Customs 55 olds or 57 pontiac headlight rings??

So here is my question to all of you. I have a 51 buick special that i am working on turning into a mild 50's custom. Just looking for opinions on which one would look better. headlight rings from a 55 olds or from a 57 pontiac. both are somewhat similar. taking all suggestions. tail lights are going to be 51 kaisers, single lake pipes and 3 inch drop springs. Let me know what you thinkl!

 

forgot 1 more thing. spotlights...... real, dummies, or just leave 'em off. opinions welcomed and needed. thanks!

 

I know the '57 Pontiac headlight rings look good on my car........of course it a '57 Pontiac!
I think the ones with the chrome ring might look OK.
Spot lights are for police cars and cabs!
Buick looks good, good luck with it!
KK

 

You know what you like, but it's hard to beat Olds lights on a big old Buick!

 

yeah those olds lights look pretty ***y. that was actually my 1st choice. I want to get the real thing not the repro ones.

 

i have a REAL nice pair of 56 olds bezels in the cl***ifieds ...just saying

 

ok so if i want to stay with the traditional theme is using 55 olds headlight rings wrong??? or do i need to stay with something 52 and older?? Thoughts please!

 

You mentioned lakes pipes, which emerged as an aftermarket item in the late fifties. '55 (or later) headlights are certainly appropriate to that era.

 

I ***ume you still have the straight 8?
How about a split manifold, and Porter mufflers (or Smithys)?

 

Thanks Mo! Yes i still have the straight 8 and 3 on the tree. I would love split manifold but cost prevents that at the moment perhaps in the distant future. i was also thinking of running the exhaust thru the bumper via ford units or some custom fab ones.

 

One man's opinion (worth exactly Jack Squat):

Headlights: 55 Olds

Lake pipes: yes, if single turn-out only and you don't use those P-clamps. Nonfunctional is fine, though others may disagree.

Spots: No.

Nice choice of tail light too. Should look nice all put together. My custom philosophy is "Less is More" and it's easy to go overboard. Smooth and cl***y is what you're after, not garish and "bad-***". Choose each change carefully with consideration to the look and feel of the whole car, and the era you are trying to place it in.

And it goes without saying; if you can buy an accessory at Wally Mart, you should leave it there. No screw-on skulls, dice or 8-balls please.

Keep us posted on your progress. Sounds like a good project.

 

Thanks Jeff!
Just want that clean simple mild mid 50's look. Seems like i am on the right path. Just like to get the opinions of those that know more than myself..

 

Speaking of lake pipes, I am running functional long lake pipes on my 50 Buick all original. I split the Exhaust at the down pipe and ran it to each side with no problems. I actually just won a 3 speed floor conversion for my 50 Super that is originally 3 on the tree.
Chuck

 

Like Canada Jeff says, less is more. Keep it subtle. As for headlight rings, I would suggest 50' Chevy welded on. No spotlights. Good luck.

 

Hey csimonds do happen to have a pic with those lakes on her? And also gave you lowered it at all?

 

I think it's been covered, but definitely no dummies.