Technical Looking for large size taillight ideas for a Model A

'Gotta agree with that. There is only one real solution.

 

49/50 Lincoln gets my vote

 

What does the rest of the car look like?

 

Yeah, but he ask about big tail lights, really no worse than what's already there.

No joke, I remember seeing a lot of them in the past, would I use them--NO!

This is the right way to do it! HRP

 

Well Mustang tail lights would make it look like you were in the middle of the big field at the 73 Street Rod Nationals where probably 200 out of 3500 cars or trucks had Mustang taillights.
Right now something simpler than the Christmas tree light LED things will work until it comes time to do some changes. Not all of are rich enough to just run it into the shop for body work and paint because we don't like a certain part. That suggestion always burns my biscuits and is a bit condescending in my book.

 

Hey everyone- thanks for the replies and suggestions.

I do really appreciate the people that offered helpful input on that topic. I’m especially liking the 1950 Lincoln idea- that was something I wasn’t aware of before. I’m giving that some strong consideration. I did also like the vintage bus and trailer lamps ideas as well. Those were something that hadn’t crossed my mind either.

I just bought this car a few weeks ago and am still getting to “know” the car. Like most vintage car purchases there are a lot of things I will be changing to make it my own- some sooner than later. Right now the bulk of my time is fixing the major things that need attention to make it safe and legal (mainly brake and steering issues). The taillight upgrade will be one of my first “elective upgrades” once I finish the mandatory repairs. I’m looking for options that I might consider for a simple way to improve the look of the car for now. Eventually the lights will probably be addressed in the “correct” way (weld in patch panels, paint and body) but it’s not something I’m willing to invest that much time and effort on at the moment especially with the bulk of my time going to fix mechanical issues.

Thanks to the people that offered helpful taillight suggestions. I have looked into and considered all of them- except the very controversial Mustang lights. Those just aren’t for me.

Thanks again, Jay

Also, included per some of your requests- here is a picture of the rest of the car. The car is an extremely dark green. For some reason in photos the shadows make it appear black or like some panels are darker than others. In person the color is consistent.

 

@Alienbaby17 Glad you took the suggestions and critiques in the spirit intended. Even those who said to jump into major changes probably understand that Rome wasn't built in a day.
Glad you are making it safe, then pretty. I'm right there with you on prioritizing repairs and changes as time and money allow.

 

Glad you take the suggestions as intended........hopefully helpful but honest. Just remember, a couple of primer spots look just fine on old hot rods.............

 

That thing is pretty cool! Thanks for the extra pic. I was expecting the worst and hoping for the best, ha!

 

Good looking car, do what it takes to make it your own. HRP

 

Lots of round Ford tail lights that have the Ford vibe but, man, some of them are gigantic. The task would be to determine which ones are just big enough and have a bezel that you can live with;

53-54




Here is an interesting shot. On the right is a 61 Falcon-chero tail light, on the left is the mixing bowl and 59 Buick lens that became the replacement


63 Fairlane


62 Fairlane


62 Falcon

 

What about 1960 Dodge Dart lights?

 

I'm late to the party but, Lincoln taillights get my vote. Some great advice here fellas, cheers

 

Use the 50’ Pontiac lights you like, and make some type of stylized bezel that fits the vibe of the rest of the car to make them fit the existing hole. Maybe incorporate some additional trim to soften the look.

 

Not inexpensive:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/305507794094

More options:
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=1949+1950+Lincoln+tailights&_trksid=p2332490.m4084.l1313

 

And, what would be proper?

Ben

 

A valid question.
In My mind two things occur.
The present treatment ( also counting the tag placement ) overpowers the shape of the body.
It comicley looks like a cartoon.
More proper would be placed toward the sides.
( and yes given that size some chrome would not hurt )
The tag lower, as it looks like the ass end of a truck.
IMHO

 

Mustang lights? Egads. Before spending money on a pair of lights I would have @themoose or other able photoshopper to add them for you digitally. In my opinion that rear panel is nasty. @Moriarity is correct on that street rod plate recess and the lights are too bloody high. I would rebuild that rear panel and cut the paint in under the body reveal and the side seams, not real tricky. The car deserves a better rear view than the builder gave it. Anything else is just a bandaid, IMO.

 

The height doesn't bother me with the fact of today's drivers spending almost as much time behind the steering wheel staring at their phones as much as they stare at the road ahead of them. Atleast they can't use the excuse they couldn't see the brake lights.

Also agree the license plate recess needs to go. Plate needs to be a lot lower.

Tail lights are the problem that has no easy fix. You could do many of the suggestions about, merc tail lights, small light with DIY trim rings etc but I think it would have looked better if the lights were further apart.

Maybe the curve on the merc lights would allow you to move them out and even closely match the curve of the body but then again you end up with a extra set of holes to fill.


...

 

1950 Buick would cover the hole and require a little more trimming.

 

https://www.classychevusa.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=1756/mode=prod/prd1756.htm



Hello,

Your huge lights are pretty big and have made the sedan somewhat odd looking. If you got some smaller, but still large ones with or without chrome rings around to give it the finished look, it would be more stylish. Plus, lower the placement with eye level positioning . That way, the driver following you will note where the brake light will be.

But, a little frame with a third brake light for the license plate would give you the added third light necessary for rear views for the drivers behind you.

Jnaki

Or… if you don’t like the license plate frame light, then a small circular red light below the rear bumper. Yes, a Model A rear bumper smoothed and chromed to fit across the back.

This is a low rear third brake light that is small, but easily spotted from a long distance away.

 

50 Pontiac or 50 Lincoln keeps the tradition.

 

Here's a treatment from over 30 years ago. (Sorry I can't get it to expand.)

 

In today’s texting , distracted drivers the bigger , brighter the better. Go to your local Semi truck chrome shop and check out their light selection . Not sure what these taillights were but the builder / owner used wheel covers for the bezels . Almost looks like he got the lenses from a railroad crossing signals

 

Myself I like 57 Ford taillights

 

Seen at the CHRR at FAMOSO a number of years ago.
They are cool, but not advisable for such a great car as you have.

 

Egad man!