TECH:Frenched Headlights with Mercury Rings 53-54 Chevy

[WildWilly68]

Ok, let me preface this by saying I'm a complete novice, amature, dumbass and anything else I can think fo right now. I know this has been covered extensively but since I just finished this I thought I would share my methods. Starting with the stock bezel removed, remove the screws that hold the headlight bucket in place http://mysite.verizon.net/res7yuz0/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/French3.jpg
Next remove the headlight bucket and the rubber seal from the fender
http://mysite.verizon.net/res7yuz0/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/French4.jpg
Then flip the retaining clips over so you can re-attatch the bucket from the backside. Some people like to remove the lip from the headlight bucket before mounting it from the back. I didn't because I liked the way the light set back a little farther. http://mysite.verizon.net/res7yuz0/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/French6.jpg
Then sand off the paint so you can weld the rings to the fender. Make sure it is good and clean to get a good weld. http://mysite.verizon.net/res7yuz0/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/French7.jpg
Next hold the ring in place to line it up. I actually put the headlight back in at this point to help hold the ring in place since I was working by myself. Once you are satisfied with the location, tack in once on top and re-check your alignment. If everything is good, continue to tack back and forth on opposite sides to help with heat dissipation. I cooled each weld with a damp rag as I went.

http://mysite.verizon.net/res7yuz0/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/dsc00037.jpg

I prolly welded about 1/3 of the seam and then ground everything smooth. To match up the body line I welded out onto the ring a ways so I could shape filler around it. Along the bottom where there is a small gap, I used a piece of cold rolled rod to fill the gap. Mix up some filler and make sure you push it down into the seam for good adheasion.http://mysite.verizon.net/res7yuz0/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/French10.jpg

After you sand it down you will see the low spots in the seam represented by the darker color. Time for more filler to fill the low spots and blend it back into the rest of the fender.

http://mysite.verizon.net/res7yuz0/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/dsc00008.jpg

After a couple applications of filler and sanding this is what I ended up with.

http://mysite.verizon.net/res7yuz0/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/dsc00021.jpg


As I said I'm a complete amature, and this is the first time I've ever attempted anything like this. If I can do it, anyone can with a little patience. It turned out pretty good for a first timer. It's early for tech week, but I would not have time to get this on otherwise. Any of you veterans have any suggestions that would make this easier for someone else to do please speak up....and sorry about the different pic sizes, not used to the new program I was using.
Bill

[Taildraggin]

Looks OK to me.
I've got a set of rings waiting to go on My poncho I've had them since Xmas, I better get and put them on now.

[Fat Hack]

Nice step-by-step narrative and pictorial lesson! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Just 'cause it's something simple doesn't mean it isn't COOL!

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[Roothawg]

Bttt...........cool stuff worthy of the tech-o-matic.

[J'st Wandering]

Nice detail. Only thing I would add is from my experience to use duraglass/kittyhair or a similar product for the first layer of filler. This will seal out the moisture from coming through the back and causing problems later. I did not do this on a panel repair and the steel rusted under the filler. Good tech post. Neal

[WildWilly68]

Thanks for the kudos guys. I should have mentioned I used Rage Gold filler and the backside had been POR-15'd so I'm hoping that'll take care of any rust issues. Just hope this gives someone else the courage to try it.
Bill

[happy hoppy]

thanks for the tech.

Iam having a hard time deciding between these merc rings or some 53 chevy rings for a flush look on my 54.

[Roothawg]

So were these OEM rings or aftermarket? I am thinking of doing this one myself.

[50Fraud]

I believe that there has never been a better-looking headlight treatment than frenched lights using those rings. Glad to see that people are still using them. Good job!

[13horrorshow13]

great job! your on your way, and it looks like you'll do just fine!

[flyin'eye]

Nice work, btt

[WildWilly68]

The rings are a set from a swap meet. I believe you can get them from the Night Prowlers for about $80 new. Personally I like the looks of the Merc rings better than just using the stock ones and mounting the headlights from the back. I like the shiny stuff out front http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[Roothawg]

I think that is the way I am gonna go. I think I havea single 52-54 headlight ring but I will probably never find a single. What are they bringing at swap meets these days?

[burger]

Thanks for sharing with us!


TECH = GOOD

[Roothawg]

bttt

[WildWilly68]

Root I think I payed $40 for the set a year ago, not sure what they are going for now.

Bill

[WildWilly68]

bttt one last time for tech week

[Ichoptop]

Root, I will be headed out to the junk yard in a few days, I think there are still 3 or 4 left. I'll look and PM you if I find one. The old man is cool with us so I expect I could get one for about ten bucks.

[PBRmeASAP]

Killer tech post. just wondering, the headlight rings, 52-54 merc, right? checked nightprowlers, do you need the whole kit ($80.00) rings and bezles, or just the bezels ($30)?
any pics of the bottom gap and how that was filled???
Cant wait to start, again excellent tech post, THANKS

[The_Monster]

Lookin Grrrrrreat! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[Roothawg]

I think I need the whole kit. It may be easier in the long run just to buy the kit.

[WildWilly68]

PBR you will need the bezels (shiney inner part) and rings (which u weld on) and you are correct on the year. I didn't get a photo of the underside, but I used the top of the fender as a guide and bent about a 6 inch piece of rod to fill the bottom. The gap is so small you could probaby just use filler. Good luck!

[BenDover]

Great Tech Post! So how did you add the peek on the side of the headlight ring?

JP

[Terry]

Looks great! But, that isn't really frenching is it?

[tooslow54]

thanks for the tech.

Iam having a hard time deciding between these merc rings or some 53 chevy rings for a flush look on my 54.

That's what I did. Originally I used Fusor which is why there's a line around them in my avatar...Just took all that off and welded them in good. They came out much better and no ghost lines.

[BenDover]

Hey TooSlow, got a close up of your headlights?

[tooslow54]

Hey TooSlow, got a close up of your headlights?

As soon as there's a commercial for 24 I'll run out and take one:D

[tooslow54]

Have everything off the body...finishing up some light bodywork and will be painting it in the next two weeks.

[WildWilly68]

Wow flashback to an old post! BenDover, as far as bringing the body line out on the side I just used a little filler and shaped it that way. Terry I guess it isn't frenching in the traditional sense, but my original headlight rings were junk anyway. I don't have the car anymore, but I saw it at the pileup this year and it still looks good...wish I still had it.

Bill

[sinks88]

thanks!

[SoCalChevy54]

Update some pics. I like the way there coming out...

[THAT MONSTER KID]

thank for the tech i just bought some merc rings for my 53!

[dirtydixon]

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