What does a Chevy from the ’50s have over its late-model Bow Tie brethren? The answer is historical roots. Regardless of what generation or particular model Chevy strikes a performance nerve in you, it’s hard to forget that the Bow Tie phenomenon actually began and has its roots in the introduction of the ’55 Chevy, soon to grow into the tri-5 Chevy. Although the love affair with Chevy started in the early ’50s, its performance image did not begin until that fateful day in 1954 when the 1955 new models were introduced, and even then the growth was slow and didn’t really take off until the ’57 283 was introduced.

This was a time when car manufacturers improved on their cars with much better suspension systems, larger and more efficient V-8 engines, and all the stylish creature comforts new-car customers expected. Chevrolet evolved, too, using more modern technology and a performance parts supply that enabled Chevy enthusiasts to build upon the factory offerings. Chevrolet changed what was once a basic industry, and even though those were simpler times with no computers, cell phones or electronics to speak of, the suspensions were new—but still a long way from what is available now. However, tri-5 Chevys were fast and provided a blast without all those fancy gadgets found in luxury cars at the time—just give them a two-tone Chevy equipped with a V-8 and whitewall tires, and it was all good.

Fortunately, we can look back on those two-tone Chevys with their high-revving V-8 engines and whitewall tires, and some with fender skirts, and a new chapter in American auto history was being written as enthusiasts of the day enjoyed building cars of that era. It didn’t take much—just a few simple tricks and a few add-ons—to improve on the original design and performance of those cars, and we entered an easier phase of the personalized auto. The tri-5 Chevy was the watershed car, rather than the answer to our performance dreams, but it led the way for what was to come. 

Some folks never got over their love affair for those cars, and while some want to keep theirs all original, others still long for a style all their own, with extensive details and high-dollar features, new-generation power and suspensions that match. All this led us to talking about what those cars continue to mean, even to generations that were not around to enjoy the actual originals, custom or not. So we put together this gallery of cool tricks and tech tips, items we thought would help illustrate what anyone can do with these early Chevys to make them more fun to drive and easy on the eyes. Obviously, different styles are utilized in the examples shown, and none needs duplicating as shown, but they do provide some insight into what building a classic ’50s Chevy can be all about, whether you are into building high-tech show cars or something far more simpler, such as a basic budget beater. In the early days, most were basic budget beaters. It wasn’t until recently that these cars became over-the-top examples of what can be done while retaining some of the original flair that made these cars so special in their own right.

If you’re building an old Chevy, any old Chevy, check out these tips to see what may apply to your approach, and if none does, perhaps one will provide you with an idea or two that can be repurposed and used in or on a newer Chevy. 

Regardless of the course you choose, if the right steps are taken, personalizing a car need not be out of reach for the average builder. While modifications are often easier said than done, a plan you can stick to throughout the build will help the less experienced immensely. Uniformity is key when it comes to building any old Chevy, even when that car is modified from top to bottom. And if you’re building from the bottom up, plan accordingly and the result of your work, no matter how basic or stock looking, could be most rewarding, providing a great platform for your own car-building understanding.