Parts and service
Professional restoration services (hourly rate): $45-$100Windshield: $239-$3001957 front fender (steel reproduction): $429 each1955 hood (steel reproduction): $7191955-1957 trunk floor (steel reproduction): $13391957 fuel-injection air cleaner housing (steel reproduction): $5451956 dual quad intake manifold (used, watch for corrosion): $200-$500
Features
Dual-quad and fuel-injected models have 3/8-inch fuel lines instead of 5/16-inch. All glass prone to delamination; replacements readily available.
Some decry the tri-five's instrument warning lamps (idiot lights) and add mechanical gauges for peace of mind.
Rare convenience options include remote-control side mirror, trunk and underhood lights, seatbelts with shoulder harness, and three-head shaver that plugs into cigarette lighter. Many accessories were dealer installed.
Reproduction interior panels, carpet, and seat trim readily available from aftermarket except certain Nomad-specific items.
Don't be fooled into thinking tri-fives are massive chromed sleds. Their 115-inch wheelbase puts them into the same size class as later midsize Chevelles.
California-bound tri-fives had one-piece instead of three-piece front bumpers.
Four-wheel drum brakes can be twitchy if not carefully adjusted. Power assist was factory optional.
Contrary to popular belief, four-speed manual gearbox wasn't factory optional in 1957 (except on late-year Corvettes).
Positraction limited-slip differential introduced in January 1957. Delicate then equals rare today.
Look out for frame-rail and body-mount rust as well as failed body-mount rubber biscuits.
Small-block Chevy rebuild parts are available everywhere except on the moon, but collector prices apply to date-coded parts when concours restoration is the goal.