VIP-Inspired 1999 C5 Corvette Convertible Build

More Images On Our Facebook Page and Instagram Page. Join Our Car Community Today!

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.

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.

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.

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.”

Call to Action

Do you have a build story like this one? Share your journey with Stance Auto Magazine and inspire our car community. Submit your car story today!

Order Your Car Magazines From Our Amazon Book Store

Get Noticed Use our Hashtags - #stanceauto #stanceautomag #stanceautomagazine #modifiedcarmagazine

UKTM no: UK00003572459