56 Nomad, Ramjet 502, Viper 6-speed T56, C4 Corvette front and rear suspension
Other vehicles:
56 Chevy 2-door BelAir sedan
56 Chevy 210 4-door sedan
57 Chevy 210 4-door sedan
1962 327/340HP Corvette
1961 Willys CJ3B Jeep
2001 Porsche Boxster S
2003 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD Duramax
2019 GMC Sierra Denali Duramax
Lee, what a COOL video you linked!
56 Nomad, Ramjet 502, Viper 6-speed T56, C4 Corvette front and rear suspension
Other vehicles:
56 Chevy 2-door BelAir sedan
56 Chevy 210 4-door sedan
57 Chevy 210 4-door sedan
1962 327/340HP Corvette
1961 Willys CJ3B Jeep
2001 Porsche Boxster S
2003 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD Duramax
2019 GMC Sierra Denali Duramax
Interesting video and always glad to see new parts available.
That was by far the best film I have ever seen of how it was done 60 years ago! Everything from quality control to safety, using 2 hand controls on the presses, safety glasses etc. I always thought those processes came much later. It's no wonder aftermarket parts don't fit like the originals. Thanks!
Lee T. a great video!
Technology not withstanding, you can understand that the tooling to produce and inspect body parts is a bigger deal when you're producing millions of parts as opposed to thousands. And really the technology hasn't changed much in 60 years. In many ways it's amazing that the repro parts are as good as they are and as cheap as they are.
Also, think about what a new car or pickup costs today. Then think about what the repro bodies and body parts sell for. They are cheap, even if they lack some quality.
Yes, the vid puts a new light on repro parts for sure. What I think is interesting is that with all the labor and tooling it took back then for each single part, and they had model change overs ever three years, plus modifications each year, and today with all the technology available and computers to reduce labor costs and now they are also starting to use 3D printing for small parts, but the major model change over is now every 10 years. And not much change in looks in between.
People just liked their cars better back then, and looked forward to the new models. I remember the cars being covered up, and even the show rooms were draped, until the day when the new cars would be unveiled. Without the smog equipment, safety equipment, high tech, and being able to buy a bare bones car without options, made them a lot more afordable than today.
No need to cover new models up today, I have trouble telling the new Fords and Chevys from the POS Toyotas and Hondas.
Personally, I think the 56 adapts its self to a lower stance a little better than the 55 or 57, and I have two 56 project cars, but I like the overall look of the 55 much better.
Last edited by LEE T; 10-06-2016 at 12:18 PM.
I actually think cars are comparably priced today relative to incomes, and you get a lot more for your money. For example, in 1955 the "average wage index" reported by the SSA was $3,301.44 per year. In 2014 it was $46,481.52 or an increase of 14.08 times. A new 55 Chevy BA 2DHT cost $2166 back then and a Nomad was $2571, the most expensive of the models. At the rate of wage inflation, a 55Chevy today would cost $30,497 which is in the range of many new cars. And now A/C, power steering, power brakes, power windows, cruise control, tilt, ABS and power door locks are pretty much standard equipment and fit and finish is much better. Even the paint and rubber lasts a lot longer these days.
Last edited by chevynut; 10-06-2016 at 09:58 PM.
56 Nomad, Ramjet 502, Viper 6-speed T56, C4 Corvette front and rear suspension
Other vehicles:
56 Chevy 2-door BelAir sedan
56 Chevy 210 4-door sedan
57 Chevy 210 4-door sedan
1962 327/340HP Corvette
1961 Willys CJ3B Jeep
2001 Porsche Boxster S
2003 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD Duramax
2019 GMC Sierra Denali Duramax