1952-59 Ford 55 Merc s/w tail light install in 55 Ford

As the ***le says I am putting a set of the Merc tail lights in my 55. I thought they would be a pop in, but it looks like I need to do some cutting. I don't have the proper rubber gasket to use as a pattern, so I'm looking for a little advice here before I do something I regret.

I should mention that the pot metal housings were very pitted and couldn't be plated so I blasted them epoxied them and filled the pits with high build and had them done in spray chrome. They look good, but I don't know how well they will stand up and may be coming out again until I come up with a plan B.
So, who has done this, and if I cut is it irreversible?
Thanks

 

Funny you mention this, I just saw a black 55 on e bay just yesterday with a close up with the merc taillights

 

One of our members, 50Fraud, has done it in his 56, you might send him a message and see if he has any suggestions.

 

Watching, I always thought they were a bolt in swap.

 

The sheet metal strap between the round (original tail lamp) section and the triangle (backup lamp) section needs to be cut out so the Merc housing can fit. The only gasket I was able to find when I did mine was from Metro Moulded Rubber and it was pricey and fit like ****. You could finagle the two stock Ford gaskets to work.
That is my former black Customline on fleaBay right now.

 

I think there were subtle differences 55 to 56. The 55 direct to 55 and 56 to 56.....

 

Thank you for the replies. I cut out the metal to get the tail light to fit, but I also had to re-position the bolt holes. The lenses have 55 in front of the number, so I am ***uming they came from a 55 Merc.
But, despite the fact it was not the re and re I thought they would be, they are in and should I want, I will be able to put the Ford lights in again with no problem.

 

55 and 56 Mercury station wagon tail light ***emblies are identical.