02-12-2014 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 02-12-2014

WEATHER CONCERNS -

According to the weather service, there is a good possibility that we will get another major snow storm later today through Thursday.

Because we've had so much snow and ice, I keep my snow shovel by our front door! It's been over 5 weeks now since we last saw whatever lies under the snow, such as our lawn and the shrubbery beds.

If the weather forecast is correct for about a foot of snow tonight, we may be closed Thursday. Last week we were closed or without power, phones or internet for 3 days.

The weather is also affecting UPS and mail deliveries - our outgoing orders and incoming stock. Please be patient if your order is taking more time than usual to arrive.



U-PULL IT YARDS -

I finally was able to get to one of the U-Pull Yards the other week on the way to visit my brother. I had not gotten to a U-Pull It Yard since prior to Thanksgiving. This particular yard has about 5,000 cars, and the GM area is almost at the farthest point from the entrance. It was a balmy 35 degrees the Saturday I went.

PHOTO 1 - Shows a clear photo of how Buick would stop the optional painted twin pinstripe to go around the factory sport mirrors instead of simply applying the pinstripe option down a little further on the car. Also note from the photo the thicker strip is the top stripe while the thinner strip is under it. This car was a regular Regal.

According to the Buick Price Directory, the pinstripe option was only $45 additional for each year 1984-1987. In 1984 Buick offered 10 options for colors of the pinstripe.

For 1985 thru 1987 there were only 8 possible options. To the best of my knowledge, these optional stripes were always painted on the cars and only down both sides. It would be interesting to know if anyone has a Turbo Regal with the standard fixed chrome mirrors and has on the trunk ID code to verify the car having the optional pinstripes. I have never seen that possible combination to know how the pinstripe went around the diecast chrome mirrors.

Our car has the fixed chrome mirrors, but did not receive the optional pinstripe. In the Buick Price Directory it says whenever possible the pinstripe color should either match the top of the car or interior trim. For example, a white exterior car with a blue interior would be best suited with a matching blue pinstripe.

I believe this same car was a 1985 since it did not have the third brake light feature. The trunk was open and was also picked clean.

PHOTO 2 - The photo on the left shows the placement of the factory Buick sticker that indicated the Deck Lid Fit was apparently done. The photo on the right is a close-up of the sticker. I imagine someone's code was stamped in the circle below the wording. I have seen this before on 1984-1985 Regal trunk lids, but can't recall ever seeing it on a 1986 or 1987. Perhaps the trunk lid fit was not an issue with the 1986-1987 Regals? Again, just a guess on my part.


When reading various car ads, once in awhile you see one advertised as being in a flood. Almost without exception the ad will say minor or light flood damage.

PHOTO 3 - The photo on the left shows a Buick LeSabre interior that can best be described as suffering major flood damage. The photo on the right shows a close-up of the passenger door panel completely covered in dried out mud. I would venture a guess this car was fully submerged for a period of time!



MILEAGE FRAUD UPDATE -

John Spina, owner of Casper's Electronics, sent us the below link. It explains the way to detect if an odometer has been tampered with in our Buicks.

The example in this link is the one for the digital dash format. John did this technical article on it years ago. Thanks to John for letting us use this link for our readers.

http://www.installationinstructions.com/FYI/odometer%20FYI.pdf



I also heard from Don Webb who has an extremely nice WE4 Turbo Regal.

He had his insurance agent come out to do an appraisal on his car. The agent gave the car a thorough going over and then said something very strange. He told Don he thought the odometer had been tampered with since it read 17,000 miles. He thought it had been turned back and the WE4 had between 25,000 and 35,000 actual miles. Don explained to his insurance agent that the odometer only has six digits and the actual miles were really 117,000! His agent said in all the years he has been doing appraisals, he had been fooled before, but never like this! The agent was totally embarrassed.

Don's WE4 obviously looked so good, that it fooled an expert.



MORE MEMORIES FROM MY PAST -

Below is the link on YouTube that John Spina posted. He attended the 1990 GTO and Buick Reunion Event held at the Johnsville Naval Development Center in Warminster, PA.

This was the year that GMC brought their prototype turbocharged Syclone to our event. Over 100 Turbo Regals were in attendance. It's a trip down memory lane… fun to see the "retro" clothing.

Here is the link to John Spina's video on YouTube of the 1990 Reunion event.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHg3Q6d3Ngs



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]



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 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 $4,995 or best offer. You would be hard pressed to find a cleaner example. I rather sell it outright than use it as a trade.

PHOTO 4 - We have posted 4 of the photos showing our personal 2002 Pontiac GP GT coupe. NOTE - we have reduced the price slightly.

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

NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -



HURST LICENSED -
“HURST EQUIPPED” - BLACK VINYL BANNERS

Our high-quality vinyl banners are fully Hurst licensed and made exclusively for Kirban Performance. The design features the HURST EQUIPPED emblem in red, white and black.

We offer this design in two sizes: 24" tall by 48" wide and 18" tall x 36" wide. Banners are Made in the U.S.A., are waterproof, weatherproof, and UV coated.

Each banner has metal eyelets on all the corners for easy hanging.

This is just one of several distinctive banner designs we offer.

Ideal to hang in any garage or workshop. Banners make an excellent gift for any Hurst enthusiast or mechanic.

8203 - Hurst Licensed - “HURST EQUIPPED” - 24" x 48" Black Vinyl Banner - $38.95

8204 - Hurst Licensed - “HURST EQUIPPED” - 18" x 36" Black Vinyl Banner - $28.95

Here is a link to these Hurst Equipped Banners on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44143/Hurst+Licensed+-+HURST+EQUIPPED+-+BLACK+VINYL+BANNER+%238204.html



1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction DOOR PULL STRAPS (2) SET - BLACK or GREY

Over time, the door pull straps deteriorate, crack or fade, especially on the driver’s side. All the 1987 Grand Nationals had grey pull straps. The earlier years had black pull straps.

We offer reproduction replacements in black #7570 or grey #7571.

These are sold as a set of two. Since the original straps may have faded or discolored over the years, you should replace both at the same time.

NOTE - We also offer 1984-1987 Turbo Regal - Reproduction Strap Caps. We only offer them in a set of 2 (Part #6977) or set of 4 (Part #6978). Each door takes 2 caps.
If you are having the interior restored, this is the perfect time to replace the door pull straps.

Another great interior restoration item.

7570 - 1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal - Reproduction BLACK Door Pull Straps (2) Set - $48.95 / set

7571 - 1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal - Reproduction GREY Door Pull Straps (2) Set - $48.95 / set

Here is the link for these Door Pull Straps on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7570&submit_button=



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



2014 - 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 15-18, 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 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!

The weather has been playing havoc in our area as over 1/2 million homes/businesses lost power early last week. For some in our area, it has been several days before power was restored due to down trees on power lines, downed poles, etc.

Our electric, phones and internet have been lost, and we were closed down several days last week with so much snow and ice in the area.

Remember, shipments to our customers as well as our incoming stock shipments has been delayed. Thanks for your patience.

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