Terry originally bought the ’57 post with Bel Air trim in Pro Street build style, unpainted and with a small-block Chevy. From here the Tri-Five was built with the help of Charles Swindoll of Swindoll Paint and Body back in 2013. It was painted black and outfitted with a big-block Chevy. No question it was a good-looking Tri-Five and would win awards to prove the point. As many of us do, when we have had our project on the road for a while, we begin to look at what “small” changes we might enlist to upgrade or modernize and freshen up our ride. The changes were noticeable yet very doable, such as upgrading the powerplant to an LT4 with a 10-speed auto. But once the “covers” were lifted the changes cascaded into a full suspension redo, massive new brakes and master cylinder, custom exhaust, fuel system, fresh body and paint, and an amazing interior.

Next up Scott of Slick’s Fab Shop began the so-called mild-mannered changes. Beginning with the frame, yes, it is a Tri-Five frame, for instance it was cut off just behind the doors and a new clip was installed that now housed the Winters quick-change setup with 3.0 gears and a four-link setup all handled by the previous owner. Also, in the back are QA1 coilover shocks, a custom Panhard bar, along with Wilwood six-piston calipers matched to drilled rotors. In front the basis of the suspension comes by way of CPP with chrome control arms, spindles, chrome 1-1/2-inch sway bar, Wilwood six-piston calipers with drilled rotors, QA1 coilovers, and a Flaming River rack-and-pinion. Budnik wheels measuring 18×8 and 20×14 were then fitted with Mickey Thompson rubber with the obligatory “skinnies” in front and “steam rollers” in back.

From here the ’57 Chevy took a drive over to MTI Automotive Designs under the attentive eye of Chris Pate for fresh stitchwork. It was the desire of Terry and Pate to recreate the BMW interior of Terry’s wife. One can see the influence with LED lighting, a custom dash, Relicate leather, and Alcantara black fabric–wrapped interior and trunk. (Alcantara is a tradename for a soft, suede-like microfiber pile material that is used in place of conventional leather. It is a “harder” use material that is more moisture resistant than, say, suede. It also has more grip than conventional leather.) The seating consists of four custom buckets and a center console, with cup holders that flows front to back. Other appointments include a Vintage Air A/C and heat system, wireless phone charger, custom power window switches, and a ZL1 shifter. The Flaming River steering column with the Forever Sharp wheel is wrapped in Relicate leather. The dashboard is basically stock with a combination of material and paint. Looking at the dash you will take note the radio delete package is in force. From here Dakota Digital RTX gauges are used along with an American Autowire system positioned by Slick’s Fab to bring the hot rod’s electrics to life.

There are plenty of Tri-Fives on the road but none of us ever tire of seeing a ’57 Chevy Bel Air trim post car that looks and performs well. Here’s one we can all enjoy looking over.