01-21-2014 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 01-21-2015

MORE NEW PRODUCTS FROM US THIS WEEK -

Our source for the key cylinders and locks has been able to locate the lock cylinders with two matching pre-cut keys for the factory 1986-1987 Turbo Regal T-Tops. You do have to re-use the pawl that locks the cylinder in place.

From Cardone, we now offer rebuilt 1986 and 1987 original cruise control servos. No cores are required for either one.

PHOTO 1 - The left photo shows the new lock cylinders with two pre-cut keys for the T-Tops. The photo to the right shows both the larger 1986 rebuild cruise control servo and the smaller 1987 rebuilt cruise control servo that we now offer.

See the New Products section for more details. We have several of both items currently in stock.



IT WAS A BALMY 15 DEGREES LAST FRIDAY -

It was a balmy 15 degrees last Friday as I went back to that junkyard that I originally tested the larger black and red jumper module on. If you recall, we showed a black 1986 Regal Limited that had been sitting undisturbed for over 6 years. Even the key was still in the ignition. Since I did that original test, I stripped the car and sold almost everything I got off it except the front header panel. This car even had the aluminum bumper supports and very nice door panels, which I sold.

I hiked back on the frozen ground to where the Regal sat. I had both jumper modules with me. I first tried the current one we sell, which puts out 250 cranking amps and 500 peak amps. It cranked the engine, but not quite fast enough where it would start. I then tested the new micro module and it produced the same results. Both tests are understandable considering the brutal weather and the fact the battery in the car was probably more than 8 years old. Also, I don’t think I was getting a good contact on the battery posts.

PHOTO 2 - The photo to the left shows the Regal Limited that I used for the test. The photo to the right shows the micro module on the core support hooked up to the top posts on the complete dead battery.



TESTIMONIAL ON OUR JUMP STARTER MODULE -

A good friend of ours, Greg Glenn who resides in New Jersey, went to California for 14 days over the holidays. Upon returning, his 2006 Toyota Tundra truck would not start. The Tundra has a 4.7 V8 engine. The outside temperature was 10 degrees. He used our jumper module and the truck fired up!



TURBO BUICK FRAMES -

What some of you may not realize is the frame on our cars was used for many different models for GM. This is very evident in the next photo.

PHOTO 3 - Recently my son did some restoration work for a local customer of ours who is doing a frame off on a Grand National. This photo shows the front cross member where the engine would sit. Note the many holes in the cross member. It almost looks like someone shot it full of holes! I have a lot of admiration for anyone who does a frame off restoration from start to finish. In all the years in the business, I have only come close to doing this once on a 1964 GTO I owned.



1964 GTO HARDTOP -

Years ago, around 1978-1979, I purchased a real 1969 GTO Judge. The guy had it sitting in the woods next to a 1964 GTO that was missing the entire interior and drive train. I always wanted a 1964 GTO to restore. With my connections at Pontiac, I discovered this particular GTO had very few options and came from the dealer with 4.33 gears. It is very unusual for a GTO to have the combination from the factory.

Over the next 1-2 years I was able to accumulate a lot of the parts for the car. Many of the later GTO parts fit the early GTO, and I was not into making it an original restoration. The engine block I used was a low-mileage 1969 and we put 1967 heads on it with 1967 ram air manifolds. I went with the 1966 tri-powert setup and a 1968 rear with 3.55 gearing.

Along the way we tested several new reproduction GTO parts we had in the works. We had to determine what size 15 inch Ralley I wheels would fit and clear the fenders and the frame (since this was never made in a 15 inch wheel originally.) This was something we would repeat in the late 1980s when we did the very first GNX-style 16 by 8 wheels. I also discovered that the Grand National steering box was a perfect upgrade for the GTO.

PHOTO 4 - The photo on the left shows the 1964 GTO about a week after I towed it home. The photo on the right shows what it looked like after we did a partial restoration. At the time, we had Hurst wheels on it. Although completely gutted when I bought it, it was a very solid car except for some minor rust in the trunk area. The car was brown and I believe it had a brown interior at one time. I would change it over to a blue interior from a 1965 Lemans. For many years it remained hot rod black until our son painted it glossy black for me as a surprise.



AMERICAN SNIPER -

The just released movie “American Sniper,” directed by Clint Eastwood passed the $105 million dollar mark on its opening weekend. This is more than double what the experts predicted! This figure surpasses any movie he has been involved with over the years.

It’s remarkable, at age 84 Clint is still that sharp. Most of us at that age will be lucky enough to be above the ground and remember what we had for dinner the day before.

I remember when I first saw Clint in the TV series Rawhide and became a fan. I have seen almost every movie he has either been in or directed.



MORE NEWS ON THE MULTI-FUNCTION JUMP STARTERS -

We have more of the larger modules in route to us. It is one of the most powerful ones on the market, putting out 250 cranking amps and 500 peak amps for less than $100. It is this larger module that has very few limitations on what it can do. The new micro one does not have a flashlight.

Here is a link to these Multi-Function Jump Starter parts on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7629&submit_button=



DISTRIBUTORS WANTED -

The company is starting to get inquiries on their products, which they forward to us since we are their U.S. distributor.

Now that we are the only supplier for the Multi-Function Jump Starter for this company is the U.S.A., we want to line up more distributors.

We are looking for distributors for this product. We currently have two price breaks - 5-9 units or 10 or more.

The product is very easy to sell and not limited to any specific car or truck owner. For pricing and more details, email me personally - [email protected]



NEW PRODUCTS IN THE WORKS -

I recently joined another forum for a different vehicle and found a person that makes some interesting things in that market. I sent him a few things to look at to make for us.



BREAKING NEWS - COIL PACKS & IGNITION MODULES -

We should have the correct-looking coil packs and ignition modules for the 1986-1987 Turbo Regals available. In many cases, it is the harness connector on the coil module that can cause issues.

Both of these parts are made by the same company and have been properly tested by Richard Clark. The company even has a one-year Warranty on these two products.

Watch for word in next week’s Inner Circle.



PRODUCT UPDATE -

Bilsteins are on national back order until mid-March. This may be true for just the part numbers we buy for the Turbo Regals.

Also, our headlight kits, part #7530, will not be available until the end of February, according to our supplier.



WE WANT YOUR INPUT -

If you have any ideas for usage of small batteries, we welcome your suggestions. Who knows, your idea may prove to be a winner for everyone.



URGENT REQUEST FROM US -

Once again we need stock used 1986-1987 Turbo Regal turbo cores. Currently we will issue a $100 Letter of Credit for any you send us. Turbos need not be good, but must be complete with exhaust housing.

Email me first - [email protected] for shipping details. This helps us help others keep their cars on the road.



SPECIAL LOWER PRICE
ON THE REMAINING REPRODUCTION 1984-1985 TURBO REGAL PLUG WIRES -

We had a special run made of the correct length 1984-1985 Turbo Regal grey spark plug wires.

I don’t believe any other source has these available in the proper lengths. These are not on our website. You must call our office to order - 215-766-1611 x 0 - specify 1984-1985 Turbo Regal Custom-Cut High-Performance Plug Wires. We have about 3 sets left. If you own a 1984 or 1985 Turbo Regal, don’t wait as we will not be running these again.

NEW SPECIAL LOWER PRICE - $39.95 plus $6 shipping.



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 as well. 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.

No vehicles for sale at this time.



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 -

1986 and 1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
REBUILT CRUISE CONTROL SERVOS

These are the factory cruise control units, which have been rebuilt. No core is required.

The smaller one is the correct one for the 1987 Turbo Regals, part #7647. The larger one is correct for the 1986 Turbo Regals, part #7646.

These have a One-year Warranty.

Ideal to replace if the diaphragm is damaged.

Great engine restoration items.

7646 - 1986 Buick Turbo Regal - Rebuilt Cruise Control Servo - $79.95
7647 - 1987 Buick Turbo Regal - Rebuilt Cruise Control Servo - $79.95

Here is a link to these Servos on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7646&submit_button=



1986-1987 G-Body with Factory GM T-Tops (Including Buick Turbo Regal) -
OE T-TOPS LOCK CYLINDER WITH 2 MATCHING KEYS

We have found a source for OE original key and lock sets.

Set includes 2 black lock cylinders, 2 pre-cut keys, and 2 locking clips. You need to re-use the pawls from the original cylinder locks.

Excellent replacements for any restoration project or to have matching keys.

7654 - 1986-1987 G-Body with Factory GM T-Tops (Including Buick Turbo Regal) -
OE T-Tops Lock Cylinder with 2 Pre-cut Keys Set - $49.95

Here is a link to this Lock and Keys Set on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44222/OE+T-TOPS+LOCK+CYLINDER+WITH+2+MATCHING%E2%80%88KEYS+%237654.html



1979-1987 Buick (Including Buick Turbo Regal) -
OE & ORIGINAL GM IGNITION CYLINDER, GLOVE BOX CYLINDER, and DOOR & TRUNK CYLINDERS SETS WITH MATCHING  KEYS

We have found a source for OE and original GM key and lock sets.

These keys are brand new and are made by the same company that made them for GM. These locks come already pre-assembled with the keys pre-cut.

You get two keys in each set.

The glove box lock cylinder and knob is NOS GM.

Ideal to replace when you have your car repainted or if your door locks are not keyed alike.

Make sure you order the correct part number for your application. NOTE - Turbo Regals with the black-out package (including the GNX and Grand National) have the black bezels, not the bright bezels around the doors and trunk lock assemblies.

Each door and trunk set comes complete with lock cylinders, all the hardware, gaskets, and related keys.

Excellent replacements for any restoration project or to have matching keys.

7650 - 1979-1987 Buick (Including Buick Turbo Regal) -
OE GM Ignition Cylinder with 2 Pre-cut Keys Set - $13.95

7651 - 1981-1987 Buick (Including Buick Turbo Regal) -
OE GM Doors (2) and Trunk (1) Cylinders with BLACK Bezels with 2 Pre-cut Keys Set - $29.95

7652 - 1981-1987 Buick (Including Buick Turbo Regal) -
OE GM Doors (2) and Trunk (1) Cylinders with BRIGHT Bezels with 2 Pre-cut Keys Set - $28.95

7653 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal All Models (Including Turbo Regal) -
NOS GM Glove Box Cylinder and Knob with 2 Pre-cut Keys Set - $16.95

Here's a link to these lock kits on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7650&submit_button=



1983-1993 GM (Including 1984-1987
Buick Turbo Regal) - Reproduction DIAGNOSTIC ALDL CONNECTOR PORT

This reproduction cover simply slips over the ALDL connector located under the radio/heater. It’s a nice finishing touch even though GM never put a trim cover on the Turbo Regals. However, this was a factory item on some of the 1980s and 1990s Corvettes.

These photos show the interior placement with and without the trim cover on the diagnostic connector port.

Another nice interior restoration item.

7636 - 1983-1993 GM (Including 1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal) -
Reproduction Diagnostic ALDL Connector Port Cover - $12.95

Here's a link to this cover on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44214/Reproduction+DIAGNOSTIC+ALDL+CONNECTOR+PORT+COVER++%237636.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 WORKS -

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.



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 -

Took our granddaughter to the movies the other night and let her drive home on her permit. She did great driving our Ford Explorer for the first time. In our state you have to wait 6 months after you get your driver’s permit to take your driver’s test.

It brought back memories of when I turned 16, which now seems so long ago.

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