Technical 1955/56 Mercury taillights

Anybody know what is up with these taillights?
What are they? Where/how where they made? What’s the scoop? Thanks!!

 

@Moriarity

 

Looks right.

 

Woohoo thanks y’all!! Just ordered

thanks!!

 

Got em in and looks like I need to cut my bezels up but, I’m wondering if 55 taillights will fit a 56?

 

Unfortunately I haven’t snapped any when I get back from this work trip I will though!

I’m thinking about them and think I need to cut the bezels and probably glue in the lenses? Not sure

 

Yes, ‘55 tail lights will fit a ‘56 and vice versa, but as complete assemblies.

You don’t need to cut the bezel (‘55 or’56) to fit the new lenses. The lenses will need to be cut and sanded to fit the bezels. How much depends on the lense and the bezel you choose. For the ‘55s, the lense just needs a little fitting to sit in the bezel. The ‘56s require the top “point “ of the lense to be cut off and, of course, shaping for it to fit in the bezel.

Retaining the lense in the bezel was typically done with a single screw at the bottom of the lense. Look closely at the photo you posted. You’ll see the screws. Alternatively, double sided trim tape or RTV can be used.

Since the new lenses are darker than OEM, you’ll nee to decide if the old incandescent bulb is bright enough or if you want to upgrade to LED. I used a pair of truck body/trailer oval LED tail light assemblies. The tail light assemblies fit in the bulge of the new lenses but do require some modification the the back plates of the original tail light assemblies. The LEDs are much brighter and have a kinda cool diamond pattern when lit.

I’ll try to post some pictures, tomorrow. I have not mounted my tail lights onto my car, yet. So, let me know if you want any detail pictures.

 

Heck yeah!! Let’s see the pics!!!! And THANK YOU FOR THE WRITE UP VERY VERY MUCH

 

So, here are my custom ‘56 tail lights and how they are assembled:



This is the back side of the bezel. Notice the groove where the OEM tail light lense flange fits in.



The lens - the mounting into the bezel is what I wanted to duplicate.


I cut the “point” off and added a flange and top to the new lense. The foam across the to helps seal the lense to the bezel. The top “cover” helps seal the interior of the lense from dust.



The back side of the new lenses:



This is the LED truck tail light mounted to the ‘56 tail light backing plate. Notice the truck tail light covers the back up light and stop, turn, running light bulb holes. The seal is OEM.

Running lights on:



Stop/ turn signal lights on:



I know this was an over complicated way of mounting the new lenses. But, the tail light assembles are just as easy to dismantle for cleaning or repair as the originals.

 

Actually did similar on my led/Lee lense swapped 54 Chevy tail lights on my 53 bel air. Even same exact trailer lights lol

 

man!!! thanks so much that’s awesome!