What Is A Chevy Nomad? - And Why You DON'T Want One

Today we are going to clear up a few things about 1955-57 Chevy Nomads. I think a lot of people assume a "Nomad" is simply a 2 door station wagon. While that is correct in a sense there is a little more to it than that. Stayed tuned, and by the end of the video all your questions will be answered.
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[@DDSpeedShop]

Do I have a brake light out?

[@frankfurther3828]

right side out

[@stannelson2582]

Lol but don’t real Canadian s leave their stuff outside! What are thinking babying those things. They been outside like for ever. Lol.

[@michelswerissen6544]

Don't worry you have a spare.

[@terrymoore9185]

After all that I still want one! Thanks for doing that! If you ever sell anything please let me know I'll come get it Thanks!

[@pghgeo816]

I would like to know what kind of drunk peg is... Is he happy laughing and carrying-on type? The crybaby bitch type who whines about all his problems type? the angry guy who is looking to provoke a fight type? or is he the multiple-personality drunk who is all three at any given time?

[@GPOldMarineShop]

Great advice from somebody who really experienced the pitfalls of missing parts on a Nomad first hand very well said..

[@Jimmyjamesgarage]

I did a video about my 56 2 door handyman wagon 150 not being a Nomad. Shocking how many people do not know the differences. They call my wagon a Nomad all the time. The 2 doors throw them off like you said. By the way you’re not an idiot for buying the Nomad I wish my 2 door was a Nomad. Love your channel. Thanks for the great content!!!

[@monadking2761]

I have been pulled over when I'm out cruising, and people at car shows offen tell me they had Nomad but with 4 doors. Dan, I think you forgot to mention that the roof is totally different too. The Nomad roof has 9 ribs where the wagon roof is smooth. It was to duplicate a roof line that was going to slide forward, but it never happened.

[@oldrustycars]

Sidewalk experts explaining how any 2 door wagon is a Nomad

[@torekristoffersen176]

I recently passed on a rusted out 55 Nomad- just the six stainless front fender and door pieces were missing and the price to replace those alone was over $5k! That’s ridiculous. No thanks. I bought a great 55 two door Handyman and absolutely love it-

[@ajaxracing]

I have a 53 Buick and some parts are way over priced a tri5 is a good way to go more parts available too

[@frankburn6312]

That’s what I got. The handyman= poor man’s nomad.

[@DDSpeedShop]

Haha yup. Building back to stock ain't cheap

[@johns9993]

Good break down of the difference of wagons 4door verses 2door verses and Nomads (55,56,57) very surprised that people following you would would not be more knowable about the Tri Fives !

[@mikepoint4717]

Your wealth of knowledge has grown immensely since the OG 55 2 door conversion, which still is my favourite of your collection. Cheers 🇨🇦

[@DDSpeedShop]

Oya. Learning by credit card haha

[@ds440RB]

Good video! It's kind of like how a lot of people think every tri five is a Bel Air, and don't know the differences between a 150 or a 210.

[@DDSpeedShop]

Agreed.

[@lavernengelke8778]

Have you heard of the 210 Del Ray, it came equipped with an all vinyl interior in the 2 door model only.

[@ds440RB]

@@lavernengelke8778 Yes, I have. I forgot to mention Delray.

[@hakeemsd70m]

​@@lavernengelke8778 Question did the Del Rey have any "Del Rey" badges, or was it strictly a trim package for the 210?

[@ramblerdave1339]

​@@hakeemsd70m Trim Package.

[@ranelldodge7519]

I have had my Nomad for 25+ years now. I just took my time and collected the parts that I needed. I knew I had entered the big boys club. This car, but along with every other car you restore is always gonna cost more than you ever imagined. All I can say is; take your time figure out what you want, and don’t let anybody make you feel bad about your choices and try to change your mind. My car is a 1956 Chevy nomad 265 dual quads twin tower heads ram air and an original NOS bat wing air cleaner. It’s going into the shop now to be repainted the original matador red and dune beige. I’ll have two sets of wheels the original with the wire hubcaps, And the stead avoid Wheels. Just remember that if someone’s trying to convince you to go from treadle vac breaks To disk it might be because they’re trying to convince themselves that they made the right decision doing that to their car. Frankly, I’ve never had a problem with the old drum brakes. Just do it once, do it right and just be happy if the car starts!

[@dustinbjorkquist1185]

Green glass looks great!

[@edpoell2876]

Spoken like a proud daddy, but you have to admit you can't help but love it.

[@kevinwills227]

wow they look great together been watching them from frame up really nice to see all the hard work pay off i really enjoy watching thank you

[@eddyholbrook4298]

I'm never disappointed with your videos! Thanks for the great content!

[@DDSpeedShop]

Thanks dude!

[@eddyholbrook4298]

@@DDSpeedShop you're welcome!

[@paulcolterman3087]

Just found your site thanks to Newbern. Nice to see a fellow Canadian saving cars.

[@mikew2256]

So glad you kept the wagon, and they look great together.

[@1967davethewave]

'55 Nomad is one of bucket list cars. Most of my cars are patina cars but if I ever get a Nomad it will be show quality. I think I fell in love with them in the early 1970s playing with my Hot Wheels.

[@roberteast4160]

Great video break down. I was told a hard top door was the exact same door but have to change the door glass.Most people think they have a nomad, when you see it it's just a two door wagon,or sedan delivery. I would suggest parts from double nickel Chevy. Athens, Georgia owner has huge selection of new and used hard to find items.

[@stevenvilardi8626]

Very informative and practical presentation about Nomad vs. The standard wagon. Years ago in the army we had a company clerk from ohio that picked up a 2dr yellow and white primo 6cyl wagon. Of course he had to stick an 8cyl in it.

[@kimhorton6109]

I know ‘55s are the bomb but I had a ‘56 that I had built from a ‘55 four door that had awful body rot. I had a shop build it in ‘87 and drove it until ‘16 after my wife died. Wonderful car. I took the kids to school or soccer games and to work. Loved that car.

[@lloydgreen4091]

Very Good Video Dan

[@davemiller7599]

Dan you have the right brake light out on the nomad, if you didn’t know. Great Advice on these two cars difference. Nomads are expensive, I know I got one!

[@ksokie63]

Hey Dan👋, yes you do. Good video tonight. Thanks for sharing ✌🏻

[@TheMr1963impala]

I have to agree with you on what you did with the Nomad. That would have been exactly what was done in the 60's or 70's when Nomads were not popular, especially if they didn't come with an engine. I like seeing original rare cars but restoring that one would be a financial and physical nightmare. My friend made a 55 dr wagon a "work truck" as he bought it as a shell. a 72 Chevelle gave up its drive train and disc brakes for it. A 700R4 was added later. Keep up the good work.

[@eddean6663]

I bought a 55 Nomad in 1974. It was all there with 327 and Muncie 4 speed. Paid $500 for it. It still had the Wonderbar radio. Don't have it anymore. But spend the money for a complete car. I bought a 55 Bel-Air 4door 265 with Powerglide. Happy with it.

[@christopherarmbruster6241]

I dig all u say and taking it 2 hart u may have saved. Mi from starting one I had no money 2 complete. I really like your nomad. It's you

[@my31and37]

Man, I have always absolutely loved Nomads..Came close on a 56 Nomad once, but the guy backed out. I'm chasing parts for a '54 Corvette so I'm all too familiar with obscenely expensive and hard to find parts, most of which are not reproduced. I really enjoyed this build.

[@oxyfee6486]

I just finished my 67 Camaro RS, I love it, but it’s certainly draining on the pocket book, parts take forever to arrive, good luck with your Vette.👍

[@my31and37]

@@oxyfee6486 very cool, I'm also doing a 67 Camaro pace car convertible.. I love the first gen Camaros too.

[@greenmountainsuriving]

@@my31and37 I love the 68 Camaro SS with the 302 DZ block but my Favorite is a second-gen 1970 SS Split bumper Camaro is my dream car

[@DDSpeedShop]

The pain of parts I'd all part of the fun..... haha

[@peglegtoo]

That car is so cool, what ever it cost it was worth it.. now it just needs a 5 speed stick.

[@johnkranz4004]

Looks good Dan

[@garyaspeslagh3391]

I really appreciate all your time and effort putting out all of these videos. Been watching them all since you brought the Nomad home. I feel like we're friends. I have a 56 Nomad which I bought from a close friend probably 15 years ago now. He isn't with us but I still have the Nomad which needs to be totally redone. Friend wanted to make it into a gasser style car so welded up all the chrome holes along the sides, but saved all the chrome (which will be going back on). Retained all the chrome on the interior including headliner bows, thank goodness. The seats still have the original black and white fabric under seat covers which are all torn up but still there (pretty cool). 327vette with 4 sp. Thank you explaining the outside rear window trim having to be removed from inside. On previous video when you were installing glass skipped right over that. I said Whattttttt happened? That is a cool Nomad by the way. Sorry this is long.

[@puddleduckist]

Great bunch of info Dan!!! Now time for some snownuts with the 55!!!!

[@donphilbeck5163]

You should have your lettering guy paint the front fender trim in chrome paint 🎨

[@stomper2582]

I can’t understand how people can get them confused. You would have to be blind not to notice the differences. 😧you should do a before and after picture of the Nomad for the new subscribers that haven’t went back and watched the development of it. 😮The finished product is amazing. 👍

[@AndrewTwoTen]

Note to self: Buy a nomad that’s done. Another note to self: Save 50 to 75 grand so I can buy a nomad that is done. Joking aside, you did an outstanding job bring that nomad back to life. There are nomads out there in people’s garages (that are in far better shape than what you started with ) and they have every reason under the sun for not working on them. Good up the good work!

[@DDSpeedShop]

Hahaha true!

[@pugliesesspeedshop]

Been thinking about scooping up a Tri-Five, so I'm taking notes of all this... Thanks for the heads up Dan!!

[@DDSpeedShop]

U need one for sure!

[@LamarBaker-ky3bx]

My dad drove a truck for hennis freight line in ruby SC mostly east coast. Our family drove to NYC and bought a used one around 1960 maybe I was about eight maybe. I remember playing with the dome light switch in the rear. Family car until I graduated high school. Came across another 55 nice original 55 not fifty miles from home. Found a nice parts car also. Bought a 56 about fifteen miles from home. Back then you can remember how the interior smelled. The noise of door hinges. All long gone now that I am seventy oh how I wish I had one back. Thanks for the memories. I still live in society hill SC. See them at car shows but not like the kind you and I like.

[@TheToolmanTim]

Excellent video opening shot with a 55 Nomad and 56 Wagon together in a double garage.

[@kalinagoedge2777]

Excellent maddumentary!

[@gordonwalker8003]

I'm glad you giving out the wagon types .but your forgetting handy- man wagon ,DAN

[@torekristoffersen176]

Handymans are the best!! Love them

[@JHoffman-zw5dc]

When I had my 1965 Chevelle 300 2-door wagon, there were the same 1955 Nomad rear side window latches for the sliders. Also 1964 as well.

[@Leo-vf3py]

You are right on all things but it's still so Kool to rip one off in it

[@WingmanJohnny]

Thanks for the video update. Keep up the great work

[@davecarakasavage919]

The somadd nomad I love it !!!! DDspeedshop DDspeedshop DDspeedshop

[@chriscadman6379]

The lines pressed into the roof are nomad specific also.

[@brianhaw9398]

I would be proud to show up at a car meet in either one of those cars considering how much better they are now than when you bought them.

[@glenngamst61]

I have a 1956 Nomad and I love my car. The cost in restoration between a Nomad and a station wagon is comparable; the re-sell is quite different. Hence, the value of owning a Nomad.

[@gordongrimes2797]

Dan I thought all the squirrels where in there cages one got in the 55 and moved it in the garage LOL. good video thanks.

[@josephfine3394]

LOVE when you run that built small-block, nasty!! Somewhere in the Dakotas there probably is a complete Nomad with the barn falling in on it...don't you just know it!

[@armondoborjas4362]

The Pontiac oldsmobile buick wagons were very cool rides back in the 55 56 57 years 👍🏻😎

[@jasonahlstrom1424]

Slanted B pillar baby! Also the roof and doors look better and lower.

[@Dr.Frankenstein65]

Looking good. I'd sure like to see more of your old house. 👍

[@Lobo479]

That gold leaf looks good

[@ninjapumkin]

I just need one question answered Dan. When will winter be over in the Western Provinces

[@brianvrota1]

as an owner of a sedan delivery you would not believe how many times I get "Hey Nice Nomad"

[@rescuedandrestoredgarage]

They are a very good-looking car, though. And you have done an incredible job, man.

[@Tim-57]

Hey Dan Great video Take care of yourself

[@whereisamerica7384]

Nomad 101 very nice overview. Thanks @DDSpeedShop

[@darrellbounds9919]

I m glad to see that someone knows the difference between a nomad and a 2 door wagon there’s a guy that has a 69 4door wagon that he calls a nomad

[@ramblerdave1339]

They kinda threw that name around after 57, The 4 door '58 Bel Air wagon was called Nomad, and he may be right on the '69 Chevelle, but they made Chevelle 2 door wagons in '64-'65, that weren't called Nomad. If they were Ford, they would be slapping the name on a SUV. 🤔

[@gpoetx]

That is so so true, I just purchased a 69 GTO that is pretty rusty but all there... I'd rather deal with welding up rust than paying through the nose for trim parts and all those little details that add up.

[@nrainfidelforlife]

All you tri-five guys forget about the Two Door Handyman. It has two doors and the back seat windows didn't roll down. I got one. Was my first car 🇺🇸

[@nrainfidelforlife]

@ramblerdave1339 I meant two doors not short doors 🇺🇸

[@ramblerdave1339]

​@@nrainfidelforlife😊👍

[@michaelmarusic8499]

👍🏻 thanks for the education Dan! Who would have known

[@waynebernier1061]

Agree totally with what you say, being honest about selling anything let’s me sleep well. Unfortunately, there are people who thrive on ripping people off and have zero regrets…….I believe they are called “scumbags”!!!

[@suewatson1912]

Dan.......Good educational talk!!!!

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Great job on the Nomad build! As far as people thinking a 2 door tri5 wagon is a nomad! I believe they do that to try and help with there sale. Like when People say a Safari is like a Nomad, there using click bait. You would never here someone say a Nomad is like a Safari! Your so right after 1957 no one cares about Nomads. Later Man👍

[@MIKEH.777]

Great video teaching us the difference between the 2 wagons, Your passenger taillight is out. I just wanted you to know Dan .keep up the great work

[@kdsboosted4954]

When I was a kid we had a 55" Canadian wagon" which was exactly like the nomad minus some trim.

[@leadfootgarage]

I'm a new subscriber, love your channel. Seriously, you need to move south. It always looks cold there. Ha))))

[@AndyGeesGarage]

Even 25 years ago the trim and parts were unobtainium. I owned one for about 10 minutes lol it was a very solid shell I bought at an estate sale cheap but they didn’t know where all the trim and stuff was. I ended up trading the rust free shell to a guy that had a rusty but complete Nomad for a 57 2 door complete runner with a 396 and a 4 speed. So he could put the two together and get one car out of the two. You are right when it comes to any “special” models buy the most complete one you can find. Cars like Canadian Meteors and Ford Victorias have zero aftermarket so always buy a complete car no matter how rusty.

[@DDSpeedShop]

That's the right amount of time to own one haha

[@kevinl.2291]

Very true Nomads are ridiculous over priced to work on. That 1956 4 door wagon is just as cool. 👍😎✌️

[@Hondarestorations]

Not even close, that tack welded 55 Nomad is way cooler than a 210 4 door wagon, especially a red headed step child 56 🤮

[@Iamthestig42069]

The 1957 Buick Caballero is the ultimate wagon on that platform. 4 door hardtop wagon! No post!

[@Iamthestig42069]

One sold on BAT for 30 grand last year. They aren’t as unattainable as one might think

[@gregallen4272]

A friend of mine has a unrestored 1959 mercury commuter wagon it has 4 doors and is a hard top the rear tailgate has a power window and leans in very similar to a nomad it even has chrome slats very similar also options power steering power brakes power windows and factory air conditioning the a c is below the dash but the controls are in the dashboard which is wild to say the least the 3 years of the turnpike cruiser mercury's were extremely stylized but very cool his has the 383 mercury motor yes not a dodge but a MLE 383 mercury had a 383 a 430 high performance and a 462 for the Lincoln the 430 was available with 3 x2 carbs

[@robertknox8829]

That is one good looking rod

[@audiewaterson1223]

Dan I saw a 57 four door that had been cut down to a short two door. I never cared much for the sedans that have been made in to Shortys. But the wagon give it a whole different look that grabbed me. I would like to see you do one of them!

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Yeah, I've owned a few Tri 5's myself Dan, most don't realize how many versions there are of them. The nomads are easily the most expensive, with only convertibles being close. I sold my 57 Nomad once I found out a "near rust free" tailgate was $3000. Tri 5 car types? 4 door sedan 4 door hard top 2 door sedan 2 door hard top 4 door wagon 2 door wagon 2 door Delivery 2 door convertible Nomad. Did I miss any?

[@stevenvilardi8626]

In garden city NY, there is a stretch 57 Chevy at a Cuban resturant

[@stevenvilardi8626]

...and i have also seen additional custom job 4door tri5s turned into 2dr shorties the look pretty good almost likea vette but higher

[@ramblerdave1339]

The Delray coupe, a interior upgrade on the 210 two door sedan. Since they call that a coupe, and they have the same 2 door sedan body, to me, that means the rear windows don't open. But then, they called the hardtops Sport Coupe, and Sport Sedans. But then they call the 150 Utility sedan, a sedan, and the rear windows don't roll down. With Chevy, marketing is more important than accuracy. ( Ford is jumping on that bandwagon, a 4 door SUV Mustang?)😢

[@chilee6994]

Thanks for the information

[@chrismarr2663]

Overpriced, pain in the ass and expensive to find parts, etc. etc. etc. But COOL as "F"!!!! Still my favorite tri 5, and I love your ratty/gasser treatment. Didn't think I would like it, but you did a great job with it. I love it. I'm kind of a purist when it comes to the nomad, but yours turned out smokin' hot. Wouldn't change a thing!

[@sandyhanson6082]

Had a 55 Mad! Loved it!! Too bad I sold it!! Worst mistake I ever made!

[@pb5778]

Thanks for sharing

[@colehara]

I think they look great.

[@David_Richard_241]

My Dad and I got a '57 Nomad sitting at a farm in 1972 for $150. It was all there and running just rusty as hell. So we parked in indoors and sat on it. In 2004 we had the 283 and powerglide gone through, installed a new fuel tank and rebuilt the entire brake system. But we hit a brick wall at the body work phase. In 2019 it got leaked out onto the web somehow. We sold it to a broker from LA for a buyer in Japan for really good money. From Plainfield Ohio to Japan. Weird.

[@bensymington5550]

Love your videos awesome Contant❤❤❤❤❤

[@andresvazquez6413]

I hear you Dan but I still want to buy yours when you are ready to sell

[@mccjoe01]

The Somadd! Passing people of since 2021!

[@gordonwalker8003]

On your nomad Chevy the passenger rear tail light is off. So no brake light. From Flint Michigan 🥺🥺sing is starting on 4-4-2023

[@stonedkm]

Wow you fit both in old garage

[@mijyadoc5374]

Gotta love the new company name...... :)

[@428eliminator3]

Life is full of lessons.......some are just more expensive than others.

[@daxtonbrown]

I still want a Nomad. But I have to finish my 57 Bel Air first. And my 67 Camaro. Too many projects.

[@davidsantos8206]

You made a little mistake there Dan. The sedan delivery (Usually) has metal on the sides, and they are 1 piece rear liftbacks. But they do make a very rare sedan delivery (with windows) usually on both sides of the back of the car, and even more rare is the sedan delivery, with windows on 1 side and metal on the other. These cars were usually (if not always) government issued, mostly to the military and the forestry department. Where as 2dr wagons have a 2 piece rear cargo door. And a sedan delivery will always have the letter D as the 1st or 2 digit of the V.I.N number. I hope this helps you

[@gregorygibson5455]

Hello Dan

[@redwinstead7873]

Love it dan

[@greenmountainsuriving]

Honestly Dany I don't care To me that is the Star of The DD Speed Shop Lineup Your 2 Doors are nice but that Nomad is Bitchin I Love it I hope it is yours forever they only go up in Value thank you for keeping this ole Vermonter entertained during my "safety breaks"

[@glennnickerson8325]

A Yugo was cheap, doesn't mean everyone wants one... Everyone wants a good looking car--even if it takes money or hours scouring for parts. In the end it is worth it!😆

[@LeeRichards-o4w]

Any pitfalls with doing a wagon? I would like the rear window to go up and down...... is that possible? I have a 58 Thanks, and great videos

[@kenworcester4387]

I like the look of a Nomad. 👍

[@pjsrusted-n-bustedgarage]

😄 sounds like the muffler bearing is bad! Jk love the Nomad! Great build!

[@johnlfunches4977]

It's just me, but I think you only want one - is! Because it's rare, and the older it's gets the more it's worth $$$$- and I think , that it, and you are so very glad you got one, and now you drive and feel like the - MAN!!!

[@booiedeus8539]

Nice dan👍👍👍👍

[@brucemorris6319]

Always wanted a Nomad but will have to win the lottery first so next best thing I’ll watch you work on yours.

[@monadking2761]

I'm building one to flip in CT area if you're really interested.

[@kimberlywilliams9757]

Great info, Thanks for sharing! 😊👍

[@danielharder2052]

That beast sure sounds good

[@Leo-vf3py]

Great shows keep up the good work be safe my friend