LOVE type IIIs! I've had 7 of the things, but in this case it's just not quite the right angle. I'd keep looking, and try to find the stock fold down articulated stuff that moves with the tailgate. It doesn't get much cooler than that.
I'm not saying it looks bad, I just don't think it really adds to the flow of the suburban. I think (which who cares what I think) a more pointy like 56 Chevy tail light slightly frenched would look better.
I think you could get them to fit and blend in nicely. But... they look really euro and really take away from the USA 50's flavor of your vintage vehicle (to me anyway...)
Couple of shots with the tailgate on: Not sure it is what I want BUT it looks much better than the stockers. Anyone got pictures of custom tails on a 53-54 'Burban? I was thinking 55 Chev, or early 50's Caddilac, but I don't think they would look all that different.
Here's a suggestion! 1955 Mercury wagon tail lights. These were on the H.A.M.B. for sale last year Check out this picture also http://www.flickr.com/photos/riels/4463909942/
That last photo in post #36 of the stock quarter panel/taillight gave me an idea......try a '52/'53 Mercury taillight/housing..........it would really flow with the rounded top of the quarter panel and merge with the fender contour at the base of the stock tailllight. In stock form the Merc lamps have a chromed bezel, kinda m***ive, but if stripped and painted............... Ray
The rounded bottoms of the Merc and Rambler pose a problem with the body line that wraps around the quarter. I need something with a relatively flat bottom. Those Pontiac tails are hideous.
Speedway has some "cat eyes" but you will have to make the housing. That way you could also bring it back into the body so it didnt look extended out so far.
I had a set, and the shape was right, but they were way too tall, If I cut the quarter all the way down to the bumper they would fit, but I'd end up with a 52 Merc wagon at that point.
As I recall, on those '52/'53 Merc unit the light itself is nowhere near as tall as the housing (bezel).....would it be feasible to shorten the housing at the bottom? That would also yield a bezel a bit narrower at the bottom as it is tapered..........not trying 'push' this idea...just thought the shape works with the quarter panel........ Ray
I had a pair, and the bezel that unscrews from the housing is just that, a bezel. The entire housing and reflector ***embly is one piece, and it is too tall. I guess I could fab up some reflector housings and just use the Merc lens and chrome bezel, but it would take a bunch of work and I'm not sure I would be able to get the reflector shape right to keep the lights bright and evenly lit.
I have been looking a the 57 and 58 Chrysler tail lenses (without the whole housing, just the lens) as well, but I don't know if they would look all that different than the VW ones when all is said and done.
Take a look at `59 Consul (British Ford) Wikipedia has a rear view....I`m computer challenged so no link, ...sorry
I guess I'm in the minority but I think they look good and actually blend in with the overall look of the wagon. BTW,I wouldn't rely on the collective opinions of the hamb members which includes mine to make your decision,after all,It's your car. HRP
actually after looking at all the different views, if the roof was chopped and the back pillar was slanted forward it would work perfect.
I hear ya, The more I look at it the more I like it, the lamp fits the body well. So far I haven't seen anything I like more.
I kind of like it, but the way the lens sticks way out at the top kind of kills it for me. If it had a flatter lens maybe? I agree with you, I like it better than stock, just not 100$ on it. I think you are onto something just not quite there yet.
I tucked it in about an inch and a half and raised the rear to get rid of the slope at the belt line: I am going to try the flat lenses before I give up on these lights: They use the same housing, just a flatter lens from the European market models. Looking at it I think the flat lens will share the same slop as the tailgate in profile. I'll see for sure when I get a lens to test fit.
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