Rear Spoiler opinion, Yes or No?

[Lava Red73]

Hi folks I am new to the forum so pardon me if this topic has been discussed. I searched for it but didn't find any info. Here is my question, I have a 73 Mach 1 which is an awesome drive. But it doesn't have the rear spoiler. I like the look without it but the 71-73 looks great with it as well. I would love to know what the forum members think about having the rear spoiler or not. Thanks!

 

[Ryunker]

I have a '71 removed it and purchased a new trunk lid. I think they look awesome and see them on like every '71-73. That is the main reason I did away with mine.

 

[giantpune]

There's definitely a look of a fastback with the black hood, stripe kit, the rear window louvers, and rear spoiler. That's peak muscle car mustang right there.

After that, I think they look better with none of them. Just the car in 1 solid color without the louvers or spoiler.
After that, maybe add the spoiler first before any of the other ones. I think it'd look odd with the stripes or window louvers but not the spoiler.

 

[Stanglover]

Simply a matter of choice. However IF you decide to add a spoiler, I suggest getting a genuine part. That said, NPD carry probably the only close to original reproduction rear spoiler. Note that the instruction for that part, show it to be (I think) 10 1/2" back from the front edge of the trunk lid. Although it seems that many were not fitted to an exact measurement at the factory, many of us follow these dimensions.

 

[jpaz]

I think they look great with, but I’m biased.

 

[c9zx]

I like it both ways. If mine hadn't come with the rear wing I would not have added it. It is your car, do what you like. Chuck

 

[Horsin' Around]

James Bond did pretty good without one.

 

[mrgmhale]

Welcome to our forum. I am certain you will find lots of folks that are very helpful.

Our 1973 Mach 1 did not come to us with a rear wing, just a front spoiler. And, the prior owner had repainted the car and opted to not put on the Mach 1 stripes as he felt the car had a cleaner look without them. Well, after doing some "needed" upgrades we decided to do a deep re$toration. At the time of the restoration I decided to add some more of the "tinsel" that had been available back in the day. Those items included a rear spoiler wing, the side and rear Mach 1 stripes, the "351 RAM AIR" Call-Out characters on the hood scoop inlets, opening up the ram air inlets to bring cool air into the engine compartment, a set of rear window louver slats, and a set of Dzus hood hold downs.

I think the Mach 1 has a much more sinister look to it with all those adornments. Never mind the fact the front spoiler and rear wing will do next to nothing at the kinds of speeds we are restricted to on the public roads. But, they do help it pop.

I am in agreement with the folks that advise you to get a high quality part for your rear wing. I got ours from CJ Pony Parts, and it was a very nice unit - looks good, installed perfectly. And, just so you are aware, it is possible to put the wing on backward. The proper orientation of any air foil is that the thicker part of the foil (wing) is the leading edge, and is thus pointed toward the front of the car. The thinner part of the foil always pointed toward the rear, thus toward the back of the vehicle. Unfortunately, the way the wing tips are designed, it looks like the way the tips are designed is counter-intuitive. You will be getting told by a lot of folks the wing is on backward simply because of how the wing-tips are swept. If you just recite the mantra, "Thick Edge is always forward on an air foil, you will be fine.

Following is a link showing how our or wing is mounted. Below that is another link with a walk-around video of the Mach 1 on its last day of its restoration.

As for the specs on our Mach 1, they are a little unusual. First, we have a 351W, not C, engine in it, which replaced the original 302 2v. The 351W is built for street/strip performance, putting out a modest but lively 360 HP at the crankshaft. The 2.79:1 rear axle ratio gears were replaced with a 3.5:1 ratio TractionLok gear set, and the original C4 auto tranny has been replaced with a four speed AOD. We also added a Classic Air air conditioning system (and love it), an ACP full length center console, a Garmin Drive 51 GPS and wireless backup camera system, a set of LED panels for the taillights and sequential turn signals, a Dakota VHX analog instrument panel, and a dual electric fan cooling system with an aluminum 3 row radiator. It is one fun car to cut around in, and to cruise in.






Finally, if you need shop manuals, or electrical schematics, my Go To site is Forel Publications. Their PDF file prices are very low, and the information is very helpful. In 1973 the electrical schematics and vacuum line schematics were actually really nicely done, whereas in prior years a lot of the info needed was hard to find, or did not exist for "us mortals." Following is their web site for 1973 manuals:

https://www.forelpublishing.com/clickbank/index.html#1973

 

[Hemikiller]

I'm a no stripes/no spoiler guy on my current Mach. Had the works previously and just wanted a clean look this go around. Left this one how Ford made it - for the most part.

 

[Blayne9067]

Welcome to our forum. I am certain you will find lots of folks that are very helpful.

Our 1973 Mach 1 did not come to us with a rear wing, just a front spoiler. And, the prior owner had repainted the car and opted to not put on the Mach 1 stripes as he felt the car had a cleaner look without them. Well, after doing some "needed" upgrades we decided to do a deep re$toration. At the time of the restoration I decided to add some more of the "tinsel" that had been available back in the day. Those items included a rear spoiler wing, the side and rear Mach 1 stripes, the "351 RAM AIR" Call-Out characters on the hood scoop inlets, opening up the ram air inlets to bring cool air into the engine compartment, a set of rear window louver slats, and a set of Dzus hood hold downs.

I think the Mach 1 has a much more sinister look to it with all those adornments. Never mind the fact the front spoiler and rear wing will do next to nothing at the kinds of speeds we are restricted to on the public roads. But, they do help it pop.

I am in agreement with the folks that advise you to get a high quality part for your rear wing. I got ours from CJ Pony Parts, and it was a very nice unit - looks good, installed perfectly. And, just so you are aware, it is possible to put the wing on backward. The proper orientation of any air foil is that the thicker part of the foil (wing) is the leading edge, and is thus pointed toward the front of the car. The thinner part of the foil always pointed toward the rear, thus toward the back of the vehicle. Unfortunately, the way the wing tips are designed, it looks like the way the tips are designed is counter-intuitive. You will be getting told by a lot of folks the wing is on backward simply because of how the wing-tips are swept. If you just recite the mantra, "Thick Edge is always forward on an air foil, you will be fine.

Following is a link showing how our or wing is mounted. Below that is another link with a walk-around video of the Mach 1 on its last day of its restoration.

As for the specs on our Mach 1, they are a little unusual. First, we have a 351W, not C, engine in it, which replaced the original 302 2v. The 351W is built for street/strip performance, putting out a modest but lively 360 HP at the crankshaft. The 2.79:1 rear axle ratio gears were replaced with a 3.5:1 ratio TractionLok gear set, and the original C4 auto tranny has been replaced with a four speed AOD. We also added a Classic Air air conditioning system (and love it), an ACP full length center console, a Garmin Drive 51 GPS and wireless backup camera system, a set of LED panels for the taillights and sequential turn signals, a Dakota VHX analog instrument panel, and a dual electric fan cooling system with an aluminum 3 row radiator. It is one fun car to cut around in, and to cruise in.






Finally, if you need shop manuals, or electrical schematics, my Go To site is Forel Publications. Their PDF file prices are very low, and the information is very helpful. In 1973 the electrical schematics and vacuum line schematics were actually really nicely done, whereas in prior years a lot of the info needed was hard to find, or did not exist for "us mortals." Following is their web site for 1973 manuals:

https://www.forelpublishing.com/clickbank/index.html#1973

Your car is awesome!

 

[Blayne9067]

I'm a no stripes/no spoiler guy on my current Mach. Had the works previously and just wanted a clean look this go around. Left this one how Ford made it - for the most part.

View attachment 61255

Mine was like yours from factory, same trim and hub caps. I added the spoilers many years ago but not sure if I would do it again as they look super clean without spoilers IMO. Can go wrong either way unless your a purist, and I am not Stock.

 

[Lava Red73]

Welcome to our forum. I am certain you will find lots of folks that are very helpful.

Our 1973 Mach 1 did not come to us with a rear wing, just a front spoiler. And, the prior owner had repainted the car and opted to not put on the Mach 1 stripes as he felt the car had a cleaner look without them. Well, after doing some "needed" upgrades we decided to do a deep re$toration. At the time of the restoration I decided to add some more of the "tinsel" that had been available back in the day. Those items included a rear spoiler wing, the side and rear Mach 1 stripes, the "351 RAM AIR" Call-Out characters on the hood scoop inlets, opening up the ram air inlets to bring cool air into the engine compartment, a set of rear window louver slats, and a set of Dzus hood hold downs.

I think the Mach 1 has a much more sinister look to it with all those adornments. Never mind the fact the front spoiler and rear wing will do next to nothing at the kinds of speeds we are restricted to on the public roads. But, they do help it pop.

I am in agreement with the folks that advise you to get a high quality part for your rear wing. I got ours from CJ Pony Parts, and it was a very nice unit - looks good, installed perfectly. And, just so you are aware, it is possible to put the wing on backward. The proper orientation of any air foil is that the thicker part of the foil (wing) is the leading edge, and is thus pointed toward the front of the car. The thinner part of the foil always pointed toward the rear, thus toward the back of the vehicle. Unfortunately, the way the wing tips are designed, it looks like the way the tips are designed is counter-intuitive. You will be getting told by a lot of folks the wing is on backward simply because of how the wing-tips are swept. If you just recite the mantra, "Thick Edge is always forward on an air foil, you will be fine.

Following is a link showing how our or wing is mounted. Below that is another link with a walk-around video of the Mach 1 on its last day of its restoration.

As for the specs on our Mach 1, they are a little unusual. First, we have a 351W, not C, engine in it, which replaced the original 302 2v. The 351W is built for street/strip performance, putting out a modest but lively 360 HP at the crankshaft. The 2.79:1 rear axle ratio gears were replaced with a 3.5:1 ratio TractionLok gear set, and the original C4 auto tranny has been replaced with a four speed AOD. We also added a Classic Air air conditioning system (and love it), an ACP full length center console, a Garmin Drive 51 GPS and wireless backup camera system, a set of LED panels for the taillights and sequential turn signals, a Dakota VHX analog instrument panel, and a dual electric fan cooling system with an aluminum 3 row radiator. It is one fun car to cut around in, and to cruise in.






Finally, if you need shop manuals, or electrical schematics, my Go To site is Forel Publications. Their PDF file prices are very low, and the information is very helpful. In 1973 the electrical schematics and vacuum line schematics were actually really nicely done, whereas in prior years a lot of the info needed was hard to find, or did not exist for "us mortals." Following is their web site for 1973 manuals:

https://www.forelpublishing.com/clickbank/index.html#1973

Wow that is a beautiful car! Thanks for the information

 

[Greg]

I Like cars to be a great example of how they were factory built matching the Marti report. I like Factory Stripes, Spoilers etc. , but added later not so much. I prefer a non stripe car and were more common originally, but are less common now because most people added them on. For me Untouched unmodified from factory cars rule and they get rarer every time someone modifies their car. I prefer a plain jane unmodified car over a car with tens of thousands spent on mods etc. and over "restored".

 

[BigBlue]

NO.
Throwing my two cents in here...
Rear spoilers on our cars are kind of stupid. They have no functionality, and other than keeping a car as-equipped from the factory or for originality's sake, they do more harm than good.
The rear spoiler breaks up the clean body lines and makes the rear too busy visually.
The 70s were tacky and automakers threw in lots of extra flair that (in my opinion) hasn't aged well. It's the same "hey I just want to look fast" thinking behind Civics with giant Pep Boys wings and R/T Challengers with Hellcat badges. If it doesn't improve performance, why put it on in the first place?

 

[71ProjectJunk]

I love the look of the front and rear spoilers, and even the non original louvers, but that is just my personal likings. When I finish my car, I will add them as I like them and so does my wife. If you like them, put them on, don't worry too much about what others will like, it is your car, build it how you would have ordered it from the factory, if you could go back in time.

 

[Mach_One]

Put 'em on if you want 'em! Autorestomod on YouTube has a pretty good vid on the subject, check it out. My Mach 1 was born with a spoiler, it's original, and would never remove it. To each their own.

 

[jscott]

If I had a choice I would not have the rear wing, would like the cleaner look. But my car came with it so it shall remain.

 

[Idaho Chris]

I'm a front spoiler but no rear wing guy. To each his own. Do what you like and don't worry about what anyone else thinks!

 

[Lazarus]

Not to sound wishy-washy, but I like them either way. I am a little more opinionated about the front spoilers, which for me are a must.

I think the rear spoilers look 70s-cool, though they do break up the lines a good bit and probably don’t help an already kinda rough rear visibility situation. I honestly like the look with and without them.

I don’t think I’d have a rear spoiler without other black accents, like the hood blackout and rockers (I like the cars with and without side stripes).

When I do get a sportsroof, I doubt I’ll add one if not there... but not sure I’d remove one either.

Now all that said, I am also tempted to fabricate a subtle duck-bill type rear scoop. It seems to me like the quarter extensions and trunk lid are just begging to swoop up a bit more.

 

[Don C]

I'm a "do what you want, it's your car" person, whether you customize it, or do a concourse restoration. That said, I like the spoilers, too, but likely won't add one to my car, too many cars already have them. If I were to do something it would be add a small duck tail, similar to the 69s, only not as abrupt, smoother and probably a little smaller. I like making vehicles 'mine', even if it's subtle.