Customs The Mild Custom Transformation, mama's 55

That's what I was thinking....of course I had no idea what they used.

 

To my knowledge the stock skirts fit INSIDE the wheel well. not on top.

 

Anyone know what the biggest tire I can get under the front with the Aerostar springs? I have to swap some tires around on my nephews truck. Trying to help him out. I have a 215-75-15 on there now. These are 225-75-15's. Not sure of they would rub or not. I would think .600" won't make that much difference.

 

the Merc taillight are the Best 55.6 ford modification that can be made. Just saying.

 

They are, but have you priced them lately? Crazy.

 

I did a 55 Ford Crown Vic mild custom about 20 years ago and used 60 Dodge taillights, and a lot of years ago, I put 60 Buick tallights on a 56.

 

A friend of mine did 61 Ford full size in his. I think it took a bit of edge trimming. Here is what they look like stock and you can get them with or without the back up clear lens.

Here is his version installed after a little work.

 

yeah its insane how much they want for a set. The 60 Darts work and look good as well and a lot cheaper, I found a set at a swap meet recently for $20 but then needed probably a couple hundred dollars in plating.

 

Ah Russ Meeks car, I think there is alot more metal work in the tail light area to get those 61 units to fit, that just some trimming. Looks like there is a lot more bulge on the inner fin area next to the trunk lid compared to a stock 55/56 ford.

 

You may be right. There's Custom then there's Kustom then there's the Russ Meeks way. No changes are a direct bolt up. Some just easier than others.

 

Maybe I should have said Less involved.

 

I agree...way more than trimming...yes 60 Dodge taillights look good on those for sure

 

wrong wheels but a beautiful car

 

I like the 60 Dodge lights as well. I just get confused on what all will interchange. Are all Dodge tail lights the same for the Polara etc? I saw one NOS the other day but it was kinda pricey and I wasn't 100% it would fit, so I passed.

 

The Ford convertible has too much side trim, bad wheels and ugly tail lights. Just because fugly tail lights just happen to fit doesn't mean you should use them

 

The tails in the photo I posted are from the smaller "Dart" bodied '60 Dodges, but there were larger Matador/Polara bodies which used a completely different tail light design.

Believe me, it's confusing.

 

Those are '61 Dodge Dart. And they are the "dealer add on" tail lights that came about mid year as owners complained about how dim the stock lights were. Here is an example with, and without them.




Not to be confused with the '61 Dodge Polara/Matador, which uses a completely different tail light. These old Mopars are a mess.

 

I think that is relative to your likes/dislikes. I'm not a big Torque Thrust Wheel fan but I won't bash guys because they like them.

My dad always told me that if you want to make a friend for life, brag on their car whether you like it or not. You want an enemy for life, tell him the opposite.

 

My dad's saying was "don't measure other peoples likes or dislikes by your personal Yard Stick". Took me a while to sort that out.

 

Just ignore him. He self admittedly doesn't like customs but has to go on every custom thread and bash. Must have a pretty sad life.

 

I am digging this Root

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We used Galaxie lenses modified to fit into stock housings.

 

Great Idea. I have several 57 Ford lenses laying around I was pondering using.

 

Nice look'in old 55!! Beyond clean (especially by east COAST standards!) I like the Crown Vic trim on all 55/56 Fords. Can you make that work on a post car?...Don't know.
Ready to see a before and after on the ride height!!!
6sally6

 

The wife bought 55 Pontiac Star Chief trim for it. I still haven't done the rear end swap yet. I'm in the middle of a shop overhaul. Trying to get organized before I get back on it.

 

i remember this thread! cool car!

 

Just a quick update. The Okie Apache has gone home and freed up a bay in the shop, so mama’s 55 is back up on the front burner.

I pulled the dash last night, getting it ready to strip and paint.

 

About time!

 

Nice.