Darryl & Peggy's 

1956 Nomad

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We began the project with the chassis and completely smoothed the one-piece frame. We added a rear spring pocket kit, a narrowed 10-bolt Positraction rearend and 605 power steering. During the process of building the chassis, new and improved items, such as Heidt's tubular control arms and coilover shocks, were continually introduced to the market. So we kept tearing into the chassis and adding them. For power we selected a GM Performance Parts. ZZ3 crate motor and upgraded the cam for a little more kick. We also added a Street & Performance TPI and serpentine pulleys.

     I went through a stack of paint books to find a color that said "wow," and selected a two-tone scheme of PPG Hot Pink Pearl and Gloss Black. But before we could spray it the bodywork had to be done. We started by smoothing the dash and eliminating the glovebox, heater controls and ashtray. The firewall was also smoothed and the factory holes were filled to make a clean-looking engine compartment. On the exterior, we left most of the trim but shaved the hood emblems and scripts, as well as the front bumper bolts and guards. Nearly 1000 hours were spent on the body and paint alone.

     The cargo area was modified to accommodate a Custom Autosound "Secret Audio" system, amplifier and 10 speakers, all hidden within a thoroughly modem interior. We modified the seats and console of a late-model Cadillac Seville to fit the Nomad, then covered them with Katzkin leather. Even the Cadillac shifter and power window controls work. I wanted rear air conditioning to keep our two sons comfortable in the rear seat. The Seville console, with its rear air vents, allows air to reach them. We used a Vintage Air digital controller and A/C kit to provide the cool air. The wiring soon looked like the cockpit of a 747, but our shop manager, Kevin Henderson, made sure it was all hooked up correctly. The interior is brightened up with a handful of billet items from Pete's Fabrication and Lokar billet pedals. We finished off the project by bolting on a set of 17-inch Budnik Arrowhead wheels and BFGoodrich treads.