Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 01-06-2016 -
MORE FROM MY ARCHIVES -
In early December we covered the information found in the 1984 Buick Press Kit. This article can be found in the 12-16-2015 Inner Circle.
This week we want to cover the 1985 Buick Press Kit. As we stated earlier, Buick Press Kits are extremely difficult to find today among the vendors that sell literature. They never produced many Press Kits when compared to actual Buick brochures each year. Also, because of the popularity of the Turbo Regal models, they have become quite valuable in recent years among collectors.
For 1985 Buick offered 37 models in 8 different series, including the all new Somerset Regal. The new Somerset model was also the only Buick model to offer the high mounted third brake light as an option. It would be the following year that the third brake light would become a federal law.
The rare models from 1985 would be the models that featured the T-Type option, notably the Buick Electra T-Type and the Century T-Type. The T-Type option was available in both the two-door models and the four-door model Century and Electras. The Century T-Type had cloth-trimmed Lear Siegler seats, which had a wide range of adjustments.
For both the Century and Electra models with the T-Type package, production was quite small. For example, in 1985 they made over 200,000 Century models of which 4,043 had the T-Type package. Of this total I don’t know the breakdown between the four-door and the two-door model T-Type Century models.
For the Electra T-Types, only 4,644 were produced between the four-door and the two-door models. Overall production was over 135,000 total for the Electras. All the T-Type Electras had a two-tone gray metallic paint scheme. The four-door Regal was discontinued for 1985.
The year 1985 also marked the introduction of the powermaster brake unit on the Turbo Regals. That new system is more energy efficient, since drain on the battery is less than drain on the engine under the previous system. It is also 20 pounds lighter than the previous system, lending itself to more efficient under-hood packaging. What they didn’t know at the time was how problematic this system would be for owners!
The consumer market for the Buick Century and Electra would be older customers, which would explain the small sales of the T-Type option on these models. The older customers probably did not care for the benefits of the T-Type option. This is my guess. Even seeing a two-door Century or Electra for 1985 was extremely rare back when the cars were fairly new.
As collectors realize, being rare does not automatically make the car extremely valuable. The car model in question also has to be desirable and in demand. It also helps if it puts out a lot of power.
PHOTO 1 - The first photo shows the original 1985 Buick Press Kit Folder. The second photo shows two of the Buick Somerset Regal models.
PHOTO 2 - The first photo shows the 1985 Buick Park Avenue sedan and the Buick Electra with the T-Type package. Note the fatter tires and the black headlight bezels. The second photo shows the Buick Regal with the Grand National option and the Buick Century sedan with the T-Type option. The Century sports an all-black grille and wheels that look similar to the Regal T-Type wheels.
Outside of the Grand National and T-Type Regals for 1985, perhaps the next most valuable example from Buick was the Riviera with the T-Type option. In 1985 Buick made 1,069 Riviera’s with the T-Type package out of 63,836 regular Riviera coupes. They also made a total of 400 Riviera convertibles of which 49 received the Turbo option. This would be the last year for the large Riviera. The following year the Riviera would shed over 500 pounds and be 19 inches shorter!
PHOTO 3 - The first photo shows the 1985 Riviera coupe and the new Buick LeSabre Limited for 1985. The second photo shows the Buick Skylark Limited Sedan and the Buick Skyhawk T-Type Coupe.
PHOTO 4 - Shows the 1985 Regal T-Type featuring the WH1 two-tone paint scheme. In 1985 Buick offered 4 two-tone exterior color combinations under the code D84. The code WH1 was for the black and gray color combination, which was a separate category. The four D84 combos were dark blue/light blue, gray/silver, brown/light brown and medium sage/light sage. The brown and the sage combinations proved to be unpopular.
NEW PRODUCTS COMING SOON -
GM LICENSES VIN RELATED STICKERS & WINDOW STICKERS -
As we hinted to earlier, we are close to working out the details that will interest many of our readers.
We are working a deal with one of the very few companies that is fully licensed by GM to do all of the various VIN related stickers and Window Stickers for our cars. It also includes the critical trunk ID label, known as the “Service Parts Identification Label.” Also the two labels that are on the inner driver’s door jamb area.
As we mentioned earlier, the owner of this company actually was a GTO customer of ours over 20 years ago. I sent him an email showing my original door jamb labels and a copy of my original Window Sticker. Then they could compare the originals to the Triple A Enterprises reproductions, which we used to offer. I am confident this source will be able to provide 100% exact copies on the correct paper stock with part numbers.
A car with the proper VIN labels and Window Sticker will always be worth more than one that lacks these critical labels, especially the trunk ID label.
Many of the original door jamb labels show their age and, in some cases, a repaint has made them even look worse. These labels may be missing completely from your car. This source has the equipment to match not only the correct paper used, but the correct font (typestyle) as well.
All this comes with a price, especially since this source is fully licensed by GM.
We will also be able to do the older GM cars, which is very unique as unlike the Buick Regal, earlier GM cars were produced in over a dozen U.S. plants. Because of the variations, all the plants did not use the same font style on the blue VIN label that GM used in the 1970s.
Several companies offer blank blue VIN labels that are not licensed by GM. Some vendors simply tell buyers to use a typewriter to type in the VIN number on the blue label.
We will be able to offer it exact for the assembly plant that originally built your older GM car.
Example, if you have a 1970 Ram Air IV GTO, having an exact VIN label with the correct font style is very critical. It is not something you would want to create with a typewriter.
Watch for more information soon on all the GM labels we will be able to offer.
NEW PRODUCTS COMING SOON -
FASTER POWER WINDOWS -
We recently talked to Richard Clark about a new product he is working on for our market. He has developed a module that increases the speed of the power windows! The unit requires no wires to be cut. It simply ties into the fuse box panel under the dash. It is a simple three-wire hook up that will boost the window motors by as much as 40% to 45% quicker in either direction.
At this writing no pricing has been established.
We have been talking to Richard about the market being a lot bigger than he originally expected, since the Monte Carlo and Olds Cutlass have the same issues and have the same fuse box housing. By having a potentially larger market, he should be able to get the costs of production down.
Right now you have a Turbo Regal that will clock 0-60 times in the mid-to-low 5-second range or quicker, yet the power window takes 6-8 seconds to go either up or down! With the car engine turned off, the window speed can be even slower.
Watch for more details later this month.
In the meantime, email me - [email protected] with the times it takes your driver’s window to go up or down and with the engine running and turned off.
I don’t have these issues with our Turbo T since it has crank windows! - Less weight, less issues!
It will be interesting to see how it varies from car to car. Early results show that the new window motors we market are slightly quicker than the original window motors.
I remember when we got our new 1987 Grand National. At the time, my wife had a 1985 Mustang GT and almost from day one I remarked how pitiful the power windows were compared to the cheaper Mustangs! It was so bad, by the time I got my second test car (blue 1987 Turbo-T), I had Pete Serio install a pair of 1978 power window motors in our car. The window motors in the 1978 Regal I had were quicker. It was a lot of work, as wiring had to be reworked and motors had to be riveted into the doors, but the difference in the speed was worth the effort.
Watch for more updates and test results as they become available on this window motor booster module.
CARBON FIBER WHEELS -
Carbon fiber wheels appear to be the next new innovation for wheels replacing aluminum wheels. The new Mustang GT 350 rides on them.
Wondering about the cost? How about a tad over $3,400 for one front and a bit over $4,000 for just one of the rear wheels!
The weight savings with the tire for the fronts is 15 pounds and the rear weight difference is 14 pounds, when compared to the aluminum wheels with tires.
The mathematical question is the cost factor for each pound?
INTERESTING WORDING ON A CLASSIC CAR AD -
I saw an interesting wording on a classic car ad the other day in one of the publications I get.
In describing the restoration, it said, “Rare car with an original restoration…” I guess that is opposed to having several restorations done on the same car.
RIP MEADOWLARK LEMON, HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS -
Over the holidays Meadowlark Lemon died. We been fortunate enough to have seen the Harlem Globetrotters perform more than once and saw Meadowlark Lemon accomplish feats that were nothing short of amazing.
URGENT REQUEST BY US -
We have an urgent need for stock 1986-1987 Turbo Regal turbos. They can be blown. If you send us a turbo, we will issue you a Letter of Credit for $100.
Your cheapest method of shipping is by the post office - Kirban Performance Products, PO Box 1199, Plumsteadville, PA 18949.
Please help us help others maintain their cars.
REPRODUCTION GNX-STYLE DASH FOR SALE -
Complete pre-mounted GNX dash for sale. All of the cutting, fitting and alignment work is complete, just wire the dash and install the entire unit.
Kit Includes:
Applique with correct color indicators
Metal mounting plate
Plastic gauge bezel
Stock pre-cut cluster harness
Stock dash bezel (pre-cut with plastic gauge bezel attached)
New Stewart Warner speedometer with upper speedometer cable
New Stewart Warner tachometer
New Stewart Warner oil pressure gauge with sending unit
New Stewart Warner water temperature gauge with sending unit
New Stewart Warner fuel gauge
New Stewart Warner vacuum/ boost gauge
Plug-and-play harness
$2,250 plus shipping
This one was hand built by a good friend of ours who owns 3 Grand Nationals and has built several of these.
It comes with stock bezel already pre-cut so you do not have to cut your dash bezel. This kit eliminates any possible issues of trial and error since they have built several of these.
Buyer would have to inform us which dash is currently in the car - either digital or analog.
If interested, email me direct - [email protected] - I can provide photos.
UNIQUE NEW PRODUCT IN THE WORKS -
We have one unique item now in the works. It’s being produced by Spoolfool exclusively for our company. It will be something clever for those owners that show their pride and joy at car shows.
Watch for updates.
BREAKING NEWS - POWERMASTERS IN STOCK! -
For the first time in years, we now have Rebuilt Powermaster Brake Units in stock, Part #7021. Units are always in demand, so if you need one, call our office 215-766-1611 x 0.
Here is a link to the Powermaster on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/316/REBUILT+POWERMASTER+BRAKE+UNIT+%237021.html
BREAKING NEWS - TR-6 HIGH TECH IGNITION SYSTEM IN STOCK -
We just got in 2 of these TR-6 High Tech Ignition Systems from Bob Bailey, our part #7442 TR-6 High Tech Ignition System or #7443 TR-6 High Tech Ignition System and Custom-Cut High-Performance Grey Plug Wires.
Here is a link to these parts on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7442&submit_button=
CORES NEEDED -
Here is the information on our credits for cores.
We currently need original good 1986-1987 AC Delco mass air flow sensors. We allow $25 credit for each core that can be rebuilt. Credit will not be issued until we get your unit back from Cardone showing it was able to be rebuilt. Recent cores have shown that some of them are simply not able to be rebuilt any more.
TURBO CORES must be the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal stock ones. They must be complete. We will issue you a $100 Letter of Credit for each acceptable core.
If you ship to us, the post office is the cheapest method. Pack the item(s) with a note with your name, address and phone number
MAIL - Ship to Address -
ATTN - DENNIS
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
PO BOX 1199
PLUMSTEADSVILLE, PA 18949-1199
TECH CALLS -
If you need technical information, it’s best to email - [email protected] rather than call us.
We will do our best to answer any technical questions within 24 hours.
VEHICLES FOR SALE -
From time to time, whenever we spot an unusual or an exceptional car or truck for sale, or one we have for sale, we will put a blurb in our weekly Inner Circle. Also, any cars that our customers have for sale will be featured here and you can see their car with photos on our website. In this category, we will run the descriptions for two-to-three weeks and, if there is no interest in that particular vehicle, it will be deleted the following week. Any new vehicles that we add will appear first, so the oldest listing would be at the end of this section.
If any of these vehicles perk your interest, email me personally - [email protected] - for more information and photos.
TIPS AND IDEAS YOU HAVE TRIED -
If you have a tip or a discovery that you found that works on your Turbo Regal, drop us an email giving us the details so we can pass the info on to our readers. Remember, even with my knowledge, I don’t know it all. Simply email me at - [email protected]
NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -
1978-1987 GM Cars and Trucks (Including Buick Regal) -
ORIGINAL GM USED LIGHTED REARVIEW MIRROR WITH LED LIGHTS
This used original GM lighted rearview mirror fits all GM cars and trucks from the late 1970s through the early 1990s.
Mirror looks almost like the original mirror found in a 1984-1987 Turbo Regal.
Although the mirror is used, each one is cleaned and tested, then fitted with 2 new LED bulbs (a $20 value.) The original tube style bulbs are also included.
The LEDs lights shine a whiter brighter light, do not draw as many amps, and do not get hot like original bulbs.
Ideal if you have a T-Tops car.
It is easy to install with a simple 2-wire hook up - 1 wire is ground and the other wire is for power.
Supplies may be limited. GM made about six different styles of lighted rearview mirrors, so sometimes we are limited as to how many we can locate that match the original stock mirror style.
NOTE - You may also be interested in this related part - #7707 Used Factory Original Rearview Mirror.
An excellent replacement item for any interior restoration.
7708 - 1978-1987 GM Cars & Trucks (Including Buick Regal) -
Original GM Used Lighted Rearview Mirror with LED Lights - $28.95
1982-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
USED FACTORY ORIGINAL REARVIEW MIRROR
We have a limited supply of used factory original GM rearview mirrors.
NOTE - This mirror is also correct for all 1982-1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass and Chevrolet Monte Carlo models.
If the lamination is bad or your car’s rearview mirror is cracked, this is an excellent replacement.
Each complete rearview mirror has been cleaned and is ready to install.
NOTE - You may also be interested in this related part - #7708 Used Original GM Lighted Rearview Mirror with LED Lights
An excellent replacement item for any interior restoration.
7707 - 1982-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Used Factory Original Rearview Mirror - $21.95
Here is a link to these mirrors on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7707&submit_button=
1982-1987 Buick Regal -
OEM “FRONT” BUMPER IMPACT CUSHION & THREAD CUTTING NUTS (25) PACK
This is an OEM front bumper impact cushion. This is the first part of the bumper to get hit in any minor accident. You simply remove the bumper to replace this rubber strip. This is 100% identical to the original one.
NOTE - This front bumper impact cushion is black, which is correct for all Grand Nationals and GNX models and is exactly like the original.
For other Turbo models you may want to add the painted strip in the indention to be original.
Each comes with a pack of 25 thread cutting nuts. These are the unique nuts needed to secure the impact cushion to the metal bumper. We also offer this pack of nuts separately, Part #7451.
Our photo shows this front impact cushion at the top. We’ve noted the placement on the front bumper with a red arrow in the middle photo. The inset photo shows the 25 thread cutting nuts, which comes with it.
NOTE - We also offer the Reproduction REAR Bumper Impact Cushion, Part #7450.
Another great exterior restoration item.
7557 - 1982-1987 Buick Regal -
OEM FRONT Bumper Impact Cushion & Thread Cutting Nuts (25) Pack - $154.95
Here is a link to this Front Impact Cushion on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44285/OEM+FRONT+BUMPER+IMPACT+CUSHION+%26++THREAD+CUTTING+NUTS+%2825%29+PACK+%237557.html
ALL GM (Including Buick Turbo Regals) -
GM BRAKE DRUM HARDWARE (26) KIT
Here is an inexpensive kit that includes everything you need when you replace the rear brake shoes.
This kit has everything you need for both rear brake drums.
In many cases, due to age you may break some of the springs when you go to remove them to replace the brake shoes.
This kit will virtually fit any GM car that has rear drum brakes, including all the Buick Turbo Regals.
NOTE - You may also be interested in these related parts - #7218 Stainless Braided Brake Hoses (3) Kit, #7459 Reproduction Complete Brake Lines (7) Kit and #7189 Reproduction Brake Proportioning Valve.
An excellent replacement item for any brake restoration.
7698 - All GM (Including Buick Turbo Regals) -
GM Brake Drum Hardware (26) kit - $8.95
Here is a link to this Hardware Kit on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44282/GM+BRAKE+DRUM+HARDWARE+%2826%29+KIT+%237698.html
ALWAYS LOOKING FOR IDEAS -
If you have any product ideas that would fit our Turbo Buick market that you would like to see available, email me direct - [email protected]
ALWAYS IN A BUYING POSITION FOR TURBO REGAL PARTS -
Got any Turbo Buick parts you are not using? Why not cash them in for parts you need with a Letter of Credit. Simply email me a list - [email protected]. Also, we are still buying dead or partially dead 1984-1987 Turbo Regals under $4,000 that are within 250 to 350 miles of our location.
NOTE - ABOUT LINKS IN THE INNER CIRCLE -
We have heard from a couple people that have had problems with the links in our Inner Circle.
When we check the links, they work fine. However, if you are not able to be directed to the exact website page or internet site, you can "copy" and "paste" the link into the URL in your browser (such as Safari, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, etc.) If it doesn't link in one browser, it may work in another.
Most people having problems are using Internet Explorer… If you are having issues with links, try another browser to see if it works.
You may need to "UPDATE" your browser to be use you are using the current version.
NOTE ABOUT PHOTOS ON THE WEBSITE -
We have heard from a couple people that have viewed the photos on the website. Because these have to be low-resolution photos to work on the Inner Circle segments on the website, any photos of text don't appear clear when enlarged. This is a problem when you are trying to see numbers, such as those on the VIN labels or pages from Options booklet. Also, because of photo reproduction and computer screen variations, the colors may not be true to the actual product or photo.
If you would like to have us email you any photo at the higher resolution for viewing, just email us and we will email them to you. Be sure to be specific on which pictures you want to see - Reference Inner Circle date and photo number 1, 2, 3 or 4 - [email protected]
ABOUT OUR EMAILS -
Any inquiries concerning used parts, you must email me direct - [email protected] - I will answer you. However, if I fail to answer you within 24 hours, please email us again. Since expanding into used parts, I get a lot of emails and sometimes I may forget your request or may not remember who requested the item.
IN CLOSING -
Winter weather has finally come to our area.
Watch for updates on the new projects that we are involved with heading into 2016.
MORE FROM MY ARCHIVES -
In early December we covered the information found in the 1984 Buick Press Kit. This article can be found in the 12-16-2015 Inner Circle.
This week we want to cover the 1985 Buick Press Kit. As we stated earlier, Buick Press Kits are extremely difficult to find today among the vendors that sell literature. They never produced many Press Kits when compared to actual Buick brochures each year. Also, because of the popularity of the Turbo Regal models, they have become quite valuable in recent years among collectors.
For 1985 Buick offered 37 models in 8 different series, including the all new Somerset Regal. The new Somerset model was also the only Buick model to offer the high mounted third brake light as an option. It would be the following year that the third brake light would become a federal law.
The rare models from 1985 would be the models that featured the T-Type option, notably the Buick Electra T-Type and the Century T-Type. The T-Type option was available in both the two-door models and the four-door model Century and Electras. The Century T-Type had cloth-trimmed Lear Siegler seats, which had a wide range of adjustments.
For both the Century and Electra models with the T-Type package, production was quite small. For example, in 1985 they made over 200,000 Century models of which 4,043 had the T-Type package. Of this total I don’t know the breakdown between the four-door and the two-door model T-Type Century models.
For the Electra T-Types, only 4,644 were produced between the four-door and the two-door models. Overall production was over 135,000 total for the Electras. All the T-Type Electras had a two-tone gray metallic paint scheme. The four-door Regal was discontinued for 1985.
The year 1985 also marked the introduction of the powermaster brake unit on the Turbo Regals. That new system is more energy efficient, since drain on the battery is less than drain on the engine under the previous system. It is also 20 pounds lighter than the previous system, lending itself to more efficient under-hood packaging. What they didn’t know at the time was how problematic this system would be for owners!
The consumer market for the Buick Century and Electra would be older customers, which would explain the small sales of the T-Type option on these models. The older customers probably did not care for the benefits of the T-Type option. This is my guess. Even seeing a two-door Century or Electra for 1985 was extremely rare back when the cars were fairly new.
As collectors realize, being rare does not automatically make the car extremely valuable. The car model in question also has to be desirable and in demand. It also helps if it puts out a lot of power.
PHOTO 1 - The first photo shows the original 1985 Buick Press Kit Folder. The second photo shows two of the Buick Somerset Regal models.
PHOTO 2 - The first photo shows the 1985 Buick Park Avenue sedan and the Buick Electra with the T-Type package. Note the fatter tires and the black headlight bezels. The second photo shows the Buick Regal with the Grand National option and the Buick Century sedan with the T-Type option. The Century sports an all-black grille and wheels that look similar to the Regal T-Type wheels.
Outside of the Grand National and T-Type Regals for 1985, perhaps the next most valuable example from Buick was the Riviera with the T-Type option. In 1985 Buick made 1,069 Riviera’s with the T-Type package out of 63,836 regular Riviera coupes. They also made a total of 400 Riviera convertibles of which 49 received the Turbo option. This would be the last year for the large Riviera. The following year the Riviera would shed over 500 pounds and be 19 inches shorter!
PHOTO 3 - The first photo shows the 1985 Riviera coupe and the new Buick LeSabre Limited for 1985. The second photo shows the Buick Skylark Limited Sedan and the Buick Skyhawk T-Type Coupe.
PHOTO 4 - Shows the 1985 Regal T-Type featuring the WH1 two-tone paint scheme. In 1985 Buick offered 4 two-tone exterior color combinations under the code D84. The code WH1 was for the black and gray color combination, which was a separate category. The four D84 combos were dark blue/light blue, gray/silver, brown/light brown and medium sage/light sage. The brown and the sage combinations proved to be unpopular.
NEW PRODUCTS COMING SOON -
GM LICENSES VIN RELATED STICKERS & WINDOW STICKERS -
As we hinted to earlier, we are close to working out the details that will interest many of our readers.
We are working a deal with one of the very few companies that is fully licensed by GM to do all of the various VIN related stickers and Window Stickers for our cars. It also includes the critical trunk ID label, known as the “Service Parts Identification Label.” Also the two labels that are on the inner driver’s door jamb area.
As we mentioned earlier, the owner of this company actually was a GTO customer of ours over 20 years ago. I sent him an email showing my original door jamb labels and a copy of my original Window Sticker. Then they could compare the originals to the Triple A Enterprises reproductions, which we used to offer. I am confident this source will be able to provide 100% exact copies on the correct paper stock with part numbers.
A car with the proper VIN labels and Window Sticker will always be worth more than one that lacks these critical labels, especially the trunk ID label.
Many of the original door jamb labels show their age and, in some cases, a repaint has made them even look worse. These labels may be missing completely from your car. This source has the equipment to match not only the correct paper used, but the correct font (typestyle) as well.
All this comes with a price, especially since this source is fully licensed by GM.
We will also be able to do the older GM cars, which is very unique as unlike the Buick Regal, earlier GM cars were produced in over a dozen U.S. plants. Because of the variations, all the plants did not use the same font style on the blue VIN label that GM used in the 1970s.
Several companies offer blank blue VIN labels that are not licensed by GM. Some vendors simply tell buyers to use a typewriter to type in the VIN number on the blue label.
We will be able to offer it exact for the assembly plant that originally built your older GM car.
Example, if you have a 1970 Ram Air IV GTO, having an exact VIN label with the correct font style is very critical. It is not something you would want to create with a typewriter.
Watch for more information soon on all the GM labels we will be able to offer.
NEW PRODUCTS COMING SOON -
FASTER POWER WINDOWS -
We recently talked to Richard Clark about a new product he is working on for our market. He has developed a module that increases the speed of the power windows! The unit requires no wires to be cut. It simply ties into the fuse box panel under the dash. It is a simple three-wire hook up that will boost the window motors by as much as 40% to 45% quicker in either direction.
At this writing no pricing has been established.
We have been talking to Richard about the market being a lot bigger than he originally expected, since the Monte Carlo and Olds Cutlass have the same issues and have the same fuse box housing. By having a potentially larger market, he should be able to get the costs of production down.
Right now you have a Turbo Regal that will clock 0-60 times in the mid-to-low 5-second range or quicker, yet the power window takes 6-8 seconds to go either up or down! With the car engine turned off, the window speed can be even slower.
Watch for more details later this month.
In the meantime, email me - [email protected] with the times it takes your driver’s window to go up or down and with the engine running and turned off.
I don’t have these issues with our Turbo T since it has crank windows! - Less weight, less issues!
It will be interesting to see how it varies from car to car. Early results show that the new window motors we market are slightly quicker than the original window motors.
I remember when we got our new 1987 Grand National. At the time, my wife had a 1985 Mustang GT and almost from day one I remarked how pitiful the power windows were compared to the cheaper Mustangs! It was so bad, by the time I got my second test car (blue 1987 Turbo-T), I had Pete Serio install a pair of 1978 power window motors in our car. The window motors in the 1978 Regal I had were quicker. It was a lot of work, as wiring had to be reworked and motors had to be riveted into the doors, but the difference in the speed was worth the effort.
Watch for more updates and test results as they become available on this window motor booster module.
CARBON FIBER WHEELS -
Carbon fiber wheels appear to be the next new innovation for wheels replacing aluminum wheels. The new Mustang GT 350 rides on them.
Wondering about the cost? How about a tad over $3,400 for one front and a bit over $4,000 for just one of the rear wheels!
The weight savings with the tire for the fronts is 15 pounds and the rear weight difference is 14 pounds, when compared to the aluminum wheels with tires.
The mathematical question is the cost factor for each pound?
INTERESTING WORDING ON A CLASSIC CAR AD -
I saw an interesting wording on a classic car ad the other day in one of the publications I get.
In describing the restoration, it said, “Rare car with an original restoration…” I guess that is opposed to having several restorations done on the same car.
RIP MEADOWLARK LEMON, HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS -
Over the holidays Meadowlark Lemon died. We been fortunate enough to have seen the Harlem Globetrotters perform more than once and saw Meadowlark Lemon accomplish feats that were nothing short of amazing.
URGENT REQUEST BY US -
We have an urgent need for stock 1986-1987 Turbo Regal turbos. They can be blown. If you send us a turbo, we will issue you a Letter of Credit for $100.
Your cheapest method of shipping is by the post office - Kirban Performance Products, PO Box 1199, Plumsteadville, PA 18949.
Please help us help others maintain their cars.
REPRODUCTION GNX-STYLE DASH FOR SALE -
Complete pre-mounted GNX dash for sale. All of the cutting, fitting and alignment work is complete, just wire the dash and install the entire unit.
Kit Includes:
Applique with correct color indicators
Metal mounting plate
Plastic gauge bezel
Stock pre-cut cluster harness
Stock dash bezel (pre-cut with plastic gauge bezel attached)
New Stewart Warner speedometer with upper speedometer cable
New Stewart Warner tachometer
New Stewart Warner oil pressure gauge with sending unit
New Stewart Warner water temperature gauge with sending unit
New Stewart Warner fuel gauge
New Stewart Warner vacuum/ boost gauge
Plug-and-play harness
$2,250 plus shipping
This one was hand built by a good friend of ours who owns 3 Grand Nationals and has built several of these.
It comes with stock bezel already pre-cut so you do not have to cut your dash bezel. This kit eliminates any possible issues of trial and error since they have built several of these.
Buyer would have to inform us which dash is currently in the car - either digital or analog.
If interested, email me direct - [email protected] - I can provide photos.
UNIQUE NEW PRODUCT IN THE WORKS -
We have one unique item now in the works. It’s being produced by Spoolfool exclusively for our company. It will be something clever for those owners that show their pride and joy at car shows.
Watch for updates.
BREAKING NEWS - POWERMASTERS IN STOCK! -
For the first time in years, we now have Rebuilt Powermaster Brake Units in stock, Part #7021. Units are always in demand, so if you need one, call our office 215-766-1611 x 0.
Here is a link to the Powermaster on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/316/REBUILT+POWERMASTER+BRAKE+UNIT+%237021.html
BREAKING NEWS - TR-6 HIGH TECH IGNITION SYSTEM IN STOCK -
We just got in 2 of these TR-6 High Tech Ignition Systems from Bob Bailey, our part #7442 TR-6 High Tech Ignition System or #7443 TR-6 High Tech Ignition System and Custom-Cut High-Performance Grey Plug Wires.
Here is a link to these parts on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7442&submit_button=
CORES NEEDED -
Here is the information on our credits for cores.
We currently need original good 1986-1987 AC Delco mass air flow sensors. We allow $25 credit for each core that can be rebuilt. Credit will not be issued until we get your unit back from Cardone showing it was able to be rebuilt. Recent cores have shown that some of them are simply not able to be rebuilt any more.
TURBO CORES must be the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal stock ones. They must be complete. We will issue you a $100 Letter of Credit for each acceptable core.
If you ship to us, the post office is the cheapest method. Pack the item(s) with a note with your name, address and phone number
MAIL - Ship to Address -
ATTN - DENNIS
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
PO BOX 1199
PLUMSTEADSVILLE, PA 18949-1199
TECH CALLS -
If you need technical information, it’s best to email - [email protected] rather than call us.
We will do our best to answer any technical questions within 24 hours.
VEHICLES FOR SALE -
From time to time, whenever we spot an unusual or an exceptional car or truck for sale, or one we have for sale, we will put a blurb in our weekly Inner Circle. Also, any cars that our customers have for sale will be featured here and you can see their car with photos on our website. In this category, we will run the descriptions for two-to-three weeks and, if there is no interest in that particular vehicle, it will be deleted the following week. Any new vehicles that we add will appear first, so the oldest listing would be at the end of this section.
If any of these vehicles perk your interest, email me personally - [email protected] - for more information and photos.
TIPS AND IDEAS YOU HAVE TRIED -
If you have a tip or a discovery that you found that works on your Turbo Regal, drop us an email giving us the details so we can pass the info on to our readers. Remember, even with my knowledge, I don’t know it all. Simply email me at - [email protected]
NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -
1978-1987 GM Cars and Trucks (Including Buick Regal) -
ORIGINAL GM USED LIGHTED REARVIEW MIRROR WITH LED LIGHTS
This used original GM lighted rearview mirror fits all GM cars and trucks from the late 1970s through the early 1990s.
Mirror looks almost like the original mirror found in a 1984-1987 Turbo Regal.
Although the mirror is used, each one is cleaned and tested, then fitted with 2 new LED bulbs (a $20 value.) The original tube style bulbs are also included.
The LEDs lights shine a whiter brighter light, do not draw as many amps, and do not get hot like original bulbs.
Ideal if you have a T-Tops car.
It is easy to install with a simple 2-wire hook up - 1 wire is ground and the other wire is for power.
Supplies may be limited. GM made about six different styles of lighted rearview mirrors, so sometimes we are limited as to how many we can locate that match the original stock mirror style.
NOTE - You may also be interested in this related part - #7707 Used Factory Original Rearview Mirror.
An excellent replacement item for any interior restoration.
7708 - 1978-1987 GM Cars & Trucks (Including Buick Regal) -
Original GM Used Lighted Rearview Mirror with LED Lights - $28.95
1982-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
USED FACTORY ORIGINAL REARVIEW MIRROR
We have a limited supply of used factory original GM rearview mirrors.
NOTE - This mirror is also correct for all 1982-1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass and Chevrolet Monte Carlo models.
If the lamination is bad or your car’s rearview mirror is cracked, this is an excellent replacement.
Each complete rearview mirror has been cleaned and is ready to install.
NOTE - You may also be interested in this related part - #7708 Used Original GM Lighted Rearview Mirror with LED Lights
An excellent replacement item for any interior restoration.
7707 - 1982-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Used Factory Original Rearview Mirror - $21.95
Here is a link to these mirrors on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7707&submit_button=
1982-1987 Buick Regal -
OEM “FRONT” BUMPER IMPACT CUSHION & THREAD CUTTING NUTS (25) PACK
This is an OEM front bumper impact cushion. This is the first part of the bumper to get hit in any minor accident. You simply remove the bumper to replace this rubber strip. This is 100% identical to the original one.
NOTE - This front bumper impact cushion is black, which is correct for all Grand Nationals and GNX models and is exactly like the original.
For other Turbo models you may want to add the painted strip in the indention to be original.
Each comes with a pack of 25 thread cutting nuts. These are the unique nuts needed to secure the impact cushion to the metal bumper. We also offer this pack of nuts separately, Part #7451.
Our photo shows this front impact cushion at the top. We’ve noted the placement on the front bumper with a red arrow in the middle photo. The inset photo shows the 25 thread cutting nuts, which comes with it.
NOTE - We also offer the Reproduction REAR Bumper Impact Cushion, Part #7450.
Another great exterior restoration item.
7557 - 1982-1987 Buick Regal -
OEM FRONT Bumper Impact Cushion & Thread Cutting Nuts (25) Pack - $154.95
Here is a link to this Front Impact Cushion on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44285/OEM+FRONT+BUMPER+IMPACT+CUSHION+%26++THREAD+CUTTING+NUTS+%2825%29+PACK+%237557.html
ALL GM (Including Buick Turbo Regals) -
GM BRAKE DRUM HARDWARE (26) KIT
Here is an inexpensive kit that includes everything you need when you replace the rear brake shoes.
This kit has everything you need for both rear brake drums.
In many cases, due to age you may break some of the springs when you go to remove them to replace the brake shoes.
This kit will virtually fit any GM car that has rear drum brakes, including all the Buick Turbo Regals.
NOTE - You may also be interested in these related parts - #7218 Stainless Braided Brake Hoses (3) Kit, #7459 Reproduction Complete Brake Lines (7) Kit and #7189 Reproduction Brake Proportioning Valve.
An excellent replacement item for any brake restoration.
7698 - All GM (Including Buick Turbo Regals) -
GM Brake Drum Hardware (26) kit - $8.95
Here is a link to this Hardware Kit on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44282/GM+BRAKE+DRUM+HARDWARE+%2826%29+KIT+%237698.html
ALWAYS LOOKING FOR IDEAS -
If you have any product ideas that would fit our Turbo Buick market that you would like to see available, email me direct - [email protected]
ALWAYS IN A BUYING POSITION FOR TURBO REGAL PARTS -
Got any Turbo Buick parts you are not using? Why not cash them in for parts you need with a Letter of Credit. Simply email me a list - [email protected]. Also, we are still buying dead or partially dead 1984-1987 Turbo Regals under $4,000 that are within 250 to 350 miles of our location.
NOTE - ABOUT LINKS IN THE INNER CIRCLE -
We have heard from a couple people that have had problems with the links in our Inner Circle.
When we check the links, they work fine. However, if you are not able to be directed to the exact website page or internet site, you can "copy" and "paste" the link into the URL in your browser (such as Safari, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, etc.) If it doesn't link in one browser, it may work in another.
Most people having problems are using Internet Explorer… If you are having issues with links, try another browser to see if it works.
You may need to "UPDATE" your browser to be use you are using the current version.
NOTE ABOUT PHOTOS ON THE WEBSITE -
We have heard from a couple people that have viewed the photos on the website. Because these have to be low-resolution photos to work on the Inner Circle segments on the website, any photos of text don't appear clear when enlarged. This is a problem when you are trying to see numbers, such as those on the VIN labels or pages from Options booklet. Also, because of photo reproduction and computer screen variations, the colors may not be true to the actual product or photo.
If you would like to have us email you any photo at the higher resolution for viewing, just email us and we will email them to you. Be sure to be specific on which pictures you want to see - Reference Inner Circle date and photo number 1, 2, 3 or 4 - [email protected]
ABOUT OUR EMAILS -
Any inquiries concerning used parts, you must email me direct - [email protected] - I will answer you. However, if I fail to answer you within 24 hours, please email us again. Since expanding into used parts, I get a lot of emails and sometimes I may forget your request or may not remember who requested the item.
IN CLOSING -
Winter weather has finally come to our area.
Watch for updates on the new projects that we are involved with heading into 2016.