Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 09-14-2016 -
DOCUMENTING THE TURBO REGALS WE HAVE SOLD OVER THE YEARS -
Over the years we get several calls a month wanting to verify a 1986-1987 Turbo Regal as being one that we sold.
With owners now wanting a correct-looking Window Sticker I felt I needed to go through my file boxes and determine if there is a way to unite the current owners with paperwork for their specific Turbo Regal, if we sold it at some point years ago.
I have 3 banker boxes full of files on cars we sold. I am in the midst of sorting them and have found records for over 300 of the 1986-1987 Turbo Regals. Sales includes 2 Syclones, 1 Typhoon, 1 Turbo Trans Am, and one 1970 GS Stage 1 Buick. I also have records for over 50 other cars, which were not Turbo Buicks I have sold.
The chart that I printed years ago starts with 1993 and goes through 2009. The total for those years equals 318 Turbo Regals. It does not include the few Turbo Regals I sold after 2009 and also ones that I was a broker for that were not titled to either O Neil Buick/GMC or myself. Also adding to the total is the fact several Turbo Regals I bought and sold two times. In one case, I bought and sold the same Grand National 3 times.
The records are all for 1986 and 1987 Turbo Regals. This includes 9 GNXs. Of this count, I have about 50 car records that I also have photos still in the specific file folders for certain Turbo Regals. In some cases, I even have copies of the previous title from whatever state I bought the car from. In some very rare instances, I even have a copy of the Certificate of Origin for a vehicle. This is the Holy Grail as far as original paperwork is concerned. It’s not something you would get from a dealer when you purchased your car.
I even found some photos in some of the files showing Molly signing the trunk lid SPID label. Molly did this on any of the cars I had sitting at our house for sale when he came from California for some of our car shows and events.
All of this amounts to some very valuable history for some lucky 1986-1987 Turbo Regal owners. I assume that a good many of the cars we sold over the last 20+ years have been resold at this point. I also realize that some of you may still own the car we sold you.
PROVIDING DOCUMENTED PROOF OF THE CARS WE HAVE SOLD -
We now will offer documented proof if you own one of the cars that we sold over the last 23 years! You might say this is the Kirban style of Bingo!
Here is what we will do. If you have not owned your car for 23 years or longer, email me the last 6 digits that follow the letters GP or HP. GP signifies 1986 and HP signifies 1987 models. You may be pleasantly surprised that your Turbo Regal was once sold by me.
Email me direct - [email protected] - with the last six digits that appear on your VIN number after the two letters. If you have any friends with a 1986 or 1987 Turbo Regal, tell them as I may have information on their cars.
Most of the cars we sold were really nice prime examples, including several that were national winners at the GS Nationals in years past. So, I am fairly confident that many of them are still on the road today.
I will let you know if I have records on your car.
Here is the deal. For $34.95 we will send you by Priority Mail proof that we sold the car. All copies will be flat (not folded.) It will include a notarized document signed by me on our company letterhead listing the VIN number and year I sold it. You also get copies of any titles, etc to verify the VIN. No personal information on the previous owners will be displayed. If I have original photos of the car matching your VIN number, the price is $44.95 for Priority Mail. This would include a notarized document on company letterhead signed by me and listing the VIN number and any related titles reflecting the VIN number. It’s a small price to pay to document a bit of history related to your 1986-1987 Turbo Regal.
I am working now to have all 300+ VINs listed in sequential order by year so I can take a printed list of VIN numbers to the East Coast Regionals this coming weekend. It will be interesting to see if any cars at East Coast Buick Regionals match up to ones cars once owned by me.
A lot has happened since 1993 when I started to buy and sell these cars. I am sure some of my cars have changed hands multiple times. It will be interesting to see how many I can locate. I plan to post this information on Turbo Buick forum as well.
The key document will be the notarized letter listing the VIN number and year I owned the car. That is one document you, as the current owner, will want with your records. Even if you still own one of my cars I may have some info you don’t have and will include it with this notarized company letter. I know in the past I have seen several Turbo Regals advertised as being one of my cars, which probably helps sell the car. Now you can have physical proof. In most cases even copies of titles and photos. With the values of these cars continuing to increase each year, having any background documented history can only add to the value. Having copies of the previous titles for your Turbo Regal is pretty clear proof!
THE HOLY GRAIL - CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN FOR A VEHICLE -
A Certificate of Origin for a vehicle is a certificate related to each specific vehicle. It is very rare to be able to obtain a copy of the Certificate of Origin for any vehicle, let alone one for your specific Turbo Regal.
PHOTO 1 - Although it’s not a very good copy, this shows a Certificate of Origin for a GM vehicle - a 1986 Regal T-Type listed as a 2 DR COUPE (47). It lists the shipping weight at 3285 pounds. The date it was delivered was 06/16/86 to Baron Buick Inc located in Brooklyn, NY 11227. The last 6 VIN digits read 452255. This is a good example of some of the material I have in my 3 banker boxes of files.
Simply email me - [email protected] - the last six digits of your 1986 or 1987 Turbo Regal VIN number. Unless you have owned your car for 23 or more years, there is a chance I sold it. You might come up a winner from over 300 records I have of 1986 and 1987 Turbo Regals.
TURBO REGAL CAR TITLES THAT WE HAVE SOLD -
In probably 80% of the Turbo Regal car sales we have done, they will show up as being titled through O’Neil Buick/GMC out of Warminster, Pennsylvania. Another small percentage will be in the previous owner’s name, which we will delete so you would only get proof of the VIN and the state it was titled in. The rare ones will be the titles that were titled in my personal name. I did do a handful of Turbo Regals in my name, in addition to the 3 Turbo Regals that were my test cars. Years ago in Pennsylvania you could do “Title Only” and not pay any state sales tax. That law changed a few years ago, so now if your do “Title Only” you still have to pay 6% sales tax.
BUICK MOTORSPORT TACHOMETERS -
Once again we just got in 2 very rare original Buick Motorsports tachometers still in the original boxes, never used. In my research it appears the last time I had these 2 Buick tachometers was in 2010. I ran the numbers and neither appears on ebay or anywhere else currently for sale. They do not appear in my 1987 Buick Price Guide books. The other Buick Price Guide I have is for 2001 and it shows that one was discontinued in July of 2000. The other is not even listed, which generally means it was discontinued at least a year earlier. You seldom see them for sale. They both have a memory feature and two keys included. Both tachometers have a memory function, which records peak RPM reached during each race. It can be erased after each race. I can’t find any indication on the box or directions as to the actual date of manufacture.
PHOTO 2 - The photo on the left shows the small 3" tachometer with the hardware, and directions. The photo on the right shows the larger 5" tachometer with hardware and directions. Both tachometer kits are still in the original GM box. See Rare Parts listing, since have both tachometers are for sale!
SAD ENDING TO ONE OF OUR GRAND NATIONALS WE SOLD IN 1999 -
This past week we heard from one of customers who bought a 27,800-mile Grand National from us in 1999. I believe we sold it for $13,800. The owner actually showed it several years ago at the Buick Club of America National meet and won gold with it. She said the scoring was based on 400 points possible and her Grand National received just over 390 points.
Last week, around 1 am in the morning, the 1987 Grand National caught fire sitting on her driveway. She had not driven the car in several weeks.
PHOTO 3 -These two photos show the horrific damage the fire caused, mostly under the hood. The fire marshal has yet to determine the cause of the fire. You can see how the extreme heat has melted everything that is plastic, taking out the complete front header and grille and headlight bezels. The fire had a good head start, since it happened late at night. As you can imagine, when she called me she was extremely upset. She had maintained the car all these years and it only had 40,000 miles on it.
RARE OLDSMOBILE 98 REGENCY FOR SALE ON CRAIGS LIST -
Our customer James Wilson brought this car to my attention the other week. It is a 1984 Oldsmobile 98 Regency 2-door coupe. It is powered by a 307 V8 engine. Car is believed to be original. What makes this car rare is on the SPID label after all the codes are listed it reads, “TAG 018: NEW CAR SHOW.”
PHOTO 4 - Shows the SPID label that the seller posted as one of the photos of his car for sale. Car is listed as being a very nice driver with a $6,000 price tag. The price seems fair for what is a very rare car. Since it was designated as a Show Car from new, maybe a little more care was taken during the build process.
REPRODUCTION ALUMINUM DRUMS - NOW IN STOCK -
As I write this, we have a skid due in later this week. If you purchase a set between now and Monday, October 31st, we will give you FREE shipping if you reside in the basic 48 states. Part #7716 is the correct drums for the stock rear on the 1984-1987 Turbo Regals. The price is $234.95. The quality is excellent. The weight savings over steel is just over 5 pound per drum. Besides the weight advantage, they won't rust like steel ones do.
You must call our office to place your order to get this special pricing. Remember this was standard equipment on every GNX.
A REMINDER - SPECIAL REQUEST FOR A GOOD FRIEND -
Many of you probably remember Trey Crease, who for many years operated 0 to Sixty Performance. Prior to this in the early 1990s he worked for our company. He also attended several of the GS National Events as a vendor.
Over the last several years he has had complications due to diabetes. For the last month and half he has been hospitalized again.
His birthday falls on the same day as mine - today, September 14th. He looks forward to any mail he gets. I try to send him various car magazines every week.
I’m sure he would love to get a card from you.
His address is:
Trey Crease
5325 Old York Road, Suite #225
Philadelphia, PA 19141.
I would appreciate it if any of my customers would take time to send him and card or a note. We THANK YOU in advance for any magazines or cards you send him. It’s no fun being in a hospital for almost two months.
REPRODUCTION HORN RINGS IN STOCK - NO WAITING -
We finally got in our next batch of the reproduction grey horn rings, part #1518.
This is one of the few reproductions that actually is superior to the original part. It will never warp or crack like the original horn ring does. It makes little sense to pay $100 or more for a new original horn ring in a box because, like the one on your car, the plastic has continued to age and can easily crack in a short period of time or if you tighten the two screws too much.
GM LICENSED - 1986 AND 1987 REPRODUCTION TURBO REGAL WINDOW STICKERS UPDATE -
See the New Parts section of this Inner Circle as we are now able to get any 1986 and 1987 Turbo Regal Window Sticker reproduced through ECS Automotive Concepts. Remember, you must supply all the information with the only exception being the selling dealership or codes associated with the selling dealership. ECS Automotive Concepts will substitute one they have files on. The paper is 100% correct, as well as the size. It has the proper wording on the back, also the correct GM part number appears in the bottom right corner, and most important the font style is a match to the original. This is the most important document you can own associated with your Turbo Regal.
CORES NEEDED -
Here is the information on our credits for cores.
We currently need original good 1986-1987 AC Delco mass air flow sensors. We allow $40 Letter of Credit for each correct AC Delco core. See photo 2 in 7-13-2016 Inner Circle to determine if you have the proper mass air flow sensor we need.
URGENT NEED - TURBO CORES must be the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal stock turbo. They must be complete. We will issue you a $100 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.
MAIL - Ship to Address -
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
PO BOX 1199
PLUMSTEADSVILLE, PA 18949
UPS - Ship to Address -
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
6201 Kellers Church Road
PLUMSTEADSVILLE, 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. Keep in mind I have very little knowledge of the mechanical workings of the engine.
CARS 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. 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. If any of these vehicles perk your interest, email me personally - [email protected] - for more information and photos.
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]
TIP FROM KIRBAN -
If you lack mechanical skills like I do you want to try and plan repairs that are related to cut labor costs. For example, any time the brakes need attention, such as the problematic powermaster unit, it’s the perfect time to replace the front hoses to the front brake calipers. Your 30-year-old rubber hoses to your front brakes swell up before pressure applies to the front calipers. The stainless metal hoses, part #7218, eliminates those issues and gives you a quicker response.
Out of habit, now on every used car I buy that I keep, I get the brake system flushed and bled. This is something that most owners neglect. It pays to head off possible problems in advance.
NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -
1986 and 1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
GM Licensed - Custom-Made REPRODUCTION WINDOW STICKERS
The most important piece of paper you can have with your car is the original Window Sticker, which gives all the important "history" of your Buick. It is also something that most buyers want when they purchase an original car.
This Window Sticker would show the MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price,) all standard equipment, all optional equipment and their prices, destination and delivery charges, federal, state, and local taxes, and prep charges. It may also show the average fuel economy. This allows a consumer to walk into an automobile dealership and find an itemized, accurate price tag on every new vehicle.
If your Window Sticker is missing or damaged, we can have a GM licensed reproduction made specifically for your vehicle by ECS Automotive Concepts.
NOTE - We are only offering 1986 and 1987 Window Stickers at this time.
7744 - 1986 Buick Turbo Regal - GM Licensed Reproduction Window Sticker (1) - $80 Plus $7 Priority Mail Shipping = $87
7745 - 1986 Buick Turbo Regal - TWO - GM Licensed Reproduction Window Stickers (2) - $110 Plus $7 Priority Mail Shipping = $117
7746 - 1987 Buick Turbo Regal - GM Licensed Reproduction Window Sticker (1) - $80 Plus $7 Priority Mail Shipping = $87
7747 - 1987 Buick Turbo Regal - TWO - GM Licensed Reproduction Window Stickers (2) - $110 Plus $7 Priority Mail Shipping = $117
Here is a link to complete information on these reproduction Window Stickers on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44325/GM+Licensed+Reproduction+Window+Sticker+%237744+%237745+%237746+%237747.html
1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models including Turbo Regal) -
Reproduction RADIO BRACKETS (2) AND ATTACHING SCREWS (4) SET
The brackets to secure the factory radio in the 1984-1987 Buick Regals is unique to these cars.
You need these brackets to secure it the factory radio to the dash opening. The brackets are the same for both sides. You also need to have the factory 4 clips in order to attach these two reproduction brackets to the radio (see photo 2.)
The reproduction brackets are made in aluminum, so they will not rust. Set includes 2 brackets and 4 screws.
NOTE - You need to have the original 4 factory clips on the radio. If you do not have these clips, contact our office - 215-766-1611 x 0. We may have some used clips available, but they are not on the website.
NOTE - You may also be interested in these related parts - #7702 Rebuild Service for Original Power Antenna, #7703 Kirban Performance Products Rebuilt Power Antenna, #7684 Radio/Cassette Buttons Reproduction Aluminum ID Inserts (3) Set, or #7685 TWO Radio/Cassette Buttons Reproduction Aluminum ID Inserts (3) Sets.
7719 - 1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models including Turbo Regal) -
Reproduction Radio Brackets (2) and Attaching Screws (4) Set - $19.95 / set
Here is a link to this to these brackets on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44324/Reproduction+RADIO+BRACKETS+%282%29+AND+ATTACHING+SCREWS+%284%29+SET+%237719.html
1987 Buick GNX -
Reproduction ascMcLaren DOOR JAMB DECAL
This is an exact reproduction of the original ascMcLaren decal done in vinyl, like the original.
It was on the driver’s door jamb on the GNX models. It was part of the GNX package, showing it came through ascMcLaren. Decal measures 4" x 1-1/2", is printed in red and black on a white vinyl material.
NOTE - You may also be interested in these related items - #7900, #7901 and #7902 GM LICENSED DOOR JAMB VIN DATA DECALS.
Another excellent restoration item.
7731 - 1987 Buick GNX - Reproduction ascMcLaren Door Jamb Decal - $14.95
Here is a link to this decal on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44322/Reproduction+ascMcLaren+DOOR+JAMB+DECAL+%237731.html
ALWAYS LOOKING FOR IDEAS -
If you have any product ideas that would fit our Turbo Buick market that you would like to see available, email me direct [email protected]
ALWAYS IN A BUYING POSITION 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. 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 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]
2016 CALENDAR OF EVENTS -
GS NATIONALS - September 14th-17th, 2016 -
Beach Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky
See the GSXtra for more details, or their website - gsnationals.com
EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS - September 16th-17th, 2016 at Cecil County Dragway in Rising Sun, Maryland
Event includes a judged car show on Saturday open to all Buick makes and anything Buick powered. Free Vending. Saturday race classes must be Buick powered. For more information, contact - [email protected] or [email protected]
We will be set up as a vendor at the East Coast Buick Regionals on Saturday. We will be taking any suitable cores and are always in the market for good used or new parts.
NOTE - This is not a misprint. Both the GS Nationals and East Coast Buick Regionals fall on the same weekend.
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 -
Hope to see many of you at the East Coast Buick Regionals this coming Saturday. I may get there for part of Friday as well. I will have a list of all 300+ 1986-1987 Turbo Regal VIN numbers to check against all the 1986-1987 Turbo Regals in attendance.
It will be interesting to see if any of the cars were ones that I sold in the last 23+ years. If so, I have the documentation you will want to have with your car. We will be set up as a vendor. I will also be accepting cores for Letters of Credit!
Remember unless you have owned your Turbo Regal for 23 years or longer, email me the last six digits of your VIN number. We may have sold it at some point in the last 23 years and have documented proof that would be of interest to you! My email is - [email protected]
DOCUMENTING THE TURBO REGALS WE HAVE SOLD OVER THE YEARS -
Over the years we get several calls a month wanting to verify a 1986-1987 Turbo Regal as being one that we sold.
With owners now wanting a correct-looking Window Sticker I felt I needed to go through my file boxes and determine if there is a way to unite the current owners with paperwork for their specific Turbo Regal, if we sold it at some point years ago.
I have 3 banker boxes full of files on cars we sold. I am in the midst of sorting them and have found records for over 300 of the 1986-1987 Turbo Regals. Sales includes 2 Syclones, 1 Typhoon, 1 Turbo Trans Am, and one 1970 GS Stage 1 Buick. I also have records for over 50 other cars, which were not Turbo Buicks I have sold.
The chart that I printed years ago starts with 1993 and goes through 2009. The total for those years equals 318 Turbo Regals. It does not include the few Turbo Regals I sold after 2009 and also ones that I was a broker for that were not titled to either O Neil Buick/GMC or myself. Also adding to the total is the fact several Turbo Regals I bought and sold two times. In one case, I bought and sold the same Grand National 3 times.
The records are all for 1986 and 1987 Turbo Regals. This includes 9 GNXs. Of this count, I have about 50 car records that I also have photos still in the specific file folders for certain Turbo Regals. In some cases, I even have copies of the previous title from whatever state I bought the car from. In some very rare instances, I even have a copy of the Certificate of Origin for a vehicle. This is the Holy Grail as far as original paperwork is concerned. It’s not something you would get from a dealer when you purchased your car.
I even found some photos in some of the files showing Molly signing the trunk lid SPID label. Molly did this on any of the cars I had sitting at our house for sale when he came from California for some of our car shows and events.
All of this amounts to some very valuable history for some lucky 1986-1987 Turbo Regal owners. I assume that a good many of the cars we sold over the last 20+ years have been resold at this point. I also realize that some of you may still own the car we sold you.
PROVIDING DOCUMENTED PROOF OF THE CARS WE HAVE SOLD -
We now will offer documented proof if you own one of the cars that we sold over the last 23 years! You might say this is the Kirban style of Bingo!
Here is what we will do. If you have not owned your car for 23 years or longer, email me the last 6 digits that follow the letters GP or HP. GP signifies 1986 and HP signifies 1987 models. You may be pleasantly surprised that your Turbo Regal was once sold by me.
Email me direct - [email protected] - with the last six digits that appear on your VIN number after the two letters. If you have any friends with a 1986 or 1987 Turbo Regal, tell them as I may have information on their cars.
Most of the cars we sold were really nice prime examples, including several that were national winners at the GS Nationals in years past. So, I am fairly confident that many of them are still on the road today.
I will let you know if I have records on your car.
Here is the deal. For $34.95 we will send you by Priority Mail proof that we sold the car. All copies will be flat (not folded.) It will include a notarized document signed by me on our company letterhead listing the VIN number and year I sold it. You also get copies of any titles, etc to verify the VIN. No personal information on the previous owners will be displayed. If I have original photos of the car matching your VIN number, the price is $44.95 for Priority Mail. This would include a notarized document on company letterhead signed by me and listing the VIN number and any related titles reflecting the VIN number. It’s a small price to pay to document a bit of history related to your 1986-1987 Turbo Regal.
I am working now to have all 300+ VINs listed in sequential order by year so I can take a printed list of VIN numbers to the East Coast Regionals this coming weekend. It will be interesting to see if any cars at East Coast Buick Regionals match up to ones cars once owned by me.
A lot has happened since 1993 when I started to buy and sell these cars. I am sure some of my cars have changed hands multiple times. It will be interesting to see how many I can locate. I plan to post this information on Turbo Buick forum as well.
The key document will be the notarized letter listing the VIN number and year I owned the car. That is one document you, as the current owner, will want with your records. Even if you still own one of my cars I may have some info you don’t have and will include it with this notarized company letter. I know in the past I have seen several Turbo Regals advertised as being one of my cars, which probably helps sell the car. Now you can have physical proof. In most cases even copies of titles and photos. With the values of these cars continuing to increase each year, having any background documented history can only add to the value. Having copies of the previous titles for your Turbo Regal is pretty clear proof!
THE HOLY GRAIL - CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN FOR A VEHICLE -
A Certificate of Origin for a vehicle is a certificate related to each specific vehicle. It is very rare to be able to obtain a copy of the Certificate of Origin for any vehicle, let alone one for your specific Turbo Regal.
PHOTO 1 - Although it’s not a very good copy, this shows a Certificate of Origin for a GM vehicle - a 1986 Regal T-Type listed as a 2 DR COUPE (47). It lists the shipping weight at 3285 pounds. The date it was delivered was 06/16/86 to Baron Buick Inc located in Brooklyn, NY 11227. The last 6 VIN digits read 452255. This is a good example of some of the material I have in my 3 banker boxes of files.
Simply email me - [email protected] - the last six digits of your 1986 or 1987 Turbo Regal VIN number. Unless you have owned your car for 23 or more years, there is a chance I sold it. You might come up a winner from over 300 records I have of 1986 and 1987 Turbo Regals.
TURBO REGAL CAR TITLES THAT WE HAVE SOLD -
In probably 80% of the Turbo Regal car sales we have done, they will show up as being titled through O’Neil Buick/GMC out of Warminster, Pennsylvania. Another small percentage will be in the previous owner’s name, which we will delete so you would only get proof of the VIN and the state it was titled in. The rare ones will be the titles that were titled in my personal name. I did do a handful of Turbo Regals in my name, in addition to the 3 Turbo Regals that were my test cars. Years ago in Pennsylvania you could do “Title Only” and not pay any state sales tax. That law changed a few years ago, so now if your do “Title Only” you still have to pay 6% sales tax.
BUICK MOTORSPORT TACHOMETERS -
Once again we just got in 2 very rare original Buick Motorsports tachometers still in the original boxes, never used. In my research it appears the last time I had these 2 Buick tachometers was in 2010. I ran the numbers and neither appears on ebay or anywhere else currently for sale. They do not appear in my 1987 Buick Price Guide books. The other Buick Price Guide I have is for 2001 and it shows that one was discontinued in July of 2000. The other is not even listed, which generally means it was discontinued at least a year earlier. You seldom see them for sale. They both have a memory feature and two keys included. Both tachometers have a memory function, which records peak RPM reached during each race. It can be erased after each race. I can’t find any indication on the box or directions as to the actual date of manufacture.
PHOTO 2 - The photo on the left shows the small 3" tachometer with the hardware, and directions. The photo on the right shows the larger 5" tachometer with hardware and directions. Both tachometer kits are still in the original GM box. See Rare Parts listing, since have both tachometers are for sale!
SAD ENDING TO ONE OF OUR GRAND NATIONALS WE SOLD IN 1999 -
This past week we heard from one of customers who bought a 27,800-mile Grand National from us in 1999. I believe we sold it for $13,800. The owner actually showed it several years ago at the Buick Club of America National meet and won gold with it. She said the scoring was based on 400 points possible and her Grand National received just over 390 points.
Last week, around 1 am in the morning, the 1987 Grand National caught fire sitting on her driveway. She had not driven the car in several weeks.
PHOTO 3 -These two photos show the horrific damage the fire caused, mostly under the hood. The fire marshal has yet to determine the cause of the fire. You can see how the extreme heat has melted everything that is plastic, taking out the complete front header and grille and headlight bezels. The fire had a good head start, since it happened late at night. As you can imagine, when she called me she was extremely upset. She had maintained the car all these years and it only had 40,000 miles on it.
RARE OLDSMOBILE 98 REGENCY FOR SALE ON CRAIGS LIST -
Our customer James Wilson brought this car to my attention the other week. It is a 1984 Oldsmobile 98 Regency 2-door coupe. It is powered by a 307 V8 engine. Car is believed to be original. What makes this car rare is on the SPID label after all the codes are listed it reads, “TAG 018: NEW CAR SHOW.”
PHOTO 4 - Shows the SPID label that the seller posted as one of the photos of his car for sale. Car is listed as being a very nice driver with a $6,000 price tag. The price seems fair for what is a very rare car. Since it was designated as a Show Car from new, maybe a little more care was taken during the build process.
REPRODUCTION ALUMINUM DRUMS - NOW IN STOCK -
As I write this, we have a skid due in later this week. If you purchase a set between now and Monday, October 31st, we will give you FREE shipping if you reside in the basic 48 states. Part #7716 is the correct drums for the stock rear on the 1984-1987 Turbo Regals. The price is $234.95. The quality is excellent. The weight savings over steel is just over 5 pound per drum. Besides the weight advantage, they won't rust like steel ones do.
You must call our office to place your order to get this special pricing. Remember this was standard equipment on every GNX.
A REMINDER - SPECIAL REQUEST FOR A GOOD FRIEND -
Many of you probably remember Trey Crease, who for many years operated 0 to Sixty Performance. Prior to this in the early 1990s he worked for our company. He also attended several of the GS National Events as a vendor.
Over the last several years he has had complications due to diabetes. For the last month and half he has been hospitalized again.
His birthday falls on the same day as mine - today, September 14th. He looks forward to any mail he gets. I try to send him various car magazines every week.
I’m sure he would love to get a card from you.
His address is:
Trey Crease
5325 Old York Road, Suite #225
Philadelphia, PA 19141.
I would appreciate it if any of my customers would take time to send him and card or a note. We THANK YOU in advance for any magazines or cards you send him. It’s no fun being in a hospital for almost two months.
REPRODUCTION HORN RINGS IN STOCK - NO WAITING -
We finally got in our next batch of the reproduction grey horn rings, part #1518.
This is one of the few reproductions that actually is superior to the original part. It will never warp or crack like the original horn ring does. It makes little sense to pay $100 or more for a new original horn ring in a box because, like the one on your car, the plastic has continued to age and can easily crack in a short period of time or if you tighten the two screws too much.
GM LICENSED - 1986 AND 1987 REPRODUCTION TURBO REGAL WINDOW STICKERS UPDATE -
See the New Parts section of this Inner Circle as we are now able to get any 1986 and 1987 Turbo Regal Window Sticker reproduced through ECS Automotive Concepts. Remember, you must supply all the information with the only exception being the selling dealership or codes associated with the selling dealership. ECS Automotive Concepts will substitute one they have files on. The paper is 100% correct, as well as the size. It has the proper wording on the back, also the correct GM part number appears in the bottom right corner, and most important the font style is a match to the original. This is the most important document you can own associated with your Turbo Regal.
CORES NEEDED -
Here is the information on our credits for cores.
We currently need original good 1986-1987 AC Delco mass air flow sensors. We allow $40 Letter of Credit for each correct AC Delco core. See photo 2 in 7-13-2016 Inner Circle to determine if you have the proper mass air flow sensor we need.
URGENT NEED - TURBO CORES must be the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal stock turbo. They must be complete. We will issue you a $100 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.
MAIL - Ship to Address -
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
PO BOX 1199
PLUMSTEADSVILLE, PA 18949
UPS - Ship to Address -
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
6201 Kellers Church Road
PLUMSTEADSVILLE, 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. Keep in mind I have very little knowledge of the mechanical workings of the engine.
CARS 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. 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. If any of these vehicles perk your interest, email me personally - [email protected] - for more information and photos.
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]
TIP FROM KIRBAN -
If you lack mechanical skills like I do you want to try and plan repairs that are related to cut labor costs. For example, any time the brakes need attention, such as the problematic powermaster unit, it’s the perfect time to replace the front hoses to the front brake calipers. Your 30-year-old rubber hoses to your front brakes swell up before pressure applies to the front calipers. The stainless metal hoses, part #7218, eliminates those issues and gives you a quicker response.
Out of habit, now on every used car I buy that I keep, I get the brake system flushed and bled. This is something that most owners neglect. It pays to head off possible problems in advance.
NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -
1986 and 1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
GM Licensed - Custom-Made REPRODUCTION WINDOW STICKERS
The most important piece of paper you can have with your car is the original Window Sticker, which gives all the important "history" of your Buick. It is also something that most buyers want when they purchase an original car.
This Window Sticker would show the MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price,) all standard equipment, all optional equipment and their prices, destination and delivery charges, federal, state, and local taxes, and prep charges. It may also show the average fuel economy. This allows a consumer to walk into an automobile dealership and find an itemized, accurate price tag on every new vehicle.
If your Window Sticker is missing or damaged, we can have a GM licensed reproduction made specifically for your vehicle by ECS Automotive Concepts.
NOTE - We are only offering 1986 and 1987 Window Stickers at this time.
7744 - 1986 Buick Turbo Regal - GM Licensed Reproduction Window Sticker (1) - $80 Plus $7 Priority Mail Shipping = $87
7745 - 1986 Buick Turbo Regal - TWO - GM Licensed Reproduction Window Stickers (2) - $110 Plus $7 Priority Mail Shipping = $117
7746 - 1987 Buick Turbo Regal - GM Licensed Reproduction Window Sticker (1) - $80 Plus $7 Priority Mail Shipping = $87
7747 - 1987 Buick Turbo Regal - TWO - GM Licensed Reproduction Window Stickers (2) - $110 Plus $7 Priority Mail Shipping = $117
Here is a link to complete information on these reproduction Window Stickers on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44325/GM+Licensed+Reproduction+Window+Sticker+%237744+%237745+%237746+%237747.html
1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models including Turbo Regal) -
Reproduction RADIO BRACKETS (2) AND ATTACHING SCREWS (4) SET
The brackets to secure the factory radio in the 1984-1987 Buick Regals is unique to these cars.
You need these brackets to secure it the factory radio to the dash opening. The brackets are the same for both sides. You also need to have the factory 4 clips in order to attach these two reproduction brackets to the radio (see photo 2.)
The reproduction brackets are made in aluminum, so they will not rust. Set includes 2 brackets and 4 screws.
NOTE - You need to have the original 4 factory clips on the radio. If you do not have these clips, contact our office - 215-766-1611 x 0. We may have some used clips available, but they are not on the website.
NOTE - You may also be interested in these related parts - #7702 Rebuild Service for Original Power Antenna, #7703 Kirban Performance Products Rebuilt Power Antenna, #7684 Radio/Cassette Buttons Reproduction Aluminum ID Inserts (3) Set, or #7685 TWO Radio/Cassette Buttons Reproduction Aluminum ID Inserts (3) Sets.
7719 - 1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models including Turbo Regal) -
Reproduction Radio Brackets (2) and Attaching Screws (4) Set - $19.95 / set
Here is a link to this to these brackets on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44324/Reproduction+RADIO+BRACKETS+%282%29+AND+ATTACHING+SCREWS+%284%29+SET+%237719.html
1987 Buick GNX -
Reproduction ascMcLaren DOOR JAMB DECAL
This is an exact reproduction of the original ascMcLaren decal done in vinyl, like the original.
It was on the driver’s door jamb on the GNX models. It was part of the GNX package, showing it came through ascMcLaren. Decal measures 4" x 1-1/2", is printed in red and black on a white vinyl material.
NOTE - You may also be interested in these related items - #7900, #7901 and #7902 GM LICENSED DOOR JAMB VIN DATA DECALS.
Another excellent restoration item.
7731 - 1987 Buick GNX - Reproduction ascMcLaren Door Jamb Decal - $14.95
Here is a link to this decal on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44322/Reproduction+ascMcLaren+DOOR+JAMB+DECAL+%237731.html
ALWAYS LOOKING FOR IDEAS -
If you have any product ideas that would fit our Turbo Buick market that you would like to see available, email me direct [email protected]
ALWAYS IN A BUYING POSITION 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. 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 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]
2016 CALENDAR OF EVENTS -
GS NATIONALS - September 14th-17th, 2016 -
Beach Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky
See the GSXtra for more details, or their website - gsnationals.com
EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS - September 16th-17th, 2016 at Cecil County Dragway in Rising Sun, Maryland
Event includes a judged car show on Saturday open to all Buick makes and anything Buick powered. Free Vending. Saturday race classes must be Buick powered. For more information, contact - [email protected] or [email protected]
We will be set up as a vendor at the East Coast Buick Regionals on Saturday. We will be taking any suitable cores and are always in the market for good used or new parts.
NOTE - This is not a misprint. Both the GS Nationals and East Coast Buick Regionals fall on the same weekend.
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 -
Hope to see many of you at the East Coast Buick Regionals this coming Saturday. I may get there for part of Friday as well. I will have a list of all 300+ 1986-1987 Turbo Regal VIN numbers to check against all the 1986-1987 Turbo Regals in attendance.
It will be interesting to see if any of the cars were ones that I sold in the last 23+ years. If so, I have the documentation you will want to have with your car. We will be set up as a vendor. I will also be accepting cores for Letters of Credit!
Remember unless you have owned your Turbo Regal for 23 years or longer, email me the last six digits of your VIN number. We may have sold it at some point in the last 23 years and have documented proof that would be of interest to you! My email is - [email protected]