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Thread: Just another Ole' Newbie

  1. #1
    Registered Member HotRod 57 Lifer's Avatar
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    Just another Ole' Newbie

    Greetings fellow tri-five addicts. I've checked out this, and other sites, for years off and on, but refused to torture myself by registering since I was not in a position to do anything other than watch my cars collect dust and dream about what I would like to do with them.

    God willing, I will begin on them soon. Lord knows they have been wondering if I forgot they still existed. Yes, I remember, and I have resisted my wife making me remove them from the garage so she could put her new cars inside for over 35 years. Not an easy task to accomplish, as some of you know, and still manage to stay married. They were supposed to be my retirement projects; however, as some of you also know, "Want to give God a good chuckle, tell him your plans". I retired 10 years ago, but in 2009, before I could get started, my youngest daughter was diagnosed with a terminal anaplastic ependymoma brain tumor at 28 with 3 young kids. UVA and Duke University Hospital sent her home to die after 3 brain surgeries, and some radiation. They said that, "Chemo won't touch this thing"! Long story short, after two years of many people praying, a very ugly divorce, the loss of her house and land, etc., etc., God healed the tumor and we have had her and the three kids living with us for 5 years now. Even with all the bad, it has been more of a blessing than I could have ever imagined, but priorities had to be put in the right place, so my 57s patiently waited. Now, I am much older and my 57s are also, so I believe it may be time.

    I'm originally from Semmes, Alabama, but moved to Virginia in 1982 after over 10 years in the Air Force. My first car was a '57 Chevy @ 16. I have owned seven 57 Chevy's and have never been without one since 1968. I had three when I was stationed in California. I currently own two 57s, both California cars. My 57 two door hardtop, I have owned since 1976 and my 57 nomad, I have owned since 1979. They were my daily drivers until the mid 80s. They have been sitting in the garage collecting dust since, waiting on me, space, time, and money. Well, they still have me and time, but the money went into the barn for space. I hope to scrape up enough money to collect most of the tools I need this year to start their long awaited restoration which I may be able to start this winter. It will have to be a budget restoration for them both, but I will do as good a job as I can with the time and money I have left. I'll need a lot of help from all of you guys, since I have never attempted a frame-off restoration. Nothing like OJT. From what I've seen on here so far, I know I will be in good hands. What a wealth of knowledge and experience!

    My wife and I plan to hit the Spring Carlisle Wed-Fri this year to get some ideas, try to get a decent deal on the right tools, and motivate me to get my butt in gear. Maybe I'll run into some of you guys there. I would love to meet some of you. Nothing like picking peoples brains that actually have something in them. I'm running out of time so I'm gonna need JATO assist to get these babies off the ground before I run out of gas myself.

    I look forward to reading all your posts.

    Happy Cruisin'

    Jim

  2. #2
    Registered Member NickP's Avatar
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    Welcome abord!

  3. #3
    Registered Member JT56's Avatar
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    Welcome to the site

  4. #4
    Registered Member BamaNomad's Avatar
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    Welcome to the site Jim... from another Alabamian.. (Northern part here, but I think Semmes is down near Mobile isnt' it?).. and I love the Nomad and would love to see more photos (and current). The photo you showed appeared that the Nomad needed nothing more than some TLC and perhaps maintenance to get it running/stopping/driving...? Don't tear it apart for a total restoration unless you really need to; I suggest getting the best of your two cars driveable with 'maintenance/preventive and restorative on a system by system basis, and then you can decide if the worst car really needs to be ripped apart...

    Good luck, and give me a call if you come thur/near to the Huntsville area..

    Gary

  5. #5
    Administrator 567chevys's Avatar
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    Welcome aboard Jim

    Really good introduction !!

    Look forward to follow your progress .

    Thanks Sid

    1955 2 DR Post
    1937 Chevy Coupe
    2023 Ford Super Duty F350 TREMOR
    2019 Corvette Z06
    1955 Chevy Nomad
    1935 Ford 2dr Slant back I have 4

  6. #6
    Registered Member chevynut's Avatar
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    Welcome to the site Jim!
    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

  7. #7
    Registered Member
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    Got to agree with Bama, that Nomad looks way too nice to tear apart. Unless there is a lot of problems we can't see. But then I'm not exactly picky, I drive my 55 while I work on it. If ever a car could use a frame of restoration it's mine. I started out focusing on the drive train and the brakes. I drive it, work on stuff that breaks, and a little bodywork when I'm really motivated and have the time. The main thing is that I love driving it. No worries about a little nick in the paint (mostly primer).
    Tony

    1955 Bel Air Sport Coupe

  8. #8
    Registered Member busterwivell's Avatar
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    Welcome, Jim!
    Great story! Glad your daughter has survived her ordeal.
    I got my 56 eleven years ago. It has always taken me 5 years to do a build the way I want it.....but cancer got in our way. Much like your daughter, I got diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer 10 years ago. 4 surgeries, good doctors, and boat loads of prayers, I'm still here and back to doing well..........except for 2 heart attacks brought on by chemo meds...........LOL!
    then, 5 years ago, my wife had a heart attack and they discovered she had large tumors in both lungs. They said, if chemo worked, she had a year, if not, a month or two. She survived chemo, twice, the tumors haven't grown, and she's doing fine. We have gotten back to the 56 with a vengance! Just finished the electric fans (thanks again, Lazslo) and Vintage Air. Plan to install the seat belts this weekend. Still need to finish the aftermarket gauge install, tires and alignment, then it's time to hit the road!
    You'll get there, Remember...........make them start, make them stop, make the safe, then you can make them comfortable, then you can make them pretty. That format has served me well.

  9. #9
    Registered Member carls 56 (RIP 11/24/2021)'s Avatar
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    hi Jim and welcome. good to have you here and nice intro.
    ARMY NAM VET, very proud!

    56 210 4dr

    drive and enjoy them while you work on them, life is to short.

  10. #10
    Registered Member
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    Welcome Jim, I know what you mean about retiring plans and how they change from what we plan. Good luck.

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