SUCCESS! 1955 Chevy Nomad Sitting For 30 Years To ROAD LEGAL!

This video feels like a long time coming! I bought this Nomad from an auction the day before our first snow fall. Wrenched on it over the winter and worked out a few kinks this spring.
Now this classic back on the road after 30 years of sitting neglected in storage. Cars want to be driven!
Check Out The Merch!
www.ddspeedshop.ca/
Send us your Junk:
DD Speed Shop
Po box 42041
1881 Portage ave
Ferry Road RPO
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3J 3X7

[@lloydh4251]

Told you that you will be driving that car with a smile on, i am only 73 and been driving a 56 for 50 years and still smiling!😊

[@joemonahan2972]

Oh my....Father and son working together on your classic Nomad! This is priceless!

[@DDSpeedShop]

Oh there's a price....

[@hippydippy]

@@DDSpeedShop 😆

[@wrongwayroger2519]

​@@DDSpeedShop 😅😅

[@P51]

@@DDSpeedShop 🤣

[@brucesinclair6039]

Back in the day I had an old three on the tree Pontiac with the same problem. During the first 15 minutes of this video, I was screaming "It's the bushings!" at the screen, but I guess you couldn't hear me.

[@DDSpeedShop]

Haha I gotta find out the hard way

[@BlooMule]

The old 3 on the tree slow and careful shifting! The reason so many Chevys ended up with cheap floor shift

[@monadking2761]

Had the same problem with my 3 on the tree, I adjusted the lower bushing bolted piece below the shifter forks. There are bolts you loosen up, then tap the round housing up towards the forks to take out the slack, then re-snug the bolts. Then, adjust the center with the shifting rods. You might take out the tube and inspect the parts. Clean them and where the metal is worn away, weld in new metal, and file it down so your slots are good again for the pin that goes into the slots or weld new metal on the pin. I have done it, so know. If you want to speed shift later, you can adjust your second/ third position a little higher. This way, when you slam into 2nd, it goes right in do to the offset. Good luck from one Nomad owner to another.

[@327JohnnySS]

I had the same problem with a 76 chevy half ton. Drove me nuts yet it would lock up and not move. Had to pop the hood and pry the linkage. Got rid of it after it happened in the middle of a intersection. LoL

[@christopherarmbruster6241]

I would try 2 keep that steringwheel it has the look...2 inch porterwalls n some fans eyes full hubcaps....your lucky them windows work good..not a easy fix I bet..

[@tmackinator]

Three on the column really needs to stay. That makes this car.

[@MRobichaud99]

Dan, I swear yesterday I was just 32 years old, but somehow, someway, I woke up this morning, looked in the mirror, and I saw my graying hair , wrinkles and I'm turning 56 this year. Hotrodding keeps us older folk alive! Thanks for sharing this ride with us Dan and Dani!

[@bigbow62]

Well said youngster ( I have a few years on you ) Hotrodding is in our soul... I basically grew up at a speed shop and a drag___strip 😁👍

[@MikeAnderson-uj3oo]

I hear ya brother. I'm 55 this year. What the hell happened ? I look at my kids who are 32 and 29 and think " wasn't I just that age not long ago?" Now I'm at the age when I want to ride my motorcycle but the arthritis in my hands is stopping me. Getting old is just bullshit.

[@marekkonarzewski4543]

Your dad is like a Haynes Manuel - all the info is there it just takes a while to access it - he’s great! Car is awesome and you two cruising and chatting is pretty cool too!

[@mikemullay5622]

A three on the tree is easy to drive when everything is working right. I had a whole series of trucks with three on the tree back in my youth.

[@erichuff2538]

I'm glad you're keeping it, too. .. it's a cool ride. 😎

[@ralphhayward5693]

Thus it goes. A wholesome video. Dan deferring to his dad, then just enjoying himself in his new (to him) car with Dannie. All the best. God bless 🇨🇦

[@Johnsmusic416]

I had the exact same problem on a 1974 Duster 225 - 3 on the tree and while I was shifting from 1st to 2nd it jammed in the neutral position but stuck in 1st gear. We wiggled the shaft under the hood and finally got it out of gear, I grease the crap out of it and was always careful when shifting, and made sure to pull towards me up to neutral when shifting out of 1st before pushing out to go into 2nd.

[@daniellaris3772]

The perfect cruiser.

[@ThomasThomas-wn3km]

That transmission whine takes me back to life when I was young. Here I was thinking that you were putting the steering wheel crooked on purpose.

[@stewblair6190]

at the bottom of the steering shaft where the shift levers are there is a locating hole for the 2 shift levers put a pin or phillips screwdriver in hole to hold levers in neutral, pop shift rods off, make sure transmission is in neutral, then adjust length of rods so they fit in shifter arms with no pressure, that is how to adjust shift lever timing

[@user-ds9xf8oc9k]

Thanks for the ride along on the cruise we looked cool Mike

[@stuartphillips430]

It's all in the wrist action dan. Cheers

[@wizardind3203]

Dad's not acting his age he's giving answer as a young man man

[@DDSpeedShop]

Hes pretty immature

[@That_AMC_Guy]

@@DDSpeedShop Count your blessings, man. The alternative is no fun.

[@user-kn7zz9cs7o]

Got my 57 Nomad in 1975 and still have it. Really enjoyed your cruise. That was nice!

[@Jdwescott]

I see Dan checking out the black Camaro and can almost hear him thinking,I'll go home and get my other Nomad and it's on buddy.

[@GWBergen61]

Dude, if I’m cruising a ‘55 Nomad I’m never taking my sunglasses off. 😎😂

[@d.pierce.6820]

When I was a kid, I had a '61 Chevy Biscayne. The column shifter would jam up now and then, so I kept a big screwdriver in the car, so I could jump out and un-jam it wherever I was.

[@rickster4455]

You can make an 18 inch wooden club with a screw or nail sticking out of the side. If your levers get stuck you can pull or push them without getting burned.

[@terrymott8581]

Nice to see you out and about enjoying cruising instead of wrenching.

[@allan010101]

I am so jealous. I learned to drive in a 63 AMC Rambler station wagon with three on the tree and overdrive. The overdrive was a pull out tab under the dah toward the passenger side. I never figured out the overdrive but I was getting around 30mph with a straight six with a two barrel. I wish I could find another. Don’t take the shifter and make it a stick. You need a cruiser for date night with Danniel. She deserves a nice night out.

[@richardchretien7412]

Growing up we had to stop the car and realign the rods. Then off we go until the next time.

[@jimmartin2248]

My brother and I had a 1965 economyline. That used to stick between first and second. He would pull over stop get underneath the Van. And adjust it and away we went.

[@zooki4x4.]

The bottom of that tube, in your column, has a square key sticking out from the side of the tube. When the levers line up in the right neutral position the key slides up and down between them. R-1 and 2-3. If the slot is off line the key butts against the leaver instead of sliding between them to the other leaver. PS- I know this is way late to tell you. lol

[@bradmckell6482]

Just good to see you guys relaxing on a cruise

[@keithmacdonald5848]

The old column shifters all did that, get the slop out of your linkages, shim them up if you have to,,,

[@tc7584]

Just started watching after you and Derek did a talk at his home. Really enjoy your content and you and the wife seem to have fun. Cheers from down south in USA.

[@bigbow62]

Thank you for the late afternoon cruise in the NewMaDD ____🚙____🚓____ Dani and Dan you 2 are the best✌️🙂

[@nicolasstanley1392]

I’m convinced your princess auto is a magical wonderland compared to the poverty shop that is our harbor freight. Please do a walk through!

[@sleepervega71hill28]

Oh? Hello'. D's Nutts!(You two). Hopefully this day was good 😊

[@garryley4353]

That car is so cool. I had a 63 Chevy truck in high school that had that exact shifter problem. I didn’t fix it lol

[@jimforeman7892]

I replaced the plastic bushings at the column where the steel rods that go down to the transmission connect, my 62 Chevy, my 64 Chevy truck all three speed column shifts.

[@richardchretien7412]

I grew up with these cars. The early Chevys had this problem. My quick remedy was to install a floor shift. You may want to check the bushings.

[@cheesynuts4291]

Always feels great when somebody gives you a big thumbs up and a smile when driving your classic you’ve busted yer ass restoring.

[@treetop.garage]

The newmadd is ready for power tour

[@orionfixr7713]

Glad the "New Mad" is working for ya'. I saw Dani's Nova in the back round of a Newburg video while taking a break ( smoke ) from your vid. Happy motoring !!

[@jeffp5673]

Nice drive. Back in my day my 3 on tree used to cross up going to 2nd gear a lot.

[@valleywoodstudio7345]

I drove a 1965 Humber Hawk from 1986-2011 (was sadly stolen!) with 4 speed column change with overdrive. I have to say its a wonderful control layout when you get used to it - everything at your fingertips. Hope you keep it stock.

[@user-gg5me2sj1b]

That extra pedal,will keep the steering wheel holders away. Those rattles are soothing.

[@richardgeer1931]

Nothing like driving the strip on a Saturday night in your hot rod

[@raimoe4512]

She's a loyal ride. You drive it like a boss.

[@gregorygibson5455]

Hello Dan and Dannie

[@deanrayne7302]

Love your quotes "Don't need a generator light , I will know if it doesn't start". Don't need a water temp gauge because we will know it is hot if it yacks it's guts

[@Marcel-fm2ng]

In the mid 60s that was common there is a shift tube down the column it’s worn out by the leavers

[@jimschneider5193]

Just recently my 49 Merc was getting stuck between 2nd and 3rd because the bushings were shot. So after years of wear and tear ... I put a Tremec 5 speed in with a Speedway kit and it's incredible how great of and experience it is driving it now!

[@kalinagoedge2777]

Glad you have figured it out.

[@user-cg1ki9gt4p]

i think you should make a small dirt oval track. that was my father's guilty pleasure. he loved to watch old cars go around and around. old car six cylinder class.

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

blue dots ftw.........they look so classic loved seeing other hot rods out and about

[@Westcoastride]

Back in the day most female drivers could drive a 3spd column shift or as they were only ever referred to as “standard”. All had forgiving clutches for smooth shifts with fairly light clutch pedals with engagement at the half up release point. They were all driven with the same gentle shifting as you were demonstrating. Many drivers never even downshifted prior to stops or turns but would shift into 2nd as they started their turn. Lots with manual steering had a turning knob added attached to the wheel. These often had pictures on the face. Some referred to them as sex knobs due to the swim suit picture showing. The knobs helped facilitate allowing the left arm out the window of the “ look how cool I am” driver grabbing the roof drip rail with his pack of smokes tucked under his sleeve.

[@327JohnnySS]

We would call them suicide knobs in the states because of sometimes they broke off during a hard turn. I agree that three on the tree is easier to drive than a floor shifter for a cruiser. Less coffee spilt on that morning drive. LoL

[@rosehall5520]

Don’t ever change! Love the videos. Tony - a 66 yo old Oregon logger who resides now in Texas.

[@327JohnnySS]

Welcome to the Lone ⭐ state neighbor.

[@richardsmith-qy6vl]

I love all the chrome garnish moldings on the inside. The nomad and so glad you are keeping it that is a once in a life time deal to end up with a car that nice and it being a 55 nomad is even better I know I fell in love with Don's 56 nomad that's also a really nice nomad. Great video dan and dani hope to see yall tomorrow.

[@jeffstephens7958]

That car is sweet lm glad you got it back on the road we're it belongs

[@richyoung7927]

Keep it as is!!!

[@kevinl.2291]

Such a great car Dan. I agree new column, automatic transmission, and power steering and this car would be mint. I’m glad your keeping this one. 👍😎✌️

[@johns9993]

Just Love that car !!!!!!!

[@Leo-vf3py]

Great show keep up the amazing work be safe my friends God bless all

[@russjones45]

Dani and Dan good fun guys

[@varnerm]

Definitely a win! It's been a lot of years since I cruised. Nice to see it hasn't changed much.

[@drbnewberry]

This channel needs more of Danni's Nova content!

[@kenlamb502]

I rebuilt many of those GM 3 speeds on the column. You DONT HAVE TO REMOVE THE COLUMN. You need to adjust the rods like a floor shifter. Replace the bushings all 4 of them and then adjust the rods if needed.

[@russellfuchs7903]

Back to what I said before with the jiggle wiggle flick into second. Keep the three on the tree. Had a 69 Biscayne in highschool and I loved shifting up and down no clutching. Even down to first, tricky.

[@kevinwright1551]

Your dream Nomad is running awesome as ever. Keep up the great work.

[@troyadams1076]

Mur great to the channel 👏

[@scotty3478]

My first truck was a 79 Chev with a 3 on the tree, I put about 150km on it, best part is no one ever asked to borrow it.

[@bensymington5550]

Gotta rewatch these videos that’s a beautiful don’t nomad. Love your videos.❤

[@darrenbridge7159]

Nostalgia man, three on the tree brings back memories. My first car was a ten year old HD Holden, basically an Australian Chevy. Straight six 149 with three on the tree. It did not like going into second until it was warm. Best thing about old column shift on a right hand drive ( our pedal set up is the same as yours ) is slouching back and throwing your left leg over the transmission tunnel to get comfy on a long drive.

[@Ohmy1956]

Make sure the bushings are in good shape. Set the trans in neutral then use an Allen key at the column levers (there’s a hole in both) then tighten the rods. Piece of cake

[@shartne]

It always fun cruise a Hot Rod down the Main Drag. You will have to have the clutch plate resurfaced. Or just get a new one. That dash is pretty nice. Its so shinny. You have to dump the break dust out of the drums to stop the squeaking. I for one love a ride along in a hot rod. Even it its just cruisin.

[@wingingittracy8508]

Their is a collar on the end of the column just passed the two shifter lugs loosen the two bolts then you can move it up and down to remove the slop

[@user-cf6bm4kx7q]

Paul from Fab Rats just now took his out of his 55’. He will probably give you his. ❤ the channel.

[@dthanson56621]

Problem we had with shifter acting this way,was the 2 plates that bolt to transmission,that your rods connect to,get sloppy,or loosen up on side of shifter,we used to tack weld the plate so it stayed tight!

[@mikemullay5622]

I have a car buddy with a two tone orange and white '56 Nomad. He drives the heck out of it, and is at all the cruise in's in the area.

[@JakeWeddle-zo4xv]

What a sweet ride! Thanks for the tour of the city lol. Love the channel Dan!

[@johnkelly6942]

The ‘55 project I recently traded for still had its 3 speed manual steering column in place but no motor/trans. After watching this I’m glad I just had a Power Glide rebuilt to use.

[@ANOCKS]

Dan I can't believe you haven't found that rattle yet, he would be driving me crazy.

[@fredflint1797]

I had to deal with that on my '56 Belair in high school. Had to jiggle in neutral every time passing from 1st to 2nd or back to 1st. It's all about the jiggle, man!

[@DDSpeedShop]

Just jiggle it haha

[@armondoborjas4362]

Well Dan. Floor shifter 👍🏻 pressure plate resurfaced 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😎

[@pghguy7320]

Back in the day, sitting still, we would always put it in second before pulling down to first. Would save a lot of grinding.

[@1944chevytruck]

ya been there done that!

[@stealthbuilder]

Cruise day looks fun.

[@TrendsbySterling]

Put the 700R in it Dan! Make her happy!

[@sleepervega71hill28]

Yeah my timeline of crusing was dampened by an ambulance coming through with my/your family. I'm not blocking!!!!

[@michaelyarmie4858]

Haven't had a cigarette for over 8 months. After 45 years of hardcore smoking. Nice wagon.

[@abeld.4008]

Dan here ….. Realizing you’re old by driving a nice ‘55 speedshop!

[@matthewschneider2089]

Dude!!! Good times!!! Cruising 82nd!!! And hanging out at Burger King!!! Loved the 80's✌️

[@michaelking3542]

There is a collar with one bolt that has a diagonal slot at the bottom of the column. When you adjust it's either moves the arms closer or looser......😎😎

[@zoomzoom4019]

Just tighten the doohickey over by the thingamabob which slides onto the whatchamacallit.

[@DDSpeedShop]

Right! I'll do that next

[@wrongwayroger2519]

😅😅😅

[@thomasparker5208]

Here for the nomad.

[@user-eh6og9lo9t]

It`s the start of a beautiful relationship !!! Very Schweet Cruising Nomad !!! So, Pink Belair Time !!! LOL Rave-On Danni and Dan !!!

[@DDSpeedShop]

Haha we got a few projects to finish before pinky comes home.

[@wrongwayroger2519]

​@@DDSpeedShop And a Kool 55 Pontiac to go into the Tri-5 Collection ???

[@user-eh6og9lo9t]

Oh, yes. The 71 Nova and hopefully the Model A too !!!@@DDSpeedShop

[@user-eh6og9lo9t]

@@wrongwayroger2519 Yes !!! The 55 Pontiac Indeed !!!

[@troyt.8044]

That three on a tree can be a handful. I glad to see you got a handle on it. Good job

[@brianquilty687]

When I was a young buck I was driving a 1965 chev pick-up with the 3 on the tree and the same thing would happen once and a while. Have someone push the clutch in, pull both rods up and bingo, all was good. I also never put the tranny into first gear unless I was at a dead stop. I owned three 57's in my time in the 1970's. Never owned a Nomad but think they are the best looking.

[@rickkarenb8113]

Dan you need a washer where you showed the end play at the steering shift lever and rod to the transmission. I had the same issue many years ago and the washer solved the problem. Hope it works for you. Probably replacing the bushing is the correct repair, but the washer works without taking everything apart. Good Luck Rick

[@kevinshiley9061]

Cool ride, it really turned out great!!

[@kennethsonier1766]

Good morning from Cape Cod ⛵ gentle gentle, is what you're always saying, and now you figured that's how you should shift 😉 some new bushings and the three on the tree should be cool 😎 it was cool tooling around with you guys on the strip. Keep up the good work, and most importantly just have fun ✌️🇺🇲

[@Robert-ni6ut]

Nomad is croozen good Dan keep up the great work 👍

[@user-ei5py3jr9l]

The regulator is now inside the alternator. You could run a wire to the old regulator with a diode to tell it you're making voltage assuming the circuit to the dash is still intact.

[@bobzelijah]

Changing a 3 on the tree gearshift especially column change can’t be manually guide into gear just shift the stick into position you’ll feel it click into the neutral position then shift it easily into 2nd gear from first. If manually guided into gear the selector will jam up. Move the shifter in one smooth motion let it naturally fall into neutral then ease it into 2nd. I have an old English 58 Ford Mark 2 Zephyr 3 on the tree. When I let my son drive the car for the first time he tried the guide shift technique it wouldn’t go into gear so I taught him how to shift the old girls gears old styles he was amazed how easy it went from first into 2nd to 3rd.

[@smock7048]

Beautiful car man, love the blue on it. Damn good show 2