Front air dam / spoilers

Dr.Jeff

True Classic
In a related thread we explored some re-design ideas for the air ducts on the rear sides of the X: https://xwebforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/side-vents-ducts.33130/

Here we'll explore a re-design of the front lower valance on the X to change the characteristics of the nose, both aesthetically and functionally. It could be as simple as creating a "air-dam" or "spoiler" to add-on, or as complex as re-sculpting the surrounding area to create the whole new package.

I guess these might be thought of as concepts, some more radical (i.e. less practical) than others. But the intent is to stimulate new ideas, gather input, get creative. So please feel free to offer all thoughts. However I should make the same disclaimer as in the prior thread; purists, this content is all about customization, alteration, molestation of the X's design. It is not intended to offend in any way, nor is it questioning the original design of the vehicle. If this is not your cup of tea, please move on to a thread more suited to your liking...thanks. I should also say the content I am posting here are merely my opinions, reflect my tastes, and are completely subjective...do not take anything too serious, its all for fun.

I will mainly rely on pictures found online to make up for my complete lack of artistic skills. In addition to not being able to draw, I cannot use graphic software or even Photoshop for that matter. So I beg anyone with those skills to please assist as much as possible.

DESIGN
The nose of the X has what I like to call a "negative" lower slope; the body lines along the (upper-side) hood slope downward to the bumper, but from there they slope BACKWARDS (lower-side) to the front wheels rather than moving DOWNWARD or even FORWARD. I've always found this "negative" slope to be unappealing. It musters up thoughts of a 'lifting' force (negative aerodynamic effect if you will), and perhaps more importantly it leaves the front of the car with a "slack-jaw" look. Certainly not the performance oriented look of say a race inspired vehicle with bodywork shaped to move air away from under the car. This "pointy" look was common in the era, including some very expensive "exotic" or "super" cars, but I've never cared for it. So one alteration would be to eliminate or at least cover-up that negative area to give it a more muscular look, bolder, a performance image.

Something that must be considered with a re-design of the nose is the front grill. That can be a complete discussion on its own. Many of the re-design ideas here will require a different grill, but it cannot be determined until the nose is decided. Therefore I may not go too deep into the grill aspect, but I'm sure it will come up as we progress.

Another feature that I think distracts from the car is the bumpers, with the possible exception of the European split-bumper blades (like on the '74 X). However I don't like the big rubber blocks on them. Reminiscent of when Porsche added blocks to the 911 bumpers to meet US regulations. Its kind of like a big wart on the nose of a beautiful woman, very distracting. So the bumpers need to be removed or replaced.

Government regulations also ruined the X's design by requiring a higher noise height. The "nose in the air" stance is definitely wrong. However that is not really a body design element so I won't get into it, other to say I think it should be given a better stance.

So on to the pictures. There are MANY excellent examples for most of the X1/9 specific images I will show. I have not necessarily tried to find the best examples, just the most convenient for the purpose of this discussion. So please do not be offended if your X is better looking than the ones I show...it is pretty much random.

BUMPERS
For an example of clean, tightly mounted, skinny split-bumpers without big rubber blocks, look at the '71 DeTomaso 1600, a design very close to the X1/9:
71 DeTomaso 1600.jpg


One of our members adapted '71 (I believe) Camaro bumpers onto his X...very nice looking:
Camaro bumpers - front.jpg


And there are lots of examples of "bumper-less" X's, here is just one:
7174711492_602b86fe4f_b.jpg


If the bumper is removed or reduced, exposing the underlying bodywork, it should be smoothed to give it a clean, from-the-factory-that-way look. Also see the DeTomaso above:
TAS2016-02.jpg

a3.jpg


The bumper can also be incorporated into the nose along with the lower valance, sort of a one-piece item (a more modern approach). As highlighted in blue; this style bumper/valance would also eliminate the 'negative' lower aspect of the X's nose. [Ignore the red circle from the other thread]:
228890.jpg

Another modern take is on the X1/9 concept car:
fiat_x1_9_concept_front_by_x_tomi-d5kup0o.jpg


LOWER VALANCE
To eliminate the negative lower area below the bumper and in front of the wheels, something like the 288 GTO valiance/spoiler might work (also see additional note in the picture following this one):
1984_Ferrari_288GTO-0-1536.jpg

But NOT the GTO's bumper; an ugly 'after-thought', regulations required, plastic-strip-stuck-on looking thing...sad:
1200px-FerrariGTO.jpg


The yellow Lamborghini shown already is another way to get rid of the lower deficit. [There will be more to follow in the next installment.]

This redesign of the lower valance can be as much a functional improvement as a cosmetic one; a properly designed front end can add front down-force to a light nosed car. But much like the suggested side duct improvements (other thread), air-tunnel testing is needed to confirm any results. However if nothing else it certainly improves the style of the X1/9.

Lots more to come...I'll leave this for now with one more photo illustrating a very well designed nose profile:
dino1profile_0.jpg
 
For this, the option of the Serpent Auto front air dam works pretty well, IMO. I like that cut down Camaro bumper, don't think I seen that one before. Would be less 'busy' that the one I made below. As you mention, the lower valance does need to flow with the revised lines, if you come out from the stock leading edge of the front fender/spoiler lines. I used rocker panels given to me by Louis Teresi (generous man) from one of those late x1/9 body kits. The dam edge being more square cut doesn't really flow into it, but I still think it was better than without.

EDIT: looking at older pics of mine, I'm finally missing the RED :D - I guess I'm getting close to feeling OK about not changing the body color when I get to the final paint :D

X19_0297.jpg
 
I like the early X front spoiler look the best. Sadly my spoiler is rusted and beat to hell and the ends which are part of the body are rusting away. All easily fixed with major influx of money which I don't have. An overlay of some sort is the obvious solution for my situation.
 
For this, the option of the Serpent Auto front air dam works pretty well, IMO.
The Serpent Auto front dam is one that I was planning to include in another chapter of this discussion; past and currently existing options specifically made for the X1/9. My only criticism of it is what you mentioned about the lower corners / dam edge being square cut. But that could be modified to a softer rounded shape.
 
Here are a couple examples of what NOT to do for bumpers. Another case of government intervention:

Lamborghini Countach (Italian mustache)...
166289.jpg


Although we are discussing the front of the car, this is a Maserati Bora rear bumper (rear balcony)...
j-17-470x318.jpg

And the front of it isn't much better (sticking out tongue)...
remote.jpg.jpg
 
My thoughts (from a view of non finished functional design degree:D )

First of all X19 already have a lot of visually great bodykits.
FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION (unfortunately one of them was to fit roof in frunk that made front a bit too long).

If You want to make new bodykit,have to imagine whole car.
Dallara and Abarth must had have been in wind tunnel. If You do not have option to test original purpose of work, is effort really worth that? Do You want to make better than that or just different? I don't believe there is an option to make design of whole car to look younger than 80's, without changing : all glasses, lights. I would think like in 70's/ 80's (not 90's) to come with significant result.


In pictures are my sympathys - they are without compromises, at least looks like.
f830f54d771f7fed3c5bde9f9eef481c--fiat-x-fiat-abarth.jpg

ebay-fiat-x19-abarth-prototipo-01.jpg

raceren.jpg

Lancia_Stratos_HF_001.JPG


maxresdefault.jpg
 
Excellent input, thank you.

I will try to show additional examples of various X1/9 body kits and add-on air-dams / spoilers. But the Dallara and Abarth designs are indeed at the top of the list. Notice how both have significantly reduced the "negative" area (as I call it) under the nose; by extending down/forward the front fenders (wings) and integrating a large 'spoiler' across the lower front edge. Similarly with the wide extended spoiler under the nose of your third example (red race car, another picture I had saved to add to this discussion later :)). In these examples the fender flares (extended arches) are a part of that change. But a similar thing could be done with the stock fender arches, like on the Serpent Auto air-dam shown earlier. However your point about the functionality of it certainly applies; only proper aerodynamic testing would reveal if it offers any benefit.

I really like the nose of the last picture you posted, the "New Stratos". I think this would work well on a bumperless X1/9, or possibly even a small bumper X.
I5G3396.JPG

DSC0021.JPG
 
Here are some X1/9 specific body kits and/or add-on spoilers/air-dams.

I am trying to focus on the front-end treatment of the nose, however in some cases it is difficult to clearly show that aspect. I am also trying to focus on street/road cars rather than true racers, but in some cases the nose on a track car will work on a road version.
These were specifically designed for the X. Some past, some current. I'm not saying any of these are 'good' designs, just anything I can find.
I'll try to show as many as I can, fell free to add more. There are some examples already shown in prior posts above, they will not be repeated here but should be considered as part of this category.

No particular order:

images (1).jpg


EUROSPORT X19 body.jpg

DARDO X19 body.jpg

Filipinetti, modified.jpg

Maserati Biturbo 6.5 x14 wheels.jpg

X19 nose.jpg

x191.jpg

Fiat_x1-9_rot.jpg

1166_3_.jpg
dp7_.jpg


This reached the limit of photos allowed in one post, please continue on with the following post below....
 
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More X1/9 specific spoiler/air-dam/body-kit images...continued from the prior post above:

X19-front dam Midwest-Bayless.jpg

1979-x1-9-testarossa-12.jpg

2222597.jpg

xcounta.jpg

amalfi1.jpg

pbs-1979-fiat-x19-1.jpg

fiat-x19-bertone-sport-faran-body-kit_360_965ea3715ac6d6e1e4e22e2f8d0aae45.jpg

images (3).jpg

Fiat-X1-9-bodykit-006.jpg

cwlgs2xRR9uCeJ-UOwiBMA (1).jpg


I recall a few others that I don't seem to find now. Perhaps I have more saved on my other hard-drive. And I do not see some of the FAZA reproduction items that one of the vendors once offered. Hopefully other members can provide additional images.
 
In this post I'll include some random images that pertain to the subject. Some are just renderings, some unknown, and some help to better convey earlier discussion.

Ignore the red circles, left over from another thread.
4dc3fc26fda6d548d26b5b5afe5df05a.jpg

262b3794da4f370f84564aaa2517e4ee2.png

980b9ecb1fcb30d7a0127cada6918cf5.jpg

2020-ferrari-288-gto-render (1).jpg

a84a078ee5f9c931d96b670d3b79987f--fiat-x-car-prints.jpg


The next one is a member's car. I believe the air-dam was on the car when he got it and he has not been able to ID it. It's been suggested it could have been adapted from a RX7 or such. Perhaps he can add more detail
blackx.jpg

fd480e15ee4736a0112f792bef861bbc--car-sketch-maserati.jpg


Autobianchi_Runabout.jpg


This is a cleanly smoothed, bumper-less nose with a custom grill...
Custon nose.jpg


On the subject of grills, this is another member's design...
Ferrari-ish_zpsxmw3wy59.jpg


Wish I could do some Photoshop or graphic work like that to try several of the front-end designs depicted throughout in this thread onto the X1/9.
 
The main point of this discussion is to explore potential improvement to the X1/9's nose / lower front apron design. For aesthetics and/or functional enhancement. To eliminate, reduce, or otherwise hide the "negative" slope, and clean things up, get the proportions right. I suppose that was Fiat's thought when the front bumper and lower spoiler was changed to the late model "elephant ear" style. You see this with the widened extensions added to the front aspect of the fender, that sweep down and integrate with the spoiler. Of course they had to contend with governmental bumper regulations (there it is again, messing everything up), but the final product seems to distract from the overall lines of the X in my opinion.

This is a flattering angle, it gets worse with other views...
FiatX1_9__04-L.jpg


But the idea that components could be created to change the overall nose design, and be fitted to the otherwise stock body, is a good one from a practicality point. A few of the air-dam / spoiler options shown earlier in the "X1/9 specific" posts attempt to do that. Perhaps with some refinement one of them will make a great result. Especially with additional features like a new grill, lighting additions/alterations, and a better bumper treatment to complement it.
 
Couldn't agree more. I guess I should repeat one of my prior statements:
I'm not saying any of these are 'good' designs, just anything I can find.

That being said, I do find that some of the samples above actually improve the appearance of the X.
 
I've always preferred the combination of the Euro bumpers with the large chin spoiler.

78x.jpg


Or bumperless with the same spoiler.

P1060021front.jpg


P1070894front.jpg


To my eye this encapsulates the volume of the front.

I think the 288 GTO is one of the greatest looking designs ever.
 
I kinda like this one, but there aren't enough views to really see what they did at the back of the door.
Capture6.JPG


I like the front fender vent, hopefully it's functional.

Not much X styling left there.

I'm going to start with the Dallara kit I have and make some mods to it, that way I can keep the vintage style and just modernize bits of it, like you I think they need a little less overbite on the front so moving the lip forward and down while keeping the front profile similar for the same basic look.
 
I think bringing the rear widened quarter up onto the door is a little too modern for the overall look. I have thought about changing the indented body section that runs down the side into the air intake by rolling it deeper into the door at the back and flaring it vertically as well matched by a taller air intake to match the new profile.
Of course none of these ideas have even gotten on to paper as my artistic abilities hover in the stick figure arena. Now if we had a cad model of an X....
 
Brian,

You need a little rest. You are mixing the "front air dam" and the "side vent/air duct" threads...
I'm a little afraid of the results. Maybe something like the Abarth snorklel sitting on each side, like little wings?
 
ok, this may sound weird, but it actually worked. I wish I had a picture still. I worked at a body shop and a 1991 plymouth laser came in that needed a new front bumper cover. it had a small tear. after joking around about my car needing something up front, as I took the aluminum bumper off of my 79, we set it on there. amazing. it actually fit, and looked pretty good. It lined up perfectly with the wheel wells. Even with the rounded features against the edges of the X, it looked pretty good. where the lights/turn signals are on the laser was the ridge under the headlights on the X

IMG_6285.jpg


Odie
 
I think there is no matter how big lip is added in front - it will do about 0 downforce. It actually would work more like air brakes.
it's more about total area of front view and what separate sections do. quite good example is old mini with max speed 146 km/h and same mini with sportspack wide fenderflares - max speed 140 kmh, if I remember wright (Had experienced that :D .
- could help two small lips on sides, not in front of radiator, because that air is going next under the car and making opposite effect
-bigger improvement would be added air scoops, to redirect air from bottom to top of the front through radiator.

Those air scoops would be more characteristicall to midengined car. I understand that 1 of 100 could cut holes in his car to modify it - but that is that special lower valance for X19 - hidden in the frunk...

I'm not aerodynamic specialist.
 

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