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'55 Tail Lights Done Right

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Old 06-22-2015, 11:25 PM
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'55 Tail Lights Done Right

I really, really like the idea of '55 Chevy tail lights on an HHR. The problem I see with them is two fold: 1. The downward angle of the current kit is just wrong. It looks droopy and is not at the correct angle to flow with the HHR body. 2. The stick-on look just looks Hoakie. If it doesn't blend in correctly, it's always gonna look temporary. 3. (Did I say two-fold?) They are WAAAAAY too expensive .

I'm thinking of pulling molds of '55 tail fins and making my own. These would be blended in and the quarter panel would be re-painted. If I get some spare time I might do this, I have lots of fiberglass experience. I think the V8 panel needs this.

Last edited by lasater; 06-23-2015 at 09:52 AM.
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Old 06-22-2015, 11:37 PM
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I agree. I have always liked the idea of the 55 tail lights but I did not care for the kit.

What would really be cool is if you could get the fuel filler hidden behind the tail light. I miss when car makers would hide the fuel fill behind tail lights or the rear plate.
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Old 06-23-2015, 06:07 AM
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Wasnt there a member here that did the 55 Chevy Tail lamps on his Hhr.

Was a black Hhr if i remember right. ~
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Old 06-23-2015, 06:28 AM
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"American and Proud" had them
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Old 06-23-2015, 08:12 AM
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Not a fan of this look at all...but to each his own. There's a guy here locally that has the mold for these and he sells them. Seems like they are right at $1000 for the set.
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Old 06-23-2015, 09:38 AM
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Originally Posted by Lucky

What would really be cool is if you could get the fuel filler hidden behind the tail light.
I won't move the fuel filler neck. Too much liability for fires in accidents, etc. what I will do is get the angle correct and feather the piece into the body so it looks like it belongs there and not some stick-on ill fitting part. Repainting of the quarter panel would be required but I think it would look a thousand times better than the current method.

I just can't get behind this "stick-on" look:
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Old 06-23-2015, 10:09 AM
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I've always thought why? The 55 tails, the HHR is modelled after an earlier body style, so why not 51 or 52 tail lights the tin woodys had very cool rectangular lights and smooth curved quarter panels. Just my two cents! No disrespect to anybody who has these on their rides like A&P or Heavywrecker.
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Old 06-23-2015, 11:49 PM
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Originally Posted by Oldblue
I've always thought why? The 55 tails, the HHR is modelled after an earlier body style, so why not 51 or 52 tail lights the tin woodys had very cool rectangular lights and smooth curved quarter panels. Just my two cents! No disrespect to anybody who has these on their rides like A&P or Heavywrecker.
OB- I thought same thing.. & the droopy '55 kits just don't do it for me.
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Old 06-24-2015, 09:03 AM
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The fitment just seems sloppy, the gaps and downward angle of the rear of the fender extension just scream cheap add on.
Sorry for my opinion but have a close look at the red HHR pictured above, enough said!
Again, no disrespect to anybody but this is just my view on the subject, but then there are some Picaso works I don't like either! But Van Go now we're talking!
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Old 06-24-2015, 08:28 PM
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If memory serves you could get a fiberglass kit to add 57 fenders to a caprice wagon.

It was called the Alternomad after a design by Thom Taylor.

https://www.google.ca/search?q=alter...U7Adrh1XGlE%3D

At least they blended well with the side of the body. Too bad it did not flow with the top half of the car and its curves

Its too bad the 55 kit for the HHR does not blend so well.
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