My no name 55 Nomad

[ScottieB]

So here is my 55 Nomad. Found it on ebay and paid a fair price. It has a running small block and a 4speed, but they are not staying. The floor in it needs all new metal. The tailgate needs a ton of help and the roof is rusty too. But I have a Nomad!
The plan for the car is a good handling, a comfortable cruiser, and "enough" power.
Step one was to contact Nerd Rods and buy a U weld it frame kit from Russell. Done.
Skipping step two and went straight to step three, power. I bought an all aluminum LS1 long block. I also bought a LS6 intake, cam, and valve springs. I also bought Corvette LS exhaust manifolds. That should give me "enough" power. LOL
Lets get to a picture.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

nice build, also welcome!!!


cant wait to see what you do with that roof.
:thumbsup:

[ScottieB]

Here is the pile of parts I bought From Russell. I drove down to Texas to pick it up and it fit easily in the back of my Magnum. Yes, I'm kind of a wagon guy.:disgusted:

[214Chevy]

Scottie, you probably thought no one was awake at 1 am in the morning. Well, I am....and I'm liking where you're going with this thread. But you said, "some pics" and all we get is one stinking pic of the car? A 55 Nomad and two pics total...you're kidding me right. :smiley_smack: :poke:

[ScottieB]

A spare roof came with the car! Lucky me

[ScottieB]

214, I edited the last sentence of the post to fit the single pic.:)

[214Chevy]

Hahahaha....just giving you a hard time bro. I'm going to be watching this one. I like it already and you've barely gotten started. Are you going to put the frame together yourself or do you have a shop that's doing your work?

[ScottieB]

214 I know you were messing with the new guy. No worries, we are here to have some fun and learn a few things. This project will be as close to 100% built by me as possible. I can not powder coat a frame, etc. I will do all the metal work, bodywork, and paint myself. I will also do the interior on my own. Along with any mechanical work that needs to be done, ie my cam swap. I am highly motivated as this is my divorce present to myself!

[DBasher]

Looks like a decent start Scottie, wagons and especially two doors are bitchin! I'm just now getting familiar with Nerd Rods stuff, it'll be cool watching this come together.

Get after it!

:cheers:
Dan

[69-nova]

u sure its a nomad? it doesnt have the fender moldings and headlight eyebrows.

[ScottieB]

100% positive it is a Nomad. The front fenders have been replaced. All the proper trim holes are in the doors. The eyebrows will return in air brushed form. Good eye!

[waynieZ]

Welcome Scottie. Nice project I love Nomads. I'm going to enjoy watching your build.

[ProTouring442]

Only the Nomad had that roof (besides the Pontiac version). Any other two door wagon would have had sedan front doors, and a different tailgate and roof.

[Tuske427]

Cool project! I just picked up a '55 not too long ago myself. It's sitting, though, until my Firebird is driving. I'll be in over my head trying to work on 2 cars at one time.

Was this nomad out of NJ? I saw one not too long ago on ebay and it was rusty, and came with an extra roof...

[FETorino]

So here is my 55 Nomad. Found it on ebay and paid a fair price. It has a running small block and a 4speed, but they are not staying. The floor in it needs all new metal. The tailgate needs a ton of help and the roof is rusty too. But I have a Nomad!
The plan for the car is a good handling, a comfortable cruiser, and "enough" power.
Step one was to contact Nerd Rods and buy a U weld it frame kit from Russell. Done.
Skipping step two and went straight to step three, power. I bought an all aluminum LS1 long block. I also bought a LS6 intake, cam, and valve springs. I also bought Corvette LS exhaust manifolds. That should give me "enough" power. LOL
Lets get to a picture.

Can't say anything but good things about the idea of building a 2 door wagon. :thumbsup: I have a 2 door 64 Falcon wagon that is my next project.

So for those of us that want to follow your build and don't know squat about the Nerd rods stuff fill us in what is his frame stuff? Gussets and brackets to strengthen the stock frame and use late model suspension parts?

Good to see a new build on here.

:cheers:

[ScottieB]

Was this nomad out of NJ? I saw one not too long ago on ebay and it was rusty, and came with an extra roof...

The car came from Illinois when I bought it.

So for those of us that want to follow your build and don't know squat about the Nerd rods stuff fill us in what is his frame stuff? Gussets and brackets to strengthen the stock frame and use late model suspension parts?

Nerd Rods makes complete frames that are offered in an owner welded format as a base unit. All the parts are self jigging and there is no need for a full frame jig. Each piece is cut in a specific pattern so only one other part will fit. In the pic I posted of all the pieces in plastic, each plastic sleeve contains the parts that go together. No hunting for pieces like a puzzle. Hopefully Russell will find this thread and give you a better description. I would hate to sell his engineering short. When the frame is complete it will accept C4 suspension components.

[ScottieB]

I started welding. I choose the front radiator support first. The pieces fit like a puzzle. I don't know how long Russell had to program all the cuts, but it is worth it!

[rat_rod_russell]

Scottie! I didn't know you slummed over here too!

Y'all should have seen it. We put the whole thing in the back of his Magnum.

http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/TFC4/0021_Scott_B/01/S-01.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/TFC4/0021_Scott_B/01/L-01.jpg) http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/TFC4/0021_Scott_B/01/S-02.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/TFC4/0021_Scott_B/01/L-02.jpg)



So for those of us that want to follow your build and don't know squat about the Nerd rods stuff fill us in what is his frame stuff? Gussets and brackets to strengthen the stock frame and use late model suspension parts?

How about a completely new DIY frame that accepts the C4 Corvette Suspension!

Here's a finished rolling chassis we did a little while back.

http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/TFC4/stage_3/02/S-01.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/TFC4/stage_3/02/L-01.jpg) http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/TFC4/stage_3/02/S-07.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/TFC4/stage_3/02/L-07.jpg) http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/TFC4/stage_3/02/S-14.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/TFC4/stage_3/02/L-14.jpg)


And a video of how the frame goes together. This is the beta updated version of the Instructional video. This one is all in line but I'm still filling in the written wording. Once that's done I'll start with the voice recordings describing whats going on or tips and tricks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZL9UZtz2G4&feature=youtu.be

mZL9UZtz2G4

Later
-Russell

[ScottieB]

Thanks Russell, you can explain it better then I can. I was able to get more welding done. I did all the body mounts and cross members. Once you are in the TIG zone it is hard to get out of it. LOL Time just flies by.

[ScottieB]

I am surprised I haven't had comments about my welding. As you can tell by the burn patterns, I am using the MIG on certain area's. The majority is TIG. By the time the frame is finished I might be pretty good! Here are the start of the outside frame rails.

[ScottieB]

Yesterday I worked more on the outer frame rails. This is coming together really nice. Piece by piece makes this job not so daunting.

[ScottieB]

A lot of welding went into the front section. Glad there were two of them so I could swap back and forth to keep the heat down. The metal in the middle is Russell's assembly jig. He has a few of them for the frame and it makes it easier.

[WSSix]

Looking good, Scott! It has to be exciting watching the frame develop piece by piece. I know I'd enjoy it if I was building it. Good luck with it all.

[ScottieB]

Starting on the trailing arms tonight. Russell puts in the plug weld holes for you. Now that is thinking of the end user. Thanks for the compliment Trey.

[fleetus macmullitz]

Looking good, Scott! It has to be exciting watching the frame develop piece by piece.

X2. :thumbsup:

[waynieZ]

Very Nice!

[mustangracer11]

Starting on the trailing arms tonight. Russell puts in the plug weld holes for you. Now that is thinking of the end user. Thanks for the compliment Trey.

Where did you buy these at? They look nice

[ScottieB]

Thanks for the encouragement fellows. Mustang, the trailing arms are part of the complete frame kit I bought from Nerd Rods. I am truley enjoying building my own frame from this kit.

[mustangracer11]

Thanks for the encouragement fellows. Mustang, the trailing arms are part of the complete frame kit I bought from Nerd Rods. I am truley enjoying building my own frame from this kit.

I will have to check them out. Looks like your doing a good job on the frame.

[ScottieB]

Thanks again for the kind words. I will have a larger update Sunday night. Stay tuned! LOL

[aggie91]

Just read thru your thread, Looks like a great way to be fully involved with building the car. :idea:

I checked out Nerd Rods, that is a cool way for doing a frame kit for a DIY'er! I see that they have other types of cars/trucks in line for development.

Looking forward to the progress here!

[ScottieB]

After a long weekend, I have the frame mocked together and tacked. I have been a little too anal about keeping everything square. When I tack on each side, I let it cool then recheck for square. So far so good. I am so happy to see this coming together. Next on the list will be parting put the corvette I bought so I can make this a roller.
I had a few more pics of the process but I need to resize them. I am just too tired. But happy!

[WSSix]

badass!

[ChuckDriver]

The frame is comimg together very nicely! I'm looking to put one under my truck after Russell is done with the one he is currently putting together. Keep the pics coming please!

[waynieZ]

The frame is comimg together very nicely! Keep the pics coming please!

X2 SWEET!

[ScottieB]

You can thank Russell for how it looks, I'm just the manual labor! :lmao:

[Tuske427]

After a long weekend, I have the frame mocked together and tacked. I have been a little too anal about keeping everything square. When I tack on each side, I let it cool then recheck for square. So far so good.


You can't be too anal about making sure the frame is square. It's a wise thing to do- to check and recheck to make sure it's square, and is staying square. It'd be a lot more work to fix a welded in mistake down the road...

[ScottieB]

Thanks for all the encouragement. I bought a 89 Vette with the upgraded suspension option. Going to part it to make more cash for the build and hopefully get my suspension for free.

[aggie91]

Looks good! how do you like the kit frame so far? Has it been easy to put together?

[ScottieB]

Karl, the frame has been fairly straightforward. I have had a couple questions and Russell has been great with customer support. Russell has the frame assembly on YouTube, it listed under Nerd Rods. Check it out. I'm not smart enough to figure how to post a link.

[ssick chevelle]

100% positive it is a Nomad. The front fenders have been replaced. All the proper trim holes are in the doors. The eyebrows will return in air brushed form. Good eye!

hey man quick question.. what do you mean air brushed form? I've got a 56 nomad and am looking for cool ideas. pics? links?

[ScottieB]

I will be airbrushing the eyebrow trim and down the fender and door. I don't see paying what people are asking for the real trim items. They are crazy expensive. Sorry, no pics yet.

[fleetus macmullitz]

Frame looks good Scottie.

[ScottieB]

I was to the point were I needed suspension. I bought a wrecked Vette and started to part it out. It took me 4 and a half hours to drop the entire "chassis." I had never played with a vette like this and didn't know what or how they were assembled. It was interesting, they don't have a tranny cross member.

[ScottieB]

I dismantled the suspension parts and put them on my frame. We have a roller, almost! I still need to weld the swing arm, adjustable dog bones, and the new sway bar mounting kit.

[ChuckDriver]

Nice work!

[fleetus macmullitz]

Looks good Scottie.:thumbsup:

[ScottieB]

Thank you guys for checking out my progress, I appreciate it!

[FETorino]

Nice work Scottie

UUHcoCg2jWI

[WSSix]

Congrats on making it a roller! That's a huge step to me

[rat_rod_russell]

I dismantled the suspension parts and put them on my frame. We have a roller, almost! I still need to weld the swing arm, adjustable dog bones, and the new sway bar mounting kit.

Scott

Your front shocks need to be inverted. They are supposed to install with the valves knobs up not down. Otherwise the spring hat will hit the A frame.

Like this
http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/TFC4/stage_3/02/S-06.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/TFC4/stage_3/02/L-06.jpg)
Click to enlarge

Later
-Russell

[67XR7]

This thread makes me really want to get a tri-5!
Great job so far, im really digging this frame setup.

[ScottieB]

Thanks for the instruction Russell, and for bringing the thread back to life. I have a lot more completed, so I need to post more pics. I'll get on it!

[rat_rod_russell]

Thanks for the instruction Russell, and for bringing the thread back to life. I have a lot more completed, so I need to post more pics. I'll get on it!

Sweet! I can't wait to see them! I'm beginning to thing I need to build a Nomad. Frame #32, #30, and #27 are all nomads and #29 is a 2 door wagon.

Sorry about the lack of actual good written instructions. Solid written instructions are one of those things I keep saying I'm going to do but with all the laser drama I've been pinned to the ground just dealing with that. Plus I'm having to put a little time into some side projects to be ready for the worst if it happens. I've been caught with my pants down before and I don't plan on having that happen again.

Later
-Russell

[waynieZ]

I'm looking forward to seeing more also!

[ScottieB]

Russell, what frame number do I have? Always feel free to comment on what I'm doing wrong. It will save me time when I get this baby on the road. Here is a pic of the LS1 I put in. It has the LS6 intake, cam, oil pump, and injectors. I also put on the batwing oil pan. For exhaust I am starting out with LS7 manifolds. The accessory drive system is from Holley. I like it. Have had no issues during mock up and the surface quality is good. It will only take a small amount for work to smooth them completely.

[WSSix]

Good deal. Glad to see you're making progress, too.

[rat_rod_russell]

Russell, what frame number do I have? Always feel free to comment on what I'm doing wrong. It will save me time when I get this baby on the road. Here is a pic of the LS1 I put in. It has the LS6 intake, cam, oil pump, and injectors. I also put on the batwing oil pan. For exhaust I am starting out with LS7 manifolds. The accessory drive system is from Holley. I like it. Have had no issues during mock up and the surface quality is good. It will only take a small amount for work to smooth them completely.

Scott, you have Nerd Rods TriFive C4 Frame Number TFC4-0021. Just sold #33 and I'm working on the mild redesign to place an order for frames #34-36 to have on the shelf.

I need more photos to see where to give advice http://www.customfighters.com/forums/images/smilies/Evil_smile.gif Mmmmmm, more photos.

I will say I'm not fond of bat wing oil pan. It can be a royal pain in the butt hitting on the front cradle. You really need the body on to make it fit and clear the chassis. They also get in the way of the exhaust most of the time making it hard to route.

[ScottieB]

Here is a crappy cell pic of the motor mounted in the frame. The corvette cross member has the motor off set to the passenger side. I am going to modify the motor mount stanchions to center it up some. May be a half an inch.

[WSSix]

Good job. I saw a Pontiac Safari in Casper last weekend that was riding on a frame using C4 suspension. Not sure whose frame though. Car looked great sitting low.

[jydracing]

I like all of the Nomads, no matter what year!!!!! This will be a nice build!!!

[V8TV]

Are there any updates to this build?

[rat_rod_russell]

Not for a while. Dude got a deal on some land to build his own shop so that's been his priority for quite some time last I spoke with him. All projects went on the back burners till otherwise noted.

Later
-Russell