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opinions on the 85-90 T/A rear spoiler

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Old 09-15-2015, 05:40 PM
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opinions on the 85-90 T/A rear spoiler

I have learned about the spoiler failures of the wrap around style spoilers & the 89 T/A I recently purchased is no exception. What are the replacement options if there is more than one? I see Hawks has one for $415 plus shipping.

Does anyone have any recent experience with these? Do they fit as well as the originals?

Thanks
Old 09-15-2015, 07:00 PM
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Re: opinions on the 85-90 T/A rear spoiler

They fit just fine. you can choose to install them almost the same way as the stock one or you can just follow the instructions that Hawks suggest as I did. As for anyone else selling them, I don't know of any off hand.
Old 09-15-2015, 07:22 PM
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Re: opinions on the 85-90 T/A rear spoiler

Do you happen to have any pictures of yours installed?

Thanks for the reply!
Old 09-15-2015, 08:36 PM
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Re: opinions on the 85-90 T/A rear spoiler

I see Classic is selling the rear spoiler.
http://www.classicindustries.com/pro.../12397143.html
Old 09-15-2015, 08:37 PM
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Re: opinions on the 85-90 T/A rear spoiler

http://www.classicindustries.com/pro.../12397143.html
I see that Classic is selling these also.
Old 09-15-2015, 09:06 PM
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Re: opinions on the 85-90 T/A rear spoiler

Originally Posted by mantaguy
http://www.classicindustries.com/pro.../12397143.html
I see that Classic is selling these also.
I wonder if thats a different supplier of the part? It says it doesn't supports the third brake light & I think the one on hawks has the holes in it already?

Classic is offering free shipping.... I somehow doubt they would ship this item for free.... Hhhmmmmm.
Old 09-16-2015, 10:25 AM
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Re: opinions on the 85-90 T/A rear spoiler

I don't recall Hawks having the holes for the 3rd light.
I would call Classic and see about the shipping and their also offering 15% discount.
Use code HAR15 and get Free Ground Shipping* on orders over $149 PLUS up to 15% off*! Offer ends on Wednesday, September 16th, 2015 at midnight PST
Old 09-16-2015, 11:00 AM
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Re: opinions on the 85-90 T/A rear spoiler

I just checked my spoiler and IT DOES have the holes(3).
Just read the FREE shipping rules
*Terms and Conditions: Oversize, overweight and special order products are not eligible for the free shipping offer.

Last edited by mantaguy; 09-16-2015 at 11:05 AM.
Old 09-16-2015, 11:06 AM
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Re: opinions on the 85-90 T/A rear spoiler

Originally Posted by mantaguy
I just checked my spoiler and IT DOES have the holes(3).
Where did you get yours?


I called classic & they will give me the 15% off the spoiler, but no free shipping, in fact shipping would be $210.00 Ouch. I thought maybe they would prorate the free shipping towards the truck freight, but no dice.


we have large items shipped to work all the time & its usually under $100. over $200 Seems a bit excessive.


Maybe I will call hawks to see what they say.
Old 09-16-2015, 01:00 PM
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Re: opinions on the 85-90 T/A rear spoiler

Hawks might be as much,I forget what I paid,but it was high
Old 09-16-2015, 04:22 PM
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Re: opinions on the 85-90 T/A rear spoiler

I checked with hawks. FWIW their shipping is $60 less, Hawks price + shipping matches classics sale price & shipping. So its a wash. I'll be sucking it up & ordering one within a few days.
Old 09-16-2015, 04:26 PM
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Re: opinions on the 85-90 T/A rear spoiler

Originally Posted by mantaguy
Hawks might be as much,I forget what I paid,but it was high
Mantaguy, Does the aftermarket weigh the same as the oem spoiler? I need to order a pair of gas spring supports & need to decide what strength to go with.
Old 09-16-2015, 07:45 PM
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Re: opinions on the 85-90 T/A rear spoiler

No!!! not even close, it's about I'd have to say about 25 lbs. or more lighter. I haven't changed my struts (brand new) but I don't use the release button anymore, I use the key because it really fly's up to fast and hard.
Old 09-16-2015, 08:09 PM
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Re: opinions on the 85-90 T/A rear spoiler

Originally Posted by mantaguy
No!!! not even close, it's about I'd have to say about 25 lbs. or more lighter. I haven't changed my struts (brand new) but I don't use the release button anymore, I use the key because it really fly's up to fast and hard.
Good to know, thanks for that info, I'll probably get the mid strength struts than.

So If pontiac would have used fiberglass spoilers in 87 & 88 they could have had 5.7's with T-tops.
Old 09-16-2015, 08:57 PM
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Re: opinions on the 85-90 T/A rear spoiler

My struts couldn't hold my hatch up with the original spoiler on, with my reproduction one (it has 3rd brake light holes), the struts work great!
Honestly, the difference in weight is as drastic as mantaguy says.
Old 09-17-2015, 12:21 PM
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Re: opinions on the 85-90 T/A rear spoiler

Originally Posted by F-body-fan
I checked with hawks. FWIW their shipping is $60 less, Hawks price + shipping matches classics sale price & shipping. So its a wash. I'll be sucking it up & ordering one within a few days.
Here's a new discount from Classic



Classic Industries is now offering up to 25% OFF* orders over $249!
→ Hurry! Sale ends Sunday, September 20th, at midnight PST!



Use code BER15 and get up to 25% OFF* orders over $249! Offer ends on Sunday, September 20th, 2015 at midnight PST
Old 09-17-2015, 01:40 PM
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Re: opinions on the 85-90 T/A rear spoiler

Originally Posted by mantaguy
Here's a new discount from Classic



Classic Industries is now offering up to 25% OFF* orders over $249!
→ Hurry! Sale ends Sunday, September 20th, at midnight PST!



Use code BER15 and get up to 25% OFF* orders over $249! Offer ends on Sunday, September 20th, 2015 at midnight PST
Online its doesn't give the discount on that spoiler. seems to be 15-18% off & freight is more than I was quoted. Lol. I actually was ordering it until it was adding up to more than what the last sale was. Too funny, maybe I'll call them later. I used code NLR15 from the website.
Old 09-18-2015, 06:01 AM
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Re: opinions on the 85-90 T/A rear spoiler

I have a spoiler from classic industries on my 89 TTA and it had the provisions for the 3rd brake light. The spoiler is much lighter than the factory one. I was able to pick up the spoiler since their showroom is only about 30 min away.
Old 09-24-2015, 11:04 PM
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Re: opinions on the 85-90 T/A rear spoiler

On one of my birds I am switching from the wrap around spoiler with third brake light to a straight across spoiler with no third brake light......other than bolting it up.....do I need to change anything else to make this work ?
Old 09-25-2015, 05:54 AM
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Re: opinions on the 85-90 T/A rear spoiler

For some reason I was thinking there was only one mfg of the wing spoilers like so many other aftermarket parts out there, but last night I saw an older thread where Hawks says they are making their own because early version were poor quality. So does that mean that classics is a different piece from hawks. Or is that old news & things are changed.

Jetmec, kI know you'll have to plug the hole for the brake light wire, but not sure about the bolt holes. I would sure think they would be in the same place from an assembly line production standpoint. I'm sure someone else can confirm, that just my guess...
Old 10-11-2015, 07:17 AM
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Re: opinions on the 85-90 T/A rear spoiler

So from the guys who have bought these spoilers from hawks & classic, where there any fitment issues? According to Hawks, they make their spoilers in house & they are backed up about 4 weeks on orders. So that would mean Classic is using a different vendor, or Hawks is possibly making them for everyone? I do think at the price of these spoilers they should not require modifications of any kind, but I have read the early ones didn't fir so well. Not sure if that is still the case or not. Pretty much the last thing I need to do with the 89 GTA is replace the rear spoiler & its ready to hide under a cover...

I would really like to see some pictures of these spoilers close up with details before purchasing one though.
Old 11-01-2015, 07:23 AM
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Re: opinions on the 85-90 T/A rear spoiler

Originally Posted by mantaguy
Here's a new discount from Classic



Classic Industries is now offering up to 25% OFF* orders over $249!
→ Hurry! Sale ends Sunday, September 20th, at midnight PST!



Use code BER15 and get up to 25% OFF* orders over $249! Offer ends on Sunday, September 20th, 2015 at midnight PST
So One thing I realized is the sale offers from classic industries is ongoing & a bit of a gimmick. They keep emailing me new limited time offers at rates from 15% - 30% off orders of 299 or more. After watching this for 4-6 weeks, I have figured out many items are always the same price, regardless of the amount of the sale. The spoiler is $548 to my door no matter what sale that have going.

The problem is, while classic currently has the best price on a spoiler, shipping from CA, to my neck of the woods is over $200. Hawks is a little more expensive, but much closer to me & shipping should be $125. So Out of pocket expense is better with Hawks & I like that they don't play these "hurry offer ends soon" games.

Hawks informed me they build their own spoilers with a varying 4 week lead time. I Stilled haven't pulled the trigger, & its one of the last things I need to take care of on the GTA.

I wish I could see both spoilers in person, or see some close up detail pictures from member that have bought & installed them.

Anybody willing to share a little more info or pictures?
Old 11-01-2015, 04:02 PM
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Re: opinions on the 85-90 T/A rear spoiler

Here are a few ideas:

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body...ded-crack.html

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/hist...-firebird.html
Old 11-02-2015, 06:18 AM
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Re: opinions on the 85-90 T/A rear spoiler

Here is a pic of mine on my 89 TA. Keep in mind that the spoiler is not painted
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Old 11-02-2015, 06:54 AM
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Re: opinions on the 85-90 T/A rear spoiler

Originally Posted by nhra-trans-am
Here is a pic of mine on my 89 TA. Keep in mind that the spoiler is not painted
It looks like its sitting off the lid on the left side? Did you happen to take any pictures that show how it fits to the glass & deck lid?

Also, is this from Hawks, or Classic?

Thanks for the picture!
Old 11-02-2015, 07:06 AM
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Re: opinions on the 85-90 T/A rear spoiler

I have repaired urethane bumpers in the past including a difficult 68 endura GTO bumper. The 2K urethane repairs don't bother me, It just looked like there was so much rusted metal blowing this spoiler apart it would be pointless to spend the time & materials to do so. I suppose there's no harm it digging into it a little deeper as this oem spoiler will go in the trash can afterwards anyway.
Old 11-02-2015, 08:33 AM
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Re: opinions on the 85-90 T/A rear spoiler

Yes that why few bother to try and repair the rubber, it's the rusted metal inside that's the problem.
Old 11-02-2015, 12:52 PM
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Re: opinions on the 85-90 T/A rear spoiler

Originally Posted by F-body-fan
I have repaired urethane bumpers in the past including a difficult 68 endura GTO bumper. The 2K urethane repairs don't bother me, It just looked like there was so much rusted metal blowing this spoiler apart it would be pointless to spend the time & materials to do so. I suppose there's no harm it digging into it a little deeper as this oem spoiler will go in the trash can afterwards anyway.
If you do, take pics for us all so we can see what is going on there. Doesn't seem like anyone ever does any recording of this issue. Seems like if a rolled car could be put back together, it would be childs play to repair the metal and work with some modern high tech polymers or what ever it would take to put the spoiler back into awesome condition.
Old 11-03-2015, 06:00 AM
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Re: opinions on the 85-90 T/A rear spoiler

@nhra-trans-am, Where did you purchase yours & how long ago? Is there a gap on the left side of the deck.
Any chance you could take some close up detail pictures of how it fits?


Old 11-03-2015, 04:36 PM
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Re: opinions on the 85-90 T/A rear spoiler

Bought a hawks spoiler for my formula. had it color matched. fits great.



Old 11-04-2015, 06:13 AM
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Re: opinions on the 85-90 T/A rear spoiler

Originally Posted by F-body-fan
@nhra-trans-am, Where did you purchase yours & how long ago? Is there a gap on the left side of the deck.
Any chance you could take some close up detail pictures of how it fits?
The spoiler is from Classic Industries. I went with them since they are local to me. It was purchased at least 3-4 years ago. That picture is quite old and was when I test fitted the spoiler. That side was not bolted down all the way when i took the pic.
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