Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
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Car: 83 Trans Am / 96 Jeep XJ
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Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
Picked this hatch up tonight because the price was right, and I always like this style of notch. I have been researching it and cannot find very much information on this specific design, or who manufactured it:

.


The lack of information that I can find on this style would suggest it may be on the rare side of notch's.
Any and all info is appreciated!

.


The lack of information that I can find on this style would suggest it may be on the rare side of notch's.
Any and all info is appreciated!
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Re: Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
I still wish the Aftermarket would produce a Kammback hatch instead of all those Notchback hatches.
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Car: 83 Trans Am / 96 Jeep XJ
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Re: Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
It is not a contempo hatch, either. The contempo has vents cut into the sides, and hasdifferent styling in the center:

In my opinion this is one of the best looking aftermarket notchbacks, but it has the least info on it.

In my opinion this is one of the best looking aftermarket notchbacks, but it has the least info on it.
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Re: Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
It's part of the Ferrari 308 bodykit conversion.
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/08...8-ferrari.html
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/08...8-ferrari.html
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Mantua NJ
Car: 1 Owner 1986 TA with a WS6 package
Engine: 5.0 EFI
Transmission: THM700R4
Axle/Gears: 277 Posi Speedo
Re: Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
It's part of the Ferrari 308 bodykit conversion.
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/08...8-ferrari.html
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/08...8-ferrari.html
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Re: Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
It's part of the Ferrari 308 bodykit conversion.
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/08...8-ferrari.html
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/08...8-ferrari.html
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Car: 83 Trans Am / 96 Jeep XJ
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Re: Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
That ferrari kit one sure is close, but its not exactly a notchback hatch, its more of a trunk lid.
jrhaus76; that's not what this thread is about. But why shouldn't I put this on my t/a? That's why I bought it..
jrhaus76; that's not what this thread is about. But why shouldn't I put this on my t/a? That's why I bought it..
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Re: Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
Strange, whats even stranger is the muck its setting on.Whats with the out side of that poor car.
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Re: Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
Looks like the hatch for a Ferarri Testerossa body kit to me. They sold tons of those kits in magazines back in the 80's for Firebirds along with the Lamborgini kits for Fiero's.
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Re: Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
Those are pictures from the ad. Looks like an 78-81 camaro that sat for way too long under a tree or something..
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Re: Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
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Re: Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
OP... Don't put that on your car bc you have a Firebird not a Ferrari. If you want a Ferrari, but one, otherwise don't ruin a Firebird with that hidious hatch.
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Car: 91 Firebird,00 c2500,75 Vette
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Re: Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
As some GTA's came with a notch back I have no problem with using it. I feel that it would look best with the T/A vented hood or flat hood as compared to the power bulge hood due to the vented look design. It might look ok on a Camaro with a mid year style Z28 hood w/ the black hood 'vents'.
Re: Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
Putting a "ferrari insired" hatch on does not mean its no longer a firebird. I would agree that its not proper to "clone" it into a ferrari. Just as people have swapped gfx around, changed spoilers etc its all about making it yours. How many guys here have LSX T56 swaps? With Z06 wheels and the corvette brake kits? One could say, why modify a 3rd gen? Just go buy a vette. Its about doin what you want.
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Car: 83 Trans Am / 96 Jeep XJ
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Axle/Gears: 3.23 10-bolt / 4wd
Re: Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
It's not about making my car look like another car. I am not a ferrari person, I don't even like ferrari's. Its about what I like, I am building a car for me, not to gain everyone else's acceptance. I also do not plan on keeping the powerbulge hood, in favor of something else that I like better. If I had the money, I still wouldn't buy a ferrari, I would modify my firebird the way I want it and be much much happier with the outcome.
Putting this hatch on my car is in NO way ruining my car. It is one piece of the car that is rather wasy to swap out, and it only seems hideous in YOUR opinion. This thread isn't about taking a poll on who likes it, or whether or not I should put it on my car; it's about finding out more information on it, such as the manufacturer or rarity of this piece.
Thanks to the people helping my figure out what this notch is or where it came from!
Putting this hatch on my car is in NO way ruining my car. It is one piece of the car that is rather wasy to swap out, and it only seems hideous in YOUR opinion. This thread isn't about taking a poll on who likes it, or whether or not I should put it on my car; it's about finding out more information on it, such as the manufacturer or rarity of this piece.
Thanks to the people helping my figure out what this notch is or where it came from!
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From: Plant City, FL
Car: 1991 Firebird
Engine: 3.1L V6
Re: Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
I had called that guy and was going to pick it up with my next check. At least I know where it went. If you decide to sell it, let me know(ahem...at that same rediculously low price you bought it for.)
Last edited by CharcoalBird; Sep 2, 2012 at 10:41 AM.
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Re: Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
its a rare hatch.its the most valuable hatch because of that. may i ask how much you paid.
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Re: Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
I put it on my car already. They're phone pics but they're better than nothing:


Yes, my dads yard looks like a junkyard..
I payed much less than it's worth. He was asking $100, but took $75.
Yes, my dads yard looks like a junkyard..
I payed much less than it's worth. He was asking $100, but took $75.
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Re: Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
That's going to look really sharp when it's done,I like it!!!
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From: Oyth
Car: 89RS vert
Engine: Erod
Transmission: 4L65e
Axle/Gears: BW, 3.27
Re: Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
Hows your blind spot? What does it weigh? Great price you got that for!I like it.
Funny thing is, im bout half done building my own (version) notchback.Its not a Ferrari clone either.Here's another aftermarket piece.
Funny thing is, im bout half done building my own (version) notchback.Its not a Ferrari clone either.Here's another aftermarket piece.
Last edited by 84 1LE; Sep 4, 2012 at 12:30 AM.
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From: Plant City, FL
Car: 1991 Firebird
Engine: 3.1L V6
Re: Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
Hmmm...will have to see how it looks when it is painted and a better picture it put up. I liked the hatch with the louvers you had before.
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Re: Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
Yeah I also need to see it painted to tell if I am really going to like it. I like hatch louvers, but the ones I had were cheap plastic ones and just rattled alot.
I am not sure about the blind spot, I'll have to see about that when I go to drive it again after I get off my *** and work more on the engine.
I am not sure about the blind spot, I'll have to see about that when I go to drive it again after I get off my *** and work more on the engine.
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Re: Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
I can understand modding the rear hatch,I myself have a complete hatch that came with limo tint and a shorty style wing off a 1988 Camaro. IMO it complements the 2in. cowl hood perfectly. If you like it,run it,just keep the other hatch in case you change your mine at a later time.Before paint think very hard about what you want.As a mater of fact just have them spray the old hatch with the paint you chose.That way you have it if you want to put it back on.That would be the smart thing to do.
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Re: Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
Hesitant at first, but that looks great. I've always liked your car man. Keep up the good work
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Re: Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
Thanks for the compliments guys!
Jim, I really am running out of time, haha. Wanna come out and work on it with me? I'll supply the beers..
Jim, I really am running out of time, haha. Wanna come out and work on it with me? I'll supply the beers..
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From: Plant City, FL
Car: 1991 Firebird
Engine: 3.1L V6
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Car: 83 Trans Am / 96 Jeep XJ
Engine: 355 / 4.0 I6
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Axle/Gears: 3.23 10-bolt / 4wd
Re: Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
I believe you're right..
Found this old thread:
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/auto...back-kits.html
Now does anyone know what these normally sell for when they pop up?
Found this old thread:
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/auto...back-kits.html
Now does anyone know what these normally sell for when they pop up?
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Car: 83 Trans Am / 96 Jeep XJ
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Re: Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
It would have to be on a weekend, I work monday thru friday and the car is at my dads house in wesley chapel. Any day that would work for you, really..
Off the top of my head the work that needs to be done is:
-Bolt flywheel to torque converter
-Driveshaft
-Rest of exhaust installed
-Modulator valve hooked to vacuum source
-Kickdown installed
-New trans filter installed
-Shifter hooked up
-Spark plug wires/timing
-Cooling system installed and hooked up
Misc. stuff like that, really..
Off the top of my head the work that needs to be done is:
-Bolt flywheel to torque converter
-Driveshaft
-Rest of exhaust installed
-Modulator valve hooked to vacuum source
-Kickdown installed
-New trans filter installed
-Shifter hooked up
-Spark plug wires/timing
-Cooling system installed and hooked up
Misc. stuff like that, really..
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From: Oyth
Car: 89RS vert
Engine: Erod
Transmission: 4L65e
Axle/Gears: BW, 3.27
Re: Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
Im surprised how well it lines up with the body.Most aftermarket fiberglass products have fitment issues.I think it would look cleaner w/ out the vents.If it wasnt as rare as some are saying, id 86 those vents.
What does the underside look like?
What does the underside look like?
Last edited by 84 1LE; Sep 5, 2012 at 09:27 PM.
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Car: 1984 Trans Am, 1989 Firebird
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Re: Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
wasn't sure if i liked that thing at first. im too chicken to put something like that on one of my cars, im a junkie for all original, but not gonna lie that looks pretty sick on your car man. enjoy
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Plant City, FL
Car: 1991 Firebird
Engine: 3.1L V6
Re: Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
I believe you're right..
Found this old thread:
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/auto...back-kits.html
Now does anyone know what these normally sell for when they pop up?
Found this old thread:
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/auto...back-kits.html
Now does anyone know what these normally sell for when they pop up?
It would have to be on a weekend, I work monday thru friday and the car is at my dads house in wesley chapel. Any day that would work for you, really..
Off the top of my head the work that needs to be done is:
-Bolt flywheel to torque converter
-Driveshaft
-Rest of exhaust installed
-Modulator valve hooked to vacuum source
-Kickdown installed
-New trans filter installed
-Shifter hooked up
-Spark plug wires/timing
-Cooling system installed and hooked up
Misc. stuff like that, really..
Off the top of my head the work that needs to be done is:
-Bolt flywheel to torque converter
-Driveshaft
-Rest of exhaust installed
-Modulator valve hooked to vacuum source
-Kickdown installed
-New trans filter installed
-Shifter hooked up
-Spark plug wires/timing
-Cooling system installed and hooked up
Misc. stuff like that, really..
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From: Texas
Car: 85 Camaro
Engine: 454 RamJet
Transmission: LT1/T56
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Re: Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
I personally think the vents match up with the taillights very well. The fitment almost looks better than my factory notchback did when I got it. Very jealous, I really like that style out of them all. I get more comment about my notch than any part of the whole car. Nice score for sure
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Re: Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
The vents look nice and complement the taillights. They are a large factor in my conclusion. Usually not a fan of the notch back but I beleave this one is going to look fine on you car. I would like to see more photos of it from the side.
OK, I found a photo of a notch back with a wing and it kind of fills in the bare spot on the back deck.

OK, I found a photo of a notch back with a wing and it kind of fills in the bare spot on the back deck.

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Car: 83 Trans Am / 96 Jeep XJ
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Re: Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
I'm getting more love than hate on this notchback, which I honestly didn't expect. I'm glad all you guys like it, and I did get a pretty nice score on it, which I am stoked about.
Next time I go to my dads house I'll snap a picture of the underside for you guys, it's a very well made notch, pretty light, nice and sturdy.
It didn't take too much coaxing to get it to mount up squarely, the top edge where it meets the roof line is a little skewed; the casting is a little off but its not too bad unless you're looking for it. It fit a little funny at first when I installed it while the sun was going down, but after it sat in the sun for a day it seemed to pull itself straight and line up quite nicely. I still have to do a little adjustments on the latch but I like the piece overall, and the fitment is much much better than I thought it would be.
I'm not sure what spoiler I want to put on it, but I know that I cant just leave it bare. It looks to have been drilled for a small camaro spoiler, but that wouldn't look right without the end pieces which I will not install on a firebird. I really like the 500 LE spoiler, but I am not sure if it will line up properly on the notch because of the sides sticking out down towards the end of the notch.
500 LE spoiler:

If anyone has one of these spoilers, I wouldn't mind some dimensions from it..
Next time I go to my dads house I'll snap a picture of the underside for you guys, it's a very well made notch, pretty light, nice and sturdy.
It didn't take too much coaxing to get it to mount up squarely, the top edge where it meets the roof line is a little skewed; the casting is a little off but its not too bad unless you're looking for it. It fit a little funny at first when I installed it while the sun was going down, but after it sat in the sun for a day it seemed to pull itself straight and line up quite nicely. I still have to do a little adjustments on the latch but I like the piece overall, and the fitment is much much better than I thought it would be.
I'm not sure what spoiler I want to put on it, but I know that I cant just leave it bare. It looks to have been drilled for a small camaro spoiler, but that wouldn't look right without the end pieces which I will not install on a firebird. I really like the 500 LE spoiler, but I am not sure if it will line up properly on the notch because of the sides sticking out down towards the end of the notch.
500 LE spoiler:

If anyone has one of these spoilers, I wouldn't mind some dimensions from it..
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From: Fl.
Car: 83 Trans Am / 96 Jeep XJ
Engine: 355 / 4.0 I6
Transmission: TH350 / Auto
Axle/Gears: 3.23 10-bolt / 4wd
Re: Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
Looks like the factory spoiler with a third brake light. I may just use my factory one, because I prefer it without the brakelight mounted in it.
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,892
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From: Mantua NJ
Car: 1 Owner 1986 TA with a WS6 package
Engine: 5.0 EFI
Transmission: THM700R4
Axle/Gears: 277 Posi Speedo
Re: Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
I would use a factory FireBird spoiler,not a TA wraparound
Re: Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
I believe you're right..
Found this old thread:
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/auto...back-kits.html
Now does anyone know what these normally sell for when they pop up?
Found this old thread:
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/auto...back-kits.html
Now does anyone know what these normally sell for when they pop up?
Thread Starter
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From: Fl.
Car: 83 Trans Am / 96 Jeep XJ
Engine: 355 / 4.0 I6
Transmission: TH350 / Auto
Axle/Gears: 3.23 10-bolt / 4wd
Re: Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
It's not a wraparound spoiler. It's actually a rather uncommon 500LE spoiler. I am just tossing ideas out there, I dont plan on using a wraparound, I'm not a fan of them anyhow.
Awesome, that's good info. I like being tacky sometimes, but I feel this mod isn't over the top and it's easily reversible. Also a $500 sale on a $75 purchase doesn't sound bad to me either, though I don't really plan on selling it.
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Car: 83 Trans Am / 96 Jeep XJ
Engine: 355 / 4.0 I6
Transmission: TH350 / Auto
Axle/Gears: 3.23 10-bolt / 4wd
Re: Bought a notchback, what exactly is it?
Next sunday would be good, Jim if you wanted to come out. Still have my #?
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From: Plant City, FL
Car: 1991 Firebird
Engine: 3.1L V6
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Car: 83 Trans Am / 96 Jeep XJ
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Axle/Gears: 3.23 10-bolt / 4wd






This wing would look nice