1980 Sunbird Hatch

[Sunbird80]

Well, I have had this car for nine months now ... I have been looking for a Monza or Starfire (flat taillight) Rear Finishing panel since day one. I have came across a couple but, have never managed to make the deal for one yet. I have removed the 151 Iron Duke to do an overhaul ... I considered doing a V8 swap but, I already have a Pro Street truck so, I will just keep this car as a fuel efficient daily driver. It is essentially rust free with only one dent to fix ... it is unusual so, that's enough for me. I'm not in it for the speed. Pics to follow ...

https://www.flickr.com/photos/81228902@N02/13591008693/

[Sunbird80]

The 151 Iron Duke ...

[Sunbird80]

Rear Finishing Panel mounting points marked by the arrows ... I wonder how a Monza or Starfire panel mounts? I already know that I have to change the tail lights as well.

[Stonebird]

I've looked into it for mine and have all the stuff. The shape of the metal rear panel that holds the taillights is different. The contours and holes for mounting lights are different. The openings for the bulb sockets are also different. The taillight assembly needs to seal against the metal panel around where the sockets come through so it doesn't leak. Ideally you need the steel panel too. You need to find a junk car where you can drill all the spot welds and remove the whole rear mounting panel, or do a lot of rework to your original panel to get stuff to fit right.

[Sunbird80]

Thanks for the info Stonebird ... I thought that might be the case. Now to just find a junk Monza ... no small task ... I have searched everywhere in a 100 mile radius of me. All were crushed years and years ago. I am going to have to search farther away I guess.

[Len]

Darn I know I posted pics of the 3 different tail panel steel structures . But cant find it ?????
Len

[Len]

Found it !!!!!

Last%20Roll%20-%203.jpg

Last%20Roll%20-%204.jpg

Last%20Roll%20-%205.jpg

PIc one Sunbird
pic 2 wrap around monza
pic 3 flat panel monza

[Sunbird80]

Thanks Len, that helps a bunch actually.

[Len]

I also found this shot of my sunbird with the flat panel insallede with the sunbird tail lights !
If you do a search on my posts all these pic are under " hatchback tail lights" Not sure how to post the link !
Len

Last%20Roll%20-%203-1.jpg

[80 MONZTA]

Hatchback tail lights viewtopic.php?f=1&t=26234
And
how do I save this ? viewtopic.php?f=15&t=26622

[Sunbird80]

Great stuff Len ... thanks again. Even though the Sunbird lights don't exactly "fit" the Monza panel, I don't think it looks all THAT bad ... certainly better looking than no panel at all.

[383VEGA]

Hey Sunbird80,

I just thought I would share my experience with you. I too have a 80 Sunbird hatchback and needed a tail light panel. I finally located a Monza hatchback panel in Georgia and it bolted right on, no problem. The problem I found after, was that the Sunbird tail lights were too small. A fellow member let me know that flat panel Monza hatchback tail lights or Starfire hatchback tail lights will work. I chose the Starfire tail lights as the lenses are all red, not red and orange like the Monza. I did have to do a little cutting on the metal panel to fit the tail lights but it wasn't that bad. I also opted to trim my Sunbird spoiler ends to make it fit. I'm happy with it. Good luck. You can see my post at viewtopic.php?f=1&t=33730.

[Sunbird80]

Thanks Rick, good to know that the Monza panel is a bolt-on ... and I didn't figure that cutting a few extra holes for the Monza lights would be all that much trouble. Now if I can just find the parts ...

[Sunbird80]

Sheesh! It has been over a year since I posted any progress on my Sunbird. Actually, the car sat untouched all Winter ... it has only been in the last couple of months that I've gotten anything done to it. The 151 Iron Duke has been overhauled, painted and installed. The trans just got new seals and filter screen. All of the underside of the car got painted. The interior was blue but, I have acquired most of the stuff to change it to black. New carpet that I just had from another project. Didn't fit perfectly but a few cuts made it work.

[Sunbird80]

Well, I haven't touched any of my H-Body stuff in months ... but, I'm back after it again.