Single Taillight Ideas For Model A Sedans

Alright fellas, I am going to run a single taillight (I know probably not super safe, and not as bright as it should be, but love the look and will be careful of course) I am looking for some creative options for running the single taillight so it looks correct and is still functional. I am looking at some ideas for cutting down the spare tire mount and customizing it to accept an early single light and license plate bracket. The original A bracket that went on the fender is actually not square since it was on the side, so want something that will look aligned and centered with taillight above and light to come through base of taillight to light the plate. Anyone have any other ideas or something cool they came up with. My sedan is pretty clean looking, nothing fancy, fairly period, all black, with 35 wires and wide whites.

Thanks

 

A single light would make me real nervous. After years of riding a motorcycle, a couple of accidents, and 1000's of near misses, I now know lights are our friends. I know it's hard with the period correct craze and all, but how period correct is a 2009 Mini-Van crammed in the *** of your A?

 

better make it bright as hell!

I went as far as to light up the blinkers on my harley and had the lenses changed to red..
so when i step on the binders on my 2 wheeler..all 3 light up..Brightly

 

A single taillight is very traditional and reminiscent of the 30's, 40's and 50's.

So is polio. When traditional looks overcome safety, I think you have to reconsider.....

 

I run a single taillight on my coupe. I'll let you know when I get rear ended.

 

Just a couple pieces of angle - one mounts to the two bottom holes for the spare tire mount, the other holds the two bolts that go through the license plate (and license plate/tail light bracket). And there are two bolts to hold the two pieces of angle together. I am going to have to redo it to get the light a little farther from the body, I can take some pictures while its apart if you want. I am running the wiring through the top hole for the spare tire mount.

Will Kimble
www.kimblemandolins.com

 

Manx,
This is it, another Buckeye has the right idea, thanks man. Pictures please, I will PM you.

Les

 

One on my old beater........

 

if i was gonna do a single tail light on a A sedan it would be a `28 drum and bracket

 

Yep. Snyder's sells that.

 

I agree. The '28 "tuna can" on the '28 mount is the only way to go.

 

I would retrofit a 1 watt red LED ( with the right resister you could run em at 6V) and when it comes on you will really get attention as they are bright like the arc of a welder. At least that is my plan for the roadster that still has 6V. I am a lighting guy so I have this stuff laying around all the time to scavenge parts from.

If you get the LED retrofit from Snyders or Brattons, that has an array of LEDS you will see points of lights like an LED stop light. Not my style but an easy way to get real bright, much more than 6 or 12 volt bulbs.

I would also wire in a flasher like on motorcycles, most will flash 3 times then stay on when you hit the brake.

 

We have a single light on our truck. Made by Oglive, not sure what it was on originally. We use a bulb that is the same socket as an 1157 but 50 more candle power. Can't remember the number but will post it tomorrow and PM you the number also. It really brightened things up.

 

That is, of course, ***uming you live to tell the tale.
There are too many crazies out there going too fast while texting. No matter how careful you are, you can't do much about idiots running behind you.

Ron Francis sells Brite Lights that fit standard 1156/57 sockets but are several times brighter, if you must.

 

I used a Model A taillight mount upside down,with a tag bracket.

 

Hi Les,

Here is the pic I promised, I hope it helps a little:



Good luck with your build,
Will Kimble

 

Good info on the bulb. My post sounded more sarcastic and ****y than I meant it to after reading it just now

 

A single tail light is not a very bright idea (pun intended). Having said that, I wonder if there might be a liability issue in case of a rear end collision? Of course with a single light in the original location there is not much that anybody could say but if you revise the lighting I wonder if you would be asking for trouble? Also, once you change the lighting do you need to meet new lighting standards for visibility?

Charlie Stephens

 

What about a pair of 6" tailights that you cannot see until they're on? Like "invisible stop lights". Are there such things?

 

Another shot of my old sedan...
28 drum lamp and bracket, I fabricated a u-shaped bracket with ears, which uses the stock threaded holes in the body and then drilled and tapped holes in it to mount lamp and license bracket. Simple swap and looks great too!

 

How cool is that? I like the look! Very clean & simple

 

Mine is a single '36 taillight with a really bright halogen bulb. I also throw my arm out and signal sometimes, if there is a fool creepin' on me.... Just have to pay attention. Been driving it like this for over 2 years. I think its either a '36 or Model A license plate bracket, been a while....

 

Type in stop light on eBay.http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/mode...r_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item255da95320

 

Will,
Score! This is it, thank you, just what i wanted.

 

I built mine this weekend, came out great, I did find that the model a version of the license plat bracket is almost identical without the raised portion in the center he had to notch out for, so save three cuts ad get the model a bracket.

 

side lites are turn signals only. An interior mounted third brake lite is a little insurance!

 

I've been rear ended with 2 tail lights. with that said it is not illegal to run a single tail light but that doesn't mean a officer won't stop you in South Carolina. HRP