15 Cool Customs and Gassers from the Tri-Five Nationals

While there was an abundance of nicely restored Tri-Five Chevys at the inaugural Tri-Five Nationals in Bowling Green, Kentucky, there were hundreds of modified cars. Some were slammed customs and some were sky-high gassers, while others had cool nostalgia vibes with '60s style modifications. We enjoyed the diversity of the show, and the fact that LOTS of cars were rolling on Coker Tire products. We picked out 15 customs and gassers to showcase here, so keep scrolling and check them out...also keep us in mind for your Tri-Five Chevy tire and wheel needs! [products] [caption id="attachment_6403" align="alignleft" width="720"] A slammed stance, combined with BFGoodrich Silvertown whitewall radials and Chrome OE Steel wheels offers a cool '60s custom look, while the vibrant green paint and scallops continue the theme. [/caption] [caption id="attachment_6433" align="alignleft" width="720"] A straight front axle gives this patina'd '55 Chevy two-door post a nose-high gasser stance, finished off with a cool tire and wheel combo, including Firestone Dragster cheater slicks.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6390" align="alignleft" width="720"] There's no doubt that gassers and other nostalgia drag racing themed Tri-Fives were a huge hit at the inaugural Tri-Five Nationals. This '55 is sporting a lot of period correct cool factor, including Pro Trac 5.60-15 front runners and fat M&H Racemaster Cheater Slicks. [/caption] [caption id="attachment_6431" align="alignleft" width="720"] This sinister, slammed '55 Chevy got a lot of attention with its blacked-out appearance. Scott Sullivan built the car, and used a set of painted steel wheels and dog dish caps to give this slick '55 an evil look. [/caption] [caption id="attachment_6435" align="alignleft" width="720"] Mike Finnegan, of Roadkill had his Hemi-powered '55 Chevy gasser on display in the American Powertrain booth. The nostalgia themed car has been featured in a number of episodes of Roadkill, as well as numerous Hot Rod Magazine articles. Mike drove cross-country on our Firestone Dragster cheater slicks![/caption] [caption id="attachment_6421" align="alignleft" width="720"] There were hundreds of station wagons in the mix at the Tri-Five Nationals, and this slammed '55 was our favorite. It rides on air suspension and features a set of our Coker Classic radial whitewall tires, mounted to Smoothie wheels and finished off with '56 Chevy dog dish caps.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6398" align="alignleft" width="720"] Not ALL gassers have to sit way up in the air or feature a metalflake paint job. This '56 Chevy 210 two-door hardtop is a perfect example. While this car offers a cool nostalgia drag racing look, it's what you can't see that made it one of our favorite cars of the show. It has a dual-quad 409 under the hood, backed by a B&M Hydro Stick transmission and a stock-style rear end with a Mickey Thompson magnesium center section. This thing was packed with rare speed equipment![/caption] [caption id="attachment_6413" align="alignleft" width="720"] We love the looks of this mildly modified '55 Chevy two-door hardtop, owned by Jeff Ludwig. It was customized in the '60s, then repainted in the '80s by Jeff's father. The lacquer paint is still shining bright with a ton of metalflake, while the Coker Classic bias ply whitewalls and Lancer caps look right at home![/caption] [caption id="attachment_6399" align="alignleft" width="720"] Tire smoke was a common sight on the historic quarter mile track at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Numerous Tri-Fives blasted down the track, with a bunch of gassers taking part in the "fun run" activities. We enjoyed watching the action and cheering on the burnouts.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6414" align="alignleft" width="720"] Another great example of a simple build that proves gassers don't have to be over-the-top to get a lot of attention. By simply removing the front bumper and adding a nostalgia drag racing themed tire and wheel combination, this '55 Chevy 150 sedan has just the right amount of '60s drag racing flavor. Firestone tires with five-spoke front runners and chrome-reverse steel wheels finish off the look.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6441" align="alignleft" width="720"] Here's a cool comparison to the simple '55 Chevy above. This one is a newly finished gasser, built by Woody's Hot Rodz for the folks at Jeg's. It rolls on Firestone tires and as-cast Rocket Igniter wheels for the ultimate gasser combination.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6392" align="alignleft" width="720"] Radical flames and vibrant colors make this lowdown '55 Chevy custom irresistible! The '60s style custom features BFGoodrich Silvertown radial whitewall tires and chrome OE steel wheels.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6443" align="alignleft" width="720"] The famous Mr. Chevy '55 Chevy gasser was on hand and is seen here cruising the show-n-shine area. Also on hand was the Chevy ramp truck that is painted to match. Both vehicles rolled on Firestone tires and grabbed lots of attention.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6424" align="alignleft" width="720"] Dave VerSchave built one of the most incredible gassers in the country and even though it has show car qualities, he beats on it on a regular basis. The car didn't make any wild passes this year, but made a pass down the track during the award ceremony.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6412" align="alignleft" width="720"] A Tri-Five event wouldn't be complete with out a Two-Lane Blacktop tribute car. There were several of them on hand, as well as an American Graffiti tribute car, a Hollywood Knights tribute car and many more recognizable builds. [/caption]