Ever since I "finished" the '52 DeSoto wagon 4 years ago I've been unhappy with how the '59 Imperial grill fit. It was too far back in the opening, the parking lights on the ends (the original ones from the wagon) didn't blend well. The whole thing just looked "off". Today I set about making it better. I pulled the grill forward 2", which gets it out where the teeth are more prominent, although not as buck toothed as the originals (which I never liked, in these or a Mercury). For the lights, which fit even worse with the grill moved forward, I made some stainless covers for the outer ends that mimics the peak of the Imperial grill and ties them better to the grill opening. I simply adhered the stainless caps to the park lamp housings with silicone, which means they can be removed if I need to or decide to do something different in the future. I think it looks much better, and, it gave me an excuse to be outside on a beautiful late summer day.
That looks great Don't you love it when a plan comes together and all that works pays off and you get exactly what you were after ? ...
You'll just have to imagine it 2' further back in the opening. I don't have one from the same angle, close enough to see much difference. It was enough to bother me though. Edit: found one.
The Jalopy Journal
