1958 headlights fit a '57?

[ReddingScott]

Will the headlights and headlight doors off a 58 fit in the 57? Not convinced I want to do it but wanted to know if the dimensions and parts will fit a 57 without a hitch. Many thanks!

Scott
Redding, Ca.

[Jeff Norwell]

A58 entire front clip will bolt on to a 57, The doors will too... but the models must be the same(500 to 500) and 300 series to a 300.
Custom guys did it a lot in the 50's and early 60's.
I think I am the only guy on earth that loves a 58 front end better on a 57.....

[hiball3985]

I think I am the only guy on earth that loves a 58 front end better on a 57.....

I think you are 
But I have a friend who likes Edsel front ends on them, I don't talk to him anymore..

[Ford Blue blood]

But I have a friend who likes Edsel front ends on them, I don't talk to him anymore..

Hey now......they are unique....:<)

[hiball3985]

Hey now......they are unique....:<)

Yes they are, and look fine on an Edsel.

[Jeff Norwell]

Ha ha ha ..Jim.your off the Christmas list hahahah

[Ecode70D]

       WOW  !!!!!!!
   Take it easy boys. 
   

[Ray]

LMAO, I just took pictures of a 57 or 58 ranchero with 58 Edsel front end, tail lights, and dash. I'll try to post them.

[Hoosier Hurricane]

Back to the original question.  The front panel in the fender on a '57 is made to hold a single headlight "bucket" for a 7" light.  The '58 panel has to be configured to hold two small buckets.  So the front panel would have to be replaced with a '58 panel, or the '57 panel modified to hold the dual buckets.

John

[Jeff Norwell]

Some Australian cars... interesting.

[RICH MUISE]

Here's a well done '57 300 with 58 headlights.
http://www.hotrod.com/articles/1957-ford-custom-300/#1957-ford-custom-300-rear-three-quarter

My 2cents.......I don't like blend of the '58 headlight door to the 57 nosepiece, and I don't think you could use the '58 nosepiece without using the '58 grille. Works fine for a oem 58, but not as a mod to a '57,  and the single headlight has a much cleaner look.  Works fine for an oem 58, but not as a mod to a '57
This made me think of '57 imposter (Doug) whom we haven't heard from for over a year. If he's reading this post, he's probably  wondering why anyone would want to do that, since he spent so much time converting his '58 to look like a '57. Doug.......where the heck are ya??

I've come to realize that for years I didn't like 58's (or59's), but finally realized it's only the trim on the '58's I don't like. The '58 Tbird is one of my all time favorite front ends, and the '58 Ford is not really all that different once the center pieces are removed.

[RICH MUISE]

Also, I recall a company back in the day offered aftermarket dual headlight  conversion kits for the '57's......maybe Honest Charley's or JC Whitney.

[ReddingScott]

Thanks to all who chipped in on this. I guess where I am at is : why mess with the original? The car looks great as is. Sometimes I think I spend too much time and effort thinking about this stuff and not enough enjoying what I have. thanks for all the help.

[ReddingScott]

Based on Rich's note about a conversion headlight swap kit, I found this:  http://flickriver.com/photos/unclegal/3252953752/

I then checked JC Whitney and , of course, found no product. But as usual, Rich is right again!

Scott

[Jeff Norwell]

Ford also offered dual head light conversions for 57's.... I remember seeing NOS used sets on Ebay years ago..... I believe it was something to do with a govt. regulation......I have heard about that from a few different people.... but maybe an old wives tale.... something about making the big 3 convert to dual headlights for safety?... 58,59 .all companies went to duals......