I don't know the facts on the current taillights...but from the little bit I can see, they look like something Winfield did, in which case I wouldn't touch them = custom history. If they were done later, by a nobody,,,then have at it. I like what you are doing so far.
Wow, I can make a Stromberg 81 sing a great tune, and cut a coil for the correct ride, but computers are another story. I'm having a heck of a time getting a video onto the post. Time to consult my friends for guidance. Also, I'm pushing for a trek into a storage unit to dig out old pictures, from when this Kruizer was new, 'till current. I understand there are pictures of Gene with Leland, and the car. How kool is that...... Leland and family love the family comments as well those on the Chev. Thanks to all!!!!!!!!
This is completely awesome in every way. Every time I see a custom for sale on CL that has a long but mostly unknown history it gets my imagination humming. So cool to read about the history of the car learn a little about the owner and his family. Thanks!
Bruce, Great story and great people. You've got to be having a blast making this all come together. Nothing is as rewarding as helping those who've earned it! My son forwarded this thread to me and I just finished all 8 pages. We both live near you and I've known Ken since he got out of college, and Nick since he built his '36 Chevy coupe so if there is anything you need or I can help with send me a PM. I'm sure we've met, and I can probably hook you up with a 1950 216 I6 if you decide to go that way. Just a stocker but parts are still available. And please thank the owners for letting you share this with all of us!
Here we go again....Still no video upload, but working on it. I have attached a picture of the taillights. It just seems these lens's are to large and abrupt for such a smooth rear, and are mounted crooked. The idea is not to mess with the bodywork, as it all fits so well, just to install a lens/bezel combination that flows with the music. We have the option of a single large unit like the one I pictured earlier, or a couple '54 Buick small bullets on each side. Any ideas?????? Please let us know....... We just got the call that the trim is ready, hot damn!!!!! We'll picture tomorrow. When I shot the first little introduction with Leland, I mentioned that people all over the globe were interested, and had have questions about him and Gene. What a great smile. YOU ALL ARE THE HERO'S HERE!!!!!
I should pay more attention before I pipe up. This is what I thought were the current tail lights...which to me look like something Winfield would have done (at least from this side view). I can see now why you are looking for an alternative to those which are actually in there now.
I'll work up a couple of ideas when I get home later on. --- Sent from the pits of dispair app. Wirelessly, of course.
I think round lights just look a little out of place in there. With the shape of the opening, I expect you're going to have to massage it and or the tail light lense a bit. Maybe both, regardless of the final choice. When I saw the picture above, I thought about '55-'56 Buicks. They have a slope & "bubble" shape that might lend itself to the task at hand. Personally I like the smooth '56 over the ribbed '55. Also, they are face-mounted lenses so it may be relatively easy to adapt. Having said that, the bottom of the opening would need to be leveled out to make it look "right". With regard to space available in the recess, it's hard to judge. They are easy to source, my be worth a shot. 1956: 1955:
What a super story! Good on you and Nick. How about spray bomb a headlight door aluminum and modify it with paint or a sharpie? You could check many ideas and give them the long look fairly quickly. I remember an article in a little book about making your own lenses..Remember the red plastic lenses guys put in 57 Ford tail lights? You could save that cool opening and still be sorta period correct. FWIW.
I see Nick is laying down on the job again,no wonder it took him so long to finish his sedan delivery............ Great work boys and I love where this is heading
Although your options are many, I'll bet someone that the opening was made for 58 Chev Biscayne housings with 59 Cad Bullets.
Here are some other options. The applications(year/make) are the photo file names for easy reference. X4 Can anyone Photo shop some options? Also consider marker lights and back-up lights with red bulbs. Such as that 57 Chev back-up or reverse light above, but larger. Great minds think alike BIGREDTODD you are correct on the years, I misread.
These are going to be REALLY ROUGH (I didn't really bother to change the colors of the original bezels on some) but hopefully will give you an idea of possible options. Packard
What-you-have-now, just moved the upper lights rearward so they aren't as shrouded and matches the slant of the taillight opening.
Very hard to tell exactly what the measurements are, but what about 2 '54 Chev tail light lenses vertically mounted next to each other in each tail light opening? Will have to fabricate a surround of course, maybe something engine-turned? Just brainstorming. I am definitely against round lenses in the openings as they are currently. If someone came up with something amazing, I could be persuaded otherwise.
I agree. Seeing it how it is, it's not bad. You could paint the area behind the lights for contrast, or add a little chrome or mesh background to it to set it off a bit, but I think cutting up the quarters for different tail lights would be a shame.
That is a beautifully styled opening, and looks tailor made for the lights it wears. I think the present lenses (or the '54 Buick bullets), would look great mounted Ala 'the Polynesian', on a perforated metal background of chrome (or perhaps gold or copper). The same metal (perhaps without perforations) might also be used for headlight doors.
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