[justincampbell]

Just wanting some opinions on whether to use the rear spoiler on my 1973 Formula 400. The car was optioned with the rear spoiler and I still have the original spoiler and decklid. However, I will be replacing metal and I have an extra decklid with no holes I could put on the car. Since I wouldn't have to fill any holes, I am debating on leaving the spoiler off. I'm not 100% certain, but I think I may like the looks better without it.
Does anybody have pics of a silver Formula without the rear spoiler?

At first I was concerned about the impact on the car's value. But, I don't know if that will actually make that much difference(especially if I paint the spoiler and original decklid at the same time as the car and store them just in case).

The other thing I was wondering was: Does the spoiler really make any noticeable difference in the way the car handles on the road?

[ponchjoe]

This is easy, you have both options, paint them both and swap out whenever you want a new look.

[unruhjonny]

I have been on record several times prefering that cars which were not ordered/built with a spoiler, be left spoilerless;

But in your case, yours is an early non-TA which actually had the spoiler as a factory option;
I'd say put it on.

(I was going to share a picture of my car with a spoiler, but I can only find pictures of my car when I first got it, then after I took it back off - I guess I have to scan some pictures that I took with my 35mm camera!)

[bird72]

Lots of great posts on this exact subject

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=833685

[Norwood]

Originally Posted by ponchjoe

This is easy, you have both options, paint them both and swap out whenever you want a new look.

holes in qtrs might look a bit out of place

I

[justincampbell]

Thanks for the input guys!

This is a surprisingly tough call. I finally found some pics of silver Formulas without the spoiler. They look good that way. But, then again, I don't think I've ever seen a '70 - '73 Formula that didn't look good.

[unruhjonny]

Originally Posted by justincampbell

... then again, I don't think I've ever seen a '70 - '73 Formula that didn't look good.

That right there is the key

I really think the dual exhaust/chrome tips do more for the rear of the cars than the spoiler.

[weranc55]

In regards to the handling I heard that Mike was have a hard time keeping up Craig on the twisty’s on the way to the ta nats. Must be the spoiler.

[ponchjoe]

Originally Posted by Norwood

holes in qtrs might look a bit out of place

I

DOH! Forgot about that Norwood. I haven't had an F body for many years.

[Aus78Formula]

Colour and other trim can decide if it looks better with or without a spoiler. Some look perfect without, other looks incomplete, and yet almost identical! Glad I could help!

[77 Canamman]

Go for the spoiler, especially since it was ordered that way. I added one to my 73 Formula 455 and don't regret it one bit. These cars look "meh" without one.

[chuckies76ta]

I would definitely put the spoiler back on especially that the car came with it originally. I would even add it to the car if it came without one. To me the car looks finished off with one , and looks so much sportier.

There's a reason GM took a bare Firebird and added a spoiler, shaker, flares and called it a Trans am. To me I would even add the wheel flares. Just a beautiful looking car.

Just my opinion though. I even like the shaker and snorkel combo, but does look to busy. Depends what your happy with.

[JUDGE3]

the formulas look so much better adding the front spoiler and flares. like the difference in no spoiler, its huge.

that blue car and the cragars. love it.

[justincampbell]

Originally Posted by chuckies76ta

To me I would even add the wheel flares. Just a beautiful looking car.
.

Have to disagree with that. Love mid '70s TA('76 is my favorite TA), but have never cared for the '70-'73 TA. Always thought the Formula was just the right amount of flash on the early 2nd gen. To each their own.

[unruhjonny]

i loath to see non-TA's with the flares;
if you want to go that way, just make it a TA clone.

[Held for Ransom]

My opinion, keep the spoiler.
1970-3 can get away with a no spoiler because the eyes go to the chrome bumper, then up from there and don't notice how the trunk lines don't look right. '74-up, in my opinion, needs the spoiler.

[HO Kenny]

I like with or without. On an esprit, it looks good without. However on a formula it can look unbalanced without.

[justincampbell]

Thanks guys! Now I am leaning back toward keeping the spoiler.

[chuckies76ta]

Originally Posted by justincampbell

Have to disagree with that. Love mid '70s TA('76 is my favorite TA), but have never cared for the '70-'73 TA. Always thought the Formula was just the right amount of flash on the early 2nd gen. To each their own.

It's funny how we all see the beauty in these cars. To me the 70 to 73 Firebird has got to be the nicest looking car out there. That blue Firebird with the snorkel and spoiler kit just screams performance at me. So do the 70 to 73 Trans am. The sleek front end and rear window to the rear bumper is definitely eye candy. But like you say, each to their own.

I even contemplated changing the front end on mine years ago from a 76 to early 70 to 73. Thankfully I didn't do it. It would have ruined the car.

I will probably buy an early 70 to 73 one day if the right one comes along.

[Aus78Formula]

If it already has the spoiler, and holes, then that makes the decision a lot easier. It would be different if you hated it, but if not decided either way, it has decided for you.