How to Spot a "Real GM Built" Tri5 Belair Convertible 1955 Chevy

[@robertgeary7520]

Great video thanks for the info 👍

[@giveblood8467]

thanks Don i learned something new today

[@BillBynum-n9y]

Information big time!! Thank you! This is a step by step guide for potential buyers of convertibles. This video is a must for them! With the popularity of 5-6-7s going through the roof, you’ve got to be knowledgeable or pay the price to scammers! Again, thank you for all your videos!

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Yes indeed Man. I seen a conversion 56 ragtop barnfind sell for 35k. Couple weeks later it was for sale around 10k. I couldn't imagine losing 25k like that. Just not cool. Later Buddy

[@paulelarson1912]

Great job your convert 55 is alive and sounds wonderful

[@chevy9256]

Rear wheel wells also have a square stamp , and there’s also a convertible only support brace under dash

[@rustyrods8535]

Lots of great information . The parking lights on and the nice engine rumble is a great look and sound . 👍👀

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Thanks Buddy

[@johnkelly6942]

This is a good thing to have this information out on the web. I have absolutely no patience for people who do ‘conversions” and try to pass it off as an “original”. DD Speed Shop is obviously VERY PUBLIC about what he’s doing (4 door to 2 door) and now there’s a guy (Ellis Kar Kustoms who ) converting a ‘57 HT into a Nomad. I like what those guys are doing, it’s the one’s working in a shop someplace under the cover of darkness I worry about.

[@monadking2761]

Somebody is converting a Nomad from an HT. Wow! Don knows me. I bought his old Nomad rear quarters from him because I'm converting a 2 door 210 wagon to a Nomad, but I'm doing everything right. I'm building what parts are not available and using my original Nomad as a model for exact measurements. It's been a 5 year project part-time so far and would never mislead anybody on what I'm doing and have been taking pictures of everything. Everything from the B pillers back is different even on a wagon. The roof, tailgate, B, and C pillers, including the window channels, are all different, and no one makes many of the parts. Thank you for his contact information. I'm going to contact him for my Monad project and that what I'm calling it.

[@hubiesgarage]

Great video Don! I love these types of videos and it really racked my brain trying to visualize the differences between the real ragtops and the hardtops. It was really neat to see the differences beyond just the x frame and the windshield hoop. Lots of very unique differences! Thanks for doing this one! The car is looking and sounding great! Have a great weekend!

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Thanks Jeff. I've seen a few old convertibles be sold and sold again real soon for a loss. I think there's alot of people making a huge mistake buying a conversion and not knowing it all the time. I hope this helps buyers in the future. Later Buddy 👍

[@RhinosRestomods]

Great video Big Don! You have a wealth of knowledge!

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Thanks Randy

[@bwsgarage]

Lots of good knowledge drops brother. Gives a future shopper a shot at getting a real convertible.

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Thanks BW! Just hope it helps out a future buyer and his dream car. Later Buddy

[@primeredisbest]

Hello Big Don! That's a great video! I really enjoyed it! I done the same thing when I was into 62 Chevy's. I was showing the difference between a "Regular" Impala and a Impala Super Sport. Lots of subtle differences between the 2 vehicles. I seen some folks trying to pass on a Impala to make you believe that it is an Impala SS. Good to see you buddy!

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Thanks Buddy. Yes indeed many cars out there not what they started life as. Hope all is going well, Tell Mrs. PiB hello

[@jimstark1887]

Hey Big Don. Lots of good information that never occurred to me. Thanks so much.

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Thanks Jim

[@DougScriver]

Love the way the doors close mint big Don

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

They have a sweet sound to them. Later Buddy

[@strokerup]

Great vid! Thanks Man!

[@garysgarage.2841]

Same with my 64 convertible lots of little things that don't stand out are different. Glad you got it running sounds good 👍

[@lonniekiser3612]

Great Video Don , Some awesome info Bud 👍✌️

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Thanks Lonnie

[@geraldrichards6218]

Thanks for the information Don that’s all good to know.i saved the video so I can come back and write it down later.👍

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

You got it Man

[@greggonzalez7396]

I learned a lot from your video. I enjoyed the whole process of identifying these changes. Thanks for taking the time to do this. Have a great day Big Don

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Thanks Greg

[@henryjewell3900]

Very informative. The VIN tags on tri 55-57s are spot welded to the door pillar on sedans and hardtops on convertibles on the lower panel like you have explained.

[@MrMktMaster]

Thanks Don! That was really informative!

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Thanks Buddy

[@DesertRatFabrication]

Good video Big Don, I learned a lot buddy😀😀

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Thanks Mike.

[@bigblockkings1031]

If I was to ever look at buying a convertible you'd be the first guy I would ask for authentication of it. Friend of mine bought a 67 Camaro and the guy told him that it was an all original body. I looked up inside the trunk and saw that it had replacement quarters. I didn't have the heart to mention it to my friend.

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Hey Gorni. Yeah I understand it would be tough to tell a Buddy his car is not all original. Later Buddy

[@CrazyWillie01]

Nice to see ya Don

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Hey Buddy

[@wilenelson1810]

Sweet ride 🧁🎂🧁

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Thanks Buddy

[@bigjobford1956]

You know so much about these years of Tri Fie’s your a human Encyclopedia,Great Video Big Don🏆

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Hey Big Job Ford! Yes indeed I've had alot of experience with them over the years. Later Buddy

[@garywilson12]

thanks for the great info really learned alot of good info

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Good deal. Hope it helps out in the future.

[@Stupidfastracing]

Thanks for doing this video buddy

[@mikepanetta6529]

Coming along nice

[@donbearden1953]

Lot’s of info to certify a true Tri5 Rag Top!

[@PhilDykshoorn]

Why do convertibles have cardboard bushings and conventional Chevys have rubber bushings?

[@CrazyWillie01]

Good question

[@paulhare662]

Less potential for body flex?

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Convertible body's need to be fixed more solid to the chassis. Really the only thing keeping the body lined up and true in the floors and trunk on a Convertible. So any flex and heavy load in the car will cause door fitment issues. I've heard stories of these cars doing popping opening going into sharp driveway approaches. Kinda like really twisting the body of the car. later

[@davidwofford7308]

Great video Don No big deal but I see 55 nomad door panels not convertible’s But you know that also. Looks good anyway

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Yes your correct. I put the Nomad door panels in there. I think they look much better than a stock 55 Belair door panel. Just my opinion. Later 👍

[@paulkadamus2944]

Don’t get burnt good information

[@9thgatedim273]

Could u help me with some info I'm doing a disk brake conversion on the front o have stock spindles and 11 inch gm rotors would u know what size wheel bearings I'll need

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

I would have to check around on that. My disc brakes come as a kit. I'll try to track down some bearing numbers.

[@EdwardDean-z4f]

The bushings look like Masonite. The same stuff they make pegboard out of

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Pretty close