1958 Imperial Tail Light Alternative
KcImperial
Posted 2025-09-24 8:10 PM (#641510)
Subject: 1958 Imperial Tail Light Alternative



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I found these tail lights on eBay for $20/pr. They are for a 1963 Ford Fairlane but they fit on my '58 Imperial perfectly.
It may be blasphemous to use a different manufacturer's part but...
the price and especially the availability is such a relief compared to the near impossible to find originals.





(58Taillightcustom.jpg)



(58Taillightcustom1.jpg)



(58Taillightcustom2.jpg)



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Attachments 58Taillightcustom.jpg (203KB - 222 downloads)
Attachments 58Taillightcustom1.jpg (143KB - 326 downloads)
Attachments 58Taillightcustom2.jpg (188KB - 263 downloads)
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Lancer Mike
Posted 2025-09-24 10:01 PM (#641511 - in reply to #641510)
Subject: RE: 1958 Imperial Tail Light Alternative



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This is the s**t I love!  I love the work-arounds.  I love the ingenuity, I love the alternatives!  Good to see you post again Donny! 

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geoffs60
Posted 2025-09-25 3:55 AM (#641514 - in reply to #641511)
Subject: RE: 1958 Imperial Tail Light Alternative


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I like the initiative on options, $20 is a whole cheaper over repos or decent used. is that a 67 new yorker i spy in behind it ?
Geoff
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KcImperial
Posted 2025-09-25 1:03 PM (#641515 - in reply to #641511)
Subject: RE: 1958 Imperial Tail Light Alternative



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Thanks, Mike!

Geoff - Yes! This is my New Yorker



(67NewYorker.jpg)



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Attachments 67NewYorker.jpg (219KB - 293 downloads)
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mstrug
Posted 2025-09-25 1:45 PM (#641516 - in reply to #641510)
Subject: Re: 1958 Imperial Tail Light Alternative



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What is the diameter of the small end? I wonder if 1959 Caddy tail light lenses would work on those?
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57plymouth
Posted 2025-09-25 2:44 PM (#641517 - in reply to #641510)
Subject: Re: 1958 Imperial Tail Light Alternative



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I remember a car on here a long long time ago that had clear dixie cups that had been painted red inside for tail light lenses. Ingenuity.
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KcImperial
Posted 2025-09-25 3:12 PM (#641518 - in reply to #641516)
Subject: Re: 1958 Imperial Tail Light Alternative



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mstrug - 2025-09-25 12:45 PM

What is the diameter of the small end? I wonder if 1959 Caddy tail light lenses would work on those?


That's a good thought, I had considered them at first because of the popularity and how similar in design they are to the 1959 Imperial lens
But -
The '59 Caddilac lenses are 3in diameter while the Imperial lenses are 3-3/4in
They are also 2in longer than the Imperial lenses which would make them protrude further than the bumper
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KcImperial
Posted 2025-09-25 3:14 PM (#641519 - in reply to #641517)
Subject: Re: 1958 Imperial Tail Light Alternative



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57plymouth - 2025-09-25 1:44 PM

I remember a car on here a long long time ago that had clear dixie cups that had been painted red inside for tail light lenses. Ingenuity.

I remember that one! I debated doing it too!
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Lancer Mike
Posted 2025-09-25 10:10 PM (#641525 - in reply to #641510)
Subject: RE: 1958 Imperial Tail Light Alternative



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Location: The Centennial State

Those '63 Ford lenses look perfect.  That's exactly what Ma MoPar should have done in the first place.

Three concentric rings on each side!  Perfect.  I remember School House Rock as a kid:

Three is a magic number!



Edited by Lancer Mike 2025-09-25 10:14 PM
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1960fury
Posted 2025-09-26 10:22 AM (#641527 - in reply to #641525)
Subject: RE: 1958 Imperial Tail Light Alternative



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Lancer Mike - 2025-09-25 10:10 PM

Three is a magic number!


It is
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KcImperial
Posted 2025-09-26 4:18 PM (#641529 - in reply to #641525)
Subject: RE: 1958 Imperial Tail Light Alternative



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Lancer Mike - 2025-09-25 9:10 PM

Those '63 Ford lenses look perfect.  That's exactly what Ma MoPar should have done in the first place.

Three concentric rings on each side!  Perfect.  I remember School House Rock as a kid:

Three is a magic number!




Ghia definitely agreed on the three rings for the limos



(1958-chrysler-imperial-crown-limousine-by-ghia.jpg5.jpg)



(1958-chrysler-imperial-crown-limousine-by-ghia4.jpg)



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Attachments 1958-chrysler-imperial-crown-limousine-by-ghia.jpg5.jpg (139KB - 221 downloads)
Attachments 1958-chrysler-imperial-crown-limousine-by-ghia4.jpg (150KB - 263 downloads)
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