Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members - 01-02-2013
HAPPY NEW YEAR TURBO REGAL OWNERS - 2013
Like many of you, it will be a few weeks before I get used to writing 2013 instead of 2012.
Soon we will begin to start posting the Turbo Buick related events for this upcoming year. I recently signed a contract to conduct two different seminars at the "GM at Carlisle" event in June. Watch for details and dates later this month.
RE-ISSUE OF THE 1:24 SCALE GNX MODEL -
Once again Monogram has re-issued the GNX plastic model, and freshened up the design on the box. It now says, "Made in China" on the box as well as the clear bag of parts. We have a unique tie in with this version GNX because of what I spotted on the GNX picture on the box.
PHOTO 1 - The top photo shows the 2012 Monogram 1:24 scale re-issue of the GNX plastic model. The date of this issue is 2012. The lower left photo we show all the basic plastic parts. With almost a $20 price tag and the fact all GNXs were black it would have been nice if the parts were done in black plastic. It would have made it easier to paint for the buyer. The lower right photo shows the decals sheet for the model, including the license plate.
Because of its size, it's hardly visible in the photo, but the GNX has a front license plate. That is the GNX plate we had designed way back in 1988. This plate has the red and white GNX logo with the wording under it that reads, "A HIGH-PERFORMANCE INVESTMENT FOR THE FORTUNATE 547." It's the line of promotional copy from the ASC poster, however we changed it from FORTUNATE "500" to the actual production number, which was 547. The small GNX license plate decal that we had designed back then comes in the kit.
I went digging through our box of artwork and actually found the artwork my wife did for the GNX license plate. This license plate first appeared in our catalog back in 1989. At the same time we did a similar embossed license plate that was designed for the earlier GSX models. For that plate I came up with the phrase, "GSX BEATS YOU IN STAGES!" Both plates have remained very popular today and can be seen on many of the top notch GNXs and GSXs in magazines and on the car show circuits.
PHOTO 2 - In the photo on the left we show the GNX license plate artwork overlay for colors and in the photo on the right we show the actual mechanical artwork for the copy in black.
PHOTO 3 - In the photo on the left we show the GSX logo license plate artwork overlay for colors and in the photo on the right we show the actual mechanical artwork for the copy in black.
Over the years, other companies have copied our original license plates, tag line and design formats. We had the idea first and can prove it with the original artwork and date of our catalogs!
PHOTO 4 - Here we show two different GNX embossed metal license plates. The top one is one of our originals. The one under it is a newer reproduction that we now sell. If you look closely, you can see a slight difference in the font style under the double white line. The original appears to be a slightly bolder type than the second one.
SPEAKING OF THE GNX -
One of our customers Jake Smith, out of the Midwest, sent us the January issue of HEMMINGS CLASSIC CAR magazine. It happens to be the magazine's 100th issue. To celebrate that milestone they list the top 100 American Collector Cars of all time. The 1901-1903 Oldsmobile Curved Dash Runabout takes the number one spot.
Taking the 34th spot is the 1940-1941 Willys, which is probably one of the all time favorite cars to convert into a hot rod.
The Tucker comes in at #38 on the list. It's a shame Mr. Tucker never lived long enough to see how the values of the few cars he had made skyrocketed in value.
A car I owe a lot to comes in at #81 and that is the 1965 Pontiac GTO. Our business originally started based on the early GTOs, and we owned quite a number of them.
Notable Buicks appear, including the 1970-1972 Buick GSX models at #93.
Coming in near the very end at #99 is the Buick GNX. Interesting enough, in part of the description it states, “…in reality could stomp a mudhole in a new Corvette and walk it dry”. Not exactly a commonly used phrase.
At the #100 mark is the 1990-1995 Corvette ZR1.
JANUARY WINTER CONTEST -
Every January signals the start of a series of classic car auctions. One of the first is the Barrett-Jackson auction held in Scottsdale, Arizona. The dates for this year's auction are January 13th thru the 20th, 2013. I received their preview booklet a few weeks ago and what caught my eye was the fact there will be a 1990 Yugo convertible in this auction.
What many of you may not realize is the same years our Turbo Regals were being produced, the Yugo hit our shores with great fan fair. It was promoted as being the cheapest car sold in the USA at just $3995.
The first models hit our shores in August of 1985 and I assume they were 1986 models.
I thought it would be interesting to make a contest out of this car, since its history is well known as being a total failure. There is even a 200-page hardbound book entitled, "The Yugo, The Rise and Fall of the Worst Car in History," written by Jason Vuic. The book was published in 2010. I am currently reading the book and find it fascinating reading.
SO HERE ARE THE RULES -
This contest is open to all readers of this except for anyone who is connected or works for the Barrett-Jackson Organization.
Read all the rules carefully as they must be followed to the letter to qualify.
Your single guess must be emailed to me by January 11th, 2013 midnight EASTERN TIME.
Your guess MUST be sent in an email to me - [email protected]
In case of two exact guesses, the earliest dated guess is the winner.
The guess closest UNDER the posted selling price is the winner.
Second closest takes Second Place.
The determined selling price will be the price they post on their website or noted if someone emails me from the actual event during the auction or sees it live on TV.
The contest is VOID if car in question turns out to be a no show at the Scottsdale January 13th-20th, 2013 Barrett Jackson auction. Contest is also void if car fails to get any bids.
First place winner wins a copy of the book entitled, "The Yugo, The Rise and Fall of the Worst Car in History," a collectible bottle of the Carroll Shelby Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and a copy of the Molly DVD.
Second Place winner wins copies of Volume 1 and 2 of "Dennis Kirban’s Tips, Trivia & Sources For 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regals."
HERE ARE THE CLUES AND CAR INFO -
I have Barrett-Jackson preview full-color catalog. The car you are guessing on is listed as part of the Robert Howard Collection being sold at no reserve.
Here is the car and exact description that you are basing your one single guess on:
LOT #722 "1990 YUGO GVV CONVERTIBLE A new Yugo Cabrio. A classic car with a tainted reputation that deserves a good home. No Reserve."
The Yugo pictured is yellow and has less than 400 actual miles on it.
Here is the link on Barrett-Jackson's website.
http://www.barrett-jackson.com/scottsdale/
http://www.barrett-jackson.com/application/onlinesubmission/currentcarlist.aspx?aid=466&sd=01/15/2013&ed=01/20/2013
That is the car you are guessing what the selling price will be before the deadline. Should be interesting. This auction usually generates a lot of hype and high dollars being paid. It will be interesting to see if a car with a tainted reputation almost from the beginning, can generate big money on the big auction scene.
From my research they only made 72 of these.
The contest begins now! Good Luck.
A WORD ABOUT POWERMASTER BRAKE SWITCHES -
Some companies still can get or have the powermaster brake switch from AC Delco. What Turbo Buick owners may not realize this brake switch is made by General Electric (GE) and GE also sells the switch to other sources.
The brake switch we sell for under $100 is the exact same switch that GM sells in the GM packaging. There is absolutely no difference in the brake switches. It is not a part that was made by AC Delco or GM but in fact was made by GE. GM merely re-packages it for retail sales. Our Part #7175, 1985-1987 Turbo Regal - Original GM Powermaster Brake Switch.
At the same token, only a few sources offer the new reproduction brake bowl as GMs stock of the older version has long been depleted. They do not carry the newer brake accumulator bowl that is now available. Our Part # 6697 - 1985-1987 Turbo Regal - Reproduction Brake Accumulator Bowl.
URGENT REQUEST FOR STEERING WHEEL CORES -
We need original 1986-1987 Turbo Regal steering wheel cores. Currently we will issue you a $50 Letter of Credit for any useable cores in any color you send us.
Please help us help others maintain their cars by cashing in your useable steering wheel core. The steering wheel can be any color, but it can't be bent.
NEW PRODUCTS AVAILABLE FROM US -
1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) - REBUILT WIPER MOTOR
Because of the age of these cars, the wiper motor may not be working properly or may have failed.
This rebuilt wiper motor is the correct setup, which will accept the original intermittent wiper option and washer pump assembly.
You will need to remove and re-install your original washer pump assembly and intermittent housing, since it does not come with this rebuilt unit. Unfortunately, we are not able to get the washer pump or the intermittent circuit at this time.
No core is required.
NOTE - We also offer the three Wiper Motor Bushings, Part #7467. These bushings are used to secure the wiper motor to the firewall.
Another nice engine restoration item.
7468 - 1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) - Rebuilt Wiper Motor $61.95
Here is a link to this Rebuilt Wiper Motor on our website.
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44030/REBUILT%E2%80%88WIPER+MOTOR+%237468.html
1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) - WIPER MOTOR BUSHINGS (3) KIT
Because of the age of these cars, the three rubber bushings that secure the wiper motor to the firewall can be in bad shape or crushed.
This kit includes the three rubber bushings with the metal inserts, which secure the wiper motor to the firewall.
NOTE - We also offer a Rebuilt Wiper Motor bushings, Part #7468.
Another nice engine restoration item.
7467 - 1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) - Wiper Motor Bushings (3) Kit - $7.95 / kit
Here is a link to this Wiper Motor Bushings Kit on the website.
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44031/WIPER+MOTOR+BUSHINGS+%283%29+KIT+%237467.html
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].
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 -
Anyone good at building plastic models?
I have a model of a car we used to own that I like to get built. I lack the patience and skill to do it right. If you want it as a project - email me - [email protected]
HAPPY NEW YEAR TURBO REGAL OWNERS - 2013
Like many of you, it will be a few weeks before I get used to writing 2013 instead of 2012.
Soon we will begin to start posting the Turbo Buick related events for this upcoming year. I recently signed a contract to conduct two different seminars at the "GM at Carlisle" event in June. Watch for details and dates later this month.
RE-ISSUE OF THE 1:24 SCALE GNX MODEL -
Once again Monogram has re-issued the GNX plastic model, and freshened up the design on the box. It now says, "Made in China" on the box as well as the clear bag of parts. We have a unique tie in with this version GNX because of what I spotted on the GNX picture on the box.
PHOTO 1 - The top photo shows the 2012 Monogram 1:24 scale re-issue of the GNX plastic model. The date of this issue is 2012. The lower left photo we show all the basic plastic parts. With almost a $20 price tag and the fact all GNXs were black it would have been nice if the parts were done in black plastic. It would have made it easier to paint for the buyer. The lower right photo shows the decals sheet for the model, including the license plate.
Because of its size, it's hardly visible in the photo, but the GNX has a front license plate. That is the GNX plate we had designed way back in 1988. This plate has the red and white GNX logo with the wording under it that reads, "A HIGH-PERFORMANCE INVESTMENT FOR THE FORTUNATE 547." It's the line of promotional copy from the ASC poster, however we changed it from FORTUNATE "500" to the actual production number, which was 547. The small GNX license plate decal that we had designed back then comes in the kit.
I went digging through our box of artwork and actually found the artwork my wife did for the GNX license plate. This license plate first appeared in our catalog back in 1989. At the same time we did a similar embossed license plate that was designed for the earlier GSX models. For that plate I came up with the phrase, "GSX BEATS YOU IN STAGES!" Both plates have remained very popular today and can be seen on many of the top notch GNXs and GSXs in magazines and on the car show circuits.
PHOTO 2 - In the photo on the left we show the GNX license plate artwork overlay for colors and in the photo on the right we show the actual mechanical artwork for the copy in black.
PHOTO 3 - In the photo on the left we show the GSX logo license plate artwork overlay for colors and in the photo on the right we show the actual mechanical artwork for the copy in black.
Over the years, other companies have copied our original license plates, tag line and design formats. We had the idea first and can prove it with the original artwork and date of our catalogs!
PHOTO 4 - Here we show two different GNX embossed metal license plates. The top one is one of our originals. The one under it is a newer reproduction that we now sell. If you look closely, you can see a slight difference in the font style under the double white line. The original appears to be a slightly bolder type than the second one.
SPEAKING OF THE GNX -
One of our customers Jake Smith, out of the Midwest, sent us the January issue of HEMMINGS CLASSIC CAR magazine. It happens to be the magazine's 100th issue. To celebrate that milestone they list the top 100 American Collector Cars of all time. The 1901-1903 Oldsmobile Curved Dash Runabout takes the number one spot.
Taking the 34th spot is the 1940-1941 Willys, which is probably one of the all time favorite cars to convert into a hot rod.
The Tucker comes in at #38 on the list. It's a shame Mr. Tucker never lived long enough to see how the values of the few cars he had made skyrocketed in value.
A car I owe a lot to comes in at #81 and that is the 1965 Pontiac GTO. Our business originally started based on the early GTOs, and we owned quite a number of them.
Notable Buicks appear, including the 1970-1972 Buick GSX models at #93.
Coming in near the very end at #99 is the Buick GNX. Interesting enough, in part of the description it states, “…in reality could stomp a mudhole in a new Corvette and walk it dry”. Not exactly a commonly used phrase.
At the #100 mark is the 1990-1995 Corvette ZR1.
JANUARY WINTER CONTEST -
Every January signals the start of a series of classic car auctions. One of the first is the Barrett-Jackson auction held in Scottsdale, Arizona. The dates for this year's auction are January 13th thru the 20th, 2013. I received their preview booklet a few weeks ago and what caught my eye was the fact there will be a 1990 Yugo convertible in this auction.
What many of you may not realize is the same years our Turbo Regals were being produced, the Yugo hit our shores with great fan fair. It was promoted as being the cheapest car sold in the USA at just $3995.
The first models hit our shores in August of 1985 and I assume they were 1986 models.
I thought it would be interesting to make a contest out of this car, since its history is well known as being a total failure. There is even a 200-page hardbound book entitled, "The Yugo, The Rise and Fall of the Worst Car in History," written by Jason Vuic. The book was published in 2010. I am currently reading the book and find it fascinating reading.
SO HERE ARE THE RULES -
This contest is open to all readers of this except for anyone who is connected or works for the Barrett-Jackson Organization.
Read all the rules carefully as they must be followed to the letter to qualify.
Your single guess must be emailed to me by January 11th, 2013 midnight EASTERN TIME.
Your guess MUST be sent in an email to me - [email protected]
In case of two exact guesses, the earliest dated guess is the winner.
The guess closest UNDER the posted selling price is the winner.
Second closest takes Second Place.
The determined selling price will be the price they post on their website or noted if someone emails me from the actual event during the auction or sees it live on TV.
The contest is VOID if car in question turns out to be a no show at the Scottsdale January 13th-20th, 2013 Barrett Jackson auction. Contest is also void if car fails to get any bids.
First place winner wins a copy of the book entitled, "The Yugo, The Rise and Fall of the Worst Car in History," a collectible bottle of the Carroll Shelby Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and a copy of the Molly DVD.
Second Place winner wins copies of Volume 1 and 2 of "Dennis Kirban’s Tips, Trivia & Sources For 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regals."
HERE ARE THE CLUES AND CAR INFO -
I have Barrett-Jackson preview full-color catalog. The car you are guessing on is listed as part of the Robert Howard Collection being sold at no reserve.
Here is the car and exact description that you are basing your one single guess on:
LOT #722 "1990 YUGO GVV CONVERTIBLE A new Yugo Cabrio. A classic car with a tainted reputation that deserves a good home. No Reserve."
The Yugo pictured is yellow and has less than 400 actual miles on it.
Here is the link on Barrett-Jackson's website.
http://www.barrett-jackson.com/scottsdale/
http://www.barrett-jackson.com/application/onlinesubmission/currentcarlist.aspx?aid=466&sd=01/15/2013&ed=01/20/2013
That is the car you are guessing what the selling price will be before the deadline. Should be interesting. This auction usually generates a lot of hype and high dollars being paid. It will be interesting to see if a car with a tainted reputation almost from the beginning, can generate big money on the big auction scene.
From my research they only made 72 of these.
The contest begins now! Good Luck.
A WORD ABOUT POWERMASTER BRAKE SWITCHES -
Some companies still can get or have the powermaster brake switch from AC Delco. What Turbo Buick owners may not realize this brake switch is made by General Electric (GE) and GE also sells the switch to other sources.
The brake switch we sell for under $100 is the exact same switch that GM sells in the GM packaging. There is absolutely no difference in the brake switches. It is not a part that was made by AC Delco or GM but in fact was made by GE. GM merely re-packages it for retail sales. Our Part #7175, 1985-1987 Turbo Regal - Original GM Powermaster Brake Switch.
At the same token, only a few sources offer the new reproduction brake bowl as GMs stock of the older version has long been depleted. They do not carry the newer brake accumulator bowl that is now available. Our Part # 6697 - 1985-1987 Turbo Regal - Reproduction Brake Accumulator Bowl.
URGENT REQUEST FOR STEERING WHEEL CORES -
We need original 1986-1987 Turbo Regal steering wheel cores. Currently we will issue you a $50 Letter of Credit for any useable cores in any color you send us.
Please help us help others maintain their cars by cashing in your useable steering wheel core. The steering wheel can be any color, but it can't be bent.
NEW PRODUCTS AVAILABLE FROM US -
1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) - REBUILT WIPER MOTOR
Because of the age of these cars, the wiper motor may not be working properly or may have failed.
This rebuilt wiper motor is the correct setup, which will accept the original intermittent wiper option and washer pump assembly.
You will need to remove and re-install your original washer pump assembly and intermittent housing, since it does not come with this rebuilt unit. Unfortunately, we are not able to get the washer pump or the intermittent circuit at this time.
No core is required.
NOTE - We also offer the three Wiper Motor Bushings, Part #7467. These bushings are used to secure the wiper motor to the firewall.
Another nice engine restoration item.
7468 - 1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) - Rebuilt Wiper Motor $61.95
Here is a link to this Rebuilt Wiper Motor on our website.
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44030/REBUILT%E2%80%88WIPER+MOTOR+%237468.html
1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) - WIPER MOTOR BUSHINGS (3) KIT
Because of the age of these cars, the three rubber bushings that secure the wiper motor to the firewall can be in bad shape or crushed.
This kit includes the three rubber bushings with the metal inserts, which secure the wiper motor to the firewall.
NOTE - We also offer a Rebuilt Wiper Motor bushings, Part #7468.
Another nice engine restoration item.
7467 - 1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) - Wiper Motor Bushings (3) Kit - $7.95 / kit
Here is a link to this Wiper Motor Bushings Kit on the website.
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44031/WIPER+MOTOR+BUSHINGS+%283%29+KIT+%237467.html
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].
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 -
Anyone good at building plastic models?
I have a model of a car we used to own that I like to get built. I lack the patience and skill to do it right. If you want it as a project - email me - [email protected]