I have an 89' GTA Trans Am. When I bought the car the rear spoiler was fine, now though on the passenger side on the inside of the spoiler just before the flat piece small cracks have started forming. On the passenger side there seems to be an indention starting to happen. I am assuming one is causing the other. Is this a common problem on TA's, what is the cause? Is there any way to fix it, or at least stop it from spreading, other than replacement?

Thanks,
Rob

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1989 GTA TRANS AM
305 TPI, 5 SPD
SWAPPING TO TPI 350 NEXT MONTH.

 

cracking,,,if it's painted,, it's weather getting to the paint,, if it's not painted,,, it's weather rotting the rubber it's made out of

a common problem of these wings,, not much can be done

$1200 from the dearer,, you learn to live w/imperfections

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<A HREF="http://anzwers.org/free/gta" TARGET=_blank>87 Firebird
84 Camaro</A>

- intelligence is learned, ignorance is universal

 

You bet this is a common problem for 1985-1990 T/As, Formulas, and GTAs......

I have had my red GTA's spoiler repaired three times..... and I'm 0-for-3 so far. The only real fix is replacement; the spoilers are now discontinued from GM (a blessing, really....) The foam rubber construction was sub-par at best, and once the telltale cracks occur, then the metal supports inside begin to rust away as water permeates the rubber. A really bad design.....

But the aftermarket has tooled up now for fiberglass replacements; take a look at The GTA Source Page for more info. Click on the GT Auto banner on top of the front page for additional information, and the opportunity to get a Source Page special price on one of these spoilers.......!




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Frankie Rider, 2
The GTA Source Page
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1988 GTA Red 5.7L Hatchback
1988 GTA Black 5.7L Notchback
1988 GTA Gunmetal Metallic 5.0L Hatchback

[This message has been edited by FrankieRider2 (edited October 01, 2000).]

 

My 89 Formula is cracking really bad. What i tried to do to stop it, was went to walmart and picked up some bondo putty. I think its used for boats and stuff, so it can get wet and still stay bonded. It looks like crap, but its holding it together till i can replace it. Later, Jimmy

 

3M also makes a plastic 'bondo' for patching fascias after you've halved/patched them.

 

I say if you want to restore your car, get a new spoiler. If not, just fix it

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1992 GTA (226 made), 1 of only 18 "Dk. Jade Gray Met. Primar" 92 GTA's, Window Sticker, 305 TPI, 700R4 4-Speed, T-Tops, Grey Leather, every option except rear disk brakes (Oh well, makes it 1 of a kind), and CD.
Current Mods/Upgrades: 80 Series Dual Outlet Flowmaster, TPIS Air Foil, OE Replacement K&N Air Filter, and Mobil 1. THAT'S IT! 98% STOCK!
Future Mods/Upgrades: None but a complete restoration.

"If it ain't broke, fix it til it is!"
Webmaster www.TransAmGTA.com
My 3rdGen Firebird Message Board!
Help Me Find My Dream Car!!

[This message has been edited by 92GTA (edited October 02, 2000).]

 

The spoiler problem seems to very common on these cars. Unfortunately, I have seen numerous '85-'86 T/As with the "black textured" aero-wing spoiler at the junkyard that were in perfect condition. It seems that only the '87 and up body-colored aero-wings are the worst for these kinds of problems.

I think the major problem is moisture getting into the areas where the spoiler is attached at the decklid and along the sides. I have noticed that during periods of intense heat, like sun exposure on a hot day, the spoiler expands and slightly stretches. It seems as the urethane becomes more brittle and less elastic over the years from exposure, cracks and splits form when it expands. Once moisture penetrates the metal inside, particularly at the attachment points, the rusting process begins to rapidly eat away at the (metal) support structure underneath.

The only way to confidently fix a "damaged" aero-wing is to completely dig out all of the rusted chunks of metal material inside. You need to treat all metal surfaces with a rust inhibitor. After you cut out all areas of damaged urethane, fill the holes in with a good semi-rigid urethane (2-part) repair material. Take your time. You need to slowly build-up each area by sanding and filling. Bondo and RTV adhesive will not work unless you want to keep doing it again and again. Trust me, I speak from experience.



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1989 Firebird GTA: black on black 5.7 liter (N10 dual exhaust) with T-tops and leather.