Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 12-10-2014
MINI CONTEST RESULTS -
The mini contest proved to be quite difficult for our readers. We had far more incorrect answers than correct answers.
The correct answer is the pictured cover goes over the trunk latch assembly, if the GM car had the optional power trunk release. This was a dress-up item on some of the high-end GM models during the 1980s.
Ironically, the latch assembly is slightly different than the ones found in the 1984-1987 Turbo Regals. The cover would not work on our cars because the lip where the 2 small screws secure it to the latch assembly is not wide enough. However, the actual power trunk solenoid option is the same solenoid that would be in the 1984-1987 Turbo Regal as an option.
First place winner is Ed Lipman out of South Carolina. Ed is a long-time subscriber who was getting our GTO newsletters prior to the our Turbo Regal ones. He recognized it.
Taking second place is Tony Bielinski from Lake Havasu City, Arizona. He has had 3 Grand Nationals and 2 GNXs. He says he has a photographic memory and from trips to various junkyards, he remembers seeing them in some of the GM luxury cars.
Congrats to both our winners.
PHOTO 1 - The top photo shows the part from last week’s Inner Circle. The photo on the lower left shows my hand holding it in place on the 1985 Oldsmobile Regency 98. I had already removed the 2 small screws and promptly lost them. That is the reason I am holding it with my one hand in the junkyard! In the photo on the lower right, the plastic black cover is removed and you can see the power trunk release solenoid and the two screw holes that held the cover in place. Our trunk latch bracket does not have that wide lip to secure the cover on the Turbo Regals. The trunk release button was mounted on an edge of the inside of the glove box on most of the GM cars. In the 1984-1987 Turbo Regals, originally the trunk release button was mounted on a small black bracket secured in the top lip area inside the glove box.
That bracket is quite difficult to find today. Installing a power trunk release is a very easy option to add to any Turbo Regal. You have to bend over the small tab on the original trunk latch assembly so the solenoid lever can go in that now open slot. You can see what I mean in Photo 2. The one on the left already has the tab bent over. The one on the right is the original Regal latch bracket, and the tab has not been bent over. You run one wire from the solenoid to the one side of the release button. The other lead wire off the trunk release button you run over to your fuse box. You can either have it work just when the car is turned on or have it always have power depending on where you hook it into your fuse box. Personally, I think it makes better sense to mount the trunk release button somewhere near the driver along the bottom lip of your dashboard.
PHOTO 2 - The photo to the left shows both trunk latch brackets. The one on the left is the 1985 Oldsmobile 98 that the tab is bent over. You can also see one of the small holes that the one screw secured the plastic cover to it. The one on the right in the left photo is out of a 1984-1987 Regal. It is slightly larger and is secured to the trunk lid with three screws instead of two. You would bend that slotted tab over if you were going to install a trunk solenoid to it. The assembly already has an existing hole to bolt the electric trunk solenoid to the latch assembly. The photo to the right shows the trunk solenoid with the button and the correct Turbo Regal bracket to secure it in your glove box. (See this parts listing for this item.)
HISTORY OF GM REMOTE POWER TRUNK RELEASES -
Having been involved with the Pontiac GTO from the beginning, I recall the various methods Pontiac had to operate the trunk by remote.
The 1964-1965 GTO used a long metal cable and had a chrome metal handle to operate it. The handle was located in the glove box. It basically resembled a choke cable. It was a very rare option. I think maybe at most I have seen 3 or 4.
In 1966 that format switched over to a vacuum-style trunk release. For the model year 1967 it became an electric solenoid-style trunk release similar to what is found in the 1984-1987 Regals. I remember when I was a senior in High School, I had a gorgeous 1956 Crown Victoria Ford and the trunk lid was “decked,” meaning the trunk lock hole was filled over and I had a rope going to the latch inside the trunk and it came out behind the rear seat. Basically a homemade remote trunk release!
AUTOMOTIVE COMPUTER MICE -
If you look on the internet and ebay, there appears to be two major companies that make automotive computer mice. Landmice.com is one and the other is roadmice.com.
Landmice has mostly foreign car license agreements with one exception - they also have a license agreement with Ford.
Roadmice, on the other hand, does have a GM license among others and makes several late-model GM muscle cars computer mice. Prices range from about $24.95 to $42.95. Roadmice also has license agreement with Ford. Most of them are Camaro, Corvette, and Mustangs in various colors. Obviously these are the most popular cars today so they translate into the most sales.
I emailed Roadmice, since they already have a GM license agreement in place, to see if they plan to do a Grand National, and possibly look at doing older GM cars such as the Monte Carlo SS, Pontiac GTOs, etc. They also have a Chrysler license agreement, so it probably won’t be long before they have a Hellcat Challenger mouse.
I was at the local BMW dealer the other day and saw this new BMW i8 mouse based on the concept car. It is very well detailed and made by Landmice. It has front and rear function lights and even flashes when the battery gets low. It even comes with its own soft cloth bag!
PHOTO 3 - Top left photo shows the attractive packaging and the top right photo shows all the prices out of the box. The lower photos show the actual computer mouse out of the box. The quality is excellent. Maybe someday one of the companies will make a Grand National mouse. It would be neat if they do and could duplicate the turbo sound when you hit the scroll button! I plan to give this one as a Christmas gift.
ASC HISTORY AND THE GNX PROJECT CONCLUSION -
As you read this issue, we currently have the one original mint ASC 3-ring binder with one of the filmstrips, several photos, and two original ASC slides on ebay. I have them listed with no reserve.
Here is the link if you want to bid on them.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/251750428954?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_sacat%3D0%26_nkw%3D251750428954%26_rdc%3D1
The listing number on ebay - 251750428954 - GNX ASC GRAND NATIONAL RARE ORIGINAL FILM SLIDES BINDER.
Here is the information from the listing:
A rare chance to own a piece of GNX/ASC HISTORY.
The binder is an original mint condition 3 ring ASC binder.
You get one filmstrip has 6 of the same photos on it showing the GNX prototype in motion.
Two different slides of the prototype GNX or a production GNX.
Also prints as shown in 8 by 10 and one shown in 5 by 7 size in a matt finish.
Some of these photos do not appear in the GNX hardbound book.
A rare chance to own a piece of ASC/GNX history.
The binder filmstrip and slides are originals.
Note: slides and filmstrip are not the same as the ones seen in the photos in this grouping
No reserve and free UPS ground shipping to the basic 48 states
PHOTO 4 - This is another photo I had printed from one of the slides. It appears that this may have been used in an advertisement for ASC or possibly was considered for a flyer or poster. You can tell it was done early on as it shows Volume listed as “500” instead of “547,” which is the true production number.
Some of the slides I have feature that exact photo of the prototype or production GNX shown at the top of this photo.
CHRISTMAS-RELATED BUSINESSES -
One Christmas-related business is one we tried back in the early 1970s.
I had just purchased our first tow truck from a friend that operated an Atlantic gas station near where we lived. Each year he would get in a tractor-trailer load of Christmas trees and sell them.
At the time, we rented a house that was located on a busy four-lane highway. The house had a 5-bay garage and a huge driveway. Although it was not zoned commercial, we were able to run our printing business from our house and park the tow truck at our house.
I decided to try our hand at selling Christmas trees one year. At first I did not realize you had to buy an entire tractor-trailer load. I was hoping you could pick and choose the trees you wanted in advance!
I then failed to take into consideration I had to pay someone to be out there most of the time. Of course, once all our friends found out we were selling trees, they wanted special pricing. The closer it got to Christmas, the more we dropped our prices to clear out inventory.
When it was all said and done, I don’t think we made a $100. Lesson learned!
MORE NEWS ON THE MULTI-FUNCTION JUMP STARTERS -
We are currently out of these units. However, our next shipment is due in any day. If you want any before Christmas, it’s best to order this week.
We will soon have available the 4-into-1 connector at a very good price structure. This is the perfect answer by having multi electronic devices connectors in one cord.
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 -
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]
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 and elbow.
Email me first - [email protected] for shipping details. This helps us help others keep their cars on the road.
ON THE NEWS FRONT -
The February issue of Hot Rod magazine had two articles that caught my interest.
One article is entitled, “Old Car City USA is Full of Abandoned Muscle Cars and Classics.” The story is about a 34-acre vintage car scrap yard that the owner calls a “Photographers Paradise.” The cars are arranged by car makes and it’s set up so you can walk through it and, for $25 admission, take photos of the various cars. The owner realized he could make more money as an art project than a working salvage yard. This piece of muscle car paradise is located in the little town of White, Georgia.
The article reminded me of a trip I made in the early 1980s going to various yards in and around Atlanta, Georgia. At the time, my mechanic Big Bill went with me. We went to one huge yard, which I believe was near Athens, Georgia. The main part of the yard sat on a hill and a huge brahma bull had the complete run of the yard. As Big Bill and I would remove GTO parts from cars, we kept an “eye” on where the bull was! A neat experience for sure.
The other article in the February issue of Hot Rod is a two-page article on Kenny Duttweiler and how he got involved in the mid-1980s with the Turbo Buicks. He said back then, if the V6 Buick engine made 600 hp on the dyno, everyone was ecstatic. Now he is building small block V6 engines that will make 1,900 hp!
Kenny, of course, has also built some impressive Ford and Chevrolet engines.
I remember the road trip I took about a dozen years ago in our 1999 Corvette, and I stopped to see his shop. If you didn’t know where his shop was, you would drive right by it.
NEW CHRISTMAS SPECIAL ON SET OF FOUR DVDS -
Only a week and a half to take advantage of our last two Christmas Specials on DVDs. This special pricing runs from now until Friday, December 19th, 2014 - 4 pm.
For more information on each of the DVDs in this set search the part number on our website.
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL #8558 - TOTAL VALUE - $57.80
SPECIAL PRICE $24.99 includes FREE U.S. SHIPPING Save $32.81 + shipping
Here is a list of the four DVDs in this special Christmas Package:
6990 - Kirban's Guide To Turbo Regals (Includes Bad to the Bone Decal) - $16.95
7048 - The 25th Buick GS Nationals DVD - $10.95
7183 - Molly Designs Art and the Machine DVD - $14.95
7184 - Kirban's 2007 Reunion and Birthday Bash - $14.95
Total Retail Value is $57.80 plus shipping. Christmas Special is $24.99, which includes shipping to any of the 50 States. You are saving $32.81 and getting free shipping too. Supplies of some of the DVDs in this package are limited.
You must call our office to get this special deal. Unfortunately you CANNOT order this Christmas Special through our website. To receive the discount, you MUST call our office with your order - 215-766-1611 x 0
These DVDs make an excellent Christmas gift to watch, especially when you are snowed in this winter!
GREAT NEWS -
ANOTHER CHRISTMAS SPECIAL - NINE DVDS -
We have a new Christmas Special on this special set of nine DVDs. This special pricing runs from now until Friday, December 19th, 2014 - 4 pm.
7064 - The Nickel Tour of One Man’s Private Turbo Collection $7.95
7084 - GM at Carlisle 2004 $6.95
7085 - Step-by-Step Details on Two 1987 Grand Nationals $6.95
7086 - Detailing an Original Buick GNX and Related Memorabilia $6.95
7095 - Dennis Kirban’s 26th Annual Buick GS Nationals $7.95
7122 - The Making of the GNX Wall Mural $6.95
7141 - Chicago Trip January 2007 $6.95
7182 - Buick GS Nationals 2007 and Grand National in the Barn $6.95
7246 - Richard Clark’s Open House 2008 and Back to the Bricks Event 2009 $6.95
Total value is $64.55
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL #8559 - TOTAL VALUE - $64.55
SPECIAL PRICE $34.95 includes FREE U.S. SHIPPING save $29.60 & shipping
WHILE SUPPLIES LAST
NOTE - Supplies of some of the DVDs in this package are limited.
You must call our office to get this special deal. Unfortunately you CANNOT order this Christmas Special through our website. To receive the discount, you MUST call our office with your order - 215-766-1611 x 0
These DVDs make an excellent Christmas gift to watch, especially when you are snowed in this winter!
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.
1999 FIREBIRD COUPE FOR SALE -
This 1999 Firebird is a hardtop model, red with a grey cloth interior. It has the dependable 3.8 engine backed up with the factory 5-speed manual transmission, and is inspected through 2015. It has always been garaged. It’s a three-owner car with 95,000 original miles. I have receipts showing it has a complete new clutch assembly, valve cover gaskets rear main seal, and a tune up. The body and paint are absolutely perfect. I even have the original manuals and Window Sticker. The original spare has never been used. It does have aftermarket power windows. Everything works. Price is $5295. For more photos and information, email me direct - [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]
NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -
1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction O-RINGS KITS
Richard Clark has painstakingly put together 2 kits of reproduction O-rings.
O-rings are available in two kits:
#7633 has 14 O-rings for the injectors and fuel pressure regulator.
#7634 has 35 O-rings. These 35 O-rings will fit virtually every application related to the fuel, lubricants, transmission, and powermaster unit. This kit also includes the 14 O-rings in the #7633 kit for the injectors and fuel pressure regulator.
NOTE - The transmission and powermaster O-rings are for external leaks, and NOT for a complete overhaul.
In many cases, the same O-rings will work on the 1984-1985 Turbo Regal.
Since GM has discontinued many of the Buick O-rings, Richard has had to have some of the O-rings reproduced. In one particular case, the O-ring listed for over $20 from GM, making this kit a bargain.
Kit #7634 includes a real-size drawing to ensure that the correct O-rings can be easily identified. The O-rings should match the drawing exactly.
The O-rings are made of different materials based on the fluid they contact, so no O-rings from any group should ever be used for an application not specified.
In some cases, the original O-rings have been problematic on these cars. The O-rings in this kit has been improved to offer better than original performance.
Any time connections are disturbed, the O-rings should be replaced with new ones.
This kit is the first of its kind specifically for the 1986-1987 Turbo Regals.
A must have item for any 1986-1987 Turbo Regal owner. You should have this kit on hand.
NOTE - We recommend these O-rings be installed by a qualified mechanic.
NOTE - The 14 O-rings in Kit #7633 are INCLUDED in the 35 O-rings in Kit #7634.
Great engine restoration items.
7633 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction O-Rings (14) Kit - $14.95 / kit
for Injectors and Fuel Pressure Regulator
7634 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction O-Rings (35) Kit - $48.95 / kit
for Fuel, Lubricants, Transmission, Powermaster Unit, Injectors & Fuel Pressure Regulator
Here is a link to these kits on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7633&submit_button=
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 -
We will not be doing our weekly Inner Circle email the week between Christmas and New Year’s day.
MINI CONTEST RESULTS -
The mini contest proved to be quite difficult for our readers. We had far more incorrect answers than correct answers.
The correct answer is the pictured cover goes over the trunk latch assembly, if the GM car had the optional power trunk release. This was a dress-up item on some of the high-end GM models during the 1980s.
Ironically, the latch assembly is slightly different than the ones found in the 1984-1987 Turbo Regals. The cover would not work on our cars because the lip where the 2 small screws secure it to the latch assembly is not wide enough. However, the actual power trunk solenoid option is the same solenoid that would be in the 1984-1987 Turbo Regal as an option.
First place winner is Ed Lipman out of South Carolina. Ed is a long-time subscriber who was getting our GTO newsletters prior to the our Turbo Regal ones. He recognized it.
Taking second place is Tony Bielinski from Lake Havasu City, Arizona. He has had 3 Grand Nationals and 2 GNXs. He says he has a photographic memory and from trips to various junkyards, he remembers seeing them in some of the GM luxury cars.
Congrats to both our winners.
PHOTO 1 - The top photo shows the part from last week’s Inner Circle. The photo on the lower left shows my hand holding it in place on the 1985 Oldsmobile Regency 98. I had already removed the 2 small screws and promptly lost them. That is the reason I am holding it with my one hand in the junkyard! In the photo on the lower right, the plastic black cover is removed and you can see the power trunk release solenoid and the two screw holes that held the cover in place. Our trunk latch bracket does not have that wide lip to secure the cover on the Turbo Regals. The trunk release button was mounted on an edge of the inside of the glove box on most of the GM cars. In the 1984-1987 Turbo Regals, originally the trunk release button was mounted on a small black bracket secured in the top lip area inside the glove box.
That bracket is quite difficult to find today. Installing a power trunk release is a very easy option to add to any Turbo Regal. You have to bend over the small tab on the original trunk latch assembly so the solenoid lever can go in that now open slot. You can see what I mean in Photo 2. The one on the left already has the tab bent over. The one on the right is the original Regal latch bracket, and the tab has not been bent over. You run one wire from the solenoid to the one side of the release button. The other lead wire off the trunk release button you run over to your fuse box. You can either have it work just when the car is turned on or have it always have power depending on where you hook it into your fuse box. Personally, I think it makes better sense to mount the trunk release button somewhere near the driver along the bottom lip of your dashboard.
PHOTO 2 - The photo to the left shows both trunk latch brackets. The one on the left is the 1985 Oldsmobile 98 that the tab is bent over. You can also see one of the small holes that the one screw secured the plastic cover to it. The one on the right in the left photo is out of a 1984-1987 Regal. It is slightly larger and is secured to the trunk lid with three screws instead of two. You would bend that slotted tab over if you were going to install a trunk solenoid to it. The assembly already has an existing hole to bolt the electric trunk solenoid to the latch assembly. The photo to the right shows the trunk solenoid with the button and the correct Turbo Regal bracket to secure it in your glove box. (See this parts listing for this item.)
HISTORY OF GM REMOTE POWER TRUNK RELEASES -
Having been involved with the Pontiac GTO from the beginning, I recall the various methods Pontiac had to operate the trunk by remote.
The 1964-1965 GTO used a long metal cable and had a chrome metal handle to operate it. The handle was located in the glove box. It basically resembled a choke cable. It was a very rare option. I think maybe at most I have seen 3 or 4.
In 1966 that format switched over to a vacuum-style trunk release. For the model year 1967 it became an electric solenoid-style trunk release similar to what is found in the 1984-1987 Regals. I remember when I was a senior in High School, I had a gorgeous 1956 Crown Victoria Ford and the trunk lid was “decked,” meaning the trunk lock hole was filled over and I had a rope going to the latch inside the trunk and it came out behind the rear seat. Basically a homemade remote trunk release!
AUTOMOTIVE COMPUTER MICE -
If you look on the internet and ebay, there appears to be two major companies that make automotive computer mice. Landmice.com is one and the other is roadmice.com.
Landmice has mostly foreign car license agreements with one exception - they also have a license agreement with Ford.
Roadmice, on the other hand, does have a GM license among others and makes several late-model GM muscle cars computer mice. Prices range from about $24.95 to $42.95. Roadmice also has license agreement with Ford. Most of them are Camaro, Corvette, and Mustangs in various colors. Obviously these are the most popular cars today so they translate into the most sales.
I emailed Roadmice, since they already have a GM license agreement in place, to see if they plan to do a Grand National, and possibly look at doing older GM cars such as the Monte Carlo SS, Pontiac GTOs, etc. They also have a Chrysler license agreement, so it probably won’t be long before they have a Hellcat Challenger mouse.
I was at the local BMW dealer the other day and saw this new BMW i8 mouse based on the concept car. It is very well detailed and made by Landmice. It has front and rear function lights and even flashes when the battery gets low. It even comes with its own soft cloth bag!
PHOTO 3 - Top left photo shows the attractive packaging and the top right photo shows all the prices out of the box. The lower photos show the actual computer mouse out of the box. The quality is excellent. Maybe someday one of the companies will make a Grand National mouse. It would be neat if they do and could duplicate the turbo sound when you hit the scroll button! I plan to give this one as a Christmas gift.
ASC HISTORY AND THE GNX PROJECT CONCLUSION -
As you read this issue, we currently have the one original mint ASC 3-ring binder with one of the filmstrips, several photos, and two original ASC slides on ebay. I have them listed with no reserve.
Here is the link if you want to bid on them.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/251750428954?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_sacat%3D0%26_nkw%3D251750428954%26_rdc%3D1
The listing number on ebay - 251750428954 - GNX ASC GRAND NATIONAL RARE ORIGINAL FILM SLIDES BINDER.
Here is the information from the listing:
A rare chance to own a piece of GNX/ASC HISTORY.
The binder is an original mint condition 3 ring ASC binder.
You get one filmstrip has 6 of the same photos on it showing the GNX prototype in motion.
Two different slides of the prototype GNX or a production GNX.
Also prints as shown in 8 by 10 and one shown in 5 by 7 size in a matt finish.
Some of these photos do not appear in the GNX hardbound book.
A rare chance to own a piece of ASC/GNX history.
The binder filmstrip and slides are originals.
Note: slides and filmstrip are not the same as the ones seen in the photos in this grouping
No reserve and free UPS ground shipping to the basic 48 states
PHOTO 4 - This is another photo I had printed from one of the slides. It appears that this may have been used in an advertisement for ASC or possibly was considered for a flyer or poster. You can tell it was done early on as it shows Volume listed as “500” instead of “547,” which is the true production number.
Some of the slides I have feature that exact photo of the prototype or production GNX shown at the top of this photo.
CHRISTMAS-RELATED BUSINESSES -
One Christmas-related business is one we tried back in the early 1970s.
I had just purchased our first tow truck from a friend that operated an Atlantic gas station near where we lived. Each year he would get in a tractor-trailer load of Christmas trees and sell them.
At the time, we rented a house that was located on a busy four-lane highway. The house had a 5-bay garage and a huge driveway. Although it was not zoned commercial, we were able to run our printing business from our house and park the tow truck at our house.
I decided to try our hand at selling Christmas trees one year. At first I did not realize you had to buy an entire tractor-trailer load. I was hoping you could pick and choose the trees you wanted in advance!
I then failed to take into consideration I had to pay someone to be out there most of the time. Of course, once all our friends found out we were selling trees, they wanted special pricing. The closer it got to Christmas, the more we dropped our prices to clear out inventory.
When it was all said and done, I don’t think we made a $100. Lesson learned!
MORE NEWS ON THE MULTI-FUNCTION JUMP STARTERS -
We are currently out of these units. However, our next shipment is due in any day. If you want any before Christmas, it’s best to order this week.
We will soon have available the 4-into-1 connector at a very good price structure. This is the perfect answer by having multi electronic devices connectors in one cord.
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 -
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]
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 and elbow.
Email me first - [email protected] for shipping details. This helps us help others keep their cars on the road.
ON THE NEWS FRONT -
The February issue of Hot Rod magazine had two articles that caught my interest.
One article is entitled, “Old Car City USA is Full of Abandoned Muscle Cars and Classics.” The story is about a 34-acre vintage car scrap yard that the owner calls a “Photographers Paradise.” The cars are arranged by car makes and it’s set up so you can walk through it and, for $25 admission, take photos of the various cars. The owner realized he could make more money as an art project than a working salvage yard. This piece of muscle car paradise is located in the little town of White, Georgia.
The article reminded me of a trip I made in the early 1980s going to various yards in and around Atlanta, Georgia. At the time, my mechanic Big Bill went with me. We went to one huge yard, which I believe was near Athens, Georgia. The main part of the yard sat on a hill and a huge brahma bull had the complete run of the yard. As Big Bill and I would remove GTO parts from cars, we kept an “eye” on where the bull was! A neat experience for sure.
The other article in the February issue of Hot Rod is a two-page article on Kenny Duttweiler and how he got involved in the mid-1980s with the Turbo Buicks. He said back then, if the V6 Buick engine made 600 hp on the dyno, everyone was ecstatic. Now he is building small block V6 engines that will make 1,900 hp!
Kenny, of course, has also built some impressive Ford and Chevrolet engines.
I remember the road trip I took about a dozen years ago in our 1999 Corvette, and I stopped to see his shop. If you didn’t know where his shop was, you would drive right by it.
NEW CHRISTMAS SPECIAL ON SET OF FOUR DVDS -
Only a week and a half to take advantage of our last two Christmas Specials on DVDs. This special pricing runs from now until Friday, December 19th, 2014 - 4 pm.
For more information on each of the DVDs in this set search the part number on our website.
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL #8558 - TOTAL VALUE - $57.80
SPECIAL PRICE $24.99 includes FREE U.S. SHIPPING Save $32.81 + shipping
Here is a list of the four DVDs in this special Christmas Package:
6990 - Kirban's Guide To Turbo Regals (Includes Bad to the Bone Decal) - $16.95
7048 - The 25th Buick GS Nationals DVD - $10.95
7183 - Molly Designs Art and the Machine DVD - $14.95
7184 - Kirban's 2007 Reunion and Birthday Bash - $14.95
Total Retail Value is $57.80 plus shipping. Christmas Special is $24.99, which includes shipping to any of the 50 States. You are saving $32.81 and getting free shipping too. Supplies of some of the DVDs in this package are limited.
You must call our office to get this special deal. Unfortunately you CANNOT order this Christmas Special through our website. To receive the discount, you MUST call our office with your order - 215-766-1611 x 0
These DVDs make an excellent Christmas gift to watch, especially when you are snowed in this winter!
GREAT NEWS -
ANOTHER CHRISTMAS SPECIAL - NINE DVDS -
We have a new Christmas Special on this special set of nine DVDs. This special pricing runs from now until Friday, December 19th, 2014 - 4 pm.
7064 - The Nickel Tour of One Man’s Private Turbo Collection $7.95
7084 - GM at Carlisle 2004 $6.95
7085 - Step-by-Step Details on Two 1987 Grand Nationals $6.95
7086 - Detailing an Original Buick GNX and Related Memorabilia $6.95
7095 - Dennis Kirban’s 26th Annual Buick GS Nationals $7.95
7122 - The Making of the GNX Wall Mural $6.95
7141 - Chicago Trip January 2007 $6.95
7182 - Buick GS Nationals 2007 and Grand National in the Barn $6.95
7246 - Richard Clark’s Open House 2008 and Back to the Bricks Event 2009 $6.95
Total value is $64.55
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL #8559 - TOTAL VALUE - $64.55
SPECIAL PRICE $34.95 includes FREE U.S. SHIPPING save $29.60 & shipping
WHILE SUPPLIES LAST
NOTE - Supplies of some of the DVDs in this package are limited.
You must call our office to get this special deal. Unfortunately you CANNOT order this Christmas Special through our website. To receive the discount, you MUST call our office with your order - 215-766-1611 x 0
These DVDs make an excellent Christmas gift to watch, especially when you are snowed in this winter!
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.
1999 FIREBIRD COUPE FOR SALE -
This 1999 Firebird is a hardtop model, red with a grey cloth interior. It has the dependable 3.8 engine backed up with the factory 5-speed manual transmission, and is inspected through 2015. It has always been garaged. It’s a three-owner car with 95,000 original miles. I have receipts showing it has a complete new clutch assembly, valve cover gaskets rear main seal, and a tune up. The body and paint are absolutely perfect. I even have the original manuals and Window Sticker. The original spare has never been used. It does have aftermarket power windows. Everything works. Price is $5295. For more photos and information, email me direct - [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]
NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -
1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction O-RINGS KITS
Richard Clark has painstakingly put together 2 kits of reproduction O-rings.
O-rings are available in two kits:
#7633 has 14 O-rings for the injectors and fuel pressure regulator.
#7634 has 35 O-rings. These 35 O-rings will fit virtually every application related to the fuel, lubricants, transmission, and powermaster unit. This kit also includes the 14 O-rings in the #7633 kit for the injectors and fuel pressure regulator.
NOTE - The transmission and powermaster O-rings are for external leaks, and NOT for a complete overhaul.
In many cases, the same O-rings will work on the 1984-1985 Turbo Regal.
Since GM has discontinued many of the Buick O-rings, Richard has had to have some of the O-rings reproduced. In one particular case, the O-ring listed for over $20 from GM, making this kit a bargain.
Kit #7634 includes a real-size drawing to ensure that the correct O-rings can be easily identified. The O-rings should match the drawing exactly.
The O-rings are made of different materials based on the fluid they contact, so no O-rings from any group should ever be used for an application not specified.
In some cases, the original O-rings have been problematic on these cars. The O-rings in this kit has been improved to offer better than original performance.
Any time connections are disturbed, the O-rings should be replaced with new ones.
This kit is the first of its kind specifically for the 1986-1987 Turbo Regals.
A must have item for any 1986-1987 Turbo Regal owner. You should have this kit on hand.
NOTE - We recommend these O-rings be installed by a qualified mechanic.
NOTE - The 14 O-rings in Kit #7633 are INCLUDED in the 35 O-rings in Kit #7634.
Great engine restoration items.
7633 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction O-Rings (14) Kit - $14.95 / kit
for Injectors and Fuel Pressure Regulator
7634 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction O-Rings (35) Kit - $48.95 / kit
for Fuel, Lubricants, Transmission, Powermaster Unit, Injectors & Fuel Pressure Regulator
Here is a link to these kits on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7633&submit_button=
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 -
We will not be doing our weekly Inner Circle email the week between Christmas and New Year’s day.