1958 Starlight Hardtop Headlights

[CarCrosswordDan]

Any chance there were any early production 1958 President Starlight Hardtops that only had two headlights ? Thanks, Dan

[StudeRich]

None, all 1958 Sedans/Hardtops/Wagons except Scotsmans, had the large 4 Headlight capable Pods, Champions had 2 Headlights in the same big Pod.

[58PackardWagon]

Rich is correct. Why do you ask? Are you looking at switching out or possibly maybe need parts?

[CarCrosswordDan]

I was only hoping as I really like that model with that ONE exception. Sadly, that's the answer I expected.

[Chris_Dresbach]

I was only hoping as I really like that model with that ONE exception. Sadly, that's the answer I expected.

When I was building one of my racing tractors, one other mechanic told me "When in doubt, modify!!"
On some things, that's the answer. On this it's up to you.

[showbizkid]

I wonder what it would look like to take a '58J body and transplant a '57 President front clip, or - wilder yet - a '58 Scotsman clip, and trim it out like a Prez but with only single lamps. Could be pretty cool.

[Jim B PEI]

Any chance there were any early production 1958 President Starlight Hardtops that only had two headlights ? Thanks, Dan

The answer is 'no' with one "possible" exception. They weren't sold in North America, but I understand apparently there were some Champion Starlights made for export. All the Starlights sold in North America were Commander and President V8 powered, I think. If they were like other 58 Champion sedans, they would have come with 2 headlights although 4 headlights was always an optional extra on 58 Champions I think. I have only seen a handful of 58 Champion sedans with the single headlights, and have no idea on the situation of the 58 Export Champion Starlights.

[Lou Van Anne]

I wonder what it would look like to take a '58J body and transplant a '57 President front clip, or - wilder yet - a '58 Scotsman clip, and trim it out like a Prez but with only single lamps. Could be pretty cool.

It could only look better!

[Chris_Dresbach]

The answer is 'no' with one "possible" exception. They weren't sold in North America, but I understand apparently there were some Champion Starlights made for export. All the Starlights sold in North America were Commander and President V8 powered, I think. If they were like other 58 Champion sedans, they would have come with 2 headlights although 4 headlights was always an optional extra on 58 Champions I think. I have only seen a handful of 58 Champion sedans with the single headlights, and have no idea on the situation of the 58 Export Champion Starlights.

I remember that. In fact, I think there was a copy of an add for these export only models in a (within the last year and a half) recent issue of TW.

[JGK 940]

It could only look better!

Some of these mashups come out better than others, but I think this one shows the general idea pretty well. Many thanks to Craig Parslow for the J-body pic and to an anonymous donor from many years ago for the front end of the Scotsman.

[SN-60]

That '57/'58 Starlight looks pretty darn nice!

[5859]

Why don't you guys unscrew the fins too while you are at it. The headlight treatment is part of what makes a 58 hardtop, and without them they become somewhat dull. It's just as silly as putting a 50 or 51 front clip on a 52 hardtop.

[JGK 940]

Why don't you guys unscrew the fins too while you are at it. The headlight treatment is part of what makes a 58 hardtop, and without them they become somewhat dull. It's just as silly as putting a 50 or 51 front clip on a 52 hardtop.

Just playin' "What If," here, buddy. To each his own. No offense expressed or intended.

Personally, I think a '50 Commander/Land Cruiser snout would look great in front of a '52-style hardtop greenhouse. I just haven't gotten around to mashing one up yet.

[Chris_Dresbach]

Some of these mashups come out better than others, but I think this one shows the general idea pretty well. Many thanks to Craig Parslow for the J-body pic and to an anonymous donor from many years ago for the front end of the Scotsman.

I actually really like the looks of that. The only thing I would change is ditch the Scotsman "S" hood ornament for one from a Commander or President.

[rockne10]

I think a '50 Commander/Land Cruiser snout would look great in front of a '52-style hardtop greenhouse. I just haven't gotten around to mashing one up yet.

Keoni, Good thing you've been busy. The '50 Commander/Land Cruiser clip won't fit on the '52. The '51 is a pretty straightforward bolt on.

Hadn't thought about this before but, perhaps the '52 hardtop tub could be attached to the '50 Commander chassis. Land Cruiser would still be too long.