French headlights.

[39topless]

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

 

[48 coupe]

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

 

[Torchie]

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

 

[Mike B]

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

 

[Chevford]

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.

 

[Fibber Mcgee]

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

 

[scooder]

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

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

 

[G.M.]

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

 

[51 MERC-CT]

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.

 

[JSeery]

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.

Like the Merc!!!

 

[39topless]

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.

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

 

[JSeery]

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.

 

[Chevford]

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

Thank you and your welcome.

 

[39topless]

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.

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

 

[Lawson Cox]

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

 

[48 coupe]

HMMMM. what he said.