Christmas Photo Contest – 2019 – Final

James Wright was the first person to email us pics and we chose his picture as the cover of our Christmas Flyer. They pic just screams "It's a Tri-Five Christmas", doesn't it??? Congratulations, James and good luck in the contest.

James Wright was the first person to email us pics and we chose his picture as the cover of our Christmas Flyer. His photo just screams “It’s a Tri-Five Christmas”, doesn’t it???

Our contest is now over. We has 3133 people who took the time to vote for their favorite of our Christmas Photo submissions…and the winners are….

Charles McClendon – USA – 1st Place

Charles McClendon and his beautiful 1957 Chevy 2-door hardtop took away the top prize of a $500.00 Danchuk Gift Card. Charles got 37.80% of the votes (1184). Congratulations, Charles.

Scott Miller – USA – 2nd Place

Christmas Photo Contest Final

Scott Miller and his awesome 1955 Chevy sedan, which is his daily driver, took away the 2nd place prize of a $250.00 Danchuk Gift Card. Scott got 21.70% of the votes (680). Congratulations, Scott.

Debbie Bostwick and her incredibly clever photo of her 1955 Chevy wagon took away the 3rd place prize of a $125.00 Danchuk Gift Card. Debbie got 15.50% of the votes (486). Congratulations, Debbie.

Back in October we asked our customers, via email and social media, to please send us some of their Christmas Themed photos that we could include in our Christmas Flyer. For their trouble we promised to give away some Danchuk goodies to those who were used in the flyer and to run a contest for everyone that sent in a picture. Some people, like James Wright (above), had photos at the ready and others made them up for the contest and they all told us about their ride, or how the photo came about etc. Really cool.

Thank you to all 28 of our customers who took the time to respond and send us photos. We had a blast opening the emails and seeing your submissions. Good luck to you all in the contest. We can’t wait to see who wins the $500.00, $250.00 or $125.00 Danchuk Gift Credit. (There were 2 photo submissions out of the 28 that we were unable to include in our contest as they were really not Christmas Themed photos, but we still include them here because they deserve our thanks for playing along. Besides…they still have a cool story to go with the pics).

Here are all the folks who sent in pictures. Click on the thumbnail and see them larger.

Alicia Knicaid Fogle – USA

Alicia writes…

“I bought my 56 Bel Air in 2008. The car needed complete restoration.
My dad and i spent 6 years restoring it. My younger brother has autism and he is a car enthusiast. He was a great assistant during the year long body and sanding work.
The drivetrain includes a small block 350 that runs 12:1 compression and a 4 speed manual trans.”

Thanks for sending in your pics, Alicia. Good luck in the Contest. – Danchuk

Alicia Kincaid Fogle – USA

Alicia Kincaid Fogle 2

Kjell Andreas Haugerud – Norway
– Kjell was featured on Page 6 in our Christmas Flyer. Congratulations, Kjell.

Kjell writes…

“This is my ’56 delivery taken a few days before Christmas 2018, the advertisement on the side is custom made to look like an old school delivery vehicle, my Brothers and I collect classic Chevy cars and the logo is to commemorate this.”

Thanks for sending in your photo, Kjell. We love it. Good Luck in the contest. – Danchuk

Kjell Andreas Haugerud – Norway

Byron Smith – USA
– Byron was featured on Page 11 in our Christmas Flyer. Congratulations, Byron.

Byron writes…

“We started decorating our 57 “Sweetie” in 2009 to participate in a Christmas parade. The second time we decorated, it took about 8 hours to decorate. Now we use about 650 LED Christmas lights. Fortunately it only takes about 4 hours now that we have a “system”. We enjoy riding through local lighting displays and to chat with folks we meet to see how kids enjoy our car, as well as the “kids at heart”.”

Thanks for sending the pics, Byron. We wish we could see this in person…looks great. Good luck in the contest. – Danchuk

Byron Smith – USA

Byron Smith 2

Byron Smith 3

Andrew Petrillo – USA

Andrew writes…

“1957 Wagon daily Driver 350 with 700R4. Dakota Digital and Air.”

Thanks for sending the pics, Andrew. Nice family you have there. Good luck in the contest. – Danchuk

Andrew Petrillo – USA

Andrew Petrillo 2

Amy Bates – USA

Amy writes…

“We decorated this fully restored 1957 Chevrolet convertible for the annual Christmas parade in our small town of Wheatland, Wyoming. Santa and his animated reindeer were a hit!”

They are a hit with us too, Amy. Thanks for sending the photos and good luck in the contest. – Danchuk

Amy Bates – USA

Amy Bates 2

Amy Bates 3

Amy Bates 4

Gary J. Spurlock – USA

Gary writes…

“A 1956 Bel Air 2-door sedan. Purchased, completely disassembled, in 1983 and let it sit until late 2008. It was Bronze & Ivory but now Galapagos Green & Olive Silver, Forest Green interior. 6.0L LQ9, 4L60, 3:55 rear gears, 2 in dropped spindles, 4 wheel power disc brakes, ps, Old Air Products AC, heated seats and Satellite radio. It is a driver and get 22.5+ at (or slightly above) the posted highway speed limit.”

Very nice, Gary. We love the pic. Good luck in the contest. – Danchuk

Gary J Spurlock – USA

Debbie Bostwick – USA
– Debbie was featured on Page 22 in our Christmas Flyer. Congratulations, Debbie.

Debbie writes…

“1955 210 two door wagon, Oklahoma.”

We love these, Debbie. Really makes you think of the holidays. Thanks for sending the pictures and good luck in the contest. – Danchuk

Debbie Bostwick – USA

Debbie Bostwick 2

Chip Bondurant – USA
– Chip was featured on Page 17 in our Christmas Flyer. Congratulations, Chip.

Chip writes…

“This is my 57 2-door Hardtop with a 1958 283 w/57 power pack heads and 2 speed powerglide. This was taken before I updated the suspension, dropped 2″, installed Danchuk Hellwig front and sway bar kit (best money you can spend, my buddies can’t believe how good it drives) and adding the new Dakota Digital Dash Cluster this Spring in order to go on the Hot Rod Power tour. The highlight of the trip was running 5 laps at Bristol Motor Speedway.”

Awesome pics, Chip. Thanks for sending them and good luck in the contest. – Danchuk

Chip Bondurant – USA

Chip Bondurant 2

Chip Bondurant 3

Charles McClendon – USA

Charles writes…

“1957 BelAir. License Plate: A BAD 57. Frame-off Custom Featuring: LS1 with Custom Engine & Radiator Covers, Tremec Magnum 6 Speed Transmission, McLeod RST Hydraulic Twin Disc Clutch, RideTech Level III Shockwave System, Chromed RideTech Control Arms, 4 Link, & Sway Bars, Dakota Digital HDX Gauges, Flaming River Polished Tilt Steering Column, Flaming River Power Rack & Pinion Steering, Billet Specialties Stiletto Steering Wheel, Billet Specialties Polished Pedals with Chromed Pedal Arms, Power Windows & Power Door Locks, Pioneer 7” Touch Screen, Navigation, Apple CarPlay, Customized OEM Belair License Frame With Back Up Camera, JL Audio 1000W 5 Channel Amp & 12” Subwoofer, JBL Front & Rear Speakers, Custom Pressed and Powder Coated Speaker Grilles, Custom Leather Upholstery – Front and Rear Bucket Seats, Full Length Leather Console – Rear Deck to Dashboard, Custom Leather and Suede Headliner, Custom Leather Upholstered Trunk, Oracle LED Multi Color Halo Projector Headlights, Digi-Tails Sequential LED Tail Lights, Dual Trunk Mounted Optima Red Top Batteries, Eddie Motorsports Billet Hood & Trunk Hinges, Complete DynaMat Lining, Viper Red Frame & Under Carriage, Vintage Air, Wilwood Power Disc Brakes – Front & Rear, Rock Valley Polished Fuel Tank, American Racing VF498 Polished Forged Wheels – 18 x 9 Rear & 17 x 8 Front, Moser Tru-Trac Rear End & 33 Spline Axles, Polished Stainless Exhaust & Magnaflow Mufflers.”

Yikes, Charles! What a cool build. Love the pic and good luck in the contest. – Danchuk

Charles McClendon – USA

Glen Trefanenko – Canada

Glen writes…

“These photos were taken in December 2015 for our family Christmas card. The location was in our neighborhood so I just drove the 55 there from our house. It was -6 Celsius so a nice winter day in Red Deer Alberta Canada. That was a real tree on the roof, with a blanket under it of course.

My Canadian built Bel Air with the original 235 engine and 3-speed transmission has never been restored and turned 60,000 miles when I drove it two hours for it to be in a Kevin Costner movie that was being filmed around here this Spring. The original colors are Regal turquoise and Greystone white (Canadian color only). The outside of car was repainted once in 1972 by the 2nd owner. The trunk, door jambs, firewall and under side of the hood have never been painted. The interior is all original except for the Ciadella seat covers which were installed in 2018. We bought the car in 1987 with 44,000 miles on it. We are the third owners and have been enjoying it ever since including with my young daughters as you can see in some of the photos. We installed rear seat belts and child seat anchors so they can enjoy the car safely.”

Glen Trefanenko – Canada

Glen Trefanenko 2

Glen Trefanenko 3

Glen Trefanenko 4

What a beauty, Glen. Thanks for sending your pics and good luck in the contest. – Danchuk

James Wright – USA
– James and his beautiful wife were featured on the Cover of our Christmas Flyer. Congratulations, James.

James writes…

“This gorgeous 1956 Chevy Nomad got a flat tire as Santa and Mrs. Claus made their rounds delivering toys to all the good little boys and girls. As normal, Santa left the jack at home requiring him to lift up the car as Mrs. Claus changed the tire.

This 1956 Chevrolet Nomad was assembled at the Sawtell Assembly Plant on the southside of Atlanta. At the time my wife’s father and two brothers worked in the plant. It is almost a certainty that one or all three of them had a hand in building this car.”

James Wright – USA

Great picture, James. Santa sure has his hands full. Let’s hope Mrs. Clause is fast changing that tire. Thanks for sending your pics and good luck in the contest. – Danchuk

Jennifer Feral – USA

Jennifer writes…

“Hi! I purchased my dream car, a 1957 4door HardTop BelAir, off of Route 66 in Miami Oklahoma last year. As you can see she was missing a few parts at first, but she’s in the shop now getting her smile fixed (and a 350 V8 engine with an 4 bolt main and tall double hump heads). Using the Danchuk catalog’s cowl tag info, we found out that our BelAir was originally Inca Silver. Thanks Danchuk!”

Jennifer Feral – USA

Jennifer Feral 2

You are welcome, Jennifer. Love these pics with with the two Doves. Thanks for sending them and good luck in the contest. – Danchuk

Judy Gaitan – USA

Judy writes…

“My Daddy walked to work for a long time during 1972 because he didn’t have a car. He worked long hours to make money to support our family and tried his best to save money to buy himself a used car. One day my Daddy’s best friend saw him walking toward the company they worked at and gave him a lift. His friend didn’t know my Daddy had been walking 10 miles a day, when he found out he told my Daddy he had a car to sell and ask if he would like to buy it. My Daddy said he didn’t have much money. His friend said how would you like to buy if for $50 at $1 a week. My Daddy was at a loss for words. Two days later my Daddy drove the car down our driveway. The rest of the family saw an old car with faded original paint, rust, no hubcaps, and seats full of holes. I saw the most beautiful 1957 Chevy Belair 2-door sedan with a 283-ci engine roaring with life. The 57 was strong and hard-working, like my Daddy. My wish was that maybe one day I could own it. Well, my dream came true when I turned 15 years old. My Daddy gave the 57 to me as a gift. It’s a precious gift that I will never sell or get rid of. Having my 57 is like having my Daddy nearby. I wish he could see it now.”

Judy Gaitan – USA

Judy, we are sure your Daddy can see it and he is very proud. Thanks for sharing your story and photo and good luck in the contest. – Danchuk

Jerry Demeria – Canada
– Jerry was featured on page 58 of our Christmas Flyer. Congratulations, Jerry.

Jerry writes…

“1955 Chev convertible carrying a dignitary in our Santa Claus parade in Saskatoon Sask, Canada.”

Jerry Demeria – Canada

Great pic, Jerry. Thanks for sending it and good luck in the contest. – Danchuk

Ken & Charl Greene – USA

Ken writes…

“1957 Chevy 210 Bel-Air, 350 crate motor, 700AR overdrive transmission, Dakota Digital dash, over 30 led lights in trunk area, engine & under seats and also halo headlights. Me and my wife’s pride and joy (besides our 5 grandchildren). Also attended the Tri-Five Nationals and looking forward to next year.”

Ken & Charl Greene – USA

Thanks for sending in the pic, Ken & Charl. Good luck in the contest. – Danchuk

Kenneth Dear – USA

Kenneth writes…

“This is a picture I took a couple years ago. The Chevelle is my first car and the 55 I bought from the original owner in 1994. I have been working on the 55 for the last 5 years. All the work has been done by me in my home garage.

Some of the details: AME Chassis, LSA Engine, Tremec Magnum 6 Speed, Wilwood Brakes, Mini-tubbed. Several subtle sheet metal body mods through-out the car. Still a work in progress. See progress on Instagram #blacktie55”

Kenneth Dear – USA

Looks like it is going to be a nice build, Kenneth. Thanks for sending the pic and good luck in the contest. – Danchuk

Scott Miller – USA
– Scott was featured on page 34 of our Christmas Flyer. Congratulations, Scott.

Scott writes…

“1955 Bel Air daily driver. 235 with split Fenton headers and straight pipes. Edelbrock manifold with dual Holley 1904’s.”

Scott Miller – USA

Lookin good, Scott. Love the fact that you are running the 6 with all the goodies. Thanks for sending the pic and good luck in the contest. – Danchuk

Russ Gorman – USA
– Russ was featured on page 37 of our Christmas Flyer. Congratulations, Russ.

Russ writes…

“My father bought this car in 1958 and now it is my daily driver. It has a 350 RamJet motor with fuel injection and electronic ignition. Turbo 350 transmission. Updated front end with power steering and disk brakes.”

Russ Gorman – USA

Great Photo, Russ. Thanks for sending it in and good luck in the contest. – Danchuk

Peter Marquez – USA

Peter writes…

“1956 Belair HT. New paint by Lee Wells, Friant, CA. Mostly all original with Ciadella interior installed by Mario’s of Clovis. 283 with Powerglide.”

Peter Marquez – USA

A beauty, Peter. Thanks for sending your pic and good luck in the contest. – Danchuk

Paul Lafortunr Sr. – USA

Paul writes…

“The photos show the main body hanging from the rafters of my shop Empty Pockets Garage. I literally winched it up with a large chain-fall for better access to scrapping the floors and straightening the roof. This vehicle was brought to me by the customer after having a very bad experience at another shop. I did a total frame off-nut and bolt restoration/upgrade. We updated all the suspension and chassis with parts from Danchuk as well as a lot of the interior and exterior trim. We sourced as many parts as possible from your company as well as a lot of technical advice from your staff. I would like to say that “Frank” at your company was extremely helpful during this project. One year after this photo was taken I completed the car in the wee early morning hours of Christmas 2016. I delivered it to the customer Christmas day (4 months ahead of schedule). I called him to tell him I was in town and thought I would stop by for a visit. He said “well I’m with my family and had to go to someone else’s house ect…”. Then I told him I was at his house and I had he and his wife’s car with me. Needless to say in less than 20 minutes he and I were taking his ’57 for a ride – on Christmas Day! I can say that was the payoff for all the long days and unslept hours, to see the look on him and his wife made it all worth it!”

Paul Lafortunr Sr – USA

Paul Lafortunr Sr. 2

What a cool story, Paul. And the pics are very creative. Thanks for sending in the pics and story and good luck in the contest. – Danchuk

Mueller-Lueneschloss Ulrich – Germany

Mueller writes…

“In 2015 a dream became true. For more than three decades I had the dream of a Tri-Five Chevy. In December 2014 I said to me: just do it. So looked at the market in my country and found this lovely 56 Bel Air in top condition. In the last 5 summer seasons I made about 15.000 mile. Normally I don ́t drive in winter, but the day when I took this picture was dry and salt-free.”

Mueller-Lueneschloss Ulrich – Germany

Mike Tavern – USA

Mike writes…

“1955 Chevrolet 210 Sport Coupe. 1967 Corvette 327 L79 350 HP Engine, Turbo 400 Transmission. Painted Original Stock Colors Glacier Blue, Shoreline Beige Custom Upholstery, Wheels and Tires. Completed restoration in 1996.”

Mike Tavern – USA

Very cool, Mike. We love the bow on the hood. Thanks for sending the pic and good luck in the contest. – Danchuk

Martin Angora – USA

Martin writes…

“I live in Florida, I took this picture in 2006 when my kids were 8 and 12 and of course her pet guinea pig named “patches”.”

Martin Anorga – USA

What a great family photo, Martin. Patches looks like he/she is having a blast!. Thanks for sending in the photo and good luck in the contest. – Danchuk

Maritza Adams – USA

Maritza writes…

“My ’57 is a 4 door Sport Sedan restored by my parents in 2001. She has the original 283 PowerPack with a 3 speed manual transmission. “Belle” was honored to have been chosen in 2018 to appear at Sloane Convention Center for the Heritage Spotlight featuring original restored vehicles, which has been the highlight of her career.”

Maritza Adams – USA

Cool pic, Maritza and a big Thank YOU to “Belle” for coming out and being a part of the Danchuk Tri-Five Nationals. Thanks for sending the pic and good luck in the contest. – Danchuk

Rick Ciemny – USA

Rick writes…

“I originally purchased the Seday Delivery in 1998 from the second owner who had drag raced the delivery in the 60’s and 70’s. While working at Halbrand Engineering I built the car in 99 and we used it on several Power Tours and Americruises to carry the show display for Halibrand. The car now has over 102K miles on it since originally built and we have always constantly updated it as better parts and stuff comes available. We chose to paint it a semi gloss candy orange with a gloss black top. The car currently runs a Global West suspension set up with QA1 coil-overs, CPP drop spindles and CPP 14″ front and rear disc conversion. Its rolling on custom built HE Forged 20″ front and 22″ rear Legend Series Speedways wrapped in Toyo Tires. The engine currently in the car is a 383 with a FiTech fuel injection on it and a TH350 auto trans. A sure fit Vintage Air system to keep us cool and a KICKER sound system to keep us entertained going down the road. The interior is custom built and runs the stock seat. Over the years y’all at Danchuk have done a great job supplying us with awesome quality replacement parts for the delivery.”

Rick Ciemny – USA

Rick Ciemny 2

Cool concept, Rick. We love it (Have a Great White Christmas). Thanks for sending in the pics and good luck in the contest. – Danchuk

Alex Phillips – USA

Alex writes…

“Below is a very brief story regarding my history with my 1955 Chevrolet.

I am still in the process of restoring my 1955 210 4 door Bel Air Chevrolet. I have been in this process since retiring from tool and die making after 40 years. All of the restoring from the ground and rust up was done by me except for the upholstery. It is has been a project for 17 years. The Chevy has a 1969 corvette 350 with a Saginaw 4 speed transmission, front disc brakes and dual exhaust. If I did not make the part(s) I bought them from Danchuk because they always have what I need in stock and their parts are top quality.

Merry Christmas from the Phillips Family!

Alex Phillips – USA

Alex Phillips 2

We love the pics, Alex. Sorry we missed you first time around but we are happy that you were able to get your ride into the fray so to speak. Good luck in the contest! – Danchuk

Coming November 18th, 2019. Click HERE to vote for your favorite Christmas Photo and help someone win a $500, $250 or $125 Danchuk Gift Credit.

Now for our Honorable Mentions. These pics were not really Christmassy so we didn’t feel that they should compete in the contest. But cool pics and cool stories non-the-less. Thanks for sending the pics and playing along, guys.

D. Vinci – USA

D writes…

“Caption on the Christmas card was “Buckle Up! – Fuel Injected for 2018”. My oldest son had just got his driver’s license.

I put this car together with my father in 1978 and 1979 – same paint.
Surf Green and Forrest Green with a white top – was known as “the Green Cloud”
Original car built in Van Nuys, CA – late 1956, 283cid with cast iron powerglide, P/S, PB deluxe heater, trunk light and soon will be equipped with original fuel injection
(I know for the purest a passenger car did not get fuel injection until March of ’57, but the cool factor out weighs the date stamps.) Haven’t got the FI on it yet, but it’s on on the shelf ready to go on.”

D. Vinci – USA

We are sure this made a great card, D. The little girl in the back looks like she is terrified. And obviously the little guy with her is just cracking up. Your new driver looks like he is on top of the world. Thanks for sending in the pic.

Glenn Ewing – USA