Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 02-06-2019 –
ANOTHER RARE FIND –
This rare find comes from long-time customer Phil Everett. He acquired this advance Price Sheet from a friend of his. It is an Advance Price sheet from a Buick dealer in Quebec, Canada. It is dated December 1986. Again, this would be quite rare to find today as I never seen one until now.
PHOTO 1 – We show a copy of the GM Advance Price Sheet. As you might expect prices in Canada were higher than here in the US. Example, the WE2 option (Grand National) has a price tag of $5,211.90. In the 1987 Buick Price Directory the price in the US was $3,574.00.
The price out the door in Canada for this particular Grand National was $24,578.50 according the total on the sheet. I do detect at least one error. The code KO9 lists a generator which may not be a technical error on the description, but it states it is a 100 amp. These cars had 120 amp alternators not 100 amp units.
What I have learned from this GM Advanced Price Sheet is simply this “I am glad we do not live in Canada!” Besides French is a difficult language to learn. I had one year of it in High School and that was enough. If you failed to get at least a C you did not have to take a second year of it. This was an easy out for me.
INTERESTING FIND IN A JUNKYARD -
I found an interesting find the other day in a 1998 Cadillac black on black Deville. All the books were in the glove box including the window sticker. The window sticker states the car is a certified pre-owned vehicle eligible for an extension of the new car warranty. I am not sure if this was simply stamped on the window sticker or they somehow acquired a copy
The car had an electric sliding sunroof but nothing showing the electric sliding sunroof shows up on the window sticker. However, with the papers in the glove box was a ASC owner’s Manual Warranty Information and Registration card. I had never come across this brochure before now.
On the one part of the registration it asks the owner questions like have you had a sunroof before? Also what is your household income? Plus reason for purchasing a sunroof? Seems strange to inquire about your household income?
PHOTO 2 – We show one side of this very rare ASC sunroof Operation Manual, Warranty Information, and Registration card. Note for any of you GNX owners, the ASC logo was the same as it was in 1987.
EVERY PERSONAL LICENSE PLATE HAS A STORY –
While it’s true every personal license plate has a story, some are more interesting than others. Over the years, I have saved over 20 of our personal license plates and have them hanging on the edge of shelves in our basement.
While they have no monetary value, they do hold memories. Here are just a few examples:
PHOTO 3 - The top left photo shows our oldest plate from the state of Delaware. I was fresh out of high school and in basic training. My girlfriend (now my wife Eileen) at the time still had 2 more years of high school so I gave her one of my cars to drive to school. Pennsylvania back then had state inspections twice a year which I did not want her to bother with so I registered the car in Delaware using a buddy’s address. Delaware only had very simple inspections and only once a year.
The top right license plate was from Arizona and it was on a car I bought in Arizona while stationed in Arizona. Back then the tags went with the used cars. I drove that car home before leaving for Vietnam. Interesting enough the number 455 was the largest cubic engine size for the late model GTOs a business we would eventually go into in the late 1970s.
The bottom left is a South Dakota license plate. This holds a very special meaning in my life. During the 1970s I would be on road trips for my Dad as he would arrange speaking engagements usually 10 to 14 days every month. On this particular trip we started in Rapid City South Dakota. I left 3 days prior from Pennsylvania and Dad would fly into Rapid City and meet me for his first meeting. On the morning of the 3rd day on my trip maybe 50 miles south of Rapid City I rolled my truck.
Fortunately, it came back on its wheels and I did not get a scratch. I had it towed to where my Dad was going to speak that night and waited to give him the bad news. At this meeting he asked the audience “Anyone here work at a car dealership”? Fortunately, someone said they worked at a Chevrolet dealership. We went there early the next morning. I did not want to buy a new Chevy truck. On the lot was a one year old XLT Ford pickup. I bought that truck. The South Dakota plate came on the truck. Needless to say, I started that road trip in debt!
The bottom right license plate ZR1 KLR was on the GMC test Syclone we bought directly from GMC headquarters in Michigan. Eileen drove this for several years. The ZR1 KLR was the perfect license plate for this all-wheel drive GMC pickup truck.
PHOTO 4 – The license plate to the left RARE GN was on the 1986 LeSabre GN we bought years ago. I had Pete Serio (the original window rattle guy) install the Le Sabre T-Type guage cluster in this GN. Car originally came from Georgia. I would later sell it to a customer in Texas. The license plate to the right EK Z3 stood for Eileen Kirban and we got the very flrst Z3 from the local BMW dealership that they sold. I believe they came out in 1997? Eileen and her Z3 were featured in the local newspaper as well. She would later have a M3 version of the popular Z3. Also, interesting side note is ASC made the optional hardtops for those cars and Rick Hunt got us a blem one years ago for her car.
SUPER BOWL RESULTS -
I can sum it up in a single word "Boring". The only bright spot was the NFL 2-minute commercial featuring some of the all-time greats. Maybe they should have made the Super Bowl game 6 quarters since the first 3 were non descriptive.
UPDATE ON OUR PERSONAL 2004 HONDA ACCORD SEDAN –
I took the car to the dealership this past Friday night that I have a salesman license with. They sold it the next morning! The buyer’s son is a mechanic and he was impressed with the car. The only flaw he found was the AC was a little weak. Not much of a concern with the temperature hovering around 15 degrees!
STILL AVAILABLE FOR SALE - 2013 INFINITI G37X MODEL -
The local country dealership I work with and have a sales license with has this extremely nice car for sale. Car is a rare combination of black exterior with matching black leather. It is a G37X model with all-wheel drive and navigation.
Actual miles 54,800 and it’s been garaged. Zero accidents. a very elegant looking sedan that is quite powerful, non-smoker car. The price is $14,995. Email me [email protected] for photos. The lot is located about 10 minutes from our warehouse in nearby Ottsville, PA. Contact Laura at 267-679-0610 or Don at 215-801-1859 for more details and availability.
THE ANSWER TO THE RAREST OF RAREST OPTIONS –
This article I printed last week sparked a good bit of interest among our readers. The popular answers were the engine block heater and the radio delete feature. Last week the engine block heater would have been used extensively by those in the mid-west part of the country! Both good guesses, but fall short of the rarest of rare options available on the Turbo Regal. Even Google answered and said, “Sorry I can’t help with that yet.”
This option was offered across the board basically to any GM car model in any given year. I know it was available in the 1960s. I consider this option rare because I never seen one on any Turbo Regal ever. I did see one on a 1966 or 1967 GTO and the owner had proof which was critical back then since SPID decals did not appear on GM cars until the 1980s.
Here is the answer. First the code on the SPID decal is D83. The cost was a mere $200 for every year (1984-1987). It was not available on the Grand National according to the 1987 Buick Price Directory. What is very interesting is in the 1984, 1985, and 1986 Buick Price directories there is no notation stating you could not get it on a Grand National!
The option was called a “Solid Special Color” with a price tag of just $200. I find it remarkable that GM would paint another color for just $200. In other words, you could have ordered a Turbo Regal actually any model Buick and picked an exterior color from any other existing GM car line. One example Cadillacs probably had some unique colors to choose from.
Again, the proof it was done at production would be the D83 code on the SPID decal. My next question is Have you ever seen one with proof that the exterior paint was special ordered prior to production?
I am thinking probably not. So, that is in my opinion the rarest option available on any 1984-1987 Turbo Regal. I have no idea if GM still offers this today and if so what price does it cost? If you work at a GM dealership and can shed some light on this option let me know.
MORE TRIVIA TO MAKE YOU THINK –
While you think that over here is my next trivia question. Name the one single part that was on the 1987 Turbo Regal originally and probably the early ones as well that no replacement looks the same. Here are the clues. This part is on the engine gets replaced frequently and nobody to my knowledge makes it in reproduction. The part is basically the size of a clinched fist. The key clue is the fact you replace it frequently. Many of you may not realize this part was different because it would have been replaced many times. It is a part that owners could easily make look 100% correct.
The answer will be published next week. Your answer has to match my answer even if several parts may fit this category.
THE “HOT” TOPIC LAST WEEK WAS THE BRUTAL COLD WEATHER –
I probably should not have chosen the word “Hot” in the heading above! Probably the first week where Trump’s pet project to build the wall got less attention nationwide than the weather did! We are fortunate as the pole building at our house is heated and I was able to squeeze all our vehicles inside. It was interesting those brutal mornings to watch the digital temperature read out on my mirror start at 55 degrees and within half mile drop to minus 3 degrees. The brutal temperature is one sure way to tell if your battery is up to proper cranking or not.
CARSMARTS RADIO IS ON THE AIR AND ON THE WEB! –
Turbo V6 enthusiast Steve Saffier (who produced “The Dennis Kirban Story” on YouTube last year) is producer and host of a new automotive radio program broadcasting live every Saturday from 11am – 12 noon on 610 ESPN radio (the old WIP 610 am for those in the area.) The show talks about different aspects of the car world and Steve’s affinity for Turbo Regals and Syclone/Typhoons often is expressed in nearly every show.
You can tune in live or livestream the show at http://www.610espn.com from anywhere in the world. See http://www/carsmartsradio.com for updates on future shows.
2018 TURBO BUICK RELATED CAR SHOWS EVENTS -
4th Annual South Florida Turbo Buick meet – February 17, 2019
This year it will be at Geronimo’s Bar and Grill in Davie, Florida on the corner of Stirling Rd and University Dr. Hope you all can make it. It starts at 10:45am and it’s over when the last person leaves. This place has an outdoor patio to sip down some cold ones. Facebook group is - Turbo Buick of South Florida. Please join the group
RELATED NON-BUICK PARTS - FOR SALE –
I have several items for sale this first week. In each case the price includes shipping to the basic 48 states. Perhaps you have a relative or a good friend with one of these cars. All these items are extremely nice and priced to sell. Again, Paypal is the preferred method of payment. You must email me direct - [email protected] to purchase or check if item(s) are still available. All these items are bargain priced and extremely nice otherwise I would not bother hauling them out of the junkyard.
C-2 – See photo 4 in 11-07-2018 issue. I have 4 of these Cadillac accessory trunk mats. I have them in the trunk of all our cars and use them in the pole building to keep any leaks from getting on the concrete floor. These trunk mats were a Cadillac option around the late 1980s. The mat is reversible rubber on the one side with the Caddy crest logo and grey cloth material on the other side. The trunk mat measures 33 inches by 36 inches, almost a perfect square. Mat is the perfect size for most trunks to protect your original trunk carpet. They are charcoal grey in color. Each one is almost like new with no stains. The price is just $34.95, which includes shipping to the basic 48 states. These mats are very high quality.
C-4 – For the Subaru Outback, a full set (4) embroidered with the word Outback factory carpet savers that are absolutely mint. Grey black color weave look. They are probably 1990s vintage. The price is just $38.95 for the full set, which includes shipping to the basic 48 states.
C-5 – For any 2001-2004 Honda Civic with the grey/black interior I have a mint original factory passenger embroidered floor mat and a mint one piece rear carpeted factory floor mat. The price is just $29.95, which includes shipping to the basic 48 states.
NOTE - If requested we can supply photos of any item in this section if you are unsure as to whether it will fit your application.
GOOD NEWS - WE ARE ACCEPTING CLASSIFIED ADS -
Good news - We now accept Classified Ads in our weekly Inner Circle emails. Over the years several customers have asked about placing an ad in our weekly Inner Circle.
Here are the options and the costs.
Ads can be from any individual or company. It needs to be automotive related, meaning it does not need be specifically Turbo Regal related. It can be for something for sale or something wanted.
Maximum number of words is 125 words, which is about 7 to 9 lines of copy. No photos. You can list a website. We recommend you state your name, phone number or email, a price, and your location in your ad.
The cost for 2 consecutive weeks is $25. The cost for 4 consecutive weeks is $40. You save $10 with the 4-week plan. No changes can be made to your existing running ad. You can only run one ad at any given time. We will have a code system at the end of your ad, so we will know what week number your ad is to run - 2 or 4 weeks.
It can be an ad for something for sale or an ad for something you are looking for.
We have never missed a single week since we started the Inner Circle email format in 2009. It’s something I enjoy doing and I just always seem to have enough material to write about.
Our weekly Inner Circle reaches over 3,300 members every Wednesday direct to their inbox. The Inner Circle also appears every Wednesday on our website with the related photos. Your ad would be visible to both groups of readers. So, the exposure to your ad is well over 3,200 potential buyers.
Ads submitted properly by the previous Sunday would appear that next Wednesday in the weekly Inner Circle. Ads must be submitted by email to - [email protected]
Payment by credit card must be done by phone to our office 215-766-1611 x 0.
CLASSIFIED AD –
WANTED - Template that came with factory GNX replacement INNER fender vents. A large folded paper with the cutout template for the INNER vent. NOT the template for the outer vent. $100 for original or exact full-size copy. $50 for non-exact size copy if completely legible. David - 602-550-3583 Week 1 of 2
NOTE - IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO SEE THE BUICK RARE PARTS SECTION -
If you are not able to see the Buick Rare Parts section at the end of this Inner Circle, it is because you are not an Inner Circle member, but instead are reading this on the website. You must subscribe to see the Rare Parts section each week. It would go directly to your inbox every Wednesday afternoon. It is FREE, probably one reason why nobody complains about what I write about. Simply email - [email protected] get on our weekly Inner Circle email.
The Buick Rare Parts section is only viewed by those that subscribe. Subscription is free, so complaints on what I write are nonexistent!
EMAILS TO KIRBAN PERFORMANCE -
NOTE- If you email us and do NOT get a timely reply, be sure to check your “SPAM” folder. Some emails do not go thru.
If you need to email us, use - [email protected]
TIPS AND IDEAS YOU HAVE TRIED -
If there are any tips or ideas you want to share with our readers, email me –[email protected]
TIP FROM KIRBAN –
Remember, we are always in the market for good used or new Turbo Regal parts in trade or to buy outright.
CORES NEEDED -
Here is the information on our credits for cores.
URGENT NEED –
POWERMASTER BRAKE UNITS. Unit must be complete. We will issue you a Letter of Credit for $150 for each acceptable core. We currently will not buy any powermaster units outright, only Letter of Credit towards parts.
TURBO CORES must be the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal stock turbo. They must be complete. We will issue you a $150 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. These are the only 2 items we are currently accepting as cores.
MAIL - Ship to Address -
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
PO BOX 1199
PLUMSTEADVILLE, PA 18949
UPS - Ship to Address -
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
6201 Kellers Church Road
PLUMSTEADVILLE, 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. Please remember I have very little knowledge of the mechanical workings of the engine.
NEW PRODUCTS FROM US –
REPRODUCTION GM LICENSED - 1987 BUICK OWNER’S MANUAL
A must-have reference booklet for any 1987 Turbo Regal owner. This is a high-quality GM Licensed reproduction of the original Owner’s Manual.
This is a great addition to your reference material.
7843 - Reproduction GM Licensed 1987 Buick Owner’s Manual - $19.95
1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
POWER ANTENNA HARDWARE (4 Nuts & 4 Bolts) KIT
NOTE - This kit is included if you purchase the Power Antenna Upgraded Steel Cable Repair Kit, part #7433.
You only need this kit if you do NOT purchase the upgraded steel cable repair kit and plan to replace the cable not using our kit, part #7433.
This kit comes with directions and the proper hardware to reassemble the power antenna housing.
It eliminates the need to hunt down the hardware to reassemble the power antenna motor assembly.
Step-by-step directions are included to make it easy to install.
We also recommend you purchase the "1984-1987 Turbo Regal Power Antenna Removal and Installation Guide" Book by Pete Serio, part #6976. The location of the original power antenna on the passenger fender makes removal a more difficult project than most locations. Or purchase the 1984-1987 Buck Turbo Regal Power Antenna Upgraded Steel Cable Repair Kit, part #7433, which includes this hardware kit.
NOTE - You may also be interested in these related parts - #7702 Rebuild Service for Original Power Antenna.
NOTE - We recommend you also purchase our Part #6976 - “1984-1987 Turbo Regal - Power Antenna Removal and Installation Guide” Book by Pete Serio
7433-Kit - 1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Power Antenna Hardware (4 Nuts & 4 Bolts) Kit - $4.95 / kit
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. We also may buy your new or used parts. 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 must 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 – I think we have 6 more weeks of winter. I just hope it is not record breaking weather like many of us have experienced last week. I think mail men have to change their slogan about neither rain or snow keeps them from making their rounds. It seems temperatures of minus 25 or more triggers mail delivery issues as well!
ANOTHER RARE FIND –
This rare find comes from long-time customer Phil Everett. He acquired this advance Price Sheet from a friend of his. It is an Advance Price sheet from a Buick dealer in Quebec, Canada. It is dated December 1986. Again, this would be quite rare to find today as I never seen one until now.
PHOTO 1 – We show a copy of the GM Advance Price Sheet. As you might expect prices in Canada were higher than here in the US. Example, the WE2 option (Grand National) has a price tag of $5,211.90. In the 1987 Buick Price Directory the price in the US was $3,574.00.
The price out the door in Canada for this particular Grand National was $24,578.50 according the total on the sheet. I do detect at least one error. The code KO9 lists a generator which may not be a technical error on the description, but it states it is a 100 amp. These cars had 120 amp alternators not 100 amp units.
What I have learned from this GM Advanced Price Sheet is simply this “I am glad we do not live in Canada!” Besides French is a difficult language to learn. I had one year of it in High School and that was enough. If you failed to get at least a C you did not have to take a second year of it. This was an easy out for me.
INTERESTING FIND IN A JUNKYARD -
I found an interesting find the other day in a 1998 Cadillac black on black Deville. All the books were in the glove box including the window sticker. The window sticker states the car is a certified pre-owned vehicle eligible for an extension of the new car warranty. I am not sure if this was simply stamped on the window sticker or they somehow acquired a copy
The car had an electric sliding sunroof but nothing showing the electric sliding sunroof shows up on the window sticker. However, with the papers in the glove box was a ASC owner’s Manual Warranty Information and Registration card. I had never come across this brochure before now.
On the one part of the registration it asks the owner questions like have you had a sunroof before? Also what is your household income? Plus reason for purchasing a sunroof? Seems strange to inquire about your household income?
PHOTO 2 – We show one side of this very rare ASC sunroof Operation Manual, Warranty Information, and Registration card. Note for any of you GNX owners, the ASC logo was the same as it was in 1987.
EVERY PERSONAL LICENSE PLATE HAS A STORY –
While it’s true every personal license plate has a story, some are more interesting than others. Over the years, I have saved over 20 of our personal license plates and have them hanging on the edge of shelves in our basement.
While they have no monetary value, they do hold memories. Here are just a few examples:
PHOTO 3 - The top left photo shows our oldest plate from the state of Delaware. I was fresh out of high school and in basic training. My girlfriend (now my wife Eileen) at the time still had 2 more years of high school so I gave her one of my cars to drive to school. Pennsylvania back then had state inspections twice a year which I did not want her to bother with so I registered the car in Delaware using a buddy’s address. Delaware only had very simple inspections and only once a year.
The top right license plate was from Arizona and it was on a car I bought in Arizona while stationed in Arizona. Back then the tags went with the used cars. I drove that car home before leaving for Vietnam. Interesting enough the number 455 was the largest cubic engine size for the late model GTOs a business we would eventually go into in the late 1970s.
The bottom left is a South Dakota license plate. This holds a very special meaning in my life. During the 1970s I would be on road trips for my Dad as he would arrange speaking engagements usually 10 to 14 days every month. On this particular trip we started in Rapid City South Dakota. I left 3 days prior from Pennsylvania and Dad would fly into Rapid City and meet me for his first meeting. On the morning of the 3rd day on my trip maybe 50 miles south of Rapid City I rolled my truck.
Fortunately, it came back on its wheels and I did not get a scratch. I had it towed to where my Dad was going to speak that night and waited to give him the bad news. At this meeting he asked the audience “Anyone here work at a car dealership”? Fortunately, someone said they worked at a Chevrolet dealership. We went there early the next morning. I did not want to buy a new Chevy truck. On the lot was a one year old XLT Ford pickup. I bought that truck. The South Dakota plate came on the truck. Needless to say, I started that road trip in debt!
The bottom right license plate ZR1 KLR was on the GMC test Syclone we bought directly from GMC headquarters in Michigan. Eileen drove this for several years. The ZR1 KLR was the perfect license plate for this all-wheel drive GMC pickup truck.
PHOTO 4 – The license plate to the left RARE GN was on the 1986 LeSabre GN we bought years ago. I had Pete Serio (the original window rattle guy) install the Le Sabre T-Type guage cluster in this GN. Car originally came from Georgia. I would later sell it to a customer in Texas. The license plate to the right EK Z3 stood for Eileen Kirban and we got the very flrst Z3 from the local BMW dealership that they sold. I believe they came out in 1997? Eileen and her Z3 were featured in the local newspaper as well. She would later have a M3 version of the popular Z3. Also, interesting side note is ASC made the optional hardtops for those cars and Rick Hunt got us a blem one years ago for her car.
SUPER BOWL RESULTS -
I can sum it up in a single word "Boring". The only bright spot was the NFL 2-minute commercial featuring some of the all-time greats. Maybe they should have made the Super Bowl game 6 quarters since the first 3 were non descriptive.
UPDATE ON OUR PERSONAL 2004 HONDA ACCORD SEDAN –
I took the car to the dealership this past Friday night that I have a salesman license with. They sold it the next morning! The buyer’s son is a mechanic and he was impressed with the car. The only flaw he found was the AC was a little weak. Not much of a concern with the temperature hovering around 15 degrees!
STILL AVAILABLE FOR SALE - 2013 INFINITI G37X MODEL -
The local country dealership I work with and have a sales license with has this extremely nice car for sale. Car is a rare combination of black exterior with matching black leather. It is a G37X model with all-wheel drive and navigation.
Actual miles 54,800 and it’s been garaged. Zero accidents. a very elegant looking sedan that is quite powerful, non-smoker car. The price is $14,995. Email me [email protected] for photos. The lot is located about 10 minutes from our warehouse in nearby Ottsville, PA. Contact Laura at 267-679-0610 or Don at 215-801-1859 for more details and availability.
THE ANSWER TO THE RAREST OF RAREST OPTIONS –
This article I printed last week sparked a good bit of interest among our readers. The popular answers were the engine block heater and the radio delete feature. Last week the engine block heater would have been used extensively by those in the mid-west part of the country! Both good guesses, but fall short of the rarest of rare options available on the Turbo Regal. Even Google answered and said, “Sorry I can’t help with that yet.”
This option was offered across the board basically to any GM car model in any given year. I know it was available in the 1960s. I consider this option rare because I never seen one on any Turbo Regal ever. I did see one on a 1966 or 1967 GTO and the owner had proof which was critical back then since SPID decals did not appear on GM cars until the 1980s.
Here is the answer. First the code on the SPID decal is D83. The cost was a mere $200 for every year (1984-1987). It was not available on the Grand National according to the 1987 Buick Price Directory. What is very interesting is in the 1984, 1985, and 1986 Buick Price directories there is no notation stating you could not get it on a Grand National!
The option was called a “Solid Special Color” with a price tag of just $200. I find it remarkable that GM would paint another color for just $200. In other words, you could have ordered a Turbo Regal actually any model Buick and picked an exterior color from any other existing GM car line. One example Cadillacs probably had some unique colors to choose from.
Again, the proof it was done at production would be the D83 code on the SPID decal. My next question is Have you ever seen one with proof that the exterior paint was special ordered prior to production?
I am thinking probably not. So, that is in my opinion the rarest option available on any 1984-1987 Turbo Regal. I have no idea if GM still offers this today and if so what price does it cost? If you work at a GM dealership and can shed some light on this option let me know.
MORE TRIVIA TO MAKE YOU THINK –
While you think that over here is my next trivia question. Name the one single part that was on the 1987 Turbo Regal originally and probably the early ones as well that no replacement looks the same. Here are the clues. This part is on the engine gets replaced frequently and nobody to my knowledge makes it in reproduction. The part is basically the size of a clinched fist. The key clue is the fact you replace it frequently. Many of you may not realize this part was different because it would have been replaced many times. It is a part that owners could easily make look 100% correct.
The answer will be published next week. Your answer has to match my answer even if several parts may fit this category.
THE “HOT” TOPIC LAST WEEK WAS THE BRUTAL COLD WEATHER –
I probably should not have chosen the word “Hot” in the heading above! Probably the first week where Trump’s pet project to build the wall got less attention nationwide than the weather did! We are fortunate as the pole building at our house is heated and I was able to squeeze all our vehicles inside. It was interesting those brutal mornings to watch the digital temperature read out on my mirror start at 55 degrees and within half mile drop to minus 3 degrees. The brutal temperature is one sure way to tell if your battery is up to proper cranking or not.
CARSMARTS RADIO IS ON THE AIR AND ON THE WEB! –
Turbo V6 enthusiast Steve Saffier (who produced “The Dennis Kirban Story” on YouTube last year) is producer and host of a new automotive radio program broadcasting live every Saturday from 11am – 12 noon on 610 ESPN radio (the old WIP 610 am for those in the area.) The show talks about different aspects of the car world and Steve’s affinity for Turbo Regals and Syclone/Typhoons often is expressed in nearly every show.
You can tune in live or livestream the show at http://www.610espn.com from anywhere in the world. See http://www/carsmartsradio.com for updates on future shows.
2018 TURBO BUICK RELATED CAR SHOWS EVENTS -
4th Annual South Florida Turbo Buick meet – February 17, 2019
This year it will be at Geronimo’s Bar and Grill in Davie, Florida on the corner of Stirling Rd and University Dr. Hope you all can make it. It starts at 10:45am and it’s over when the last person leaves. This place has an outdoor patio to sip down some cold ones. Facebook group is - Turbo Buick of South Florida. Please join the group
RELATED NON-BUICK PARTS - FOR SALE –
I have several items for sale this first week. In each case the price includes shipping to the basic 48 states. Perhaps you have a relative or a good friend with one of these cars. All these items are extremely nice and priced to sell. Again, Paypal is the preferred method of payment. You must email me direct - [email protected] to purchase or check if item(s) are still available. All these items are bargain priced and extremely nice otherwise I would not bother hauling them out of the junkyard.
C-2 – See photo 4 in 11-07-2018 issue. I have 4 of these Cadillac accessory trunk mats. I have them in the trunk of all our cars and use them in the pole building to keep any leaks from getting on the concrete floor. These trunk mats were a Cadillac option around the late 1980s. The mat is reversible rubber on the one side with the Caddy crest logo and grey cloth material on the other side. The trunk mat measures 33 inches by 36 inches, almost a perfect square. Mat is the perfect size for most trunks to protect your original trunk carpet. They are charcoal grey in color. Each one is almost like new with no stains. The price is just $34.95, which includes shipping to the basic 48 states. These mats are very high quality.
C-4 – For the Subaru Outback, a full set (4) embroidered with the word Outback factory carpet savers that are absolutely mint. Grey black color weave look. They are probably 1990s vintage. The price is just $38.95 for the full set, which includes shipping to the basic 48 states.
C-5 – For any 2001-2004 Honda Civic with the grey/black interior I have a mint original factory passenger embroidered floor mat and a mint one piece rear carpeted factory floor mat. The price is just $29.95, which includes shipping to the basic 48 states.
NOTE - If requested we can supply photos of any item in this section if you are unsure as to whether it will fit your application.
GOOD NEWS - WE ARE ACCEPTING CLASSIFIED ADS -
Good news - We now accept Classified Ads in our weekly Inner Circle emails. Over the years several customers have asked about placing an ad in our weekly Inner Circle.
Here are the options and the costs.
Ads can be from any individual or company. It needs to be automotive related, meaning it does not need be specifically Turbo Regal related. It can be for something for sale or something wanted.
Maximum number of words is 125 words, which is about 7 to 9 lines of copy. No photos. You can list a website. We recommend you state your name, phone number or email, a price, and your location in your ad.
The cost for 2 consecutive weeks is $25. The cost for 4 consecutive weeks is $40. You save $10 with the 4-week plan. No changes can be made to your existing running ad. You can only run one ad at any given time. We will have a code system at the end of your ad, so we will know what week number your ad is to run - 2 or 4 weeks.
It can be an ad for something for sale or an ad for something you are looking for.
We have never missed a single week since we started the Inner Circle email format in 2009. It’s something I enjoy doing and I just always seem to have enough material to write about.
Our weekly Inner Circle reaches over 3,300 members every Wednesday direct to their inbox. The Inner Circle also appears every Wednesday on our website with the related photos. Your ad would be visible to both groups of readers. So, the exposure to your ad is well over 3,200 potential buyers.
Ads submitted properly by the previous Sunday would appear that next Wednesday in the weekly Inner Circle. Ads must be submitted by email to - [email protected]
Payment by credit card must be done by phone to our office 215-766-1611 x 0.
CLASSIFIED AD –
WANTED - Template that came with factory GNX replacement INNER fender vents. A large folded paper with the cutout template for the INNER vent. NOT the template for the outer vent. $100 for original or exact full-size copy. $50 for non-exact size copy if completely legible. David - 602-550-3583 Week 1 of 2
NOTE - IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO SEE THE BUICK RARE PARTS SECTION -
If you are not able to see the Buick Rare Parts section at the end of this Inner Circle, it is because you are not an Inner Circle member, but instead are reading this on the website. You must subscribe to see the Rare Parts section each week. It would go directly to your inbox every Wednesday afternoon. It is FREE, probably one reason why nobody complains about what I write about. Simply email - [email protected] get on our weekly Inner Circle email.
The Buick Rare Parts section is only viewed by those that subscribe. Subscription is free, so complaints on what I write are nonexistent!
EMAILS TO KIRBAN PERFORMANCE -
NOTE- If you email us and do NOT get a timely reply, be sure to check your “SPAM” folder. Some emails do not go thru.
If you need to email us, use - [email protected]
TIPS AND IDEAS YOU HAVE TRIED -
If there are any tips or ideas you want to share with our readers, email me –[email protected]
TIP FROM KIRBAN –
Remember, we are always in the market for good used or new Turbo Regal parts in trade or to buy outright.
CORES NEEDED -
Here is the information on our credits for cores.
URGENT NEED –
POWERMASTER BRAKE UNITS. Unit must be complete. We will issue you a Letter of Credit for $150 for each acceptable core. We currently will not buy any powermaster units outright, only Letter of Credit towards parts.
TURBO CORES must be the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal stock turbo. They must be complete. We will issue you a $150 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. These are the only 2 items we are currently accepting as cores.
MAIL - Ship to Address -
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
PO BOX 1199
PLUMSTEADVILLE, PA 18949
UPS - Ship to Address -
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
6201 Kellers Church Road
PLUMSTEADVILLE, 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. Please remember I have very little knowledge of the mechanical workings of the engine.
NEW PRODUCTS FROM US –
REPRODUCTION GM LICENSED - 1987 BUICK OWNER’S MANUAL
A must-have reference booklet for any 1987 Turbo Regal owner. This is a high-quality GM Licensed reproduction of the original Owner’s Manual.
This is a great addition to your reference material.
7843 - Reproduction GM Licensed 1987 Buick Owner’s Manual - $19.95
1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
POWER ANTENNA HARDWARE (4 Nuts & 4 Bolts) KIT
NOTE - This kit is included if you purchase the Power Antenna Upgraded Steel Cable Repair Kit, part #7433.
You only need this kit if you do NOT purchase the upgraded steel cable repair kit and plan to replace the cable not using our kit, part #7433.
This kit comes with directions and the proper hardware to reassemble the power antenna housing.
It eliminates the need to hunt down the hardware to reassemble the power antenna motor assembly.
Step-by-step directions are included to make it easy to install.
We also recommend you purchase the "1984-1987 Turbo Regal Power Antenna Removal and Installation Guide" Book by Pete Serio, part #6976. The location of the original power antenna on the passenger fender makes removal a more difficult project than most locations. Or purchase the 1984-1987 Buck Turbo Regal Power Antenna Upgraded Steel Cable Repair Kit, part #7433, which includes this hardware kit.
NOTE - You may also be interested in these related parts - #7702 Rebuild Service for Original Power Antenna.
NOTE - We recommend you also purchase our Part #6976 - “1984-1987 Turbo Regal - Power Antenna Removal and Installation Guide” Book by Pete Serio
7433-Kit - 1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Power Antenna Hardware (4 Nuts & 4 Bolts) Kit - $4.95 / kit
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. We also may buy your new or used parts. 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 must 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 – I think we have 6 more weeks of winter. I just hope it is not record breaking weather like many of us have experienced last week. I think mail men have to change their slogan about neither rain or snow keeps them from making their rounds. It seems temperatures of minus 25 or more triggers mail delivery issues as well!