In conjunction with yesterday’s captivating historical feature on the Tri-Five Chevy’s rich legacy by the renowned Aaron Robinson, we are excited to share three stories from Hagerty members about their own experiences with Tri-Fives. Enjoy!

Childhood Inspiration: The Nomad Dream

Dave Armstrong’s passion for the Chevy Nomad ignited in his childhood in Saratoga Springs, New York. Frequent visits to his uncle’s garage, where his dad and friends gathered, exposed him to two pristine ’55 Chevy Nomads. The daily school bus rides past that shop left Armstrong captivated by the unique design of these iconic wagons.

The Unique Charm of the Nomad

“I liked how different they were from other Tri-Fives,” shares Armstrong. Now a 62-year-old retired firefighter, he points out key design elements: while sedans and standard station wagons boasted upright pillars and a higher windshield, Nomads featured B- and C-pillars angled forward, lending them an unmistakable sporty flair. “The tailgate and liftgate are set forward to match those angles, and the lower roofline enhances the sleek aesthetics,” he explains.

Discovering His Own Nomad

Years ago, during a weekend visit to his grandmother in a Vermont nursing home, Armstrong encountered a ’55 Nomad advertised nearby for $1,800. Intrigued, he learned it had previously served as a drag car but spent years under a tarp, left to weather away. It was clad in dull gray primer and required extensive rehabilitation, as the previous owner had modified it with a fiberglass flip nose and altered the frame.

Restoration Journey: Learning to Weld

Armstrong’s ambitious restoration project unfolded over the course of 20 years, beginning with stripping the Nomad down to bare metal. He faced numerous challenges, discovering surface rust and extensive damage. With no prior welding experience, Armstrong taught himself, using junkyard parts for practice before tackling the Nomad’s restoration. “I realized a Nomad is a hard car to restore—it’s both expensive and complicated,” he admits.

Getting Help from Friends

Throughout this journey, Armstrong found support in fellow Chevy enthusiasts, Rick Rudolph and Ernie Wilder, who contributed valuable knowledge and hands-on assistance. “I learned so much from those friends, and they ensured that everything was done correctly,” he reflects.

A Triumph: The Finished Nomad

As the project neared completion, Armstrong opted for a 350 engine, a 700R4 transmission, and a Camaro rear end. His Nomad now features power steering and power brakes. The stunning finish of Shoreline Beige over Neptune Green gives it a modern flair while staying true to its vintage roots. “It drives beautifully—like you’re in a contemporary car,” Armstrong shares with pride.

Community Reactions and Personal Connections

Despite mixed reactions to the green color, Armstrong’s craftsmanship has garnered respect and admiration. “People often ask if I actually drive it, and my answer is always yes.” His commitment to reviving and enjoying this piece of automotive history embodies the spirit of the beloved Tri-Five Chevy.

This article originally appeared in Hagerty Drivers Club magazine. For more engaging stories from the world of classic cars, consider subscribing to join the Hagerty community.

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The Allure of the 1955 Chevy Nomad: A Restoration Journey

Dave Armstrong’s affection for the Chevy Nomad ignited during his childhood in Saratoga Springs, New York. Spending time at his uncle’s garage, surrounded by classic cars, two impressive ’55 Chevy Nomads particularly captured his attention. The unique design features of the Nomad set it apart from other Tri-Five models, including its lower roofline and distinctive forward-angled pillars.

A Fond Memory that Sparked a Passion

Armstrong recalls riding his school bus past his uncle’s garage, mesmerized by the sleek lines of the Nomads parked out front. “I loved how different they were from typical sedans and station wagons,” he reminisces. This passion for the Nomad would later lead him to own and restore one, embarking on a significant journey that would take over two decades.

Discovering the Perfect Project Car

Years later, while visiting his grandmother in a nursing home in Vermont, Armstrong stumbled upon an advertisement for a ’55 Nomad selling for $1800. Intrigued, he called the seller and learned that the car had a rough past as a drag racer, with significant modifications that left it in dire condition. The entire vehicle was enshrouded in gray primer and lacked an interior as well as glass.

The Challenges of Restoration

Upon bringing the Nomad home and assessing its condition, Armstrong found extensive surface rust and realized the need for a complete reconstruction. The restoration project demanded a new firewall, floorpans, rocker panels, door skins, and more. With little welding experience, Armstrong embraced the challenge, using parts from junkyard cars to teach himself. “I had no clue where to start, but I was determined,” he states.

Guidance and Friendship in the Process

With the support of friends and fellow Chevy enthusiasts, including Rick Rudolph and Ernie Wilder, Armstrong navigated the complex restoration. “Their expertise was invaluable, and they motivated me to get the job done correctly,” he adds. As the years passed, Armstrong dedicated countless hours to perfecting the Nomad, culminating in its completion just last year.

Power and Performance of the Nomad

Opting for a 350 engine paired with a 700R4 transmission, Armstrong transformed his Nomad into a functioning classic. With power steering and brakes enhancing driving ease, the beautifully finished vehicle boasts a stunning Shoreline Beige exterior accented by Neptune Green details. “It drives beautifully, almost like a modern car, despite its age,” he shares proudly.

Community Reactions and Personal Pride

Although not everyone appreciates the green aesthetics, the craftsmanship of Armstrong’s restoration often garners admiration. “People are surprised when they see me driving it. They often ask if I really use it,” he explains. With a sense of pride, Armstrong confirms, “Yes, I drive it—every chance I get!”

Final Thoughts

The lengthy restoration journey has not only resulted in a stunning Chevy Nomad but also deepened Armstrong’s appreciation for classic cars and the community surrounding them. His story exemplifies the passion and dedication that car enthusiasts bring to their projects, proving that sometimes the journey is just as rewarding as the destination.