1955–57 Tri-Five Chevrolet (Bel Air, 210, 150, Nomad) chassis
14 aftermarket chassis and subframes from 9 builders, compared with keeping and upgrading the original frame.
Art Morrison Enterprises, Corvette Correction, Fatman Fabrications, Heidts, Kugel Komponents, Roadster Shop, Schwartz Performance, Scott's Hotrods 'N Customs, Speedtech Performance
Aftermarket chassis
Reading these prices
Starting prices aren't always comparable. Some include suspension, steering and brakes; some are a bare frame or front clip and the rest is extra. Check the Front and Rear columns and each product's notes before comparing totals. "Price on request" means the builder quotes each build. Confirm with the builder before you order, and send corrections through our contact page.
Upgrade the original chassis
- How it's built
- Body-on-frame ladder/perimeter frame with boxed front section, open C-channel rear rails and crossmembers
- Front suspension
- SLA A-arms with ball joints and coil springs; slow Saginaw recirculating-ball steering (manual or linkage-assist power)
- Rear suspension
- Live axle on semi-elliptic multi-leaf springs, open driveshaft
- Weak spots
- The open-channel rear frame and soft body mounts flex, and the steering is slow and vague. The front geometry gives positive camber in roll, and the soft leaves wrap and hop under modern power.
Suspension and steering kits for the original chassis
| Area | Kit | What it does | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front suspension | Classic Performance Products (CPP) 5557FCO-K Front Coilover Conversion Kit w/ Upper & Lower Arms | Totally Tubular arms with ball joints plus coilovers; rate chosen by engine | $1,549 CPP price Source |
| Front suspension | Ridetech StreetGRIP Suspension System 1955-1957 Chevy | Dual-rate coils, HQ shocks, composite leafs, Delrin bushings, tall ball joints, bar | $3,600 Ridetech price Source |
| Front suspension | Hotchkis 22105 Front & Rear Sport Sway Bar Set | Larger front and rear bars reduce roll and sharpen turn-in | $899.99 front+rear set Source |
| Rear suspension | Ridetech Bolt-On 4-Link System 1955-1957 Bel Air | Bolt-in crossmember and adjustable bars replace the leafs; no floor cutting | $1,625 from; $1,625-$1,825; brackets weld to axle Source |
| Steering | Classic Performance Products (CPP) CPP5557PSK-S 500 Series Power Steering Conversion Kit (side engine perches) | 14:1 power box, pump, bracket and hoses replace the slow manual box | $805 CPP price; pulley and rag joint extra Source |
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