1954 Tail Light Lens Replacment

[John L.]

Greetings!
I just purchased 2 new Guide tail light lenses for my 54' and need to fit them to the SS bases .... how is this done? Could this be a simple as breaking the old ones away and slipping the new plastic lens in place?

Was unable to find a thread on how to do this through a search of previous posts.

Additionally - any recommendations on the brighter lamp to use with the 6 volt electrical system??

Much appreciated!
Chevyguy.

[Roy B.]

Re: 1954 Tail Light Lens Replacment

I've not done that but seems correct but needs to be glued in because there not sub post to turn .Also if one knows it can be determined there repro's.

[Mike M.]

Re: 1954 Tail Light Lens Replacment

Greetings!
I just purchased 2 new Guide tail light lenses for my 54' and need to fit them to the SS bases .... how is this done? Could this be a simple as breaking the old ones away and slipping the new plastic lens in place?

Was unable to find a thread on how to do this through a search of previous posts.

Additionally - any recommendations on the brighter lamp to use with the 6 volt electrical system??

Much appreciated!
Chevyguy.

john: most 53-55 owners, including myself, send the original tail-lights to ron jones, who will replace the red lenses and buff the stainless. he's reasonable. mike

[Randy G.]

Re: 1954 Tail Light Lens Replacment

I just replaced mine. Very easy to do. The stainless was fine and it did not need polishing on mine.

Carefully break out the old lenses by tapping on the sides with a small hammer. I held the assembly in my hand to do it because if you set it on a flat surface you might flatten the stainless. Before you break out the lense be sure to notice which side is up so you can index the new lenses properly (this side up). Once the lense is broken and removed, clean the metal housing with a little Brake Cleaner spray and Scotchbrite or something to remove any residue. Wash your hands before you touch the new lenses if you used something harfull to the plastic to clean the metal housing.

I used a tube of clear silicone sealer to put a 1/4" round bead of silicone around the inside corner (all the way around) on the area where the stainless meets the metal housing where the new lense will seat against. Carefully twist the new lense past the stainless edge into the housing until it seats fully. Try to install the lense close to proper index to avoid twisting it too much against the silicone sealer. I worked the lense back and forth just slightly to make a good seal. Very little or no silicone will squeeze past the stainless on to the lense. If it does just wipe it off with a clean dry cloth.

I was told to use silicone or an epoxy to hold the lense on. I chose silicone because some day I may need to replace the lense again. Epoxy would be darn near impossible to get out of the corners of the housing if it ever came to that.

Good luck,
Randy

[John L.]

Re: 1954 Tail Light Lens Replacment

Thank you gentlemen for your help! Since I have the new lenses and some time I will try this myself. Great suggestion to not beat on the old lense on a flat surface. A minor detail but sure would be a pain to have a "flat spot" on a beautiful trim ring.
More questions to come.
Best

[Troy P.]

Re: 1954 Tail Light Lens Replacment

To help the old plastic lenses to break I suggest you saw some cuts in them with a hacksaw or Dremel tool. That will give a little space for the plastic to move into to as you hit it with a hammer. But to gain greater control of the plastic breakout process I always crush the plastic in my vice rather than whack it with a hammer.

You can file, sand and polish the stainless rings to your liking when the old plastic is out.

[Randy G.]

Re: 1954 Tail Light Lens Replacment

To help the old plastic lenses to break I suggest you saw some cuts in them with a hacksaw or Dremel tool. That will give a little space for the plastic to move into to as you hit it with a hammer. But to gain greater control of the plastic breakout process I always crush the plastic in my vice rather than whack it with a hammer.

Better put on a pair of safety glasses.