This is the first time I've ever done a tech post all on my own so be kind. It's also the first time dug into custom bodywork, shallow as the hole may be. OK, here goes... By dumb luck I got some '61 Olds taillights cheap on ebay, they aren't perfect, but they are better than what I started with.(see below) I thought the Olds bezels might be a little smaller than my 52 Ford bezels when I bid, but they are actually the exact same size 6-1/4". Here's what I started with, surface rusted silver painted taillight bezels, the other side is cracked with a hole. On top of it, they are an cheap looking design.
I unbolted the tailights from the back and I cut out the lip where the original taillights mounted. My sabresaw had no blade, my die grinder woith the cutoff wheels was MIA, my buddy with the plasma cutter wasn't at his shop, so I used the angle grinder, everything went OK 'cept the lip disappears near the bottom and I gnawed away a bit too much. Ooops! So I made some little patches, clamped them in from the backside and bird**** welded them in with my ****py MIG welder. Since this is a $300 car, and I'm on a deadline, metal finishing was not a option. It's within 1/16", that's bondo range.
I was looking at how I was going to bolt the new taillights in, although they both had 3 screws, they were not on the same diameter and the Olds taillights was more dished. So I looked at the rusty bezels from the 52 taillights. If I flipped them over, the Olds reflector kinda fit if I made some room for the bosses for the mounting screws. It made it sit down better, but the Olds reflector had a nubbin sticking out, so I ground it off. I also bent the "tabs" where the old Ford lens screwed down so the Olds reflector fit down tight to the lip on the back of the Olds reflector. Later on I'll get some tubing and weld them into the notches so that the screws fit like factory.
I made everthing fit and stuffed the old bezel in. The are a few places inside the fender where there's doubled sheetmetal, like right under the top of the fender at the top. that had to be ground down so that the bezel fit close the were the old lip was. I tacked it in and tried it out. It held it were it needs to be so I'll finish it up later. You can see my bird**** weld buildup underneath. I also have to grind this surface all flat so that when the bezel bolts on, it'll be flat.
Then I stuck the reflector in I got some big nuts... bigger ID than the bosses and some washers and that held the reflector in, this will work until I get some tubing and weld it in.
Then I set the bezel and lens back on, they screw on from the backside, so I just sorta hung it there for the picture. I may lose the semi-circle chrome and keep the jet plane trim for a cleaner look. I'm as amazed as you....
That is slicker than hell, but I vote leave the chrome on, Gives it a decco kind of look, nice work-MIKE
sweeeeet. i say if u leave the "rainbow" in the tail lights u have to paint them like a rainbow!! looks alot better then the stock lights thats for sure. but ditch the "rainbow"
What...the...hell??? Good job! You're kinda creative when you're drinking. You should drink ALL the time!
I just switched ISPs and these pics will be going away soon, if you want to download them, do it now. I did back them up to my HD, so if you want them, PM me. Don't know when I'll be able to put them back up on the new ISPs server. 4t64rd
Looks great Domke. Next time actually find the correct tool for the job! I'll have to see if Bulletproof wants to do this to his Ford. Reverend Jake
I like!! Bird **** and all. I think I'll pirate your idea if I don't get my Ford sold..............what's it gonna cost me????? Hmmmm..........now where is a '61 Olds? BTW great post.
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