03-07-2012 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members - 03-07-2012

MORE ON DAVY JONES -

In the early 1990s, we did two major "KIRBAN GTO & BUICK REGAL REUNION" events at a nearby Johnsville Airbase in Warminster. This base has since been completely dismantled.

The first event we did was held June 23rd and 24th, 1990. We arranged for several unique appearances as drawing cards at these events:

GMC brought out their "prototype" GMC Syclone.

For our GTO customers, we had John "Bucky" Wilkins as a guest. He was the lead singer of "Ronny and the Daytonas," and actually penned the song "GTO." His Mom was in the music business in Nashville.

For the Buick crowd, we had Molly. We then repeated the Kirban Reunion event June 20th and 21st 1992. It was at this event we again had Molly and as a treat for the GTO owners we had Davy Jones as a guest. The connection with the GTO was the Monkeemobile, which was based on a 1966 GTO.

PHOTO 1 - The top left photo shows Davy Jones and my wife at our 1992 Kirban Reunion event. The top right photo shows a reprint of one of their album covers that Davy Jones autographed for my wife at the show. The lower photo shows a picture that appeared after the event in our local paper, The Intelligencer, on Tuesday, June 23, 1992. It shows me holding the mike as Davy answered some questions. That's my mother peeking around the corner on the right with the big smile. The caption reads, "Monkee see, Monkee do - Davy Jones, one of the four Monkees from television and record fame, is helped with the microphone by Dennis Kirban of Furlong as he addressed the crowd at the Muscle Car Show over the weekend. The event, held at the Naval Air Warfare Center in Warminster, was a benefit for the Boy Scouts."

At one of our Kirban Reunion events I counted 98 Grand Nationals bumper-to-bumper in 2 rows.

Again, I can't recall which of the two Kirban Reunion events at the Johnsville Airbase we also had two of the employees come out from Quality Engineering which later became Advance Vehicles Concepts. They were located in Michigan. Their popular product was the VDO gauge cluster, which was similar to what was in the GNX. They did I believe about 10 or 12 installs of the GNX-style dashes over that weekend. We had the vendors all set up in one of the huge aircraft hangers. That same weekend our son installed about 30 of the Touch and Start systems, which we still sell today.

PHOTO 2 - I just happened to buy last week a brand new AVC (Advanced Vehicle Concepts) GNX-style dash cluster that was never installed. Here is a photo of the actual gauge cluster. The other parts are not in the picture. It used VDO cockpit series gauges and the main harness plugged into the factory Buick harness. You did have to cut part of your rear plastic dash bezel housing to position this in place. This dash was quite popular and you can see it today in numerous Turbo Regals. By far, it was the most popular aftermarket dash for the Turbo Regals. We sold them for a number of years. At some point, the company ceased to make the dashes and I don't think it's still in business. This dash has already been sold.

Last week (Inner Circle 02-29-2012), we pictured a steering box in a Turbo Regal showing the "YA" code. Russ, a local customer of ours happened to have a brand new steering box in the GM box. We borrowed it so we could take a picture of it.

PHOTO 3 - We show a brand new correct power steering box. Note it has the "YA" code stamped on it twice. Interesting enough, the steering box has been painted cast iron grey. It seems strange they would paint the steering box when it was sold as a part, but in production the steering box is not painted in our cars! In my 1987 Buick Price Guide, this steering box listed for $453. However, it does not appear in my 2001 Buick Price Guide, so sometime prior to that the steering box became discontinued.



REPRODUCTION VINTAGE STATE INSPECTION STICKERS -

We now have vintage state inspections stickers available from 1987 and older. Our source can make these since they are now 25 years old or older. He has been producing them for over ten years.

We stock these reproduction state inspection stickers for what we think are the popular five states for our customers. However, our source has access to quite a number of states and also various years going back into the 1950s, and in some cases even older

Please be sure to look at the complete description on our website pertaining to the states we currently stock. We stock them for the years 1986 and 1987. We can get earlier stickers for these states, as well as other states. Simply inquire.

Out of curiosity, I asked our source which state was the very first to issue yearly state inspections? Our state, Pennsylvania holds the title along with possibly Massachusetts, according to my source. Both started state inspections back in 1928.

PHOTO 4 - The top photos show the front and back of the reproduction 1928 Pennsylvania state inspection sticker. The sticker was not very colorful back in 1928, but the cars weren't either!

The owner of one of the Turbo Regals we bought and sold years ago had carefully removed and saved every Pennsylvania state inspection sticker along with the repair order for each inspection. We show that collection in the lower photo.

Here is the complete information on these stickers.

REPRODUCTION VINTAGE STATE INSPECTION STICKERS -

If your state had state inspections during the 1980s, a reproduction vintage state inspection sticker would be a crowning touch to any restoration or car show display.

We now deal with a supplier who has remastered many of the popular state inspection stickers.
In many states, since these cars are now over 25 years old, you are permitted to run a matching year license plate and inspection sticker. In other cases, you can position the inspection sticker on the opposite side of the windshield or make it part of your display sign.

Be sure to check with your state laws regarding placement of a vintage inspection sticker.

Each sticker is exactly like the original and affixes to the inside of the windshield.

We currently stock reproduction Inspection Stickers for the following states for 1986 or 1987: New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

NOTE - The "month" indicated on the Inspection Stickers for New Jersey, Massachusetts or Pennsylvania MAY differ from the photo on our website.

If we do not list a sticker for your state, simply call us with the state and year you want and we will see if our source has it available. We can determine if we can obtain the state and year sticker you want. Many of the older years are available, however newer than 1987 are not available.

NOTE - #7410 - 1980 and Earlier Specified - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker are $20 each plus $5 USPS Priority Mail.

NOTE - #7411- 1981-1987 Specified - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker are $15 each plus $5 USPS Priority Mail.

NOTE - Orders for these Vintage Inspection Stickers will be sent by USPS Priority mail, for a charge of $5, if this is the only item you order. They can be included with your order for other parts at no additional shipping charge.

7400 - NEW JERSEY 1986 - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker $15 + $5 USPS Priority Mail

7401 - NEW JERSEY 1987 - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker $15 + $5 USPS Priority Mail

7402 - NEW YORK 1986 - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker $15 + $5 USPS Priority Mail

7403 - NEW YORK 1987 - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker $15 + $5 USPS Priority Mail

7404 - MASSACHUSETTS 1986 - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker $15 + $5 USPS Priority Mail

7405 - MASSACHUSETTS 1987 - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker $15 + $5 USPS Priority Mail

7406 - OHIO 1986 - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker $15 + $5 USPS Priority Mail

7407 - OHIO 1987 - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker $15 + $5 USPS Priority Mail

7408 - PENNSYLVANIA 1986 - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker $15 + $5 USPS Priority Mail

7409 - PENNSYLVANIA 1987 - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker $15 + $5 USPS Priority Mail

YOU MUST CALL TO ORDER #7410 or #7411 - 215-766-1611 x 0

7410 - 1980 & Earlier - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker $20 each plus $5 USPS Priority Mail.

7411 - 1981-1987 - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker $15 each plus $5 USPS Priority Mail.

NOTE - These Reproduction Inspection Stickers will be on the website by the end of the week.



NEW REPRODUCTION UPPER DASH TRIM PANEL -

As many of you know the upper dash trim panel was discontinued a while ago from GM. Some have appeared on ebay fetching $250 or more. Finding one not cracked or warped is like finding a good used powermaster brake bowl. Slim at best!

Well, we have some good news. One is currently being made that is injection molded, just like the original. This first run is being produced in grey color rather than how GM did it in an off-color blue. We have seen an actual finished part and it is dead-on accurate to the original. So much so, you would not see any difference between two new ones if you saw them in a photo or even in person.

Because we know this will be a popular item, we are offering you a special introductory price so we know in advance how many to have order. The suggested retail price will be $199.95. If you call our office now and place your order, the price will be just $179.95. To lock in at that introductory price, we require a $25 deposit.

This introductory price is only good until Friday, March 30th, noon eastern time. We fully expect to be able to fill our orders by the first week of April. We will be one of the very first sources to have them available.

This panel is correct and fits all 1978 through 1987 Regals, not just Turbo models

Here is the complete information on this panel.

1978-1987 Buick Regal (All G-Body Models) -
REPRODUCTION UPPER DASH TRIM PANEL

Today, an original upper dash trim panel is usually cracked on most original Regals. It sits between the upper dash pad and the windshield.

This reproduction upper dash trim panel will fit any 1978-1987 Buick Regal and is made by the same process that GM used originally, injection molded. The quality is excellent. We have seen a production sample and it is dead-on match to the original GM panel. The grey is impregnated into the plastic, which will closely match the original Grand National grey trim colors.

The panel comes in grey and can be painted to match the interior of your car.

For other colors, we offer some interior color spray paints (see Miscellaneous Section.)

7386 - 1978-1987 Regal - Reproduction Upper Dash Trim Panel $199.95 + $15 Shipping
SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICE - $179.95 (Save $20) if you place a $25 deposit before March 30th, 12 noon. Orders are expected to be filled the first week of April.

NOTE - Because a special shipping box is required, there is a $15 shipping charge on this reproduction upper dash trim panel.

NOTE - This reproduction Upper Dash Trim Panel will be on the website by the end of the week.



NOTE ABOUT OUR REBUILT POWER STEERING BOXES -

See our website or last weeks Inner Circle for more info and pricing. This part is in very short supply as our source has fewer than 10 available and no cores to rebuild any additional steering boxes. If you need it, this is one part you do not want to put off ordering. We have already sold a few of them.



SLP FIREBIRD FORMULA - FOR SALE -

This car is still available at $20,900. This is for the 400-mile red 2002 SLP Formula Firebird we pictured in the 11-16-2011 Inner Circle. This car will be finding a new home at some point.



REPRODUCTION GNX SUSPENSION - NOW AVAILABLE -

Pete Hoffman has a limited number of the reproduction GNX Suspension Systems available. These are the Richard Clark systems that he has had made locally.

They are nearly exact to the originals, down to the welds and material used. They come with complete detailed instructions.

Limited availability! Call or email Pete 215-778-1036
[email protected]



ALWAYS IN A BUYING POSITION WORKS -

Got any turbo 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 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].



2012 CALENDAR OF EVENTS -

KIRBAN OPEN HOUSE - SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012 - 9 am until 3 pm. Located at 6201 Kellers Church Road, Plumsteadville, PA 18949. Our Open House is one of the first Buick events of the 2012 season.

Yum Yum donuts, raffle items, M & M contest, and 5% discount on in-stock catalog items. Save on shipping! Pete Hoffman, and myself will have used parts for sale. Paul Castle from World of Motorworks will also be at this event.

One of our local customers will have on display a completely rebuilt show quality 1987 Turbo engine. The amount of time and effort into this is truely amazing.

Here's a link to this event on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/inner_circle.php?nak=172



TURBOBUICK.COM NATIONALS 2012 - MAY 2 - MAY 5, 2012 - Burlington, NC

For the latest information, go to - www.turbobuick.com/forums or - [email protected]

Event will feature free food, dyno, tech sessions, drag racing, and Auto-X. This is one of the first Turbo Buick events for the year 2012. Already they have many of the top vendors confirmed that will be at this event. Several key speakers are also confirmed.

The luncheon is absolutely free. However, you must email my wife Eileen if you are going to be there for the free Thursday lunch. Her email is - [email protected]

For the most up-to-date information on Race Classes and other activities, go to -http://turbobuick.com/forums/forums/2012-turbobuick-com-nationals-may-2nd-5th-sponsore.168/



Here's a link to this event on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/inner_circle.php?nak=173



31st ANNUAL PEACH BLOSSOM B.O.P.C. - MAY 4th and 5th, 2012 - Car Show & Swap Meet
Marriott Atlanta Northeast, 200 Interstate North Parkway, Atlanta, GA

Open to all Buicks, Oldsmobiles, Pontiacs and Cadillacs. Hosted by the Southeastern GTO Association. There is a reception Friday night and the Car Show is on Saturday. For more info, contact Ed Bellair at 770-428-4934 or email - [email protected]



3RD ANNUAL BUICK RACE DAY - May 26th, 2012
Lebanon Valley Dragway, Lebanon, New York.
For more info, phone number for the racetrack is 518-794-7130. To reach John Csordas - 845-528-GSGN or his cell is 914-447-6068.



22ND ANNUAL BUICK RACEDAY - JUNE 15th, 16th and 17th, 2012
Summit Motorsports Park, Norwalk, Ohio.

Hotels - Best Western Norwalk - 419-663-3501 or All American Inn Norwalk - 419-663-1922.
For more info, contact Roberta Vasilow 810-655-8277 email - [email protected]
or Bill Wills 330-747-1029 email [email protected]



2012 BUICK PERFORMANCE GROUP "CLASS OF 1987" and "BIG BOAT BASH"
AUGUST 3rd and 4th, 2012
National Trail Raceway, Hebron, Ohio
The theme this year is the "Class of 1987." Open to all Buick models built in 1987.



2012 EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS and FAST EVENT
September 21st and 22nd 2012
Cecil County Dragway, Maryland
Event is open to all models of Buicks

Featuring the 2nd annual MAGNA (Mid-Atlantic Grand National Assc.) All Buick powered judged car show! All Buick's! All years! All makes!

Goodie bags for the first 50 Buick's in the show. Door prizes all day and 50/50 to win some cash. The ONLY ALL Buick car show on the east coast!

For more information contact Doug Doughertyy 302-653-2201 or John Csordas 914-447-6068 or email questions to [email protected] or [email protected] visit their website http://tristategsclub.com



2012 GS NATIONALS - OCTOBER 17-20, 2012 (NEW DATES)
Beach Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, Kentucky

Racing is FREE on Wednesday, October 17th. The new dates are Oct. 17-20, 2012. Because of the reschedule, they have negotiated FREE racing on Wednesday, October 17th. This includes "everyone" who comes thru the gate and pays the usual nominal entrance fee. There is NO usual additional charge to race your Buick powered cars on Wednesday.

The Gallina/Duttweiler 6-second 200 mph doorslammer is already confirmed for this event.

We just received word that the BCA (Buick Club of America) will be joining the GSCA event. This combination will make for a well-rounded event featuring all kinds of Buicks. This is one fall event you do not want to miss!



EBAY LISTINGS -

If you would like to see any of the Kirban Performance Products items listed on eBay, here is a link to our store and auctions - http://stores.ebay.com/Kirban-Performance-Products-Inc_W0QQssPageNameZl2QQtZ%20km



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 -

Be sure to place your order to get the introductory price for the new reproduction 1978-1987 Regal upper dash panel. Quality is dead-on exact. A $25 deposit locks you in at the sale price as long as it is done prior to March 30th, 12 noon eastern time. We will be one of the very first sources to have this available.

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