New member in Mass

[79BlackbirdGT]

Hey guys. Just found this site. I think its really cool that someone has the love for H-bodies that I do (did). I do currently own an H-body. a 1979 Sunbird (Blackbird GT). Not sure how rare this car is, but looking at the production #'s sh'e not very common. She has all of the Formula "stuff" snowflakes, spoiler, hood scoop (had), and big "chicken' (had the hood was replaced). Factory 305 2bbl.

I'll tell you how I came to aquire this car, but I'll start from the begining. It had to be 1984, I was working in Leominster for my dad as a electrician. Every day, I'd drive by a junkyard (Airport Auto) about 10 times a day. One day, I see this really cool car in the yard. It was a repairable. Too small to be a Trans Am, but it sure did look like one. Every time I'd drive by it, I'd check it out. I couldn't wait for the day to end. When I got home, My brother was all excited. I wanted to tell him about the car. He had something to say as well. I told him to go first. "I'm going to look at a car with Paul." (Now Paul's dad OWNED Airport Auto) I go, The Black trams-am like thing... no way!!! Man, I've been eying that all F'ing day!!! We went and looked at it. 4 Speed, V-8, mini Snowflakes.... Very cool. Well, My brother bought the car, and all the parts to fix it (front fender, grill, hood, and bumper) for $1500. It was a light right-front hit. He had it fixed, and the new parts in primer in no time. There was 1 problem, he didn't have a driver's license yet, but that didn't stop him from moving it in and out of the garage. Turning it around in the driveway. Once he got his license, he found that the engine was junk. Sounded like he spun a bearing after the first week of driving it. He had a freind that knew of a 350 cheap. My bro went and picked up his "350" for $200. After another $100, the engine was in and ready to go. There was a slight problem though, the engine was an SB400!! With tons ey-seid TONS of tourque!!! The limited-slip rear couldn't keep those tires from frying!!! Riding shot-gun with my bro, I spent more time looking out the passenger's window, than I did the winshield. What a QUICK car. not very fast, but Q U I C K !!!!! You'd hit 95 (top speed) about as quick as you can shift. After a few years, he got bored with the car, bought himself a nice RED 57 Chevy 2 door post.. Yup!!! I always told him that if he ever sold it, I wanted it. I would have bought it the day I saw it, but Paul had already seen him about it, "I've got the perfect car for you!!". Well, it came up for sale, and he wanted $3500 for it. It was 87, and I was making $10/hr, I told him, I can't afford it. One day one of his buddies, asked him how much do you REALLY want for it?? He said give me a grand, it's yours. I overheard the conversation, and after his buddy left, I asked him, You'll take a G for it?? Yes, Sure. Done. I'll pay you tomorrow. So now the car is mine, with a 400 SBC, for a G. Cool.

I haven't driven that car since 93. She is parked in my barn, just waiting to be "freshened up" and driven again. Gone is the 400SBC (350). There is a 3 speed where the POS 4speed was. Everything else is still stock. When I get around to it I will put in a 383 stroker, amd a T5 tranny. Could get a higher top speed if I put some 15" wheels in the rear. If anyone knows ANYTHING about a Sunbird Blackbird GT, please reply to this post.
Thanks,
Cary Boudreau

[sportster96blk]

wellcome. we need pics! lol george

[DrCAS]

Welcome to the site! We need some pictures to complete your registration.

That four speed should have been a Saginaw. Nothing wrong with them. Did i mention we need some pics of the car?

Stroker motor sounds like fun. The T-5 will be a hoot... make sure it is a world class version.

Don't forget the pictures.

[rtm]

Hello from northwest connnecticut,


viewtopic.php?f=20&t=29572&hilit=wannabe+t.c.

[stage169]

There were only 986 305 2bbl Sunbirds made for 79. You can check out the production option totals here http://monza.homestead.com/Production.html

Sounds more like a Formula if you can find the build sheet in the car (and can read it) that would tell you more.

Welcome, rare H for sure. Did someone mention pictures?

[marco_1978_spyder]

Welcome to the site. Ever search for the buildsheet? Let us know!

If you'd like your trim tag decoded, send the info my way.

The roumored 'Blackbird' sunbird I'd heard of many years ago was from Mass. In that story a retired dealership salesman told me of a blackbird, exactly as you described, sold at his dealership. Quite a coincedence I think.

Not having heard that story before, I would have though your car was just a nicely customized Formula you found.

I think the dealership may have had a hand in this, or maybe it was a package prototype that was never released.

But before I start a rash of speculations, hopefully you have the buildsheet.

But buildsheet or not, Cool car, and welcome to the site!

Pic's too!

[Sunula66]

MANN>>>We're gonna have to call this the "EARLY-BIRD" Site What's everyone doing up so early on a Saturday?

Welcome to the H-Body forum!!! Sounds like a unique Bird! I'm excited but with cautious optimism that the dealership did up a kool custom cloke that certainly works. I've seen some neat graphic ideas too like "bad-bird", "bird-o- prey" and others!
My little Formula W66 up here in Canada gets a lot of attention whenever it "flys the coop" too so this is a welcome site to me, especially in the wake of spammers lately! You probably have the destinction of # 2257 as our newest member!!
Again, welcome newest "Early-bird" owner!!!
PS, PICS, PICS, PICS.....PLEEZ< Pleez > PLEEEEZZZZ!!!

[RONS PROVEGA]

Hey, welcome to the club, man! ....I had a bird too which I just sold last summer!

[79BlackbirdGT]

Sorry I've been a away for a while guys. I will work on getting some pics up and loaded. So where does one find a build sheet in an H body??

[doogiediamond]

I have heard that Build sheets can be found under front seats, behind door panels, behind rear panels, under carpet, under back seats.
I have only found them stuck under the drivers seat squished between the springs and foam.
It's like finding the golden ticket when you do find them.

[marco_1978_spyder]

The most well preserved one should be behind the passenger side plastic seat back -IF- your sunbird seats have them. Let us know if you find it.

[tal1297]

Hey, just found this site, I have a 79 blackbird bt. They are modified 79 formula sunbirds I think. I have #9 according to the plaque on the dash board. Mine needs much tlc. Been slowly buying parts that I can find but don't know where to get spoilers and sticker package. I had to replace 305 with 350, blew rearend out and had rearend replaced with auburn posi unit and 373 gears. Original gears were 308. I do have original tranny, saginaw 4 speed. As you stated really quick car, in 87 was quiker than buick gnx. Had many years of fun, but I cannot sell it. Have not driven for 10+years. Hope to here back from you...

Tal

[stage169]

Hey Tal, sounds cool and I hope you could show us some pictures? I'm interested in the plaque and company that would of produced it (thinking Pontiac sent it somewhere). Brian

My friend is looking at a '79 limited edition blackbird GT. Blackbird, not firebird. As far as I can tell it's based off of the Sunbird, but I'm not sure. I think it had a 305 before it was replaced with a hi po 350 by some kids. it's black with a false shaker hood, and gold door decals saying blackbird gt. plaque on the dash says 30 out of 500. i dont know if it's a limited editino factory model or from an eftermarket builder. if anyone has any information on this car it would be most appreciated if you'd share. I've looked everywhere and found nothing. thanks alot.

[marco_1978_spyder]

Thats some interesting information, seems that this blackbird edition Sunbird is real... wonder if there was ever any brochure or literature about the package...

[Sunula66]

Hi and welcome to the H-community! Another rare bird! KOOL! PICS PLEEZE! if it came from Canada at all, you'll be able to get a build sheet from Oshawa G.M. otherwise you'll need to locate it in the seat covers or other suggestions. With that in hand, you'll determine the codes and options and list of equipment that this particular vehicle has. Sort of finding it's "birth-cert."so to speak. If one isn't found, no worries, a "Bird in the hand" well you know the phrase....pretty kool H-Body for sure, my favorite...
PS don't forget to list it in the "Garage" section to show it off!