An unlikely vehicle will carry an AIDS-prevention message to Modesto today.

A refurbished 1953 Chevy Bel Air painted with safe-sex messages will be on display at the New Style Car Club's annual barbecue, scheduled for noon to 6 p.m. at Bearbrook Park.

The car, called the world's first "AIDS prevention lowrider," is meant to alert young Hispanic men to the importance of safe sex in preventing AIDS. Customized for the state Department of Health Services by Modesto's New Style Club, messages are in Spanish and English.

"With the car, we're really hoping to reach the younger generation," said Joe Pasillas, a medical investigator with the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency.

Reaching young Hispanic men is especially important, Pasillas said, because the rate of infection for that group is soaring throughout the nation. Nationwide, Hispanics represent about 9 percent of the population, but account for about 17 percent of AIDS cases.

In Stanislaus County, the incidence of AIDS among Hispanics is not quite as disproportionate. Of 535 people with AIDS in the county, 103 or 19 percent are Hispanic. In all, Hispanics account for about 22 percent of the county's population.

Still, organizers say it's important to send a safe-sex message. Pilar Montoya, a public relations executive who works with the state Department of Health Services, came up with the lowrider idea when she saw her nieces and nephews flipping through Lowrider magazine.

Montoya asked the New Style Car Club to take on the project. Club member Doug Vigil and his water truck business bought the car. Vigil convinced his fellow car club members to rebuild it.

They approached San Joaquin Valley businesses, which donated everything from shiny new rims to a booming car stereo. The Chevy, now painted candy- apple red, sports Aztec murals and the words "Respect Yourself ... Protect Yourself" and "Tu Vida Cuenta Usa Condones (Your Life Matters ... Use Condoms)."

Members of the car club transport the car on a trailer throughout the state, taking it to car shows and Hispanic cultural events. They began the tour in April, when state officials kicked off an AIDS-awareness campaign in Los Angeles.

When it's Vigil's turn to escort the car, he notices young men flocking to the vehicle. They often pick up safe-sex literature displayed near the car, he said.

"It really attracts a lot of people," Vigil said. "It must be working."

Reprinted by permission of Modesto Bee.