Notchback spoiler change

[V]

I have a 1988 Trans am GTA with which I'm building a '88 Notchback "tribute" car.

I have 2 oem notchback hatches. From the factory, the 719 cars built(624 in the US) came with the base model style firebird spoiler. In my opinion it is a very boring look for such a different looking car.

Factory look...



I searched the web and didn't really find any decent options as to good-looking spoiler options. The ones I did find, were scary to say the least.








Then I thought, what about the convertible spoilers. The 86-90 bird vert spoilers are cool but I don't think it would really fit the styling. Plus the center section is just a base spoiler with the sides hacked off and the third brake light is ridiculously huge.




Then I thought about the 91-92 convertible style...







I really like the 91-92 version because it levels out the back somewhat and hides the slant as you move towards the rear. And the taillight is proportional. I did a quick MsPaint chop as to what the notchback would look like with the 'vert spoiler setup. And yes, the 'vert side pieces would be cut back to about there the sail panel slopes down then back.
I'm going to have to actually place the spoiler on the car with the hatch and see how all the body lines really interact. But I definitely like the 'vert spoiler on it much more than the base flat wing.








I thought about the 86/87-92 Camaro style too. But those side pieces flare up right at the end and don't give it a flat look. Plus they pretty much go straight up on the side where the 91-92 bird style actually flares out on the side similar to the 85-90 aerowings. However the 87-92 camaro center section is the same for the 91-92 birds.



What does everyone else think? And yes, I know some don't like the hatch to begin with but that's not what I'm asking about here.

[NastyEllEssWon]

I know my word doesn't go very far around here when it comes to suggestions but I'm a big fan of the Notchback GTA and always thought it would look pretty good with a high rise camaro spoiler, especially since they both sit flat. visibility out the rear might not be too good, but I dont think it would be great without a spoiler anyway. Just a thought V.

(Bird with Camaro Spoiler)

[NastyEllEssWon]

Here's a Camaro with a Notch/High Rise Combo. I think it would look even better with the Firebird since the tails dont cut into the quarter panel like the Camaros do so everything in the back would be upright and flush with the back end.

[V]

The camaro one actually looks pretty good.

This just doesnt look right to me though.

[NastyEllEssWon]

yeah but that Firebird doesnt have the Ground Effects. Even the Camaro's look stupid with a High Rise Spoiler and no cladding. It's the body cladding that gives the spoiler height the dramatic effect....but geeez yeah I can see why you'd stay away after seeing that hideous silver firebird lol

[V]

It does look pretty good on a GFX car, however my only issue is that it is pretty obvious it is not stock. I want the car to look as if it could have came from the factory with whatever spoiler I put on it. With the high rise, I think most people would just assume its an aftermarket hatch with a camaro spoiler.

[unstable bob gable]

I like the vert spoiler on the notchback.

[V]

I bought a cheap 91-92 'vert spoiler side that I'm going to test fit and mock up and see if my idea will work.

[NastyEllEssWon]

Originally Posted by V

It does look pretty good on a GFX car, however my only issue is that it is pretty obvious it is not stock. I want the car to look as if it could have came from the factory with whatever spoiler I put on it. With the high rise, I think most people would just assume its an aftermarket hatch with a camaro spoiler.

gotcha. post pics when its mocked up at least. love notchbacks, not enough love for them in the world unfortunately

[V]

It looks good so far. No pics tonight since my phone was dead today.
I got the vert spoiler and cut the front end off. Took some courage, lol.
I painted it white quick so it would give a better representation than being red.

I'm going to have to form the front edge(the point right where I cut it) slightly with fiberglass to match up the the side of the body but so far it doesn't look too busy. I might have to trim the hatch a slight bit to allow it to clear the spoilers which now partly sit inside the hatch opening. Not a big deal since the one Notchback hatch I have needs repairs all over including one whole side, so taking a 1/8" off it will be easy. (BTW, modifying the damaged hatch is no big deal, I have a second one in better shape that I'm also restoring)

Now I just have to find a cheap passenger side and a cheap center section.

[ar0ck]

The two late model Vert spoilers I think would flow the best on the car!

[Tru2Chevy]

I really like the look of the high rise Z28 spoiler and the notchback, but if you are trying to keep it stockish, the late model 'vert spoiler would definitely be my vote. Can't wait to see how your modification of it turns out.

- Justin

[NastyEllEssWon]

Originally Posted by Tru2Chevy

I really like the look of the high rise Z28 spoiler and the notchback, but if you are trying to keep it stockish, the late model 'vert spoiler would definitely be my vote. Can't wait to see how your modification of it turns out.

- Justin

same here. it gives it a REALLY 80's look and I love it

[Punkmaster 98]

have you looked at trying a wings west spoiler? I have one going on my gta.

[PolarBear]

I have a Fiero GT spoiler I always planned on putting on mine. It is similar to the flat base one, but larger and a little more aggressive, similar-ish to the second picture you posted.

I actually, at the moment, have no idea where the spoiler is in my house It MIGHT be in the shed, but I can't back that up

For reference;




On a firebird;



The pillars are in difference places than a firebird though, so they would have to be moved.

[PolarBear]

Aaaaaaaaaand someone put it on a 5th gen....