Have a idea floating around in my head... I have a 1950 Shoebox Ford, that I’d love to one day, build into a loosely based period custom. I put out on the the H.A.M.B a question, What were some headlights, face plates, rings, shades, accessories, that were done in the day? Thinking personally for some headlight set up that has the turn signals built in to the face plate. Thanks in advance for the information Rusty Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
The only popular (in the day) headlight bezel I can think of that had the turn signal in it was the 53 and 54 Buick (they look the same, but each year is a unique piece). 1954 Kaiser is a very similar looking headlight bezel, although a bit bigger. A couple customs added the lower piece from a '50 Oldsmobile to house a turn signal, I suppose that would count too although it's not all one piece. Beyond that, I think early and mid 50's build cars typically had frenched headlights, and later 50's and early 60's builds were all about quad headlights. Not that you couldn't do something different and still be "period-possible", but that seems to have been the trend at the time.
Which period? Your best, most definitive clue would be to look through old magazines from the era you are targeting. Other than feature cars, there are often articles on ideas or trends in restyling the ___(part)___ of the __(vehicle)__. A Google images search will also turn up images of actual cars and scanned pages from magazines.
Hellfish is correct, and I can help you out with that. I have several ,alot, of the old magazines . This particular one has pictures of several custom tricks of the day. Here's the headlight section. If you want to see any of the other stuff let me know..also when I run across anything that may interest you I will post them. If you ever consider doing frenched tunneled headlights ...I made some for my 50 Chevrolet that are frenched,tunneled and adjustable & removable from the front...no taking them out from behind. And they don't look like them aftermarket ones with the big ugly spacer ring around the light. Mine are basically frenched, tunneled, 54 merc inner ring with a 57 ford outer shell/ring and..if interested I can tell you more + pictures. Or you can search on this site and probably find them. Sent from my SM-T387V using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Headlight covers are traditional custom touches, the half moon covers were popular back in the day, some were smooth and others had a visor and could be found with a Jewel added. and then there was the T or Y style, some refer to them as cat eyes. HRP
I think a frenched light as described by @rudestude is both timeless and not too difficult. "frenched, tunneled, 54 merc inner ring with a 57 ford outer shell/ring...."
Here's my Frenched, tunneled 54 merc, 57 ford, 57 Hilman....yes Hilman..that's the key to making them front loadable & adjustable I will post some shots of the break down of parts and how it all goes together next.. Sent from my SM-J737V using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
All awesome info! Thanks everybody! I’m really liking the 53-54 Buick look. But the front loads left and adjustable frenched headlights might have a place on the project... thanks again guys Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
My friend found a mint pair of 56’ Olds fenders for his 50’ Merc, I would have maybe second thoughts on chopping them up, but the results are Stunning! Sent from my iPad using H.A.M.B.
I thought @KomoG2 might have an interest in these. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/1952-54-mercury-headlight-rims.1225194/ Phil
I think you might be on to something here. I like the looks of the them, but the subtle difference between the car and the truck bezels seem to have me deciding more truck parts than car. I think the car bezels might be a little on the nose for a custom, whereas the truck bezels might be a little more, “unique” maybe? Thanks for all the info guys!
Those are 54 Buick head lights. 53 have a checker board pattern on flat tin, not die cast like the 54's.
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