One of the better taillight...
One of the better taillight treatments on a '51 Merc is to french in lenses from a '54 model. Hot Rods by Dean documented how they made these look like they belong.
In case you need a refresher,...
In case you need a refresher, this is what the stock '51 taillights looked like-not bad, but they could look much smoother.
There have been hundreds, perhaps thousands, of different taillights adapted to the quarter-panels of custom '49-51 Mercurys through the years. Some designs are natural fits; others aren't so memorable. Selecting the right style can make or break the appeal of a custom's posterior.
Some of the better blinkers to find their way onto custom '51 Merc quarters originally came on another Mercury-a '54 model. Those are the lenses Tom Kowalski selected when he commissioned Hot Rods by Dean in Phoenix, Arizona, to craft his chopped, traditional '51 Merc, featured on page 16 in this issue.
The crew at Dean's shop put a little twist on this traditional mod by using the ribbed portions of two '54 lenses to build each custom lens, thereby creating distinctive six-rib taillights. These lenses were frenched into narrowed, slightly flared, and expertly metalworked quarter-panels. Fortunately for us, the guys at Dean's documented all this work so we could share it with you. They photographed many other aspects of this custom build as well, so stay tuned for more Merc how-tos in the future. Enjoy!
The ribbed portions of two...
The ribbed portions of two '54 Merc reproduction lenses were carefully cut off with a bandsaw.
After filing the edges absolutely...
After filing the edges absolutely flat, the two pieces were glued back together using a clear adhesive that Hagan Street Rod Necessities sells for its flush-fit lenses.
Using dimensions and measurements...
Using dimensions and measurements from the newly created lenses, the stock Merc taillight openings were enlarged and reshaped.
Since the new lenses were...
Since the new lenses were going to be mounted lower than the originals, small portions of the stock openings had to be filled with sheetmetal patches.
You can also see here that...
You can also see here that the quarter-panels were split vertically and narrowed slightly to better fit the shape of the new lenses.
Round 3/8-inch steel tubing...
Round 3/8-inch steel tubing was bent to match the shape of the lens. Actually, two pieces-a top half and bottom half-were formed and welded together to make one.
It will be welded to the body...
It will be welded to the body to create a graceful flare to frame and french the lens.
With the round framework tack...
With the round framework tack welded to the body, the lens was trial fit. You can see how the sheetmetal above the light has already been reshaped to flare out and meet the frame, creating a nice flow in the profile of the quarter-panel.
Here's a look at the taillight...
Here's a look at the taillight opening after the tubing was fully welded and the area metalworked. The final design is taking shape.
This is a look at the opening...
This is a look at the opening from another angle, and it also shows the simple taillight plate built from sheetmetal and fitted with two bulb receptacles. This plate was eventually chrome plated to provide maximum illumination.
At this point, the lens could...
At this point, the lens could be trimmed as needed for a snug fit. Dean tells us that two bolts-one at the top and another at the bottom-secure the light plate to the quarter-panel, and the lens is sandwiched between the plate and the body. Rubber gasket material around the edge of the light plate and foam gasket material between the lens and body protect the lens and keep out moisture and dirt.