Projects new member. watch me section my Desoto.

Thanks! I was gonna wrap it in paper tomorrow to see how it looked!

 

Thanks for posting this.
Good spooky work.

 

Its a good start and the most logical position to place the new tail light.

But........how does this work with your tailfin idea? I think you may need to decide what sort of fin to build then incorporate the 56 taillight into that.

A fin doesn't really have to be a full on fin either:
I count these 51 cad quarter panel as a 'fin' its more of an upsweep though, I could see you doing something similar using your 56 lights. eg: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/the-oldsmobile-nobody-wanted.1011248/


You can also experiment by setting the taillights upside down or at a sloping angle?

Another member grafting Packard lights onto his Mercury it can be as simple as extending or flattening out the top of your quarter panel:
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/55-merc-full-custom-build.1013010/#post-11442288

And something that really I love! Headlight and taillight add-ons or eyebrows. Shown here is Sondre Kvipt's Kustomrama dream truck.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/the-kustomrama-dream-truck.966169/page-3#post-10891837
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/the-kustomrama-dream-truck.966169/page-3#post-10891888

I'd do some mockups with cardboard or paper like you mentioned earlier. There are some dudes on here with wicked photoshop skills too, actually a whole thread on it.

 

Another nice taillight enhancement. This post and further down the page:
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/roger-mirets-54-chevy.543805/page-8#post-6317215

 

It always seemed goofy the way Cadillac added a hump for the tail lights. The fender should flow smoothly to the light. Leave out the hump.

 

What about 56 buick tailights?. They would look good i think

 

Thank you Tom. I read all of those posts. Thank you for sharing.

 

Some paper just to see how it looks. I kinda like it. Now where to start? How do I keep them lined up with each other?

 

Have you tried turning the frame upside down and then papering it in. You did say you wanted them to be different than 56 chev. Eapecially if you don't need the gas filler door ! Maybe Lee lenses or ??

 

Draw a line down the peak of each fender. Draw a line down the peak of the taillights and mount them to what's left of the Chevy fender. Tack some welding rod to align and hold the taillight units in place. Use as much of the Chevy fender metal as possible to bridge the gap. Fill in gaps as necessary.

 

Lee lenses are a must! I just don't have any extra money for them right now. I did try them upside down... Looked terrible. Also I know that in 56 lights you have to modify them for the lee lenses... Does anyone know what modifications?

 

I cut all the Chevy metal away. It was too far damaged. I'll have to make it all.

 

Just read your thread from the start and its pretty impressive. I know squat about sheet metal work but guessing you made the cut step in front of the wheel well for strength? Threads like your are always a blast to read.
Btw, if you'd like to see an idea Photoshopped I can probably whip something up. Just let me know.

 

These cuts? These were determined by the cars widest points. I did cut above the wheel area a little for strength. The door jam cut was kinda like a puzzle peice, to help align it when it went back together. I'd love if you messed with some Photoshop! I have no idea how to do that.

 

lol already on it. I couldn't resist. One question; what is the difference in length between the original taillight and the '56 chevie taillight? lt'll help me get a good reference.

 

Been watching and admire your skills. Design wise, the "fin" area looks better if it is parallel to the top edge of the bumper where it comes around the body. That line is angling down toward the wheel, but the top of the fun is running lower toward the tail light. If the fin was taller, it would match the bumper. Hope that made sense, love the build, just my 2cts

 

I hope these photos help. Since the 56s arent mounted, and the stock 54 won't mount anymore... Im not sure of the measurements. I am thinking I'd like the top of the light to be angled even with the edge of the bumper. Also included a full pic of the car before the section. Thank you!

 

I like this look a lot!

 

This isn't exactly proportional but hopefully close. I raised the peak of the rear fender maybe an inch or so. e

 

Thank you! I love the look. I'm going to have to angle the piss outta them tho, to make up for taking 4 inches out of the quarter panels.

 

I know you said that it was ugly, but I'm really curious on how they would look upside down.
What if they were angled? Especially with some Lee lenses.
Any photoshop gurus care to play?

 

Just checked this..... I was going to mention to rytang it looks like he'll have to raise the top of the qtr. ( where it meets the tail light housing ) an inch, inch and a half just to get the tail light off the bumper. Could always drop the bumper an inch or so I guess.

 

I'm thinking angled down and stretched. Will give a mild fin look, also fit the body, and look different than others.

 

You're welcome! It'll be interesting to see how it works out. For sure adding these taillights and extending the fenders will add to the look of the car. Subscribed.

 

I think a scrap early 50's car trunk lid would donate curved panels that could pull that off.

 

I think installing the 56 at an angle other than stock will look funny. The red bullets will be pointed down, and the profile of the bezel will too.

 

On the fins/tail lights, earlier there was a tail light that was too tall. There is a custom '57 Plymouth up in the Ill/Ind area that has sheet metal fins made out of sheet metal that replicate the massive '60 Chr fins that should be able to house almost any height tail lights.

 

Not digging the 56 Chev tail light. How about a 49 Buick tail light mounted vertical?

 

I like the '56 Chev units, so far.

 

To be honest, I've never liked 56 bel air lights... But, it's what I've got, and I will make them work.