Who here has had both a 55/57 chevy AND a 67-69 Camaro?

[ZX10R]

Ive had 2 first gen camaros, 67 and 68 and am debating whether to do a 69 pro-touring camaro or go to a shoebox, either a 55 or 57. I loved my 67 and 68, lots of looks, lots of awards at local car shows. I think a 69 project would be cool as well, but have often wondered about the 55-57 pro-tourer. Those of you that have had a 55-57, what can you tell me about them? Did you enjoy owning it? Was it fun to drive? Lots of heads turn? How did it compare to the first gen camaro? Just looking for intput, trying to decide which car to buy next......

[kennyd]

my vote is a 55-57 , i like camaros but i think tri-5s are super hot right now !

[USAZR1]

If I ever build another car,it will most likely be a 57 Chev,,either a Nomad or a 150 Business Coupe. I've owned over thirty Tri-5's and those two are my favorites. My older brother is now rebuilding his first car,a 57 Chev Bel Air Hardtop that he bought in 1966 and repurchased in 1996. Cool,huh.

[cantstopit]

I used to own a 55 chevy, man I loved that car! But that was about 15 years ago and it was a huge barge, but there is a strong aftermarket for these cars now. Have you checked out the Art Morrison chassis/car? When I get back from California(family emergency) I have a friend that i have been helping put a BBC in one. His is more of a street machine than protouring though

[Bill Howell]

I have owned both. However, the 55 was several years ago and at the time not many options as far as upgrades go. As mentioned above, the Art Morrison chassis is supposed to be killer. We even had a video of it being put through it's paces, I will see if I can find it and link it here later.
Personally, I would go with the 55 just because it is a bit different. While there are alot of 55's on the road, not many are actually Protouring style. However, if performance is what you are after, the 69 packaged right is hard to beat.

[Travis B]

I would love to get my hands on a good 55 project! I believe Brent Dupont(Richocet) is building one right now Nickleback....I have seen the drawings and they are killer! My next project might end up being a 55!

To answer your question???? Go with the Tri Five

[TonyL]

i still have a 57 210 post sitting in the shop. with that car, EVERY head turns!
Not to mention the weight transfer in the car is perfect for drag racing. The morrison chassis is on my wishlist. I've also owned a 69 RS/SS .the big car is always funner and draws more of a crowd everywhere it stops.

[ALLFAITH]

I have had both.

57 with 4 wheels discs, coil overs, 502, OD tranny 9 inch rear etc. and a 67 pro-tourer.

When I am going to do another project, will be an F body most likely. Short of a Art Morrison frame or jim meyer subrame for a 57 they will never handle likea F body IMO, greatest cruisers, but never all out handling beast, just my opinion. I depends what youa re looking for.

Brad

[Lawrence]

I have a 68 Camaro with a '94 LT1 that I drive as a daily, and I'm building a '55 Bel Air 4 door with a Supercharged '95 LT1. I love em both, even tho it sucks trying to get parts in the UK.

[dz502]

I drove a 57 2 dr hardtop in high school 1978-1980 and loved the car but jumped ship because the hot girls liked z28s and Trans Ams. I have a 69 rs that I would not trade for any shoebox (Boyds replicas ok). It just seems that the body and the roof are too high in my opinion.


The real value in 50's cars are the 1956-57 olds and buicks. A hotrod 57 olds built by Don Hardy Racecars complete showcar on many mag covers went for 35K

[enzo]

I owned a 57 Bel Air No Post with a 327 and a 4 speed - but then built a 69 Camaro with a 427 later on for street racing. I can tell you there is really very little comparison. In the Camaro you get the feeling of a "sports car" in comparison to the 57 - which feels like a living room inside. If you are going full tilt - you might as well go for the 57 - there is nothing cooler than hauling ass and banking turns in a car the size of small boat. But the 69 is easy to build with many parts readily available. In regards to looks from people on the street - the 57 wins hands down. That car has a mystiques like no other Chevy does. Good luck!

[JV69z/28]

I have a 55 Nomad and a 69 z/28. If you want the 55 to be a pro-tourer you NEED the Morrison chassis or one of the other conversion frames. The Tri-5 frames are just not stiff enough for a real good G-machine. At a realitively low cost they can be made light years better with higher rate lowering springs and big sway bars but that and good tires will only take you so far. If the budget allows build the Tri-5 but I think you can build a 69 Camaro that preforms better for less money - on the other hand the Tri-5s seem to draw more attention. Good luck with whatever you choose.

[ZX10R]

I have had both.

57 with 4 wheels discs, coil overs, 502, OD tranny 9 inch rear etc. and a 67 pro-tourer.

When I am going to do another project, will be an F body most likely. Short of a Art Morrison frame or jim meyer subrame for a 57 they will never handle likea F body IMO, greatest cruisers, but never all out handling beast, just my opinion. I depends what youa re looking for.

Brad

Brad, or whoever else, how much are the Art Morrison or Jim Meyer subframes for these cars?

[ZX10R]

I have a 55 Nomad and a 69 z/28. If you want the 55 to be a pro-tourer you NEED the Morrison chassis or one of the other conversion frames. The Tri-5 frames are just not stiff enough for a real good G-machine. At a realitively low cost they can be made light years better with higher rate lowering springs and big sway bars but that and good tires will only take you so far. If the budget allows build the Tri-5 but I think you can build a 69 Camaro that preforms better for less money - on the other hand the Tri-5s seem to draw more attention. Good luck with whatever you choose.


well, it would be going on a Art Morrison or Jim Meyer subframe, with Baers, and a twin-turbo small block backed up with a 5 or 6 speed with OD, just togive a brief description, so id want it to really "move" and "stick" :D

[jy211]

I've got both...or a few...I have a 68' camaro were finishing up now, and I also have a 55' 2 door, 55' handyman wagon and a 56' 2 door.....

Just waiting on $$$ to do the tri years....cept' the 56' is 100% complete....

[ZX10R]

I've got both...or a few...I have a 68' camaro were finishing up now, and I also have a 55' 2 door, 55' handyman wagon and a 56' 2 door.....

Just waiting on $$$ to do the tri years....cept' the 56' is 100% complete....


which do you like most? any pics?

[jy211]

too hard to choose. I've used the camaro off and on since I was 13....used to sneak out at night and take it for a quick spin....

The tri's are all projects...except the 56'....that's a complete running and driving car that is waiting for customization! :woot:

Check my VB garage...there should be a shot of some of the projects I have...

[ZX10R]

how much is the art morrison and/or jim meyer frame?

[ALLFAITH]

Last I checked Jim Meyer was starting at about 4k for a front subframe, I think morrision can be upwards of 10-15K. In the past year the Morrision frame was used on a project car in Super chevy I believe. Both have websites and there are cheaper alternatives like Fatman fabrications.

Brad

[67cam406]

My Vote Would Be Build a 55 Nomad or Wagon, They are hot, I used to Own both, I have owned several 55's, there are still in the Family!!!
I have my 57 and 67 camaro Left.

Love all the Tri-Fives!!!!!!

Kevin

[Maxoctane]

I owned a 57 Bel Air No Post with a 327 and a 4 speed - but then built a 69 Camaro with a 427 later on for street racing. I can tell you there is really very little comparison. In the Camaro you get the feeling of a "sports car" in comparison to the 57 - which feels like a living room inside. If you are going full tilt - you might as well go for the 57 - there is nothing cooler than hauling ass and banking turns in a car the size of small boat. But the 69 is easy to build with many parts readily available. In regards to looks from people on the street - the 57 wins hands down. That car has a mystiques like no other Chevy does. Good luck!

I agree, in my shop I have a 68 Camaro SS w/a 383, new paint, some suspension stuff, new centerline billet 17"s and is basically done with the exception of the Baer track kit that is on order (Baer lags). I also have a 57 210 Bel Air post that is awaiting restoration, missing some chrome, paint a bit faded, crappy rims. When I drive these cars on the street the 57 consistently gets more looks and thumbs up, its a cool feeling. Outside of a Goodguys show you just really dont see many of these cars prowling the streets. I say go tri 5!