Don Chamber’s Custom 1955 Chevy Nomad
Story/Photos: T-Bone, Model: Lindy Sue, Apparel: Vintage Suits by Mary
There’s plenty to love about this car. Not only is it an iconic Nomad to start with, but purists will be spinning when you dig deep and see some of the custom touches which there are many.
This story could be filled with the elaborate and incredible nuances about the car and we will touch on some, but I think we are all interested to know more about the inspiration of this build.
Don retired from the local Police Department after being that rogue cop who refused to give tickets. [edd: Is there such a thing?] with plenty of time on his hands he set out to build his dream car. Something he can take his wife Polly out to dinner in style. Certainly a well-restored Nomad would do that, but Don is a bit different and his car reflects that.
It all started with a Harry Bradley drawing of a Nomad with a partially chopped roof. Unique and different. To follow the curved line of the b-pillar Don chopped the roof approximately 1 inch behind the main cab area and smoothed the horizontal ribs usually associated with Nomads. Then he removed the vent windows, and installed a one-peice stainless trim under the roofline and molded drip rails. The door handles went next and then out back and installed the fuel filler behind the tail-lamp.
Also out back he turned the window and tailgate into one peice incorporating a custom inner door panel out of fiberglass to reduce the weight. The gate handle removed and replaced with matching stainless strip. The bumper was cut and fit to the body and smoothed from a 55 Chevy CAR rear bumper. The license plate was rolled and framed by custom surfboard fin gaurds.
In front he peaked the headlights 1” fabricated new bezels and weled up the seams. The turn signals lost their bezels for a custom french finish and the hood was peaked and shaved of all emblems. The grill surround was matched to the hood and the cowl was filled smooth.
The interior dash and console are completely custom with subtle ‘55 touches and upholsted with House of Trim experts.
Under the hood was completely fabricated and custom painted by fellow Merciful car club member; Chris “Stubby” Rasnick.
SPEC SHEET:
Color: Lexus Graphite/Lamborghini Orange
Bodywork: Brent Kooiman
Paint: Custom Color, Anaheim
Chrome: South Bay Chrome
Chassis: The Roadster Shop
Drivetrain: 350 Tune Port, 700R4, Ford 9 inch.
Wheels: Budnik Fontana
Tires: Continental
Brakes: Willwood
Upholstery: David Galindo, House of Trim, Paramount, CA
Fabricators: Steve Houge, Lenords Fabrication, Danny Gabbard, Frank Correia, Don Chambers
Wiring/ReAssembly: Ultimate Classics; Frank Correia
Misc. Mechanical: Robert Babcock
Special Thanks: Polly Chambers