Restoring a Montgomery Ward T555 and Saving a Forgotten Slice of American Ingenuity

Most people have seen one of these, even if they never knew its name. This article we’ll do a deep dive into my Montgomery Ward T555 restoration.

At first glance, it’s hard to miss: a wide-stance, three-wheeled machine with oversized tires and an unmistakably strange silhouette. Over the years, these trikes have surfaced at antique shows, sat forgotten in barns, or appeared briefly in the background of grainy home videos from the 1970s. Officially, Montgomery Ward called it the T555. More commonly, people knew it as the Trail Master.

At the time, Montgomery Ward built these three-wheelers by hand in Omaha, Nebraska. Back then, American manufacturers still experimented freely. Designers pushed boundaries, safety standards lagged behind creativity, and recreational vehicles hadn’t yet settled into predictable formulas. As a result, machines like the T555 existed at all.

Today, only a small number still run. Even fewer, however, receive a full restoration and regular seat time.

This one earned both.

A Machine You Don’t Forget

I found this T555 sitting untouched in an older gentleman’s garage. By that point, decades had passed since anyone last rode it. Dust covered every surface, the wiring showed its age, and time had effectively frozen the machine in place.

What mattered most, though, wasn’t performance or rarity. Instead, it was nostalgia. The proportions felt honest. The design felt intentional. Most importantly, the fact that Montgomery Ward employees hand-built it more than 40 years ago sealed the deal.

I didn’t want a museum display. Rather, I wanted something that still felt alive.

Reworking the Foundation

Naturally, the restoration started from the ground up.

First, we stripped the frame completely. From there, we moved the seat back five inches to improve comfort and balance. At the same time, we removed the flange in front of the seat to clean up the profile. Once the geometry felt right, we powder-coated the frame in metallic black. In doing so, we gave it a modern finish without erasing its vintage character.

To ensure durability, we coated the front fender and foot wells in Line-X bed liner. Meanwhile, we disassembled the wheels and powder-coated them silver, visually tying them to refreshed engine components.

Every decision focused on longevity — not showmanship.

Engine Choice: Staying True, Just Smarter

The Trail Master originally ran a Tecumseh HM80 engine. Because of that, we stayed loyal to the same platform.

Instead of rebuilding the original unit, however, we installed a newer HM80 sourced from a 1980s snowblower. This choice mattered, since the newer engine offered:

• Simpler ignition electronics

• Improved reliability

• Built-in electric-start capability

Even so, we resisted the urge to jump to a higher-horsepower engine. Ultimately, the trike needed to feel original, not overpowered.

We refreshed the engine with new drivetrain components, powder-coated cover panels, and a fully adjustable carburetor. As a result, it retained its character while gaining reliability.

Loud on Purpose: Custom Exhaust and Intake

One of the most defining upgrades came next: the exhaust.

We fabricated a custom system using a mini-bike-style muffler and mounted it using the factory exhaust brackets and locations. Because of that, the system looks period-correct and fits exactly as intended.

More importantly, it sounds right.

The exhaust is loud and unapologetically so. When paired with a custom intake and K&N filter, the engine now breathes freely. In turn, throttle response on this Montgomery Ward T555 restoration was improved dramatically compared to the original setup.

Modern Power for Modern Lighting

At this point, modern lighting demanded modern electrical power.

To solve that, we installed a Vision X XPC-220 battery inside a custom-fabricated battery box designed specifically for the T555. By doing this, we kept the battery secure, protected, and visually clean while supplying consistent power to the lighting system.

Without this upgrade, none of the lighting improvements would have been possible.

Lighting That Changes the Entire Experience

Originally, the T555 relied on a 4.5-inch round halogen incandescent headlight wired directly into the ignition circuit. By today’s standards, it barely worked.

Instead, we replaced it with a JW Speaker 6045 LED headlight, which drops directly into the factory housing. Even better, JW Speaker still stocked the correct rubber retaining rings. Because of that, we reused the original headlight bucket without modification.

Above it, we mounted a Vision X LED light bar to the handlebars. Together, these two upgrades completely transformed nighttime visibility.

The LED headlight alone produces more than ten times the usable light of the original. As a result, riding after dark feels confident rather than questionable.

Controls, Cockpit, and Touch Points

With visibility solved, attention shifted to the rider interface.

Up front, we rebuilt every control surface. We installed motorcycle-style pointed grips with an integrated twist throttle. At the same time, we replaced the original dual-handle brake setup with a single-lever brake handle. To support that change, we added all-new brake pads and custom-made brake cables. Finally, a dirt-bike-style ignition kill switch completed the cockpit.

Altogether, the controls feel deliberate, mechanical, and honest — exactly what a machine like this deserves.

The Details That Make It Personal

This is where the build truly became personal.

We replaced the original pull handle with a custom aluminum pull-cord handle, powder-coated black and mounted with custom brackets to eliminate rattles. Up front, we mounted a Bubba Rope recovery rope. Out back, we added a Monster Hooks heavy-duty swivel hook.

For storage, we worked with Lone Mountain Innovations in Idaho to create a custom MOLLE saddle bag. That way, it carries essentials without disrupting the trike’s silhouette.

Nothing here exists for decoration. Instead, every component earns its place.

Rear Visibility and Safety

Finally, we addressed rear visibility.

We added red LED running lights using low-profile GTR Lighting LED strips. When turned off, they remain nearly invisible. When activated, however, they deliver excellent rear visibility. We wired them directly into the headlight circuit so they activate automatically.

In short, they provide modern safety without visual clutter.

What It Took — and Why It Was Worth It

By the time we finished the project — including the trike purchase, powder coating, custom fabrication, new parts, and labor — the total investment reached roughly $5,000.

Even so, every dollar made sense.

This isn’t just a restored three-wheeler. Rather, it’s a rolling snapshot of American creativity — awkward, loud, impractical, and unforgettable.

By modern standards, it’s still a three-wheeled death trap.
At the same time, it’s wildly fun.

And now, it lives again.

Want to see more?

If you want a closer look at how this build came together, the video below takes you through the entire T555 build, covering the history, modifications, and small details that define this restoration. It’s the full story, told in motion.