Tri-Fives
Back in the September issue, we featured a beautiful '55 Chevy, and truth be told; I was a bit hesitant to do so since we haven't showcased one in many years. If you recall that month's Shop column, I even reached out to see if there was any interest in us showcasing more of them; survey says-yes! It seems many of you want us to keep to our roots and showcase Tri-Fives in a technical format that we're known for. Thanks for the responses and on top of the traditional Camaros, Chevelles, and Novas; we're adding these gems to the list of cars that you want to see most. -Henry D
Tri-Five Tech
More Tri-Fives, you ask? Yes, immediately, if not sooner. Be sure to include budget tech, including but not limited to: rust repair and prevention, saving patina, electronic ignition upgrades, engine swaps like a carb'd 4.8 or 5.3 LS with a five-speed, six-cylinder tech (yes, I know, limited audience), overdrive auto or manual swaps, drum brake upgrades, disc swaps, junkyard fuel injection, S-10 rear differential swap, vintage stock car style mods like braced control arms, and front framehorns with twin shocks at each corner, et al, ad nauseam. So, anything really.
Feature cars that are budget minded and/or outside the box would be nice to see too. Also, you produce great covers and magazine.
Big Paulie
Via Email
High School
Sweethearts
This letter is regarding your Shop column. One of your questions asked "What about more Tri-Fives in the magazine?" My husband and I both think it's a great idea! I met my husband, Andy, when I was 17 and at the time he had a '56 Chevy. Since I have known him, I have had the love for cars as he does. In our 42 years of marriage he has built many of them, too.
We have two '55 Chevys. Mine is a station wagon that he did a complete frame off with. We purchased the car from the original owner who left this car tucked away sitting in his backyard for about 20 years. He even gave Andy the original document from when he purchased the car, along with the log book on repairs and everything he had done to the car. The car was purchased from Ernie Porters in Pasadena and was assembled in Van Nuys, California.
In building the car we had many bumps along the way. It sat for two years in a body shop before Andy could even start working on it. Andy put his heart and soul into this car and it now has a ZZ4 with a Tremec five-speed and a 9-inch rearend. I am very proud of the car and we have won a number of awards with it.
Georgie Dixon
Via email
Forever Young
Guys, thanks for a great product. When my CHP is delivered, the world stops turning. I start thumbing through the pages before I start the walk back to the house and I feel like a kid again. When I was 17, I had a '55 that was powered by a small-block, I did my first engine swap, and the list goes on and on, and my hot rodding years started with that Tri-Five.
In fact it was the '55 that put Chevrolet on the map. As hot rodders we owe a lot to the Tri-Five era. I was 7 years old when the '55 came out and I will never forget seeing one for the first time. That Yellow and Ivory scheme changed my life forever. That said, I vote for more Tri-Fives.
Bobby Reed
Via Email
Old School
We would like to see more on Tri-Fives, since we are currently restoring a '57 that won't be all original. I'd like to see something the normal person can afford, such as big-block builds, brakes, steering, and how to install an air-conditioning system. I would like to see an old school rebuild without the big wheels and low-profile tires. Thank you.
Kim Keiser
Via email