Filbert Aguirre

Filbert Aguirre of Rialto, California, is a significant yet often overlooked figure in the early custom car and lowrider scene, particularly known for his pioneering work with automotive hydraulics. As the younger brother of the famous custom car builder Ron Aguirre, Filbert played a crucial role in the development and installation of hydraulic systems on some of the earliest lifted cars. Between 1958 and 1962, Filbert, Ron, and their father Louie operated the first custom hydraulic suspension installation shop for cars ever, working out of their two-story barn at 175 N. Acacia Avenue in Rialto, California. However, Filbert's contributions remained largely unknown to the public until 2023, when Ross Ruiz of 46to64 managed to track him down and uncover his part of the story. Photo courtesy of 46to64.

Filbert Aguirre's 1961 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz, customized with Candy Red paint, hydraulic lifts, and Buick wire wheels with thin whitewall tires. Filbert, the younger brother of Ron Aguirre, played a significant role in the early development of hydraulic systems in custom cars. By 1962, working out of the Aguirre family’s two-story barn in Rialto, California, Filbert had installed hydraulic lifts on his Cadillac, showcasing his expertise in adapting aircraft hydraulic technology for automotive use. His innovative work helped lay the foundation for the widespread adoption of hydraulic systems in lowrider culture. Photo courtesy of 46to64.

Filbert Aguirre of Rialto, California, is a significant yet often overlooked figure in the early custom car and lowrider scene, particularly known for his pioneering work with automotive hydraulics. As the younger brother of the famous custom car builder Ron Aguirre, Filbert played a crucial role in the development and installation of hydraulic systems on some of the earliest lifted cars. Between 1958 and 1962, Filbert, Ron, and their father Louie operated the first custom hydraulic suspension installation shop for cars ever, working out of their two-story barn at 175 N. Acacia Avenue in Rialto, California. However, Filbert's contributions remained largely unknown to the public until 2023, when Ross Ruiz of 46to64 managed to track him down and uncover his part of the story.

Early Contributions to Hydraulics in Custom Cars

Filbert's involvement in custom car culture began in the late 1950s when he contributed to the hydraulic and electrical setup for the X-Sonic, a groundbreaking custom Corvette owned by his brother Ron. Filbert’s technical expertise led to the creation of the first documented wired hydraulic remote switch for a custom car—an innovation that paved the way for the use of wired switches in "hopper" lowriders and custom cars throughout the scene.

In 1961, Filbert worked on one of the earliest documented under-dash hydraulic switch panel installations on Gerrit Greydanus' 1954 Chevrolet. His work on the car's hydraulic system demonstrated the creativity and technical skill that defined the Aguirre brothers' approach to customizing cars.

The Rialto Workshop

The Aguirre brothers operated out of their family property at 175 N. Acacia in Rialto, California. Situated on an old orange grove, the property featured a big farmhouse and a two-story barn where Filbert, Ron, their father Louie, and their circle of friends experimented with the latest automotive technologies and techniques. This workshop became a crucible for innovation, where much of the early work on hydraulics in custom cars was done—literally taking cars down to the ground.

Filbert graduated from Eisenhower High School in Rialto in 1961, and by 1962, he was making good money installing hydraulic systems. With his earnings, he purchased a practically brand-new 1961 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz. By early 1962, Filbert had customized the Cadillac by painting it Candy Red, adding hydraulic lifts, installing custom white upholstery, and fitting it with Buick wire wheels with thin whitewall tires.

Sourcing and Innovation

Filbert, Ron and Louie sourced their hydraulic components from Palley's Supply in Los Angeles, which specialized in aircraft hydraulic parts. This adaptation of aircraft technology for automotive use was revolutionary and became standard practice in the custom car world thanks to pioneers like the Aguirres.

Friendship with Ed Roth

Through his involvement with the X-Sonic, Filbert forged a close friendship with legendary custom car builder and artist Ed "Big Daddy" Roth. When the X-Sonic went on a cross-country tour in the United States, Filbert served as the “tow truck” driver, playing a key role in presenting the car and its innovative hydraulic system to enthusiasts nationwide.

Rediscovery of Filbert Aguirre's Story

Despite his significant contributions, Filbert Aguirre flew under the radar for decades. It wasn't until 2023 that his role in the history of custom cars and lowriders became widely known, thanks to the efforts of Ross Ruiz from 46to64. The rediscovery of Filbert's story began when Ross received a tip from an old member of the San Bernardino Krankers car club, who mentioned that Ron Aguirre had a brother named Filbert who was heavily involved in those early days.

Driven by his passion for car history, lowriders, and the evolution of early hydraulics, Ros embarked on a search for Filbert. After locating him through a cold call and a lucky text message featuring a photo of the X-Sonic Corvette, Ross finally connected with Filbert. What followed was a series of conversations where Filbert shared incredible stories and insights from his years in the custom car scene, filling in many gaps about the early days of hydraulic innovations.