Custom under-hood and under-body paint
Shaved wide-body kit with carbon-fiber accents

All this work was done in-shop in Pittsburg, CA—my place, my pride, my tribute to my dad.

1999 C5 Corvette Convertible

Future Plans & Community Shout-Outs

Next up: upgrading head and tail lights, then saving for a procharger. Big thanks to HHWH Collectibles, Deep Pockets Brothers, Gifted Lifestyles, City Park Kids, and OneUpAcrylix for their support and collaboration.

The car community has given me everything: a platform to share, friends who became family, and the creative push to inspire and be inspired.

Advice & Inspiration from Romeo

Air suspension tip: swap rear upper control arms for the C6 model
Lighting upgrade: rewire C7 seats and convert stock bulbs to LED—night driving becomes magical
Pre-purchase: always inspect a Corvette thoroughly before buying

“Don’t be afraid to do something different,” Rome says. “Do what makes you happy—and if it doesn’t, don’t hesitate to redo it.”

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r0cean11 Photography began as a simple hobby for me—something I explored out of pure curiosity and passion. Twenty-four years later, it has grown into one of the defining parts of my life. Before stepping fully into automotive photography, I spent years building cars for SEMA. I photographed my own builds and projects long before I ever considered taking the craft seriously. That all changed when my last build was totaled; from that moment, photography became more than an interest—it became my purpose. ----------- Today, I shoot and write for Stance Auto Magazine, PASMAG, 742 Marketing Events, Super Lap Battle, Global Time Attack, RACEWORZ, and a wide range of automotive events across the United States. ----------- To me, automotive photography is more than capturing a vehicle—it’s about telling the story that lives within it. Every builder leaves a piece of themselves in their car, and my job is to honor that by showcasing their vision through my lens. ----------- You’ll find my event coverage, feature shoots, and automotive storytelling across all my platforms. I’m always open to connecting, answering questions, and collaborating with builders, enthusiasts, and fellow creatives. ----------- I am also a Partner with Stance Auto Magazine, serving as the Director of Marketing and Media. ----------- Facebook (Personal): Donald Rochin (Donnie Roc)