Custom Tail Lights or Not

[Shields]

Hello Everyone,

I’m painting my truck in stages. I’ve got the cab and front clip in primer, I’d like to move onto the box and rear fenders but before I do so I need to figure out what to do with the holes in my fenders. I bought these fiberglass stepside fenders off a kid as they are in great shape, however, there’s some fairly large holes on the back of each fender that were probably meant for custom taillights. I have the original taillights and brackets but that would require me patching the holes. Any ideas from the veterans here as to what I should do? I was looking at retrofitting some taillights from the older Vandura’s as they are quite large and might fit. What do you guys think?

 

[codfish]

I’d use the Vandura lights if they’ll fit. Not a fan of the step side light setups.

Codfish

 

[Ricko1966]

Fiberglass is easy to patch, and you have O.E. parts to put back on already. Id patch the holes

 

[ChuckN]

I’ve seen a few done, and IMHO, they never look right done “custom “.

 

[Finkaire]

You can’t go wrong with stock, years down the road you will not regret it!

 

[Keith Seymore]

I disagree. I always wanted to do an old El Camino bumper with the lights down there. I think the rear of the stepside fender with nothing blocking the view looks awesome.

K

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[Finkaire]

El Camino, Cadillac it individualizes your ride.
Once you vary from stock you’ve opened up a blank canvas. I get it, l like it!
Have fun, that’s what it’s all about

 

[RecklessWOT]

El Camino, Cadillac it individualizes your ride.
Once you vary from stock you’ve opened up a blank canvas. I get it, l like it!
Have fun, that’s what it’s all about

ew, no.

 

[RecklessWOT]

I disagree. I always wanted to do an old El Camino bumper with the lights down there. I think the rear of the stepside fender with nothing blocking the view looks awesome.

K

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Keith, I am appalled lol. The ElCamino bumper doesn't look too bad (sure wouldn't do it to mine but I don't mind it), but that red one is vomit inspiring, everything about the entire vehicle...

 

[newguy11]

Iv never liked the Cadillac or corvette rear lights, even in the 90’s it had been dont to death. The el Camino look seems pretty clean and factory in my opinion.

Although my vote is always for the factory look. I like boring

 

[ali_c20]

If it's done right I think it would look cool. Put the fenders and lights on the truck and if you like the look go for it.

 

[Keith Seymore]

..........

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[Keith Seymore]

Apparently I forgot to hit "post reply" on that one yesterday.

K

 

[Keith Seymore]

Keith, I am appalled lol. The ElCamino bumper doesn't look too bad (sure wouldn't do it to mine but I don't mind it), but that red one is vomit inspiring, everything about the entire vehicle...

C'mon - use your imagination!

Ok, ok. If you DO use the factory lights, make sure to run a ground wire from the bulb socket down to the frame.

The original ground via star washers, which break the paint on the bracket and then rust. If you paint everything up nice you won't have a good ground and your brake lights and turn signals will be wonky.

K

 

[Shields]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I’m leaning towards going with the stock lights then, I’ve done fiberglass before, it’s not terribly hard but it’s nothing to enjoy. I have to finish painting the doors anyways so I have some time to think about it. I am excited to get this thing on the road and finally have some worthwhile photos to post on this forum.