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Post by 60apache575 on Jun 12, 2009 10:11:07 GMT -7
I saw a step side on the internet with 59 cadillac taillights a long time ago. I would like to install some on my 60 step side rat rod truck. Has any body done this, and are they mounted on the taillight bracket or fender. I could not see the pic on the web clearly. Any suggestions. What do you guys think.
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Post by markeb01 on Jun 14, 2009 11:10:12 GMT -7
Howdy, I've had 59 Caddy tail lights on my 1960 GMC for about 10 years now. If I can figure out how to do it right there should be 3 pictures attached. Mine are mounted to the stake pocket like the stock brackets. I designed the mounts to resemble the shape of the fender. My son is a machinist and whittled them up out of solid aluminum which we had powder coated black. The main mounting piece bolts on at the factory location. It has a cavity for the wires and is drilled on the end allowing the wires to run hidden under the bed. The lights mount to the rear portion which is attached to the main bracket with a pair of allen head socket screws. I may or may not have the original drawings. If interested I'll see if I can find them and scan/post. I have also seen them mounted in the fenders with frenched tubes, or by molding in 1950's Corvette housings. It was more work that I wanted to deal with, and honestly I didn't like the way most of them turned out.  img22.imageshack.us/img22/6126/004xee.jpgttp://img4.imageshack.us/img4/3392/003jxx.jpg |
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Post by markeb01 on Jun 14, 2009 11:12:37 GMT -7
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Post by 60apache575 on Jun 16, 2009 11:02:31 GMT -7
Hey Mark, that was very helpfull. I originally was thinking of one taillight on each side but they both look good. How long is the taillight assy, are they six inches long?
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Post by markeb01 on Jun 16, 2009 22:12:37 GMT -7
The part that shows from the mounting ring of the bezel to the tip of the lens is 5 5/8". There's another 5/8" additional length that extends into the mounting ring on the stock Cadillac. The base of the bezel that is visible is approx 3 1/4" across, the mounting extension is approx 3 1/8" diameter. This hidden portion is where 3 screws hold the bezel to the base plate, which in turn holds the bulb socket.
Back in the day guys would use 58 Impala tailight rings to hide the lens mounting screws, or even 58 Chevy Biscayne diecast bezels (when only 4 lights were being used). There should be many other tail light rings that would fit to cover the mounting base if you don't want to make your own. Let me know if I can help further, M.
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Post by 60apache575 on Jun 18, 2009 15:52:05 GMT -7
Mark do you know of any aftermarket bullet,or cone shape lens that will install on the original taillight housing. Thanks Larry.
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Post by markeb01 on Jun 19, 2009 0:00:40 GMT -7
Hi Larry, unfortunately I no longer have a stock tail light bucket to measure so I don't know what exactly might fit. If you really want a 59 Caddy lens, you can buy just the lens itself from one of the streetrod suppliers www.go-kat-go.com/59catale.html - and shop the swap meets or junk yards for a rim that might fit the stock bucket. Or the custom bubble Corvette lens below might be made to fit www.restorationperformance.com/servlet/the-113576/CHEVROLET-CORVETTE-TAIL-LIGHT/DetailAlso replica 1950 Pontiac tail lights may fit directly on the stock bucket. Bob Drake sells these store.bobdrake.com/19posthotrod.html along with many other suppliers. Depending on how much enthusiasm you have, years ago a variety of custom bubble lenses were available from LEE'S out of Oakland California. Something for a 1953 Ford might work. For even deeper digging there's 1936 DeSoto Airstream and 1937 Desoto lenses. These were very desirable custom lenses years ago but would probably require much searching to locate today. For a smaller bullet similar to the Caddy, 1961 Chevy lenses may fit fairly easy. Another option is what they did in American Grafitti, simply gluing the 59 Cad lens over the stock lens. Good luck, M. |
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Post by 60apache575 on Jun 20, 2009 20:05:53 GMT -7
Hey Mark, thanks alot for all the usefull info and knowledge. Larry..
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Post by kevenahus on Jun 2, 2012 7:36:57 GMT -7
Does anyone know how to remove the tail light panel off of a 65 Chevy C10? I’m trying to dolly out some dents however, I’ve been unsuccessful with the removal process.
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anyone know if its possible to turn my c10 into 4x4 ?