French headlights.
 

You don't see'm much anymore but at one time they were very popular. Just curious as to the origin of the name for this head-light/body modification. I've never owned a car with "French (Frenched ?) headlights but it seems to me that changing a burned out headlamp would be a bugger. Obviously, I have way too much time on my hands.
Thanks, Phil

Re: French headlights.
 

It had something to do with French cuffs on a shirt. They look rounded seems like that was the deal back in the day.

Re: French headlights.
 

Yes changing a bulb is a bugger. Usually involves removing the front tire as the screws that hold in the bucket go in from the back side.
I believe that the point of "Frenching" the headlights was to give the front fender a smoother look.(No headlight ring seam) It also makes the front fender appear to be longer( Chrome headlight ring painted to match the rest of the fender).
Torchie

Re: French headlights.
 

Always thought it was called "frenched", because of the kiss?

Re: French headlights.
 

Piece of cake! Have them on my 41.
Trim ring off and a couple of screws and the whole light assembly
comes out and I change the bulb from the back side.

Re: French headlights.
 

I thought they were called frenched because they were "retreating "into the fender. Sorry I had to.

Re: French headlights.
 

They'd be called Italian head lights on that rationale, you know the ones with Sun burnt arm pits.
Martin.

Re: French headlights.
 

I did them on a car 65 years ago and they were a pain to change the bulbs. G.M.

Re: French headlights.
 

Did it 58 years ago to one of the two 49' Mercury sport sedans I had at the time. Was done using 53'-54' headlight doors with inner s.s. trim rings that were removable from the outside to give access to bulbs.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...b.jpg~original

Re: French headlights.
 

Like the Merc!!!

Re: French headlights.
 

They look great on a '41. Thanks for the photo.

Re: French headlights.
 

Here's what Wikipedia says: Frenching is the act of recessing or moulding a headlight, taillight, antenna or number plate into a car body to give a smoother look to the vehicle. The name originates from the end result looking like a French cuff of a shirt sleeve, which has a ridge at the end.

Re: French headlights.
 

Thank you and your welcome.

Re: French headlights.
 

And there you have it. It's just what 48 coupe said it was. And It's Frenched, not French.

Re: French headlights.
 

Only thing I liked about France was the "French Toast" and Bridget Bardot" (In my minds eye she still looks good at what 82?) NOT

Re: French headlights.
 

HMMMM. what he said.