Technical Looking for large size taillight ideas for a Model A

I recently bought this Model A sedan. One thing I’m dying to change are these awful LED trailer lights someone put in. Unfortunately the taillight installation required a pair of 4” holes to be cut in the back of the body. Ideally I would have maybe wanted to install ‘50 Pontiac lights but the holes are too big. I don’t really want to turn this into a big paint and body project right now so it I’m hoping someone might have some ideas for possible taillights I could use that could maybe work with the existing holes in the body. Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

I’ve already ditched the chain link license frame.

 

Late 50's early 60's ford's, maybe like a falcon.

Any other pics of it? Does it have a rear seat ? I hate when I see a sedan only to walk up to it and see the rear seat gone and a big flat platform there to hide a gas tank and battery...

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These may not be every bodies cup of tea, I totally get that. But since there is a set of big holes to fill, these may be something that is a hell of a lot better looking than the big LEDS that are currently on that
Model A.
Every ones results may vary greatly!

 

I was also thinking 59 Ford full-size. Or 64 Mustang.

 

@41 GMC K-18 what are those on ?


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They are very cool units that are on the back of this vintage 41 Chevy school bus.

 

1959 Chevy!

Just kidding....really.
.bjb

 

These are great as well.

 

That is working way too hard to put that much ugly on the back of a Model A.
You can still buy the regular red lenses with the two screw holes at most parts houses or truck stops or big truck trinket shops.
Just for shits and giggles I wonder what one of those with a blue dot in the middle would look like.

These repro 50 Pontiac tail lights are 4-1/4 diameter. That might cover the flange on those lights depending on how those are fastened in if they cover the hole you could use some panel bond to stick a piece in the back to fasten them to.

The third down that I don't know what diameter they are are made for Cobra kit cars and might fit in the buckets for those lights. https://www.actoncustom.com/products/p/products/?itemId=az74vp0mmgbxovfjg31temgmduk75a

Fourth down is 74 Corvette and for that you would have to find one and pull out the tape measure. that is the whole light but they sell the lenses pretty inexpensive on Ebay. Not a bad looking light either and on anything except a Corvette they probably loose the era they come from real quick. That has me thinking on my 48.

 

Concept for ya, hole too big? Make a pattern to cast in aluminium to reduce the hole and make a statement, If I can do it anyone can. Dodgy drawings on brown paper attached.

 

You wouldn’t have to cast anything if you have some 1/4” aluminum plate you can cut out two circles and since aluminum is soft a guy can use a carbide round over bit in a router made for wood work. Cut it sand it route it polish it. Done this many times. Just a thought.

 

Same style "4 inch trailer" but much earlier non-led version. Made a custom aluminium bezel. They are a standard size so should fit right in without any mods and give a frenched in look as ther are recessed as stock.

 

Maybe a spacer ring and use 32 ford lights or 65-66 mustang lights. Neither one sounds that good but I see why you want to change.

 

Bite the bullet. Patch the holes and prime. Nothing you can do will hide those awful taillights.

 

My first stop would be to a thrift store for some sort of bezel- look on household light fixtures, or maybe this is an option.

 

For me they are somewhat high and narrow anyway. Is there some other element in the build that you could disguise the holes with? Maybe a chrome or wood feature, some sort of sign or slogan, like firestone, or follow me to …- then you could put on the lights that you want. I don’t see how mustang lights would help, and then you have even bigger holes to deal with down the road.

 

There are a variety of semi-truck lights that are similar to what you have but with a metal bezel that are fairly handsome, depending on the car’s overall aesthetic. Big bright tail lights allow some peace of mind.

 

Since you just bought the car recently, I would suggest leave the tailights alone. Putting on larger ones even though they would be more period correct would only amplify the problem. Just drive and enjoy the car the way it is. You know the only way to properly fix it is to weld up the holes for something smaller. I see perfectly workable cars morf into stalled projects. Get to know the car, correct the tailight issue after you have accumulated some road rash and time comes when some other body work is needed.

 

'52-'54 Ford

 

I know you don't want to do paint work but it could give you the opportunity in the future to get that back panel to match the sides, it looks like two shades of green going on but it could also just be the photo.

 

Maybe something like a vintage trailer light?

 

I don't think anything you do is ever going to make it look good/right. I'd bite the bullet and put patch panels in and try to match the paint. Then you can put the tailights you want....where you want. Not what you want to hear, but I think you will be happier in the long run.

 

1950 Lincoln tail lights are fairly big and should fit.

 

The placement will always be a problem IMO. You can put a bandaid on it, but I agree with @goldmountain. Leave the lights alone and do something better later.

 

I agree with @Model A Gomez ... '50 Lincoln or maybe '60 Buick lenses.

 

I was thinking the same thing!

 

Mustang taillights were popular back in the late 60's.
They are big enough to cover the 4" holes. HRP

 

But they are ugly as hell!

 

Hey @HOTRODPRIMER , if that was a joke it is hilarious.
If it was not, then I am worried about you. Are you ok man???

 

Honestly, anything you put in that hole will be lipstick on a pig. It's still a pig.

Cut some blanks weld them in and put proper taillights elsewhere.