Customs Mercury custom headlights - Issue

I don't want spotlights, I removed a dummy set from the Merc. I know they are period correct but I'm not a fan.

 

John, the Photochop illustrates what I feel is a crucial element: i.e., the window trim.
Have you seen this thread (by slddnmatt) on making these pieces from br***?

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=243975

 

I had not, wow, Matt does awesome work. I intend to get some made, not sure who around Chitown can make it but I plan to ask around.

 

John
I also prefer the flush mount french method, but if you use the 52 bezels you can remove the chrome ring and adjust the headlights from the front. With my flush mount, it's no fun to adjust them from under the fender.
Ol Blue

 

I've got a great idea!!!!

 

That's right! I'm gonna have him make some for my Merc....

 

HAHAHA Bob I think you found his paint color as well.

 

Has a real..."TROPICAL FISH" appeal to it,LOL....

 

Thanks Rik.

If anyone is making a lot of changes like me and wants to enlist the help of someone who is very knowledgeable about customs, and is willing to shoot him over a few bux, I would highly suggest folks use Rik. In one example I suggested a certain side trim, and then he suggested another that looked even better.

 

He is the man! There is no doubt about that. I would highly recommend getting issues #33 and #35 of the Rodders Journal to see his mind blowing work colorizing (is that a word?) of old black and white custom and hot rod pictures. Stunning stuff.

 

someguys just like "A" cups!

 

Colorizing is a word, but I don't think balck is

 

Hahaha Thanks! I even saw that before I posted and forgot to change it.

 

I've got the grille sorted (have an agreement to buy one), am ordering the bezels today, but if anyone has line on side trim holla. For the side trim are folks using rivets or drilling stock style hole in the sides?

Last question about the headlights. So if I get the '52 bezels from Nightprowlers, will I need new buckets, cuz won't the headlights still be sunk in? I talked to Gary and he said he'd have '52 bezels in about four weeks, he's out of stock.

 

On your headlight buckets, I'm guessing you won't need to find new ones. You see, the outer headlight rings are different shapes. Some stick out farther from the body, making your headlight look sunken in, some don't stick out farther from the body, making your headlight look flush. It's a optical trick, the way different headlight rims/rings work.

Besides, you can always relocate your buckets many ways. Sometimes just with spacers to move them forward or rearward. Or you can modify/weld the flange that is part of your fender metal.

On mine, for example, I moved my stock buckets rearward and even lowered them a little bit. I lowered them so the curve on the headlight ring lined up better with the fender when looking from the side.

 

Thanks for explaining that Mike.

 

Sorry John but I am a little confused are you going to try and flush mount your lights with '52 bezels? The inside diameter at the front of a '52 bezel is just shy of 8" and the inner bezel has a slight conical shape to it which reduced the inside size to the desired 7" diameter for the head light but it is an 1 1/2" back from the leading edge. I'm no expert but I don't think that you can flush mount your lights with '52 bezels if that is what you are planning to do.

 

Not going to flush mount the '52 lights, will have them set up like how Rik has them photoshopped.

 

Ok. Just wasn't sure with your last post. Didn't want you to buy something and then find out it wouldn't work like you had hoped.

 

No I totally appreciate your help.

A friend of mine likes how it looks but wondered why I didn't do ghost flames and side pipes. I had to kick his ***.

 

LOL And so you should have. Guess he doesn't get it.

For what it's worth I like the '52 bezels and am going to put them on my Merc if I ever get to it.

 

Hopefully the '52 bezels won't be a huge changeover for my buddy from what I have now. I'm going to order them right now because I'll end up finding more pics and then get indecisive.

 

HAHAHA. They shouldn't be too bad. I can send you a picture of one held up to a stock fender if you need to get an idea. I realize yours will be a bit different but if you think it will help let me know.

 

If you have time sure!

 

Alright here are a few if you need any others let me know. Obviously I don't have a headlight bucket in the fender but you can get an idea the spacing between the bezel and the stock headlight location. I also noticed I taped the bezel on with the retaining screw facing out rather than down but you get the idea. LOL You can see the sweet metal work that was on the car to start with as well that I am going to have to fix.

 

Thanks, doesn't look to crazy to get those to look good.

John

 

*Update*

'52 Merc bezels are on back order with Nightprowlers, I need a set pronto. Does anyone else sell them? I need them for next week's finishing of my car.

Thanks!

 

Hi K13.

You have any pics the lights already installed without the chromering where i can see the 7" bulbs installed. Any pics from behind (inner fender side) where i can see how you installed the buckets from behind???