Tri-Chevies
 

I always liked them, especially when I was a little kid. I still do. Seems like the values have come down quite a bit too, not that I need any more cars.

Anyway, for anyone that's ever had one or driven one extensively, what are they like? Do they ride pretty well, were they halfway quick with the small block?

In stock form they are a bit of a floater, definitely do not hug the road or steer like a modern car. The stock engines are just fine for getting around but aren't going to win you any races. Factory drum brakes are sufficient to stop the car in most conditions, but panic stops are scary. Pretty much have to pay attention to your driving a bit more than on modern cars.

Absolutely nothing wrong with them, just a car from a VERY different era and if you aren't used to them or are used to modern handling and conveniences, they take some getting used to. Just like driving a mid '60s B-body compared to a late 70's Trans Am.

All this is not taking modern small blocks, disc brakes, and assorted handling upgrades into consideration. Your wallet is the limit there. With a modern engine, overdrive, disc brakes, and suspension re-work it's a bit like driving a semi-modern car.

Mine was quick enough with the small block. The ride however was not optimal on lengthy trips. Actually for a straight front axle car it was pretty good. 60's style, 327, X-1 cross ram, fuelie heads, gear drive and a 4 speed.

I just saw a 55 gasser with a 327 for sale in Allenwood, Pa. for $25,000.

I learned to drive on the street in a 57 Chevy way back in 1968. Even by then the steering was outdated and it seemed hard to hold in the road vs. the modern car cars, i.e. 68 Chevelles, GTO's, Impalas, etc. So you can imagine what one with original steering and suspension would drive like today.

Now they make some updated steering boxes and suspension components that make them drive and handle much, much better. You don't even think your driving the same car!

You're the owner of this car? Thats cool, I remember watching it being built on tv.

Not much is cooler then a straight axle tri five car!

In 1959 after H.S. graduation, I bought a 55 chev convt from a Pontiac dealer in Alexandria, Va. It was black, black top and red interior. It had powerpack 3spd with overdrive and a 4.11 rear. In 55 all standard trans powerpack engines came with solid lifters. I had it thru college. Only mods were 4.56 posi, .30 over and a Duntov cam. I wasn't a screamer, but have some trophies. Wish I still had it. Jon

Thank you very much. Did as a tribute to my Dad. i've attached a few more pictures.

Nice car. Needs a "Moon Eyes" decal on the gas tank. :D

http://www.hotrodders.com/gallery/da..._EQUIPPED1.jpg

Very cool, a lot of enthusiasm for these cars. If I ever got around to one I would just do a stock type build. I drove my 65 with factory drums for many years and it was fine, although I think the stick shift helps. I kind of like the old wandering feel of my 72 k10 so I think an old tri chevy would feel about right to me.

Over the years I've owned several different makes and models. They all have strong and negative qualities but I loved them all. Somehow, someway I came to be a fan of Pontiac over most other models.

That being said, I think that the 55 and 57 Chevy's are 2 of the top 5 coolest cars ever made. Frankly, I don't care how they handle or drive one day I have the hopes to have a black 57 Chevy with a big block and a 4 speed in my garage.

I had a 55 Chevy Nomad for 12 years, but not stock. Bought it with a 283 V-8, modified, 350 Turbo trans, custom interior, special paint. Over the 12 years I owned it I made many modification to improve performance and handling. I did the Hot Rod Power Tour with it and drove to many Nomad Conventions. It was one of my favorite models in 1955. [IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...Nomad/Pass.jpg[/IMG]

I haven't seen the Nomads go down in price, due to their limited production and current availabilty.

I also had a 55 Chevy Model 150 post 2 dr Pro Street that was a blast to drive. It had a 427 BB, 671 Weiand supercharger, that was dyno tested at 721 HP. B&M built 350 Turbo, 9" Ford diff., 4:30 spool setup, etc.
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...evy150Post.jpg[/IMG]

IMO stock Chevy's are no fun to drive, but restomoded were a blast.

A buddy of mine has a 55 sedan delivery. Much cooler looking than the others, in my opinion.

In my opinion the '55 Nomad is the second best looking Chevrolet ever built. First goes to any C2 Vette coupe.
Todd, that is a very impressive '57. You Sir, are a real hot rodder.
Nice Nomad, Nomadac!

Todd, Hot Rod Deluxe Magazine would probably do an article on your car. Nice!!!

Wow guys. Thanks for the nice comments, I appreciate it very much. It was in Hot Rod Deluxe and Rod and Custom a few years ago. I finally have my 69 judge home and it's almost finished.

I musta missed it, awesome period car!!!