Tri-Five Chevy 2-Door on a Budget
Turning a four-door 1955 thru 1957 (Tri-Five) Chevy into a two-door is a daring project that redefines a classic. This transformation challenges enthusiasts to reshape an iconic design, blending craftsmanship and creativity to create a unique, head-turning ride.
This video by Dan and Danielle from the DD Speed Shop is a must watch if you want to see the job done for yourself.
What You’ll Need for the Job
Start by gathering basic tools: a MIG welder, angle grinder, cutting discs, clamps, and body filler. Instead of buying new parts, if needed, find a cheap donor 4-door Tri-Five Chevy for the roof, rear quarters, and door frames.
The donor doesn't have to be perfect, but should be good enough to get the job done without breaking the bank. You might not need it depending on the condition of your project car.
Stripping Down the 4-Door
I removed the rear doors, interior trim, and anything else in the way. Then, I cut out the rear door pillars, sections of the roof, and parts of the floor that were specific to the 4-door model.
I didn’t have precise measurements, so I eyeballed a lot of it using the donor car as a rough guide. It wasn’t perfect, but it got me close enough to work with.
Fitting and Welding the 2-Door Parts
I cut the roof and rear quarters from the donor car and test-fit them onto my 4-door body. It took a lot of trimming and adjusting to get everything to line up halfway decently.
I used clamps and braces to hold things in place while I welded it all together.My welds weren’t pretty, but they were strong enough to hold.
I reinforced the critical areas to make sure it wouldn’t fall apart.
Making It Look Presentable
Once everything was welded in place, I used body filler to smooth out the seams and hide the rougher spots.
I sanded it down, applied primer, and block-sanded until it looked halfway decent. I didn’t aim for show-car quality—just something that looked good from a few feet away.
After painting, I reinstalled the interior trim and windows, and it started to look like a proper 2-door.
What I Learned Along the Way
This wasn’t a perfect build, and I made plenty of mistakes. But by keeping costs low and focusing on functionality over perfection, I ended up with a solid 2-door Chevy that works for me.
If you’re thinking about doing this, don’t be afraid to improvise and make it your own. It’s not about doing it the “right” way—it’s about making it work with what you’ve got.
This guide is by no means a how to, it reflects one method that can work from home, even if not perfect. Go back and watch the video, if you haven't yet.
