" The Worst 1955 Chevy Nomad" How many more can I buy like this!

[@sethcooper3606]

I was driving alongside the car when the roof flew off in transit. I was taking photos of it when it happened. I posted them in the fb group Tri-Five Chevy Nomads.

[@hubiesgarage]

Don, I don't know how these cars find you! I think the words that mean a death sentence for a classic car are, "I'm gonna restore it someday!" This one looks like a real original one that met that fate! I can't imagine someone used the roof as a donor unless it was long, long ago! I really appreciate seeing the cowl tag too because that really tells a good part of the story. I have never seen a Harvest Gold Nomad and that trim code took a bit of searching to find the color and pattern. It looks like a lot of great, salvagable trim parts though! At least this one isn't collapsed on the frame. We have a '55 out here for $10k where the roof and tailgate is just starting to show cancer, Newt says he can patch a Nomad roof with cancer but, big, big bucks to spend to get to a rust free Nomad! I keep thinking I may end up with one someday but, I know a roof with cancer is a tough sell for me. Looking forward to seeing what you do with this one! Take care and have a great weekend!

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Hey Jeff! Yeah this had to be Gorgeous 55 nomad when was new. I looked up the production date for the Norwood plant and the car was built on 4/20/55! Rusty roofs on a nomad can be deceiving, rust goes deeper the just the outside. Later Buddy 👍

[@debbiebermudez5890]

Mr. B. Here ! 🍩☕️👀😎👍. Am not a Chevy guy , but these wagons also the Pontiac wagons were so beautiful ! I’ll be 72 this year I have my own vehicles I have saved, not pretty but they run ! To any one out there help save our history ! Vehicles are being crushed at rate un-seen used OEM parts are disappearing so fast ! Sometimes you need to look at item just make it run , the support is their ! Good luck Don , that wagon needs a lot a lot of love . 👀😎👍

[@chevybeaglenox2402]

Thanks for sharing this video. Even though the car can’t be saved it’s neat to see you what your find.

[@robbieautrey3158]

I'm with you Big Don, IDK how in the world somebody could have let a NOMAD get to a point like this!!!! Kudos to you for saving it and i'm sure somebody can use parts off of it..

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Hey Robbie! Yeah it's a shame to see one in this shape! It's still has alot of good stainless on it. It'll take some time to get it all removed! Later Buddy 👍

[@stoneyswolf]

It's a miracle it sat that long and didn't get crushed in it's condition. It does have a lot of parts which is amazing because it wasn't stripped. The doors are nomad only so if they can be saved somebody will find value in those. The fenders don't look terrible either. The tailgate may even be salvageable. The bench seat if the frame isn't all rotted won't be difficult to get rid of either.

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

The guy had alot of Tri5s in his yard! He would not sell any parts of them!

[@richardbertovich6134]

Dan at DD Speed shop needs that tailgate handle for his black Nomad. Good find !

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

His new Nomad had a extra push button in the boxes inside. Plus alot of other nomad parts.

[@ponchonick9741]

Hi Don poncho nick here the only reason i bought my 65 bonneville convertible was to save it from the crusher i brought it home and asked myself why its in us we can’t help it my wife thinks im nuts but my daughter is like me merry Christmas to you and your family and a happy new year with health and happiness

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Merry Christmas

[@spamanator666]

Sad but at least it will help a lot of other Nomads live on with the hard to get trim parts!

[@tomlappin9657]

Don,...sad sad sad ...to see one in this shape...but its worth the parts it still has...mite be to much to save..but the parts can save another...great you were able to save it...Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and you're family...from Michigan / T

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Merry Christmas

[@daveoverholt8540]

I always enjoy your videos Don and thanks for sharing no matter the condition.

[@CountryBoyGasGarage]

Another One! 👍 I've never seen a headline out live the actual roof...lol! Take Care Don!

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Yeah it's a first to me to. Later Buddy 👍

[@pennypincher6730]

Apparently a fellow traveler who snapped some pictures of the roof taking flight posted on tri five nomad group on facebook

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

If only the fellow traveler would hit their horn instead of the camera I would have known something was going to happen! By the time I realized what happened I went back to look for the roofskin and it was nowhere Insight! I would have never thought the roof would fly off. Whoever seen it never let me know. I found out when I stopped to get fuel.

[@paulhare662]

I once made an entire 57 convertible floor out of chicken wire and fiberglass. I would think that a wagon roof would not be much more difficult. You even have headliner bows to help form it up.

[@JazzStrat781]

Great video Don 🎅 hope you and yours have a Merry Christmas

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Merry Christmas!

[@kevinl.2291]

Half gallon of bondo, gallon of paint ready to go. 😂. Lots of good parts in the trim Don. I would salvage everything off it. Good video. 👍😎✌️

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Yup Puddy and Paint make it something it ain't.

[@alkennedy1124]

I would love parts for a 55 Chevy, like these , and I would love a front clip that way, thatwould be my favorite rat55 car, thanks BigAl California merry Christmas thanks BigAl California

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Merry Christmas Big Al

[@leegathers6845]

That had to have been bad when he took it in 30 years back. Joy of living in Ohio/Pa. Good stainless. Maybe save the tailgate? You keep the surprises coming. LOL!

[@bigjobford1956]

Hi Big Don,you still have some parts and that’s always good even if they’re few,if it’s got a title someone might need that to put one back on the road and buy the remains,either way a save is a save 👊🏻

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Hey Big Job Ford. It sure does have some good parts still

[@Westcoastride]

Just as DD Speed Dan what those reveal mldgs and rear side window bits are going for on “Scare Bay”. Somebody needs them.

[@TrendsbySterling]

Wow Don, your a Nomad magnet. I haven't been able to find any in my area. That one is rough to say the least. Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas.

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

There still out there. Good solid ones are stupid money

[@giveblood8467]

Nomad stainless outside and inside is all there. that is a BINGO

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

It's very ruff but has some great parts still!

[@1Also]

0:06 Strrrreeeeeeeeetch it out 7:06 overnight? It’s 30 years 7:35 Send me that Steering Wheel 15:19 I bet your wife could clean up and come up with a really cool and smart use for that Blue Waffle material and turn it into a channel logo, or some small keepsake to sell to and support the projects. p.s. Congrats buddy

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Yeah 30 years is a long time but I believe it takes longer to do this type of damage! If you want that steering I'll send it to you after the holidays. Later Buddy 👍

[@michaeledge8905]

DD Speedshop in Canada maybe. He has two Nomads

[@bwsgarage]

Wow, that car is crusty! A few really good parts though. I was gonna ask if the doors could be skined, but you did say no good metal lol. Save what ya can before sending it to the scrap yard. Shame someone let it get to this poiny.

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Yeah BW this sucker is super duper ruff! I'll just let me brain rest and figure out what the next plain is. Later Buddy👍

[@robbycard4293]

HowDoDon,I wrote you a comment earlier til my phone went DOA on me this morning.That 4dr looks quite cherry my friend, definitely a keeper.I'm am very lost for words on that nomad.That poor thing looks like it's been neglected for at least over 40 + 50 years OMG.😢 It probably can be saved,as long as the inner frame and shell is salvageable. Unless you're in to customs,I give you "The Convertomad".Don keep doing what you do best my friend,you have a lot of heart ❤.R.C.

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Thanks Buddy

[@robbycard4293]

Anytime Don.👍✌️

[@ralphthompson6791]

Use the frame under the 4door for the nomad love the show.

[@monadking2761]

You're right it has the knuckle buster and still love them. Don.

[@TheToolmanTim]

Dan over at DD Speedshop built a 55 Nomad that started out almost as rough as yours. Not only that, but he proceeded to take it on Power Tour.

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Dan's Nomad was good in all the right spots! It need general sheet metal but roof structure was rust free and had good Vin and paper work.

[@bobshope9035]

Awesome video Don and thanks for sharing! So good to see and you did good on delayed presentation of the car!

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

I guess I was gathering my brain before I started. Lol

[@geraldrichards6218]

You still got a lot of good parts,especially rare is the outside stick shifter😀

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

The stick shifter could be the best ever👍

[@OutBoardTink62]

Its really something and sad too on how bad cars get from the elements plus neglect. Man that car was a real beauty back in its day. How can a car get so bad its really a killer.The outboards go thru the same fate most times its neglect and people just let them go in many cases. Looks like you sold the 55 white sedan havent seen it in awhile last time the front clip was gone, LOLL! Anyhoo.. Happy Holidays Don!

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Yes it's a shame how this car ended up! The white sedan is down in Florida! A buddy reached out that wanted a 55 forever and I sold it to him! He has all new floors and rockers and now working on the trunk floor. I didn't want the car setting around for years waiting on me to get to it. My buddy is so happy to have the car.

[@OutBoardTink62]

Hey Don thats great maybe we could see a video on it now and then or pics. At least down in Florida it wont see rust from salt on the roads ,LOLLL @@donshotrodgarage1717

[@leebongirno9670]

Lots of cool parts left on it.

[@MrMktMaster]

Hey Don, it looks like someone took the outer roof to graft on to another car and left the outer supports.

[@soldtobediers]

2:28 As Tom Waits said... You can drive out nature with a pitch fork But it always comes roaring back again

[@DanDoge-wp7uj]

Looks like it's been under a tarp by water. I like the convertible option.. It needs to go down to Rat Rod Bob. Did you keep the roof off the last one you parted.. but I like the convertible option.. Nice find. Good luck.

[@CAROLDDISCOVER-2025]

Crown Vic skyliner meets 55 Chevy nomad. Think about it customization is the product of necessity. There is a Pontiac Buick version of this car and it looks pretty good what's there including the roof. Use this to build that or vice versa. 55 Chevy nomad becomes a 1955 El Camino. Rusty zipper up there at DD speed was building one of these and he may still need parts. I used to subscribe to him. If nothing else he probably knows somebody and depending on what you gave for this car, you have a wealth of parts. Just a few ideas. But if you want to build a 1955 no man you have to start out with one and that's kind of where you are at. Thanks for sharing

[@BillBynum-n9y]

Big Don, another great video! Too bad it’s in such terrible shape, but still lots of salvageable parts there! You can take it apart in your “spare time”. You’ve got a lot of projects going already! Good luck to you!

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

I'll make good use out of the parts.

[@ronaldolweiler7745]

Hey look at the one Dan from DD speed shop fixed .it may not be perfect but he's driving it !

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Dan's 55 nomad turned out great. It's just like they built them years ago!

[@waygonner]

Oof! That looks like one I would build. Heartbreaking seeing the top delete option.

[@edwardberwind8544]

Don, I'm thinking a few dents hammered out and some light sanding maybe a dusting of clear coat and you should be good to go. As you know Harvest Gold with a green and ivory interior is a homerun.

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Hey Edward! It's a shame this car got to the point. Harvest gold is a stunning color on a 55 Chevy! Later Buddy 👍

[@stomper2582]

I think that one’s a little rougher than Dan’s at D&D speed shop’s first Nomad. Good thing you have a couple more for parts to rebuild this one😅too bad it didn’t have the front fender and headlight wrap around trim. I understand that’s some expensive trim. Good find Don. 👍

[@spamanator666]

DD first Nomad? I remember that one. Have not watched him in a while, he has more now?

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Yeah this one is way ruffer than Dan's og nomad! The front fender trim is expensive but worth the money

[@stomper2582]

@@spamanator666 yep, he found a nice one , comparatively. He’s been working on it off and on.

[@gregpiecuch3802]

Don I bet that Nomad been off the road since at least the70s, because it has bias ply tires.

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

It sure it possible!

[@markbuechs9011]

glad to see another saved from the crusher the roof is the main thing you need to make a nomad ps double d sure needs the upper lift gate too bad it cost too much to ship some day ill tell you about the 2 mads that got away

[@RobertPerrigoOkiechopper]

A little crusty, but, some possibilities, kinda depends on what you have in it right now.

[@braydensdeals]

Is that DD speed shop? Haha He needs that!!

[@Dark_LoreVT]

Thought Dan from DD Speed Shop found the worst 55 Nomad. This one makes theirs look minty! Holy crow!

[@DesertRatFabrication]

Hey Big Don, how in the world did you find that ultra rare topless Nomad with the tree option, I’m starting to think you can smell them out no matter where they are hiding, lol, as rough as it is there’s some good parts on her, I was thinking the same thing you said, how do you ever let a car like this get like this my word I want to cry, but even in its state it’s still beautiful, now the black 55 isn’t looking so bad😀, happy Holidays Big D

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Hey Mike! I was pulling the seats out today and found a Ohio 1973 license plate, seems accurate! Merry Christmas

[@DesertRatFabrication]

@@donshotrodgarage1717 👍😀

[@tonygrenstiner4088]

Hey Don, it is so sad that people let these car get to this point. I have as big of a love for the Nomads just never got the chance to own one. Unlike you my favorite is the 56, I will say when I was in high school I found a 56 but my father wouldn't let me buy it so never got the chance to find and buy one, like I said it is so sad it makes you want to cry. It's great you found and saved the car to maybe help someone that needs parts to build the one they have. Thanks for saving another one buddy, nobody can say you don't try. Later Tony Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Merry Christmas! It's a shame you pops wouldn't let you get that 56 Nomad

[@jeep4752]

So sad that so many of these got wasted. But some must die for the others to carry on...

[@paulelarson1912]

Good for you save as many as you can, nomads are cool

[@woodrowdelozier1]

Dan at DD Speed Shop might be interested in that knuckle buster tailgate release. If I remember right his black 55 Nomad didn't have one

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

His new Nomad come with a push button for the tailgate in the boxes inside

[@woodrowdelozier1]

@donshotrodgarage1717 I didn't remember seeing that when he went through all the things that was packed inside the new one

[@deanstevenson7517]

Good panel gaps

[@leebongirno9670]

I thought pot metal stayed nice back there. I found some really nice pot metal pieces at a couple Missouri salvage yards before. Are you a long way from south west Missouri? I’ve spent all my life in the L A area. Pot metal pieces pit there bad also.

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Pot Metal Pits bad around here if left outside.

[@EngTecher]

I am a sitting down...no charge eh! where's the steering wheel? side tilt hood? Last weekend, I saw a Nomad at a shop my brother in law is having some work done on his 1958 Impala. I will show you later in a video I am going to do...nah you are doing good buying another Nomad...

[@randyham6172]

Like you said, how could anyone let it get like that, such a shame.

[@kdsboosted4954]

Sh*t no worries i have a 210 roof we could slap right on with some drywall screws lol. I just found a 55 nomad not too far from me supposedly been sitting since the 90's too. Its pulled apart and sitting in primer

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

You should buy the Nomad if you can

[@kdsboosted4954]

@donshotrodgarage1717 I have 30 ish vehicles just got access to the old man's collection too. He has 80 ish so I have over 100 cars to try and get through. If it's something you feel you need I can help get you in touch.

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

@kdsboosted4954 I'm in ohio how far away is the car

[@kdsboosted4954]

@donshotrodgarage1717 Washington state but my little clique buys & sells nationwide so we may even be able to help with transportation.

[@donbearden1953]

Don, you might call this one a project car! lol. I hope you find someone that brings it back to life!

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

No hope for this one Man! Did your family take the deal on the 57s?

[@chucktripp5722]

D&D that's a good one for ya

[@robertahrens9481]

That's what they end up looking like if u leave them sit outside in Florida. Mine never ever sits outside.

[@mikes55chevygarage86]

Beautiful car Don. Nothing a little money and time won’t fix.

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Hey Mike! This one is mega ruff to say the least!

[@Jesse_gc]

Looks like DD speed shop needs to get a hold of you

[@brianfalls5038]

Oh Don!!! Maaa-aaaan!!!! That is the kind of thing that will make us car lovers just cry. That was once a beautiful wagon and now about the only thing it is good for is a parts car. Wow.

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

It's a shame what happened to this car

[@brianfalls5038]

@@donshotrodgarage1717 I agree completely sir. It really is.

[@alainbourdages7911]

Give DD speed shop a shout…

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

I know Dan, I've sent him parts for both his nomads!

[@GavinDesjarlais-c6t]

Would have been good parts for that other ruff one you had a few months back I know for sure the back gates are way better and has all the trim you was missing

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Yeah I put all the trim and parts on that one a year ago and no one wanted to take it on. When there real ruff there better for parts

[@henryjewell3900]

The rare retractable roof 55 Nomad .

[@lloydh4251]

Could use a driver side slider latch,that one looks bad though :(

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

They sell new latches pretty cheap.

[@jefferythomas2718]

Can't save them all but save what you can.Lot of nice crome and glass.

[@My2ndtimearound]

A candidate for an ElCamnomad conversion or yard art.

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

I wish I had alot of land I would roll it into the woods!

[@bobbyhamilton2537]

If you have a donor frame I could see someone try a el camino conversion

[@brianhaw9398]

Will the trim fit a pontiac safari of same year? I saw a listing for a '55 Safari,in decent shape but missing a lot of parts.

[@impalachris7261]

Man I never see Nomads around in any conditions or I would buy them to.

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Yeah man these been setting for years. Took a while to get the guy to sell them. Happy New Year

[@edalaniz6431]

If they could only talk, Don- Lol....

[@jasonrackawack9369]

Vaccum form a clear plexiglass roof panel for it😉👍

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

That would be amazing

[@woodrowdelozier1]

It's a shame to see it at the point its at

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Sure is Buddy! It had to be a sharp car

[@monadking2761]

Wow, how do you find them? I'm looking for the upper tailgate hinges and need all the window trim. Just let me know what you want. You know me, have a Merry Christmas.

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Merry Christmas Harvey! I have some window trim off another car and I'll see about the lift gate hinges once I get it open. Later Buddy 👍

[@tonyscherer8281]

One more time, honey let me take you out to dinner.

[@knoxmotorsports]

I'm going to restore it someday so it's not for sale

[@raygee1138]

Hey Don, I love your channel and like you, I also own one of the world's ugliest 55 Nomads. Mine has been in the family circle since 1972 and I'm dying to make it into a Gasser. I need some of the back glass, are you parting this new car out, and if so, how can I contact you about buying parts. Ray

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Thanks Man! What glass are you looking for? My homepage has my email address.

[@jayinmi3706]

Good thing you found it before Dan. lol

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Dan would need a brain scan if he wanted to fix this one.

[@smtri5garage376]

Wow. At least it can give up some good parts to save another

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Yeah it has some good parts still. Going to take some time to get them off. .most the Phillips heads are rusted away. Lol Later Buddy

[@armondoborjas4362]

Hello Don Happy Holidays 🎄🎅 lm thinking someone wants that Nomad project as bad as it looks 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😎

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Well that would be someone wanting a nomad really bad.

[@armondoborjas4362]

Hi Don. Yeah not a problem. Not enough of those around anymore.🤷🏽‍♂️ Happy Holidays you & the family 🎄⛄🎅👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😎

[@GeeenJ]

special model came with a moon roof lol

[@howardhall67]

Lots of high dollar trim on that one

[@bigblockkings1031]

These Nomads just seem to call your name Don 😢

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Hey Gorni! Yeah they sure do

[@kdog7617]

It’s a Nomad Don it salvageable a lot to deal with

[@Roger-hq1yt]

Would a sedan delivery roof be similar enough to use for repairs?

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Nomad roofs are specific in every way to a nomad. I'm surprised no one has ever reproduced them.

[@pb5778]

Thanks for sharing

[@Mark-nh4py]

Dan has the FACTORY Power Brakes that he Wont be using! Find A SAFARI for A DONOR Body.

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Dan's Nomad is sweet!

[@RhinosRestomods]

Wow! Not sure what else to say…….😮

[@debbiebermudez5890]

Mr. B. Here ! 👀😎👍. Your should check out Nomads RUS , Marion Virginia , (. Rusty G , this guy has roof & may parts ) if you can ; make it a driver only brakes , engine , trans oh the roof and call it a day for now ! Good luck 👀😎👍👍

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Hey Mr. B! Yes I know Randy in Virginia with Nomadsrus! He has alot of them and does awesome builds. Later Buddy

[@debbiebermudez5890]

Mr. B. Here ! 👀😎👍👍👍 good luck

[@ShirleyTemple-qn2oi]

The trim is in great shape

[@jjsonsspeedshop4962]

Hey Don, What a shame, but it still has some good parts on it.

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Hey Buddy! Yeah it's got a few good parts left

[@sallystokes1277]

Don, My bet No way you will part out a 5-5 nomad! If so how much for the steering col. shipped to NY 12471!

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

It's going to get parted out. Way to ruff to consider fixing. $100 plus the trip for the column.

[@sallystokes1277]

Ok Don as long as the trip is not crazy! I still say no way you will!@@donshotrodgarage1717

[@sallystokes1277]

Thanks buddy I'll take it when you pull it!@@donshotrodgarage1717

[@dionrau5580]

Super rare 55 Nomad Woody Rag top!!! WOW 👀🤣😂😅👍🏁

[@gregsly1247]

She's a tad ruff😁

[@jamesdean2513]

Hey Dan , I though had a rusty one. By any chance is the tailgate any good , Don,t need the trim? Thanks James Dean

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Hey James! The tailgate is rusted out on the bottom. Most all the sheetmetal is shot on the car! Later

[@henryescat1104]

That's so cool! Just needs a little love.

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

It's cool Henry. But it needs way more than I little love. Later 👍

[@danNat978]

That car still has alot of nice parts that are getting harder to find like to know what you paid

[@johns9993]

It's a shame that these cars get left to rot and when it too late let some one else have them ! ☹😭😡