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Would a 1990 Formula work to turn into a replica?
Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2016 8:28 am
by Dozer789
After several years of planning, my dreams are finally coming to fruition! I found a 1990 Formula in good condition with only 97k miles. I was thinking it was a Trans am, but then on closer inspection it turned out to be a formula.
Im wondering if I could use this car to make my replica? I'm not making a perfect replica, because I want everything to actually have a purpose, but it will be very close. Probably the main thing that I'm wondering about would be the nose. Is it compatible with the formula?
Re: Would a 1990 Formula work to turn into a replica?
Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2016 2:01 pm
by Kitt_24
Re: Would a 1990 Formula work to turn into a replica?
Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2016 2:12 pm
by Assasinge
That's yours?? Dude I'm so jealous! Lol I always imagine myself in KITT when I'm driving in my dad's Lexus. Care to tell me how you modified it and everything?
Re: Would a 1990 Formula work to turn into a replica?
Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2016 5:46 pm
by Dozer789
Thanks kitt_24. Why do I need the older taillights and fenders though? Are the blackouts and nose incompatible with the 90 formula? Or are you referring to the back fenders?
Re: Would a 1990 Formula work to turn into a replica?
Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2016 7:31 pm
by Kitt_24
Dozer789 wrote:Thanks kitt_24. Why do I need the older taillights and fenders though? Are the blackouts and nose incompatible with the 90 formula? Or are you referring to the back fenders?
For the black outs you will need the older 82-85 flat taillights cause the 86-92 Trans am firebird has the more rounded taillights. You can leave your front fenders on it will work with the nose. I left my 92 firebird front fenders on.
Re: Would a 1990 Formula work to turn into a replica?
Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2016 7:33 pm
by Kitt_24
Assasinge wrote:That's yours?? Dude I'm so jealous! Lol I always imagine myself in KITT when I'm driving in my dad's Lexus. Care to tell me how you modified it and everything?
Just a old car lol most of the parts came off ebay.
Re: Would a 1990 Formula work to turn into a replica?
Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2016 11:36 pm
by Dozer789
OK, makes sense. The 82-85 fenders are purely to make it more authentic I'm guessing then?
Re: Would a 1990 Formula work to turn into a replica?
Posted: Sat Sep 03, 2016 3:34 am
by Kitt_24
Dozer789 wrote:OK, makes sense. The 82-85 fenders are purely to make it more authentic I'm guessing then?
Yes
Re: Would a 1990 Formula work to turn into a replica?
Posted: Sat Sep 03, 2016 7:57 am
by Assasinge
Depending on the state you live in you'll probably have to make slight adjustments. Damn laws.
Re: Would a 1990 Formula work to turn into a replica?
Posted: Sat Sep 03, 2016 8:50 am
by Knight Racer
Nice looking Kitt replica kitt_24 even if it does have ground effects. I actually like them on some Kitt replicas. Gives them more of a sleek look.
I noticed you used the season 1/2 switch pods on a season 3/4 dash. Do you like those more than than the later season pods?
Also I think I read on the forum somewhere that after 88 ,the firebird/Trans and had airbags and therefore illegal to swap out the wheel for the gullwing steering wheel. Was that hard to install?
Re: Would a 1990 Formula work to turn into a replica?
Posted: Sat Sep 03, 2016 8:56 am
by Assasinge
Oh, I was just about to ask about the steering wheel actually. Knight Racer mentioned airbags, how would that work on the gullwing?
Re: Would a 1990 Formula work to turn into a replica?
Posted: Sat Sep 03, 2016 1:34 pm
by Dozer789
I had an idea about the steering wheel. While I think that a full, or partial steering wheel would be easier to drive with, couldn't you just cut down your old steering wheel, and remold it? That way it retains the airbag and everything, but it has a more authentic look.
Is that something actually feasible, or am I way too optimistic about remolding a steering wheel?
Re: Would a 1990 Formula work to turn into a replica?
Posted: Sat Sep 03, 2016 2:04 pm
by Assasinge
Depends. Would I want to remodel my crappy ass Toyota steering wheel? Doesn't even look good xD. But I don't know, though I've never actually considered that solution.
Re: Would a 1990 Formula work to turn into a replica?
Posted: Sat Sep 03, 2016 3:37 pm
by Kitt_24
Knight Racer wrote:Nice looking Kitt replica kitt_24 even if it does have ground effects. I actually like them on some Kitt replicas. Gives them more of a sleek look.
I noticed you used the season 1/2 switch pods on a season 3/4 dash. Do you like those more than than the later season pods?
Also I think I read on the forum somewhere that after 88 ,the firebird/Trans and had airbags and therefore illegal to swap out the wheel for the gullwing steering wheel. Was that hard to install?
Yeah 3/4 season nose and dash with 1/2 season pods and 1/2 season lights on top of dash cause i found them cheap on eaby. I do like the 3/4 season dash better. My car had the airbag . I don't know if i can remover or not but i don't care i want the gullwing wheel lol.
Re: Would a 1990 Formula work to turn into a replica?
Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2016 3:07 pm
by Assasinge
Sorry to have to bring up a old topic, but how often do you have to maintain your replica? Or how often do you even drive it?
Re: Would a 1990 Formula work to turn into a replica?
Posted: Sat Nov 19, 2016 1:56 am
by OKC KNIGHT
Assasinge wrote:Sorry to have to bring up a old topic, but how often do you have to maintain your replica? Or how often do you even drive it?
Technically, You COULD use any third gen as a daily driver granted you have the mechanical skills and financially funds to do so.
Me personally, I have had my '82 T/A replica since 2003, Pre-conversion (BLack/Gold M.Long version) it was my HS and College daily driver but once I turned it into a full replica it became a "Nice weather" garage car lol

Keep in mind nice paint job and some of those parts are $$$$$$$ and using such a car as a daily driver will affect that !!
And as Kitt_24 mentioned if you want a KITT taillight blackout on your potential replica, You will need the correct 82-84 Smoked Trans am taillights. The 85-90 taillights are curved and will NOT accept a blackout.
But on the plus side, Your Formula should have the buldge scoop hood !!!
Dave