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MarineCombatEngineer

(18,192 posts)
Fri May 29, 2026, 08:16 PM Friday

Been off line for about 2 weeks now, getting ready for the big event,

but, in the meantime, me and my fiancé have been scouting out classic Chevy Nomads to restore and we have found and purchased a 1955 Chevy Nomad in Tacoma, WA., it's not in the greatest shape, but it has great potential.
We're planning to restore it with a modern LS6 engine, 6 speed manual trans, Detroit Locker R. End but we're going to keep the body style as original as possible including the interior of that era
We want to paint it the original color as in 1955 but with the latest paint and clear coat.

This is our wedding gift to the 2 of us.

39 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Been off line for about 2 weeks now, getting ready for the big event, (Original Post) MarineCombatEngineer Friday OP
We will need pictures of the restoration process... Enter stage left Friday #1
GMTA niyad Friday #3
Yes! We're gonna wanna see! Bobstandard Friday #19
Sounds like a lovely present to start this next chapter. We will, niyad Friday #2
That's awesome 👍😎 MustLoveBeagles Friday #4
Congratulations! 2naSalit Friday #5
Excellent SuzyandPuffpuff Friday #6
Oh, we'll make it forever given the age of the both of us and the love we have for each other. nt MarineCombatEngineer Friday #7
OMG... ultralite001 Friday #8
Too cool! BeneteauBum Friday #9
It's so cool that you both have the same hobby FakeNoose Friday #10
It truly is, MarineCombatEngineer Friday #11
How cool Joinfortmill Friday #12
pic nomad 1955 msongs Friday #13
Yes!! MarineCombatEngineer Friday #15
Those 15 X 8 rally wheels with the 1967 small caps KS Toronado Saturday #30
Fantastic! Bumbles Friday #14
Awesome MCE popsdenver Friday #16
We are planning to post pics of the ongoing restoration. nt MarineCombatEngineer Friday #18
Have you given any thought to the possibility of making money while doing your project? littlemissmartypants Friday #17
I sold my 57 Bel-Air a couple years ago Omaha Steve Friday #20
Love old wagons. Bristlecone Friday #21
My brother got a great deal on a drivable, many years stored '57 Nomad a few years back. NBachers Friday #22
Oh yeah!!! MarineCombatEngineer 21 hrs ago #32
A realistic budget NBachers 20 hrs ago #35
Those who know, understand. marble falls Friday #23
Congrats orangecrush Friday #24
Good to have you back! Aristus Friday #25
That's an amazing project to do together. hamsterjill Friday #26
Can't wait to see pictures! COL Mustard Friday #27
Perfect combination for the Nomad. Permanut Friday #28
We are going to take the car to a professional shop to have all that done, MarineCombatEngineer 21 hrs ago #33
Thanks for the detail, I'm sticking my nose in your project.. Permanut 19 hrs ago #36
I enlisted in the Corps in '64, MarineCombatEngineer 18 hrs ago #37
Same era, but I was on a tin can with no jarheads aboard.. Permanut 17 hrs ago #38
Understood!! MarineCombatEngineer 16 hrs ago #39
Wedding pics donkeyoaty Saturday #29
Congrats! kentuck Saturday #31
No, retired as a MGySgt after 35 years. nt MarineCombatEngineer 21 hrs ago #34

Enter stage left

(4,655 posts)
1. We will need pictures of the restoration process...
Fri May 29, 2026, 08:23 PM
Friday

And you and your bride in the first car show when finished.



niyad

(134,367 posts)
2. Sounds like a lovely present to start this next chapter. We will,
Fri May 29, 2026, 08:23 PM
Friday

of course, want pictures of th special day. .and the car restoration project in process!!!

MarineCombatEngineer

(18,192 posts)
15. Yes!!
Fri May 29, 2026, 09:29 PM
Friday

This is exactly what we are shooting for, the classic look combined with the modern upgrades.
Thank you msongs for this.

popsdenver

(2,696 posts)
16. Awesome MCE
Fri May 29, 2026, 09:50 PM
Friday

Congratulations on your getting married!

Be sure to post a picture of the car when finished, with both of you sitting in it smiling......

littlemissmartypants

(34,743 posts)
17. Have you given any thought to the possibility of making money while doing your project?
Fri May 29, 2026, 09:52 PM
Friday

Maybe video for YouTube and/or Instagram or another place that we can watch, follow, like, and comment so you can make money?

It might be more trouble than it's worth, but it might be fun, too.

If you have any young people in your family, it could be a great learning and teaching experience.

I'm so happy and excited for you both!!!

Thanks for taking us on this ride with you.

❤️🎉

Omaha Steve

(110,188 posts)
20. I sold my 57 Bel-Air a couple years ago
Fri May 29, 2026, 10:11 PM
Friday

With my dementia problems it was time. And this ended the fight over who was going to get it between my kids.

OS

NBachers

(19,611 posts)
22. My brother got a great deal on a drivable, many years stored '57 Nomad a few years back.
Fri May 29, 2026, 10:37 PM
Friday

He’s taken it right down to the nuts and bolts and washers. He’s doing the full resto mod.

He’s got friends with full garages and facilities who are in the business, so he’s got full access. Great deal on some outrageous crated motor.

Be aware of what you’re getting into. That’s all I’m gonna say.

Happy days to share your lives together, and may the sun be shining and the wind be always at your backs.

MarineCombatEngineer

(18,192 posts)
32. Oh yeah!!!
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 04:41 PM
21 hrs ago

We know what we're getting into, the whole electrical system and wiring will have to be replaced, the whole fuel system also, the suspension and so on and so forth.

We have a budget of $75,000 to bring this classic back to life with all the modern upgrades.

hamsterjill

(17,815 posts)
26. That's an amazing project to do together.
Fri May 29, 2026, 11:03 PM
Friday

What memories you are gonna make! Wishing you nothing but happiness!

MarineCombatEngineer

(18,192 posts)
33. We are going to take the car to a professional shop to have all that done,
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 04:45 PM
21 hrs ago

we're going with a 4 link rear end, air bags, etc.
Luckily, the rust on the body and frame are mostly surface, the rockers are in great shape, there are a few cancer spots on the lower fenders and doors, but nothing that can't be fixed.

Permanut

(8,618 posts)
36. Thanks for the detail, I'm sticking my nose in your project..
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 07:22 PM
19 hrs ago

I'm just excited to see how it goes. Once a gearhead, always a gearhead.

Okay, now I'm missing my '56 Chevy. Gave it to my sister when I joined the Navy in '65.

MarineCombatEngineer

(18,192 posts)
37. I enlisted in the Corps in '64,
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 08:19 PM
18 hrs ago

we may have run across each other during our military careers.

Permanut

(8,618 posts)
38. Same era, but I was on a tin can with no jarheads aboard..
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 09:20 PM
17 hrs ago

I always want to add I sailed out of Norfolk, Virginia, so never was within 5,000 miles of 'Nam. I'm sensitive about stolen valor especially because I had two friends that didn't come back.

MarineCombatEngineer

(18,192 posts)
39. Understood!!
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 09:59 PM
16 hrs ago

I've confronted a few stolen valor pukes and shamed them.
I have no patience with those that try to claim something they didn't do, I'm hell on wheels.

Semper Fi Navy.

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