Ok, the shield ones are neat, but tried to find ones with back-up lights incorporated - in like - the top section of shield. Even called number of 'big' places to no avail. Anyone see anything like that? Am aware '73-? types available with back-ups, but not cool looking.
What about '40 Ford chevron ones, where top bars are amber/turns, middle ones are 'stop', and bottom ones are 'back-up'. All neat, clean, in one package/pod/housing that could mount on original shield-type mount or could a-fix to side of rear stake posts ??
Any leads- ideas where something like that may be?
Thanks. John H.

 

I have the "shield type" on my 1954 that were bought from Mid Fifty about 6 years ago. Built in back up light was not an option then but not sure about now. I would be interested in converting mine if that were available. Steve

 

No truck, Bronco or Econoline was available with factory or dealer installed backup lamps prior to 1967.

Shield tail lamps did not come with back up lamps. I don't know of anyone making repro's w/backup lamps and the last year they were installed (Flaresides & Cab & Chassis) was 1966.

In order to make a shield lens w/a backup lamp, the reproducer would have to manufacture new tail lamp bodies which would be very expensive. IMO, not even "deep pockets" Carpenter would bother.

Note: Originally, the shield lenses had FORD in block letters molded into the plastic. But shield lenses made 1961/66 do not have this feature.

Beginning 1967, all trucks came with backup lamps as standard equipment, as they were mandated by the Feds.

Flareside and Cab & Chassis lamps are squarish with the backup lens incorporated within.

Separate back up lamps were available for cars beginning in the 1940's.These were usually mounted on the rear body panel below the decklid.

The lamps were made by Unity (unityusa.com). I know that you can still buy original spotlights, fog and driving lamps from Unity, don't know about the backup lamps.

1940 Ford Passenger Car 'chevron' tail lamps mounted to the rear fenders. There is no way that this lamp will attach to a shield type tail lamp mounting bracket.

 

I was looking for a lens with a back-up light as well. When I couldn't find what I wanted, I ended up making my own with a 1.25" LED that is used as a marker/ clearance light. I carefully drilled the plastic out with a step drill. The LED has a rubber flush mount with optional stainless trim ring. It comes in different sizes. I know it is a different lens, but perhaps something similar would work for you.

 

These lenses appear to be from a 1953 Ford car. The original accessory backup lamps were mounted below the tail lamps on the rear body panel

 

1955 T-Bird.
But again, the LED lights I used are flush mount. I was simply offering the suggestion that something similar could be done with the Ford tail lights. The LEDs are self-contained lights and low heat (shouldn't impact the plastic). There is a 3/4" LED version that might fit where the blue dot is. Or if you already have the stock tail lights, drill them out (like I did in the example above).

 

I still think they're from a 1953 Ford. 1955/56 Ford/Thunderbird lenses are concave around the chrome plastic cone, while 1953's are flat.

1955/56 Ford/Thunderbird backup lenses mount above the tail lamps.

 

No disrespect, but you can think all you want. If you look at the picture of my lens above, it is "FRST 55". 1956 were different.


1955 Ford Thunderbird


1956 Ford Thunderbird

 

OK, you got me on the taillights, but porthole tops and the moulding at the front of the skirt above the wheel opening moulding weren't available until 1956.

40 some years ago, a guy who lived in Orange County CA claimed he owned the first 1955 T-Bird. It was black and had 1955 Ford Fairlane side mouldings on it.

At shows, he kept the hood closed, so people couldn't see the VIN .. I looked in every reference book and at all factory photos I could find, none showed Fairlane side mouldings on any '55 T-B.

A pal of mine owned the 5th T-Bird assembled and I owned the 6th. I also owned a 1956 & 1957 Thunderbird.

"The Deuce" was a member of the Thunderbird Country Club in Palm Springs, this is where the name came from.

It's nice to see the wire wheel hubcaps. Some people install wire wheels, then some claim that they're original, but they ain't.

Wire wheels weren't available until 1962, were standard equipment on 1962/63 Sports Roadsters, optional on others.

1950's Chrysler wire wheels will fit, but Chrysler Imperial wire wheels will not.

The thin white wall tires are from the mid-1960's, 1955 white walls were much wider.

 

Fordimages.com - 1955 Ford Thunderbird prototype : Posters and Framed Art Prints Available

I have a photo of a black t bird with the trim sitting next to a 55 car its a pre production pic. I cant find it at the moment but the link shows a green t bird with the trim

guess you are wrong again? lol

 

Wow! That is odd. It looks like they added 1956 Sunliner trim.



Nothing like it in 1955 or 1956 production vehicles that I have ever seen.

 

My thanks for all the input here and I do enjoy looking at old T-Birds - had '57, triple white one for over thirty years- many good miles & memories - I thank the Good Lord for that blessing...
So, what were we talking about- hood scoops- no, no - that was on my first new car- '67 GTO -- forgive my slip into the past.
O.K - back on track- BTClassics- thank you, I think something like that is what I'll pursue. Do the 1-1/4" actually illuminate enough to really help? 3/4" ones would be about half light of those. Any website for those?
Thanks, again to all...john

 

This is a 1956 Ford. 1955 Ford mouldings are different, as is the grille, hood, hood ornament, parking lamps and etc.

 

Right. I wonder if the green car in the link was a prototype or privately modified?

 

If I knew back then what I know now, I would have stuck my hand up under the fenders of the so-called 1st T-Bird to feel if the holes for the mouldings were punched out (factory) or drilled out (dealer or owner installed).

I never saw the VIN of this car, because the owner kept the hood closed at shows. The plate with the VIN is mounted on the firewall.

1955 Birds are very pretty cars, but when the 'Fairlane' side mouldings are installed, IMO...they look horrible, ruins the styling of the car.