"Like most car enthusiasts, my '55 Nomad is a passion with me," says Texan David R. Dyche. And it's an ongoing passion that Dyche says is yet to be completed.
A member of the Rowlett Cruise Knights, Dyche purchased the Nomad in 1966 (his first car) for the paltry sum of $500. Obviously, the '55 has gone through numerous reincarnations over the past three and a half decades. "I've had quite a few engines under the hood, ranging from a tunnel-ram L-88 small-block to what I'm running now. It also had a one-piece fiberglass front end on it, the battery was moved to the rear, and a lot of other modifications."
In its present state, the IROC Blue-hued Tri-Five features a '71 vintage, GM 402 big-block for power. The Rat motor features Competition Cams hydraulic valevtrain, GM Performance Parts pent roof aluminum valve covers, a Weiand aluminum water pump and intake manifold, a 650-cfm Holley carburetor, Mallory ignition, and a set of Hedman Hedders with Flowmaster mufflers. Cooling is handled by a Griffin four-core-aluminum radiator. Backing all of this up is a Muncie four-speed connected by a Hays clutch and shifted by a Hurst linkage.
Modifications to the Nomad's suspension are few but efficient. Out back is a 10-bolt rearend spinning 3.55:1 cogs along with a set of lowered springs at each corner and KYB gas-charged shocks. Wheels and tires consist of a set of 15x8-inch American Torq Thrust IIs sporting 205/70x16, and 275/60x16-inch BFGoodrich rubber.
Credit for the flawless bodywork and magnificent IROC Blue PPG paint goes to Rowlett's Joe Singel. On the inside, the Nomad features the factory white vinyl upholstery, with blue pleated inserts by "Mr. Chevrolet." Other appointments include Auto Meter tach, oil, and water temp gauges, and a Grant GT steering wheel. The best thing about this awesome street car is that it is smooth.Real smooth!