02-05-2014 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 02-05-2014

**DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER OUR OFFICE IS CLOSED. WE WILL OPEN ONCE POWER IS RESTORED**

FEBRUARY CARTOON -

PHOTO 1 - Our first photo shows this month’s The Adventures of Tommy Turbo” cartoon. It relates to the competition that was always between the Fox body Mustangs and the Turbo Regals at Englishtown Raceway Park in New Jersey. The caption reads, "SHOULDN'T WE GIVE THE MUSTANG A 4 OR 5 CAR HEAD START TO BE FAIR?"

PHOTO 2 - Our photo shows our new T-Type fender cover, Part #7555 & #7556 made by FenderGripper a division of SSnake-Oyl. The fender cover is made in the U.S.A. and the surface is non-slip. The "T-TYPE - A BOOST OF BUICK PERFORMANCE” design is silk screened in white and red on a 34" by 22" black fender cover. This is the quote we came up with many years ago related to the T-Type Turbo Regals. See the new products section for more information.

Here is a link to this new T-Type fender cover on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7555&submit_button=


SALESMASTER COFFEE MUG -

Last week we showed the two Salesmaster medallions that I have in my private collection. This past week we heard from Matt who sent us a photo of a Buick Salesmaster coffee mug. According to Matt, he got this about twenty years ago from a woman whose husband had passed away and who wanted to dispose of some car stuff. She said her husband worked in the GMC commercial division, and this Salesmaster Buick mug was among his GMC coffee mugs.

PHOTO 3 - Here is a photo of the Salesmaster Buick Coffee mug that is over 20 years old. We have not heard from anyone that can explain how the Salesmaster program at Buick worked or how employees became eligible.


NEW PRODUCTS -

STOCK APPEARING 1986-1987 TURBO REGAL HEAVY-DUTY INTERCOOLER HOSE SET -

These new hoses are listed under new products and are now in stock. The main feature with this version of heavy-duty intercooler hoses is the fact they are 100% identical to the stock GM hoses. The only they difference is they are thicker so they will last longer. These had to be specially made for us in the 3 different sizes.

PHOTO 4 - The top left photo shows the heavy-duty hoses exterior, which has that woven look, identical to the originals. The bottom left photo you can see the orange like inside, which is identical to the original hoses. The photo on the right shows the general placement for these hoses. It took us a while to locate a source that could provide these for us again for us.


UPDATE ON TV SHOW "LIFE" CAR THAT WAS ON EBAY -

There was a 1984 Grand National For Sale listing on eBay, #231144168378. The car reportedly was used in the TV series "Life." Eileen and I used to watch this show. The car looks like it was the one and seller is in California.

One of our customers, Anthony who has the entire series of the TV show “Life,” works at a Chevrolet dealership. He CarFaxed the Grand National to see if the mileage was accurate. Back in December of 1994, it showed 100,267. In June of 1999, it only read 25,852 by August 2006 it had jumped to 155,125 and in November 2011 it only showed 15,748 miles. Part of the problem is the read outs odometer on the Turbo Regals only reads 5 digits so when the car hits six digits (100,000) it reverts back to zero. While it's true in most cases a sharp eye should be able to detect a car showing 25,000 miles would look a lot different than one that had 125,000 actual miles. In the ebay description, it says the car shows 17,874 miles. The car received 69 bids and sold for $10,600, according to the eBay listing.


MILEAGE FRAUD -

Mileage fraud happened to me in the early 1990s when I was buying all the Turbo Regals. It only happened once and it involved a used car dealer. I had sold this particular Grand National to a local friend of mine. Within a few weeks of ownership, he came across some paperwork that had the original owners name on it. He called to simply ask the original owner certain things about the car. During the conversation, a question came up about the mileage. It turned out the car had over 200,000 miles not 100,000 miles.

My friend called me up. Of course he understood I had no idea, since I was buying and selling a lot of these cars back then. I offered him a full refund and I offered to buy the car back. However, he wanted to keep the car because it was so nice, so instead we made a partial refund. It was during this time I tried in vain to get the used car dealership, which was located in another state, to admit the mileage statement I got with the car was incorrect. I wasn’t accusing the dealership, since I had no proof when the mileage error actually occurred. The dealership refused, so I basically learned a lesson.

I am sure this has happened to many dealers on cars of that vintage when odometers only read up to 5 digits. At the time it was hard to believe as the Grand National in the early 1990s was not that old to have racked up over 200,000 miles and still have the original engine in it. True Story.


TURBO-T EMBLEMS FOLLOW UP -

In last week's Inner Circle in Photo 2 we showed the emblems that are on the side pillars of our personal Turbo-T and the one that surrounds the trunk lock. We heard from several customers and they all said those emblems appeared on all the chrome package Regals. I also did some research using the Buick 44W book to see what the actual application was.

According the Buick 44W Parts book dated 1991, Buick called them a "crest" emblem and they were used on the 1982-1987 Regals. They had two versions - one was a stick-on and one had a stud-style mount. In 1991 the price was $11.65 each. I believe the version that mounted by a stud format was used if the car received a vinyl padded roof. The trunk emblem was referred to simply as an "escutcheon" and it had a $4.60 price back in 1991. Since only the 1987 Turbo Regals had a chrome package option, they should have had the crest emblem and the trunk escutcheon. The 1984 thru 1986 T-Types had the black-out package.


ALSO CELEBRATING ANNIVERSARIES THIS MONTH -

The Beatles, the most influential rock and roll music group to hit our shores, arrived in February of 1964 - fifty years ago.

It was 55 years ago this month that a small plane crash happened in Clear Lake, Iowa, claiming the lives of some of the early rock and roll legends - Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and the Big Bopper Richardson. Waylon Jennings gave up his seat to the Big Bopper, and Dion Dimucci of Dion and the Belmonts, did not want to spring for the $36 plane ticket. A twist of fate.

I remember on one of my trips to pick up a Grand National I stopped along the interstate by the exit sign in Iowa for Clear Lake to pay my respects. I was always fond of Buddy Holly's music.


CAR FOR SALE 1987 GRAND NATIONAL -

This 1987 Grand National For Sale is located in Georgia and has just under 21,000 actual miles. It has factory T-Tops and runs out extremely nice. The current owner only put about 500 miles on it since buying it over a year ago.

The car is a two-owner car and has always been garaged. The current owner replaced the radiator, headliner, powermaster brake unit, as well as the brake proportioning valve. He also had a complete tune-up done.

The reason he is selling is they are expecting a baby. We originally handled this deal when the car was owned previously in New Jersey. The car does have some minor paint issues and needs a few things done to be perfect. It needs a power antenna, A/C charged, front bumper fillers, and the radio repaired. The price is $17,900.

For more info, contact me at - [email protected]


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]


LOCAL REQUEST FROM US -

As part of our growing business, we need to see if there are any local customers with the good fortune of owning a new 2014 Corvette.

We need to examine it under the hood to see what parts we can make for that market.If you have one locally to us, contact me direct - [email protected]


NOW AVAILABLE - SPOOLFOOLS FRONT AND REAR BUMPER FILLERS -

Back in the summer of 2012, Mike Barnard started to craft his own unique version of the 1984-1987 Buick Regal rear bumper fillers. Unlike the GM two-piece design that overlaps in the center under the license plate area, Mike's design is one solid piece. It is all hand laid fiberglass that is made in the U.S.A. Mike personally did almost all the original prototype work, so the finish product would be a top-notch part. If you are a member of the Turbo Buick Forum, you can see more information on his bumper fillers on their site.

Mike has a love for these cars since he owns a 1987 Grand National.

Because of the constant polishing of the mold, the black gelcoat in many cases looks better than if it was painted black! Many owners simply install it without painting it, as the quality is that good. All the necessary holes are pre-drilled.

They are on our website now. However, because the rear bumper filler is one piece, it is oversized. Currently they would be drop shipped from California.

If you want to order this one-piece Spoolfool rear bumper filler, you have to contact our office so we can compute shipping costs - 215-766-1611. Ideally, if you have someone else in your area wanting the Spoolfool one-piece rear filler, two can be shipped in one single box. This way your shipping cost could be shared.

In looking ahead - with our date for the Open House April 12th 2014, we will announce in the next few weeks the option of picking up the Spoolfools one-piece rear filler at our Open House. This would avoid shipping charges. This would be a great option for anyone in the northeast area. Our plan later this spring is to get a skid of them shipped by truck to us, if we have several sold in advance. More on this later this Spring.

Here is the link for the Spoolfool filler panels on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7566&submit_button=


ONE OF OUR PERSONAL CARS FOR SALE -

We are looking at upgrading one of our cars. This may interest one of our local customers. Car is a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix coupe with the 3800 engine. It is not the supercharged version. We are the second owner. Garaged and never smoked in. Silver with a grey cloth interior. Car is absolutely show quality inside and out. Coupes are very hard to find in nice condition with good miles on them.

I looked at several before purchasing this one. Car has new Hankook tires, new powder-coated brake rotors, new brake pads, new GM HD front and rear sway bars, new headlights, new tail lights, just to name a few upgrades. Car has most of l the major options, except for the supercharger and sunroof. Has a clean Car Fax with only 65,000 original miles. Latest PA inspection, and runs and drives 100%. Nothing inside or out shows even a hint of any wear issues. Wheels are perfect. Everything works. Buyer gets all my records related to the car. Looking for $5,495 or best offer. You would be hard pressed to find a cleaner example. I rather sell it outright than use it as a trade.

For more details and photos, email me direct at - [email protected]



NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -

GM LICENSED - "T-TYPE - A BOOST OF BUICK PERFORMANCE" FENDER COVER

These are now available and in stock. See Photo 2 in this week's Inner Circle. The part number on our website is #7555 or for 2 the part number is #7556.

GM LICENSED -“T-TYPE - A BOOST OF BUICK PERFORMANCE” FENDER COVER The “T-TYPE - A BOOST OF BUICK PERFORMANCE” logo is silk screened in white and red on a 34" x 22" black fender cover. It is made from a non-slip cushioned material, so it won’t slide off the fender.

Because the surface is non-slip, it holds your tools in place. It is impervious to automotive fluids, such as motor oil, brake fluid, coolant, etc.

It is made in the U.S.A. by Fender Gripper®, a division of SSnake-Oyl™, and is licensed by GM.

This recognizable logo and quote is sure to appeal to any Buick T-Type owner. We offer it individually Part #7555 or as a pair Part #7556.

These fender covers are a must-have addition to your garage items, and can also be stored in the trunk in case you need to protect the fenders while away from the garage.

Our photos show the fender cover flat, and as it appears folded in half.

This fender cover also makes a unique gift for any Buick enthusiast or mechanic.

7555 - GM Licensed -“T-TYPE - A BOOST OF BUICK PERFORMANCE” Fender Cover - $22.95

7556 - GM Licensed -TWO “T-TYPE - A BOOST OF BUICK PERFORMANCE” Fender Covers (2) - $40 / pair

Here is a link to these T-Type fender covers on our website:http:
//www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7555&submit_button=



1984-1987 Buick Regal (2-Door Models)Spoolfool Hand-laid FiberglassTwo-Piece FRONT Black Bumper Filler Panels and
One-Piece REAR Black Bumper Filler

NOTE - These fit all two-door Regal models from 1984 through the 1987 Regal models, including all the 1984-1987 Turbo Regals.

Over time, the front and rear bumper fillers may deteriorate.

The front body bumper fillers are the flexible parts located between the front bumper and the front portion of the car on either side of the grille opening. Over the years, original front body bumper filler extensions can crack and crumble due to heat and age. They can also lose their shape and droop.

The factory original GM front body bumper fillers are no longer available. The original GM version had 2 pieces; a left and a right.

The rear bumper filler is located between the back bumper and the rear body panel.

The factory original GM rear body bumper filler is no longer available.

We offer reproductions from Spoolfool Filler panels, made in the U.S.A.

Mike Bernard owner of Spoolfool crafted the unique one-piece rear bumper filler from scratch and did about 90% of the work himself. He has over 200 hours into making the prototype. Every square inch has been created from scratch or created from an original set of the two-piece design.

Spoolfool bumper fillers are made from hand-laid fiberglass in the U.S.A. Due to the nature of these materials, small imperfections; pits, scratches, air bubbles, etc. are to be expected and are normal for this type of product. These fillers come in a gloss black gelcoat. The gelcoat is meant to be painted over; however, many customers are happy with how they look right out of the box. While the color may not be a perfect match, it may get you by until you're ready to paint the whole car. All products are pre-drilled and ready to install. The gelcoat finish is such a high quality that some owners simply install the fillers without having them painted. If you decide to paint these fillers, no flex agent is needed.

Some holes may need to be slightly elongated, as every car is unique from the factory.

Mike has had great success with his one-piece rear bumper filler design, which eliminates the overlap design that Buick had with the original two-piece design. The unique rear filler one-piece design gives the back end of your car a cleaner look. Mike had a real passion for this project, since he also owns a Grand National. He has been producing these filler since the summer of 2012.

All his fillers are pre-drilled from his templates. Since all the holes are pre-drilled, the fit is excellent. These reproductions attach exactly like the originals using all the same original attaching hardware. Once installed, these fillers look identical to the originals. The difference is the rear filler is one piece.

NOTE - For more info, search out the fillers on - www.turbobuick.com - website. There are also 2 videos on YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7b7GsO3ZVEY - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7b7GsO3ZVEY. Or you can search SPOOLFOOL’S FIBERGLASS on YouTube.

Because of the size of the one-piece rear filler, shipping is based on the oversized box. Shipping can be adjusted if two rear one-piece filler panels can be shipped at the same time as two will fit in a single box. Filler panels are made in the U.S.A.

ORDERING NOTE - In order to compute the proper shipping costs, you must contact our office to order any of these 3 parts - 215-766-1611. These are currently drop-shipped from California.

NOTE - We recommend these be installed by a qualified body shop.

7566 - 1984-1987 Buick Regal (2-Door Models) -
Spoolfool Hand-laid Fiberglass Two-Piece FRONT Black Bumper Filler Panels - $320

7567 - 1984-1987 Two Door Regal (2-Door Models) -
Spoolfool Hand-laid Fiberglass One-Piece REAR Black Bumper Filler - $370

7568 - 1984-1987 Buick Regal (2-Door Models) -
Spoolfool Hand-laid Fiberglass Two-Piece FRONT Black Bumper Filler Panels and
Spoolfool Hand-laid Fiberglass One-Piece REAR Black Bumper Filler - $650 (save $40)

NOTE - We also offer other front and rear bumper filler panels. Check out our other Part numbers - #7152, #7067, #7440, 7438, and #7439.

Here is a link to these new Bumper Filler Panels on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7566&submit_button=



1967-1987 GM Cars -REPLACEMENT REAR COIL SPRINGS INSULATORS (2)

These insulators sit under the rear coil springs and will eliminate any squeaks. In many cases, the original insulators may be missing or have deteriorated.

We recommend you replace these insulators when you install new rear coil springs.

NOTE - We also offer the 1978-1987 Regal - Variable Rate Rear Springs (2), Part #1520.

Another good restoration item.

7559 -1967-1987 GM Cars -
Replacement Rear Coil Springs Insulators (2) - $14.95

Here is a link to these Rear Coil Springs Insulators on our website
:http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44134/REPLACEMENT+REAR+COIL+SPRINGS+INSULATORS+%237559.html



VDO VISION SERIES30 inHg VACUUM and 25 psi BOOST 2-1/16" GAUGE & INSTALLATION KIT

This attractive VDO vision series gauge measures both vacuum and boost. It has a 2-1/16" diameter face, which fits any of the single or twin gauge A-Pillar holders we offer. It reads up to 30 inHg vacuum and up to 25 psi boost.

The quality is excellent and features a black flat bezel face, red needle, and white numbers. This is a VDO Vision gauge. It has a black bezel, like the Cockpit Series, but this bezel is flat, not rounded like the Cockpit Series. VDO does not make a Cockpit Series gauge that show s30 inHg and 25 psi.

Gauge comes with an installation kit for any 1986-1987 Turbo Regal. It will also fit older applications. The kit will allow your current gauge and this gauge to function at the same time. It comes with two different color inserts - red and green - in case you want to change the color of the light in the gauge.

NOTE - We also offer the VDO Cockpit Series 2-1/16″ 30 lb. Boost Gauge (includes installation kit), Part #6627.

NOTE - When purchasing this item you may also want to consider the Grey Plastic Single A-Pillar Windshield Gauge Holder #1530, the Grey Plastic Windshield A-Pillar Twin Gauge Holder #6712 or the Grey Plastic Console Twin Gauge Holder #1529.

#7552 - VDO Vision Series 30 inHg Vacuum and 25 psi Boost 2-1/16" Gauge & Installation Kit - $54.95 / kit

Here is a link to this Vacuum/Boost Gauge on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44132/VDO+VISION+SERIES+30+inHg+VACUUM+and+25+psi+BOOST+2+1+16++GAUGE+and+INSTALLATION+KIT+%237552.html



1986-1987 Turbo Regal -STOCK APPEARING INTERCOOLER and TURBO HEAVY-DUTY HOSES SET

The only weak links in the intercooler turbo system are the three factory connecting hoses that GM used (#1, #2 & #3 in the illustration.)

The smallest hose connects the intercooler to the turbo and the other two connect the tube to the throttle body. The hose is cut rather short leaving very little to clamp against and the material is quite flimsy. When subjected to heat and flex, they could split or come off. If this happens, the car will sputter and choke.

This stock appearing hoses set is made from the identical fabric-style material and black color as the original. So, the outward appearance looks factory.

These hoses are twice as thick as the original GM equipment and slightly longer for a better fit. A MUST improvement for your Buick… it's a good idea to keep a spare set on hand.

7553 - 1986-1987 Turbo Regal -Stock Appearing Intercooler and Turbo Heavy-Duty Hoses (3) Set - $34.95 / set

Here is a link to these heavy-duty hoses on our website:http:
//www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44131/STOCK+APPEARING+INTERCOOLER+and+TURBO+HEAVY-DUTY+HOSES+SET+%23+7553.html



UPCOMING TURBO REGAL EVENTS FOR 2014 -

KIRBAN PERFORMANCE OPEN HOUSE - SATURDAY - APRIL 12, 2014 - 2014 - RAIN or SHINE - 9 am until 3 pm

We will have our usual program, including a freshly prepared lunch by chef Russ and Nancy doing all the cooking. Our usual M & M contest, a no reserve auction, Free Yum Yum donuts in the AM with coffee. Special sale prices and new products will be on display.

CONFIRMED VENDORS & GUESTS - Chris’ Custom Apparel, who has a full line of Turbo Buick clothing will be set up. Pete Hoffman will have parts for sale, and I will also have used parts for sale (known as the "tagged and bagged" sale items). Coming for the first time is Bruce Shaw - a lawyer and accountant specializing in Collector Car Fraud. Terry Shaw specializes in collector car appraisals and insurance claims will also be there.

More information will follow later this Spring. This is one of the first major events of 2014 for the Turbo Regal owner. Don't miss it.



GS NATIONALS - OCTOBER 15TH thru 18th, 2014 -

Beech Bend Raceway, 798 Beech Bend Road, Bowling Green, Kentucky Ron Joseph informs me that the dates for the 2014 GS Nationals are October 15th thru the 18th. The intent to move it to September has been shelved at least for a year, according to Ron. We will share more info as it becomes available.

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, Google Chrome, etc.) If it doesn't link in one browser, it may work in another.



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 -

Think Spring! We can only hope it is soon approaching.