Tri-Five Chevrolets are a classic market staple, and the right car can generate plenty of interest and a healthy market value. The Nomad has come into its own in recent years, and tidy examples are always a great find for lovers of all things wearing the Bow-Tie. This 1956 Nomad isn’t tidy, but there’s no reason why it couldn’t be. Its weatherbeaten exterior hides a solid structure and a heart of gold. Barn Finder Larry D has again demonstrated his ability to spot a good one, so thank you for that, Larry. It is located in North Augusta, South Carolina, and the owner has listed it for sale here on eBay. I am surprised that the bidding hasn’t been more spirited, but there’s plenty of time left on the listing for things to change. It currently sits at $7,876, but this is short of the reserve.
When you look at this Nomad’s exterior, it is hard to believe that its faded paint was once vibrant Matador Red. Time and the elements have exacted a heavy toll, and combined with the surface corrosion, it means that there will be much sanding in the future for the new owner. Looking beyond the surface corrosion reveals little in the way of penetrating rust. There is Bondo that will need to be ground out, but the panels look pretty sound. When we delve under this wagon, that’s when the news becomes genuinely positive. The frame and floors wear a heavy coating of surface corrosion, but there’s no obvious penetrating rust. That doesn’t mean that the buyer gets off scot-free because the rear cargo floor has rot that the next owner will need to address. Some trim pieces are damaged, while items like the bumper will require a trip to the platers if they are to shine brightly once again. However, the glass looks good, and the vehicle appears not to be missing any major items.
The VIN indicates that this Nomad rolled off the line equipped with a V8, but the original motor has made way for something newer that would provide a useful power boost. In these cases, the most common transplant is to slot in a 350ci small-block, and that’s what we find here. Its specifications are unclear, but it is bolted to an automatic transmission of some type. It could be a Powerglide, but I’d be hoping for a Hydramatic, as these sap less engine performance than the two-speed. The engine bay doesn’t present that well, but looks can often be deceptive. The owner says that the Nomad runs and drives, which is more positive news for the buyer. Everything appears to be intact, but if the buyer intends to retain the 350, I won’t be surprised if they upgrade the brakes and a few other components to better cope with the improved engine performance.
It appears that someone may have planned to install custom interior trim at some point, but the buyer will need to start from scratch if they wish to produce something special. It appears to be intact, with the dash still housing the factory pushbutton radio and clock. That brings us to the question of how the buyer might choose to retrim it. There are many upholsterers out there who specialize in creating custom trim for Tri-Five Chevys, and that is an option that could be worth investigating. Some companies can supply factory-correct trim kits to return the interior to a showroom state. This wagon started its life upholstered in attractive red and beige, and a kit in this combination will cost the buyer approximately $2,200. It isn’t cheap, but it would create a pleasant environment once installed.
We’ve seen a few promising projects in recent times here at Barn Finds, but ’56 Nomads seem to have been in the minority. If we consider the rust that I’ve mentioned and the state of the engine bay, I wouldn’t be surprised if the buyer tackles this as a frame-off project. That would provide an opportunity to pull the engine and detail it to a high standard. It would also mean that the buyer could banish all of the surface corrosion to maximize the chances that this classic will be around in another sixty-five years. Would you be willing to make that possibility more likely by taking on this project and returning the Nomad to its former glory?
Adam… Only way possible to save this car is with a body off frame restoration. No way there isn’t more rust inside those outer panels as there isn’t any seal to keep moisture out of the holes holding the trim pieces. It’s a shame but this is going to be a long and expensive project. As rare as it is there should be an attempt to save it.
I would say a great parts car for someone who has a ’56 Nomad!
Nomad Nohappy.
Title wrong on 55 but writing is right on 56.
Needs work but would look great restored
Good luck on sale
The swap to a 350 would have been the perfect time to swap out the generator for an alternator.
He’d have to upgrade the entire electrical system to 12 volt at the same time. Probably didn’t want to go to the effort
They’re 12V
It was a 12V system
I would say 265 not 350
Newer small block, no oil fill tube on front of intake and the valve covers have the oil fill caps on them.
It’s going downhill quick. Another couple years outside and all the rust in the jambs will require metal replacement if not already. ’56 are my favorites.
My apologies to Tony Primo, my previous post is wrong, the car already was 12 volt, and it was a missed opportunity to not put in an alternator
Frame off restoration, bodywork and paint,new 12 volt wiring harness and all the labor that entails, upgraded disc and power brakes,, rewelding rear cargo pan and new interior and headliner. All adds up to a full on and expensive restoration. If you could get it for a good price great, but being its a 55-56 Nomad that’s unlikely. I’ve enjoyed some of the 50s Ford wagons you’ve featured lately and especially the 66 Sports Fury111 wagon survivor. Those cars are definitely more reasonably priced than this Nomad will be. Great find at any rate.
The ‘key’, if that’s right word, to any Nomad is that it be complete. In spite of the mammoth Tri Five restoration parts business, there are still Nomad specific parts that are unavailable.
Hot rod or resto, I would agree with many who posted above: the body has got to come off, and it will probably not be pretty!
“The Nomad has come into its own in recent years, ”
Yes, since about 1955.
The EBay ad states that it’s “un-restored” but I doubt that most people need to be told that. I know Nomad’s are worth a lot of money when in good or restored condition but I don’t think you could break even on this one. It’s at $10,800 now and reserve still not met. I also think that 56’s are the best looking of the tri-five Chevy’s and I hope someone gets this one a gives it the full restoration it needs.
56 Chevys usually came with a 6 volt not 12volt wiring system. Unless someone has done that upgrade. The old school generator on it would make me think it wasnt.
They were 12 volt. 1954 was the last year Chevy used 6 volts. Look at the picture. You can see a 12 volt battery. The hold down strap shows a true lack of craftmanship. Draw your own conclusions.
HC, you need to read up a little about the history of Chevrolets! Bellingham Fred is correct! Chevrolet changed from 6 volts to 12 Volts in 1955, Which was a MAJOR change for Chevrolet, along with a New body, the new V8 engine, Etc. Etc. Any questions, ask me. I was in High School in 1955 & some of the guys who had well to do parents got their kids a New ’55 Chevy!!!
Some early 55s were six volt…
Say whaaaat? All 1955 and 1956 were 12v!!!!!!!
Wrong,some 55 Corvettets(early 54 unsold–titled to 55 were 6 volts. Some of the chevrolet trucks were also 6 volts. This Nodam (56) is a 12 volt.
54 was the last year chevrolet used 6 volt systems in their cars. 56 chevy’s are all 12 volt.
Might be a little late on this car a lot of rust repair also the tail gates on these rust out on the bottom.
Interesting details… 3-piece rear bumper… electric wipers…. battery location, just to name a couple. Did 56 Nomads have the battery as shown? Regular passenger cars had the battery mounted on the firewall, directly rearward of the location shown on this car. I can’t see evidence that the battery was ever in the regular passenger location. The vin indicates this car was assembled in Atlanta. It would be interesting to know which frame came with this car. Anyway, a good project for the person with funds and interest.
If it already has a ratted out 12 Volt wiring harness, I’m sure it will all need to be replaced anyway. And even if it does why would it still have an old school 50s generator? For this kind of restoration you would have to replace everything wiring, I’m sure. From headlight to tailight and everything in between.
My first car was a ’56 2-door post with a 265 & Powerglide. 12 volt.
I owned and wrenched a 53, 54, 56, 57 Chevrolet.
53 and 54 were 6volt systems
56 and 57 were 12 volt systems, All 4 autos had generators.
1955 was the first year for the 12 volt system. Also, first year for the 265 V8.
Replying to Al Aamodt: I think you are thinking about trucks. There was an early 55 truck that was a continuation of 54 AD models. The new style TF’s had a mid 55 introduction so there are early and late 55 models.
It will cost a fortune to fix the rust issues, good luck finding a rust free replacement roof. Anyway, the Man hours alone for rust, body and paint would take away any future profit on this Nomad. If you really want it, the best thing to do is buy it at a low price and drive it the way it is as a “Rat” rod….you’ll never ever get your money back in the future
I agree with Russ. The early ’55 trucks are a runoff of the 54’s in most aspects. Can’t be positive about the 6 volt system, but it does make sense. I have judged Tri-Fives at Classic Chevy International Conventions for nearly 30 years, mostly Restored, Contemporary & even many Unrestored & have Never seen a ’55 with a 6 volt system. As for the trucks, I have never judged them so I won’t commit myself!
Back in the late 70’s I owned a 1954 GMC pick up and it was referred to as a first series ’55, it did come from the factory with a 6 volt system. I did a 12 volt conversion on it immediately after buying it. Never liked the 6 volt in any classic I owned. My Brother has a beautiful ’56 Nomad original blue white tutone, it is a 12 volt system.
A nice project to restore-if the price was reasonable. Alot of unseen places and parts to locate and buy. Some people want it to restore and admire their work and prove to themself. They can do it. Its not always about making a buck. Too many people get greedy now days. This would be a good family project. To help people get away from drugs.
Replying to 57CHevy, regardless of whether it came with a 12v system or not, with this level of restoration it will require,, it would be safe to say that it will definitely need a new 12v wiring harness.
HC, For what I see here, it will be safe to say that this project will need a New or Restored EVERYTHING! The biggest problem I see on this site is that way too many “Need Everything” projects have way too high of asking prices! A good example was that ’55 210 2 dr. sedan that was on here a couple weeks ago with a starting bid of $35,000! You could buy a 210 2 dr sedan already nicely done for that much or a Little more!
Replying 57 Chevy. Yes too many are asking too much for cars needing everything like one you mentioned. But have also seen some pretty decent 50s Ford wagons here that don’t go for the crazy money Nomads do.
That’s because Tri-Five Chevys are in much greater demand, not because I’m a Chevy guy, but just because they are. My dad had a nice looking ’57 Ford Fairlane 500 Black w/the Gold stripe, 2 dr. hdtp.! Was a really nice car! The was in Early 60’s.
God get over the nitpicking about whether a 55 Nomad came with a 6 or 12 volt setup.. IT will definitely need a new 12volt wiring harness when it comes back together during it’s restoration. And by the looks of this sad Nomads condition, the wiring harness is the least of its problems giving that it will require a full off frame restoration, and much,much more.
I hope whoever buys this rust bucket has some Very Deep Pockets!!!!