Because of their vast popularity with five decades of hot rodders and customizers, tri-five Chevys are among the most commonly modified cars in the hobby. That means finding a bone stock example isn't easy. Then again, does anybody really want to suffer with antiquated four-wheel drum brakes, two-speed automatics, non-synchro three-speeds, and Eisenhower-era suspension technology? We can do better and in most cases, a "restified" tri-five with modern safety, performance, and driveability upgrades, is worth more than a stocker. Concours restorations are generally lavished only on fuelies, Nomads, and high-option convertibles.
Numerous aftermarket outfits offer comprehensive conversion kits to adapt air suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, manual and automatic overdrive transmissions, and late-model Gen III engine swaps to tri-fives for exceptional daily and cross-country cruising ability. Thanks to a thriving reproduction parts scene, even the most radically altered, rusted, or damaged cars can be revived in stock or modified form. All it takes is money. Verification of factory-installed original equipment is hampered by the fact that the VIN tag (located on the left front door-hinge pillar) tells only if the car was built with a V-8 (look for the letter V in the first position), what model it is (One Fifty, Two Ten, Bel Air, or Sedan Delivery), model year, assembly plant, and production-sequence number. The body number plate (riveted to the righthand side of the cowl on the passenger side of factory A/C cars) is of little added help, repeating VIN data while adding codes for interior trim, exterior paint, and only a handful of the dozens of possible accessories. Getting absolute verification of any other details, like whether it's a real fuelie or not, requires an unbroken paper trail leading all the way back to the original window sticker and sales order. All said and done, a great American ride for novice and experienced collector alike.
Clubs
Alamo Classic Chevy Club
accc.siteblast.com
Classic Chevy Club
55-57chevys.com
Books
"Original Chevrolet 1955-1956-1957: The Restorer's Guide" by Robert Genat"Standard Catalog of 1950s Chevrolet" by Jon G. Robinson"Chevrolet High Performance" by Robert C. Ackerson"Pictorial History of Chevrolet, 1955-1957" by John D. Robertson
Parts and Goodies
Danchuk Mfg., 800/648-9554 danchuk.comCARS Inc., 800/CARS-INC carsinc.comGM Performance Parts, gmgoodwrench.com
Need To Know
What's Hot
Everybody loves them, you'll draw a crowd every time. Easy to restore; good parts support. The 1957 is easily the most desirable.What's notConcours restorations suffer from obsolete suspension and brake technology, not so great for daily driving in modern traffic situations.Hot TipFour-doors and station wagons are heating up as two-door prices skyrocket. AvoidAny four-door model in need of a major restoration. It costs the same money to revive a two-door as a four-door so why settle? Most CollectibleNomads used to be the hot ticket, but recent interest focuses on high option convertibles. Authentic fuelies trump all others but are scarce.Best PerformerAny dual-quad or fuelie will run 15-flat if properly tuned. 1957 with four-speed is hottest of the hot.Best Daily DriverGo for a single four-barrel car for minimal hassles.Bottom LineIt'll be decades before the last of the baby boomers are too old to enjoy these cars, so they'll be hot for a long time to come. It's the classic American car that'll make you look cool when you sit behind the wheel. Go get one now.