My no name 55 Nomad

[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

Can't say anything but good things about the idea of building a 2 door wagon. 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.

[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.

Originally Posted by FETorino

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.




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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZL9U...ature=youtu.be

[VIDEO]mZL9UZtz2G4[/VIDEO]

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.