Welcome to BlackBird's Page!

Blackbird started life in the Bicentennial year of America, 1976. An Avco 28ft Grand Lodge. She spent most of her years as getaway for families and even as a home for an elderly gentleman. Racking up almost 90,000 miles seeing the country and being well cared for generally. Finally, a few years back, she ended up in Auburn, IL ,the possession of a family that really didn't get a chance to enjoy her due to life's financial pressures and setbacks. In stepped David Lowery, who was on a mission to find the perfect vehicle for his big plans. He even already had her name given to him in a dream, and it was love at first site. David had prayed to God to provide him with the right ride at a price he could afford. $500 was needed by the family and David had just that much saved. Another miracle, after setting for so long, David and Karen where able to fire her up and drive her home without a single problem.

The Name:

One restless night almost 4 years ago, David had a very vivid dream, or what he believes was a vision. In it, he saw himself walking down a lonely highway. Exhausted, he sat underneath an old, dead tree alongside the road. Suddenly the tree was filled with Crows, kawing loudly. He stood frightened and stared upwards. The birds desended in a line, flying around David. He stretched out his arms and was lifted and was transported down the highway. The BlackBird name was born, and the journey begins..

The Restoration:

To be a suitable home for David on the road, and an investigation support unit, BlackBird is undergoing complete overall repairs, customization, and upgrades. A rebuilt drivetrain is in progress, utilizing as much modern technology as possible to squeeze gas mileage out of what is basically a gas guzzling 1976 440ci Chrysler wedge big-block. When pushing a big, heavy breadbox through the wind, the engine will need as much help as it can get. The interior work leans toward durability and comfort, and David plans to allow many people to tour through BB (as he calls her for short) as possible during his adventures.  He see's lots of involvement of the paranormal groups along the routes to participate too.  BB will be equipped with an advanced electrical power management system and as "green" as possible. Take for example the hardwood floors. They started life as 80 year-old Oak lathes holding the plaster to the walls of Karens's newly remodeled bathroom. Repurpose and recycle people!! They are used extensively througout BB's interior.  A roof veiwing platform for several people is in the works, for those Bigfoot and UFO night hunts. Several computers with specific jobs will be in place and an extensive layout of paranormal evidence analysis equipment in a lab section also. That combined with full post production video/audio editing capabilties. The lab is the current project and along with the drivetrain and roof platform,  and will hopefully be completed by the Spring deadline to hit the dusty trail.  Saddle up y'all!

David wishes to thank everyone who has helped in BB's restoration. Since the stroke, what he can accomplish in a certain amount of time is limited by his disabilities and his work is slow and exhausting. Friends make the world go around ..Thank you!!

Many, many, more pictures of the process will be added soon, please check back!