Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 03-23-2016 -
REPRODUCTION ALUMINUM BRAKE DRUMS UPDATE -
I received my actual production sample from A1 Cardone the other day. The quality is excellent I am told the drum is Dynamic balanced, which means both static up and down and side-to-side forces are balanced.
I do not have actual specifications or prices as of yet. However, I do have two major companies that want an entire skid of them once they are available. I have several other companies wanting more information. In all the years I been in business I have never seen a new aluminum GM brake drum.
When I put the reproduction aluminum brake drum next to the used ones on our personal car that were blasted and turned, these look far better in appearance.
PHOTO 1 - We show several photos of the new reproduction aluminum brake drum and the original used aluminum GM brake drum off our car.
A1 Cardone did a remarkable job on the reproduction, as it is dead on the same as the original GM aluminum drum. There is virtually no detectable difference between the two aluminum brake drums. A steel drum weighs in at 15 lbs 10 ounces and the new aluminum drum weighs in at 10 lbs 2.5 ounces. If there is one rule of thumb that all racers agree on, it is anytime you can shed weight, it works in your favor! This is rotating weight, which is an added bonus. Our car also has the aluminum front and rear bumper supports, hollow larger GM front sway bar, and aluminum driveshaft. The other major benefit is our car has very few options, which means less weight.
Watch for more information and prices once A1 Cardone releases that information to me.
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? -
Can you believe the prices at some of the collectable car auctions that the VW Beetle and VW buses are starting to bring. When prices hit $30,000 to $50,000 I found that amazing. Now several have passed the $100,000 mark, including a 1960 VW bug owned by Jerry Seinfield that was sold recently. His 1960 VW Beetle fetched $121,000 dollars the other week, among a fleet of his Porsches he sold at the same auction. The claim is this Beetle only had 15,000 original miles and was the last year for the huge 36 horsepower engine. I think some of the current farm tractors today have more horsepower than that!
Seinfield’s 1964 VW camper sold for $99,000, so between the two VWs, the total was just north of $200,000! Maybe we should turn our sights into hunting down VWs?
If you or I had a collection of Porsche models that Seinfeld owns, would you waste time driving a 36 horsepower VW?
In the last several months a VW speciality restoration shop has opened up about a mile from our warehouse. They already have several bugs and buses in the parking lot in the process of being restored.
I should have held onto the split-windshield VW bus that I sold on ebay about 10 years ago to a person in Texas. I actually trailered the VW bus to Bowling Green and he met me there as I attended the GS Nationals that year.
In all my years of car buying, I only recall having taken in trade one used VW Beetle. In our area, which is the rustbelt, these little cars did not hold up well. One weak point was the flooring where the battery sat. The heat was a joke. It just amazes me that these cars can bring that much money today.
QUICK STORY ABOUT THE VW BUS WE HAD -
Many years ago (late 1970s) when we first started selling GTO parts, we also ran a towing business. We had just started our GTO mail-order business. I would put the packages for UPS shipping out on the front porch, which had an overhang in case it rained, and UPS would pick the boxes up in the afternoon.
Within a few years, we were shipping so many boxes that we needed to find another way. One day I spotted a VW window van for sale for $150. It ran, but needed a lot of work. It was already gutted, which was ideal for why I wanted it. That was the last year for the split windshield, which today is very desirable. At the time I could care less on whether it had a one-piece or a two-piece windshield. I towed it home and it became the UPS van. Our UPS driver knew all the packages for pick up were in the VW van each day.
At some point the business outgrew the VW window van. I then located a Divco truck that I convinced my friend to sell me. These trucks were mainly used to deliver milk in the 1950s and 1960s. For those of you too young to remember, milk used to be delivered to private homes.
Like the VW bus, Divco milk trucks have become highly sought after today. Ours was the small Divco model, which is really in demand now. I believe it was a 1950 model.
The word Divco stands for Detroit Industrial Vehicle Company. Ours still had the original dairy company wording on it. So, then we had two vehicles for UPS pick ups at our old house. Later I would also acquire an early 1960s Ford van thinking we would need it in a few years.
At some point I was taking a picture of a Grand National I had for sale, and the Divco truck appeared in the background. A friend of Rick Hunt (owner of the Xray GNX) wanted to build a street rod using a Divco truck. He made me an offer that was way more than I paid for it, so I sold it. Looking back I realize in many ways the VW bus and Divco truck had the same build format. Both companies kept the same basic design for many years and only made very small changes in their appearance. Ironically today, at our current house I have a Chrysler minivan that we store lawn stuff in!
PHOTO 2 - I managed to find 2 photos of the Divco Milk truck. You can see the VW bus next to it in the photo on the right. It appears to be pulled out from its parking spot on our driveway to be loaded up for its trip to Michigan to its new home in the photo on the left. These trucks were built with some pretty thick steel, since I remember it did not roll very easy.
FROM OUR ARCHIVES -
From our archives the last and best would be the 1987 Buick Press Kit. It would also be the most sought after Press Kit to find today. Of course, the big news for 1987 was the announcement about the distribution plan for the limited edition GNX, a higher-performance edition of the Buick Regal Grand National to be produced by ASC Incorporated.
This single one-page Press Release said that 500 GNX models would be made. We all know that number was expanded to 547. It said orders must be placed through a Buick dealership that has been allocated a GNX. Distribution of the GNX to dealers was based on their total retail deliveries in the 1986 calendar year, factoring in additional credit for Regal deliveries. So, with that being said, allocation was not simply based on the number of Regals sold in the 1986 calendar year.
The ASC price tag was $10,995 on top of the Buick’s MSRP of $18,295. As any GNX owners know, the GNX got almost every possible option minus the T-Tops or the astroroof. Also left off the standard list of features on the GNX was RPO code KO5 the engine block heater. Of course, the more options, the bigger the price tag and the bigger the profit margins for Buick.
What many GNX owners may not realize is there is a code listed on the printed ASC Window Sticker as T2L, which stands for “SPECIAL HANDLING FOR GNX.” For whatever reason That T2L code is not spelled out in any of the GM Production Option Booklets that I have found until the March 2001 issue.
Prior to that printed booklet it simply states T2L Identification ISO Symbols. In the March 2001 GM Production Option Booklets it breaks it down and shows T2L for 1987 as the GNX package, then it lists T2L again for 1991 - 1999 Identification ISO Symbols. With that being said, it appears this went unnoticed. It never appeared and any of the Option booklets until the March 2001 issue. I have never had a GM Production Option Booklet dated after March 2001. My thinking is they probably stopped printing them because of the internet, like so many other printed manuals. Again, this is just my guess.
So, besides the T2L code appearing on your ASC McLaren Window Sticker, it will also appear on the SPID label on the trunk lid. That code T2L is probably the most important code that signifies a Buick/ASC built GNX. This is just another critical thing to look at when considering buying a high-dollar GNX.
As time goes on and more and more “clone” or “fake” GNXs get built, this code may be the one that is toughest to duplicate. Over the years, I know of several used car dealers that have mistaken a Turbo Regal as a Grand National on a trade thinking they got a car worth some good money only to learn later that they been taken.
PHOTO 3 - We show a blank reproduction preprinted ASC McLaren Window Sticker and indicate the T2L code with an arrow.
In the Photo 4 we show the factory GM Production Options booklet dated March 2001. To my knowledge this is the only edition of this GM Production Options booklet that correctly identifies the T2L code, stating it is for the 1987 GNX package. (See our Rare Parts section as I have two of these March 2001 original GM Production Options booklets for sale.)
PHOTO 4 - We show the cover of the March 2001 GM Production Options Booklet on the left. On the right we show an inside 2-page spread. The T2L code appears on the page on the left near the bottom. I am sure it is not readable since the print is so small.
MORE NEXT WEEK ON THE GNX FROM OUR ARCHIVES -
PYPES EXHAUST NOW BACK IN STOCK -
We now have the popular Pypes Performance Dual Exhaust Systems back in stock, Part # 6996.
Here is a link to this part on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/406/PYPES+PERFORMANCE+DUAL+EXHAUST+SYSTEM+%28Non-Polished+Stainless+Steel%29+%236996.html
PREPARING FOR OUR SPRING OPEN HOUSE -
If you are planning on attending our Spring Open House and want to buy the Spoolfool one-piece rear filler, be sure to place your order soon so we have one set aside for you.
The same goes for the Pypes dual exhaust system. In either case we would not charge you until the day of our show.
Remember, we are always in the market for good used Turbo Regal parts that you can “cash in” as trade value towards items you want and need. Bring any cores, especially turbo cores, which we need.
GROUNDBREAKING NEWS FROM NIKE -
This is ground breaking news from Nike the sneaker company. Coming in time for the holiday season Nike will have slip on sneakers that when you press a button the laces tighten up automatically and the shoe even lights up. This project was ten years in the making. I guess a few simple Velcro straps takes too long to do? Be prepared to spend 3 hours waiting for the battery to recharge when it needs to be recharged. Nike says the battery charge should last a few weeks. No word on pricing yet. Time will tell if this product will create a huge demand or not.
COMING NEXT WEEK -
We will show samples of the new business project we are doing. We already have several local companies that will be offering it to their customers.
We have found a company that can direct print on acrylic in full color. It’s a high-quality print format that is quite reasonable. It’s a flat single cost. It doesn’t matter if it’s full color or black and white.
This machine that does the printing is capable of printing on material that can be as thick as 1 inch and the material can be as wide as 8 feet. For our project he is using 1/8 thick acrylic. The machine that does the printing costs over $100,000, so there are not company’s to offer this type of printing.
We then have another local company make brushed aluminum display boxes, complete with LED lighting.
The image size of the smaller acrylic sign is 17-1/2" x 10". Allow at least 1" around the design, which will be hidden by the metal display box frame. The smaller aluminum box frame is 17-3/4" x 10-1/4" x 1-3/4" and comes with a 4' electric cord.
The image size of the acrylic sign is 23-1/2" x 15-1/2". Allow at least 1" around the design, which will be hidden by the metal display box frame. The larger aluminum box frame is 23-3/4" x 15-3/4" x 1-3/4" and comes with a 4' electric cord.
The image can be printed vertical (portrait) or horizontal (landscape) onto the 1/8" thick acrylic material.
The end result is a beautiful eye-catching sign for your business, garage or home. We can even do photos if you have a digital file. Everyone likes to see their name or company in lights.
The price structure is very reasonable. For example, if you have a digital file of your car, we can have it printed and mounted in an aluminum frame box with LED lighted for less than $165 in the larger 23-1/2 x 15-1/2 size. For best results, the image dpi must be at least 300 resolution.
We can also sell the printed acrylic without the lighted display frame. The small one on 1/8 thick acrylic 17-1/2 x 10 would run just $29.95 and the larger one on 1/8 acrylic 23-1/2 x 15-1/2 would be just $49.95. Prices do not include shipping.
We will have special retail pricing for our Buick customers. This is for a custom-made single sign. You would be hard pressed to find a better price on what we can offer. We will have various samples on display at our Spring Open House. The ideas are endless.
We will also be offering wholesale pricing.
For more details and photos email me direct - [email protected]
CLASSIFIED AD SPOTTED THIS WEEK ON LOCAL CRAIGS LIST -
I spotted this unusual ad on Craigs list. If every detail is true, I would think someone at the BMW zone level would be curious as to why this happened and offer to offset some of the costs to repair it. I don’t think I would be as calm as the seller in his presentation of this ad!
Here’s how the ad reads:
Selling my BMW M3, no engine. It is a 2006, one owner, garage kept, 6 speed manual trans, black convertible top, jet black exterior, and cinnamon leather interior. I have EVERY maintenance record, adult driven, never beaten.
Packages: Cold weather package, xenon headlights, navigation system, harman/kardon sound system. aluminum interior trim, 19 inch wheels with performance tires, alarm system, tinted windows, rear spoiler. Dynamic stability control, M Variable diff lock.
The engine died on me last week with 84,000 miles on it. BMW has no explanation as to why but it happened. Life sucks sometimes.
Serious inquires only.
REPRODUCTION GNX-STYLE DASH FOR SALE -
Complete pre-mounted GNX dash for sale. All of the cutting, fitting and alignment work is complete, just wire the dash and install the entire unit.
Kit Includes:
Applique with correct color indicators
Metal mounting plate
Plastic gauge bezel
Stock pre-cut cluster harness
Stock dash bezel (pre-cut with plastic gauge bezel attached)
New Stewart Warner speedometer with upper speedometer cable
New Stewart Warner tachometer
New Stewart Warner oil pressure gauge with sending unit
New Stewart Warner water temperature gauge with sending unit
New Stewart Warner fuel gauge
New Stewart Warner vacuum/ boost gauge
Plug-and-play harness
$2,250 plus shipping
This one was hand built by a good friend of ours who owns 3 Grand Nationals and has built several of these.
It comes with stock bezel already pre-cut so you do not have to cut your dash bezel. This kit eliminates any possible issues of trial and error since they have built several of these.
Buyer would have to inform us which dash is currently in the car - either digital or analog.
If interested, email me direct - [email protected] - I can provide photos.
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 $25 Letter of Credit for each core that can be rebuilt.
URGENT NEED - TURBO CORES must be the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal stock ones. 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 -
ATTN - DENNIS
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
PO BOX 1199
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.
VEHICLES FOR SALE -
From time to time, whenever we spot an unusual or an exceptional car or truck for sale, or one we have for sale, we will put a blurb in our weekly Inner Circle. Also, any cars that our customers have for sale will be featured here and you can see their car with photos on our website. In this category, we will run the descriptions for two-to-three weeks and, if there is no interest in that particular vehicle, it will be deleted the following week. Any new vehicles that we add will appear first, so the oldest listing would be at the end of this section.
If any of these vehicles perk your interest, email me personally - [email protected] - for more information and photos.
TIPS AND IDEAS YOU HAVE TRIED -
If you have a tip or a discovery that you found that works on your Turbo Regal, drop us an email giving us the details so we can pass the info on to our readers. Remember, even with my knowledge, I don’t know it all. Simply email me at - [email protected]
NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -
1978-1988 GM G-Body, Including Buick Turbo Regal -
BOLT-IN REAR SHOCK TOWER BRACE & HARDWARE
This 100% jig built, bolt-in brace ties the rear upper shock mounts together to share the load and stiffen the chassis. Strong 1-1/4" tubing is MIG welded to 3/16" thick laser cut brackets for a perfect fit.
This brace is designed to clear all of the popular exhaust systems and works equally well on coil over setups and traditional spring/shock combinations. Overall distance from floor to the bottom of the brace is approximately 5".
All UMI products are built from US steel, then they are powder coated black. Hardware is included to makes this a true, easy bolt-in installation.
Features:
Manufactured from 1-1/4" USA Tubing
CNC laser cut 3/16" mounting brackets
Grade 8 hardware included
Easy bolt-in installation with basic hand tools
Powder-coated black for a durable long-lasting finish
Made in the USA by UMI
Our top photo shows the brace and the hardware. The lower photos show this rear shock tower brace installed on a car with coil over springs. NOTE - The brace in the photos is red, but we only offer it in black.
NOTE - You may also be interested in these related parts - #1586 Powder-coated Black Rear Seat Frame Brace Kit® and #7169 Reproduction GNX Rear Seat Brace Kit (5) Set.
Another excellent way to stiffen the suspension on your car.
7715 - 1978-1988 GM G-Body, Including Buick Turbo Regal -
Bolt-In Rear Shock Tower Brace and Hardware - $130
Here is a link to this Shock Tower Brace on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44295/BOLT-IN+REAR+SHOCK+TOWER+BRACE+%26+HARDWARE+%237715.html
1984-1989 ALL GM Car Models, Including Buick Turbo Regal -
GM LICENSED DOOR JAMB VIN DATA DECALS
Every 1978-1987 G-body car had 2 tamper-proof door jamb VIN data decals. It’s impossible to remove the originals decals without destroying them. These decals are required by Federal Law to be printed on tamper-proof paper. These important decals show the car’s date of manufacture and the 17-digit VIN number. In many cases, your original decals may no longer be readable, may be missing, or may have paint overspray on them. We will have a display board at our Spring Open House showing all the GM car door jamb VIN data decals from 1969 through 1989.
You can email me direct [email protected] as we also can supply the correct reproductions for every GM car model from 1969 through 1989.
NOTE - Here is the link to view this on our website. Our website gives you all the information that we need to know in order to get you correct reproduction door jamb VIN data decals.
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/inner_circle.php?nak=394
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 -
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS SPRING OPEN HOUSE -
Saturday, April 30rd, 2016 - 9 am - 2 pm -
NOTE - The date was changed to APRIL 30th
Once again free Yum Yum donuts and coffee will be available in the morning. Terry Shaw will be conducting a seminar on the importance of having your car appraised.
We will have several unique limited production items available for sale at this event. Also samples of our new project. Although not strictly car related we can do car photos as well. This is a very unique format done on a special machine. In my immediate area I only know of two companies that have this machine.
We will be awarding 3 different trophies at our Spring Open House courtesy of Russ and Nancy. One will be for Longest Distance driven in a Turbo Regal to our event. Another trophy will be awarded for the car needing the most TLC, meaning the one Turbo Regal needing the most tender loving care. Last but not least, Kirban’s Choice award, which will be one that I pick that I feel is one I like or represents a car that I would buy.
Russ and Nancy have agreed to do the cooking. The luncheon is strictly by donation with all proceeds going to PBS, which Russ and Nancy support.
This is the only Open House we are doing this year, so you don’t want to miss it.
Most of our website products will be specially priced. We will have an array of used parts for sale, our M&M contest, and our no reserve auction. This event has no rain date.
TURBO BUICK/RICHARD CLARK EVENT - May 4th - May 7th, 2016 - Burlington, NC
This event is held at Richard Clark’s shop, located at 2557 Faucette Lane, Burlington, NC. If you have never been to his shop before, it would be a great event to attend. Once again, I am the MC for the free luncheon on Thursday. We will be at this event as a vendor. Bring any cores you want to cash in for a Letter of Credit. The event moves to the nearby racetrack for Friday and Saturday.
For more information, go to turbobuick.com and look for this under “Events for 2016.” I know that Mike Barnard (owner of Spoolfool), Nick Micale from Arizona, G-Body, Pete Hoffman, and our company will be in attendance.
RIDE ON MOLLY 6 - Saturday, May 21st, 2016 - California
For more information, contact Alan DeCarr - [email protected]
This event is now in its 6th year since Molly’s passing.
PYPES EXHAUST & MAX PERFORMANCE OPEN HOUSE CAR SHOW - June 18th, 2016 -
Held at their Headquarters, 2705 Clemens Road, Hatfield, PA 19440
This event has no rain date. Open to all American Muscle cars and trucks.
For more details, contact - [email protected]
This is a huge event that I usually attend, however, this year I can’t since it’s the same weekend as GM at Carlisle and I’m speaking both days at GM Carlisle.
GM CARLISLE - June 17th-19th, 2016
I am a guest speaker at this event both Friday and Saturday. I’ll be talking on Hurst, Hurst/Olds, and also about the door jamb VIN data decals. Seminars are always free at Carlisle.
Now that our granddaughter has a 2012 Camaro SS, she is planning on attending and showing her car. Carlisle is one of the largest swap meet facilities in the country. If you are planning on attending, bring any cores you want to cash in for a Letter of Credit. I will be able to take them. This will be the second year I been a guest speaker at Carlisle and it’s quite an honor. Over the years I have spoken at several National Pontiac and GTO conventions.
Check their website to see dates of all their upcoming 2016 events - carlisleevents.com
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]
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 -
As our date for the Spring Open House draws closer, we will be deleting some of the items from this Rare Parts list and not adding any new ones. This way we can have a good assortment of parts for our Spring Open House and for the TurboBuick/Richard Clark event the following week.
We will have some cool items for sale that are not advertised available at our Spring Open House. Make sure you plan to attend.
REPRODUCTION ALUMINUM BRAKE DRUMS UPDATE -
I received my actual production sample from A1 Cardone the other day. The quality is excellent I am told the drum is Dynamic balanced, which means both static up and down and side-to-side forces are balanced.
I do not have actual specifications or prices as of yet. However, I do have two major companies that want an entire skid of them once they are available. I have several other companies wanting more information. In all the years I been in business I have never seen a new aluminum GM brake drum.
When I put the reproduction aluminum brake drum next to the used ones on our personal car that were blasted and turned, these look far better in appearance.
PHOTO 1 - We show several photos of the new reproduction aluminum brake drum and the original used aluminum GM brake drum off our car.
A1 Cardone did a remarkable job on the reproduction, as it is dead on the same as the original GM aluminum drum. There is virtually no detectable difference between the two aluminum brake drums. A steel drum weighs in at 15 lbs 10 ounces and the new aluminum drum weighs in at 10 lbs 2.5 ounces. If there is one rule of thumb that all racers agree on, it is anytime you can shed weight, it works in your favor! This is rotating weight, which is an added bonus. Our car also has the aluminum front and rear bumper supports, hollow larger GM front sway bar, and aluminum driveshaft. The other major benefit is our car has very few options, which means less weight.
Watch for more information and prices once A1 Cardone releases that information to me.
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? -
Can you believe the prices at some of the collectable car auctions that the VW Beetle and VW buses are starting to bring. When prices hit $30,000 to $50,000 I found that amazing. Now several have passed the $100,000 mark, including a 1960 VW bug owned by Jerry Seinfield that was sold recently. His 1960 VW Beetle fetched $121,000 dollars the other week, among a fleet of his Porsches he sold at the same auction. The claim is this Beetle only had 15,000 original miles and was the last year for the huge 36 horsepower engine. I think some of the current farm tractors today have more horsepower than that!
Seinfield’s 1964 VW camper sold for $99,000, so between the two VWs, the total was just north of $200,000! Maybe we should turn our sights into hunting down VWs?
If you or I had a collection of Porsche models that Seinfeld owns, would you waste time driving a 36 horsepower VW?
In the last several months a VW speciality restoration shop has opened up about a mile from our warehouse. They already have several bugs and buses in the parking lot in the process of being restored.
I should have held onto the split-windshield VW bus that I sold on ebay about 10 years ago to a person in Texas. I actually trailered the VW bus to Bowling Green and he met me there as I attended the GS Nationals that year.
In all my years of car buying, I only recall having taken in trade one used VW Beetle. In our area, which is the rustbelt, these little cars did not hold up well. One weak point was the flooring where the battery sat. The heat was a joke. It just amazes me that these cars can bring that much money today.
QUICK STORY ABOUT THE VW BUS WE HAD -
Many years ago (late 1970s) when we first started selling GTO parts, we also ran a towing business. We had just started our GTO mail-order business. I would put the packages for UPS shipping out on the front porch, which had an overhang in case it rained, and UPS would pick the boxes up in the afternoon.
Within a few years, we were shipping so many boxes that we needed to find another way. One day I spotted a VW window van for sale for $150. It ran, but needed a lot of work. It was already gutted, which was ideal for why I wanted it. That was the last year for the split windshield, which today is very desirable. At the time I could care less on whether it had a one-piece or a two-piece windshield. I towed it home and it became the UPS van. Our UPS driver knew all the packages for pick up were in the VW van each day.
At some point the business outgrew the VW window van. I then located a Divco truck that I convinced my friend to sell me. These trucks were mainly used to deliver milk in the 1950s and 1960s. For those of you too young to remember, milk used to be delivered to private homes.
Like the VW bus, Divco milk trucks have become highly sought after today. Ours was the small Divco model, which is really in demand now. I believe it was a 1950 model.
The word Divco stands for Detroit Industrial Vehicle Company. Ours still had the original dairy company wording on it. So, then we had two vehicles for UPS pick ups at our old house. Later I would also acquire an early 1960s Ford van thinking we would need it in a few years.
At some point I was taking a picture of a Grand National I had for sale, and the Divco truck appeared in the background. A friend of Rick Hunt (owner of the Xray GNX) wanted to build a street rod using a Divco truck. He made me an offer that was way more than I paid for it, so I sold it. Looking back I realize in many ways the VW bus and Divco truck had the same build format. Both companies kept the same basic design for many years and only made very small changes in their appearance. Ironically today, at our current house I have a Chrysler minivan that we store lawn stuff in!
PHOTO 2 - I managed to find 2 photos of the Divco Milk truck. You can see the VW bus next to it in the photo on the right. It appears to be pulled out from its parking spot on our driveway to be loaded up for its trip to Michigan to its new home in the photo on the left. These trucks were built with some pretty thick steel, since I remember it did not roll very easy.
FROM OUR ARCHIVES -
From our archives the last and best would be the 1987 Buick Press Kit. It would also be the most sought after Press Kit to find today. Of course, the big news for 1987 was the announcement about the distribution plan for the limited edition GNX, a higher-performance edition of the Buick Regal Grand National to be produced by ASC Incorporated.
This single one-page Press Release said that 500 GNX models would be made. We all know that number was expanded to 547. It said orders must be placed through a Buick dealership that has been allocated a GNX. Distribution of the GNX to dealers was based on their total retail deliveries in the 1986 calendar year, factoring in additional credit for Regal deliveries. So, with that being said, allocation was not simply based on the number of Regals sold in the 1986 calendar year.
The ASC price tag was $10,995 on top of the Buick’s MSRP of $18,295. As any GNX owners know, the GNX got almost every possible option minus the T-Tops or the astroroof. Also left off the standard list of features on the GNX was RPO code KO5 the engine block heater. Of course, the more options, the bigger the price tag and the bigger the profit margins for Buick.
What many GNX owners may not realize is there is a code listed on the printed ASC Window Sticker as T2L, which stands for “SPECIAL HANDLING FOR GNX.” For whatever reason That T2L code is not spelled out in any of the GM Production Option Booklets that I have found until the March 2001 issue.
Prior to that printed booklet it simply states T2L Identification ISO Symbols. In the March 2001 GM Production Option Booklets it breaks it down and shows T2L for 1987 as the GNX package, then it lists T2L again for 1991 - 1999 Identification ISO Symbols. With that being said, it appears this went unnoticed. It never appeared and any of the Option booklets until the March 2001 issue. I have never had a GM Production Option Booklet dated after March 2001. My thinking is they probably stopped printing them because of the internet, like so many other printed manuals. Again, this is just my guess.
So, besides the T2L code appearing on your ASC McLaren Window Sticker, it will also appear on the SPID label on the trunk lid. That code T2L is probably the most important code that signifies a Buick/ASC built GNX. This is just another critical thing to look at when considering buying a high-dollar GNX.
As time goes on and more and more “clone” or “fake” GNXs get built, this code may be the one that is toughest to duplicate. Over the years, I know of several used car dealers that have mistaken a Turbo Regal as a Grand National on a trade thinking they got a car worth some good money only to learn later that they been taken.
PHOTO 3 - We show a blank reproduction preprinted ASC McLaren Window Sticker and indicate the T2L code with an arrow.
In the Photo 4 we show the factory GM Production Options booklet dated March 2001. To my knowledge this is the only edition of this GM Production Options booklet that correctly identifies the T2L code, stating it is for the 1987 GNX package. (See our Rare Parts section as I have two of these March 2001 original GM Production Options booklets for sale.)
PHOTO 4 - We show the cover of the March 2001 GM Production Options Booklet on the left. On the right we show an inside 2-page spread. The T2L code appears on the page on the left near the bottom. I am sure it is not readable since the print is so small.
MORE NEXT WEEK ON THE GNX FROM OUR ARCHIVES -
PYPES EXHAUST NOW BACK IN STOCK -
We now have the popular Pypes Performance Dual Exhaust Systems back in stock, Part # 6996.
Here is a link to this part on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/406/PYPES+PERFORMANCE+DUAL+EXHAUST+SYSTEM+%28Non-Polished+Stainless+Steel%29+%236996.html
PREPARING FOR OUR SPRING OPEN HOUSE -
If you are planning on attending our Spring Open House and want to buy the Spoolfool one-piece rear filler, be sure to place your order soon so we have one set aside for you.
The same goes for the Pypes dual exhaust system. In either case we would not charge you until the day of our show.
Remember, we are always in the market for good used Turbo Regal parts that you can “cash in” as trade value towards items you want and need. Bring any cores, especially turbo cores, which we need.
GROUNDBREAKING NEWS FROM NIKE -
This is ground breaking news from Nike the sneaker company. Coming in time for the holiday season Nike will have slip on sneakers that when you press a button the laces tighten up automatically and the shoe even lights up. This project was ten years in the making. I guess a few simple Velcro straps takes too long to do? Be prepared to spend 3 hours waiting for the battery to recharge when it needs to be recharged. Nike says the battery charge should last a few weeks. No word on pricing yet. Time will tell if this product will create a huge demand or not.
COMING NEXT WEEK -
We will show samples of the new business project we are doing. We already have several local companies that will be offering it to their customers.
We have found a company that can direct print on acrylic in full color. It’s a high-quality print format that is quite reasonable. It’s a flat single cost. It doesn’t matter if it’s full color or black and white.
This machine that does the printing is capable of printing on material that can be as thick as 1 inch and the material can be as wide as 8 feet. For our project he is using 1/8 thick acrylic. The machine that does the printing costs over $100,000, so there are not company’s to offer this type of printing.
We then have another local company make brushed aluminum display boxes, complete with LED lighting.
The image size of the smaller acrylic sign is 17-1/2" x 10". Allow at least 1" around the design, which will be hidden by the metal display box frame. The smaller aluminum box frame is 17-3/4" x 10-1/4" x 1-3/4" and comes with a 4' electric cord.
The image size of the acrylic sign is 23-1/2" x 15-1/2". Allow at least 1" around the design, which will be hidden by the metal display box frame. The larger aluminum box frame is 23-3/4" x 15-3/4" x 1-3/4" and comes with a 4' electric cord.
The image can be printed vertical (portrait) or horizontal (landscape) onto the 1/8" thick acrylic material.
The end result is a beautiful eye-catching sign for your business, garage or home. We can even do photos if you have a digital file. Everyone likes to see their name or company in lights.
The price structure is very reasonable. For example, if you have a digital file of your car, we can have it printed and mounted in an aluminum frame box with LED lighted for less than $165 in the larger 23-1/2 x 15-1/2 size. For best results, the image dpi must be at least 300 resolution.
We can also sell the printed acrylic without the lighted display frame. The small one on 1/8 thick acrylic 17-1/2 x 10 would run just $29.95 and the larger one on 1/8 acrylic 23-1/2 x 15-1/2 would be just $49.95. Prices do not include shipping.
We will have special retail pricing for our Buick customers. This is for a custom-made single sign. You would be hard pressed to find a better price on what we can offer. We will have various samples on display at our Spring Open House. The ideas are endless.
We will also be offering wholesale pricing.
For more details and photos email me direct - [email protected]
CLASSIFIED AD SPOTTED THIS WEEK ON LOCAL CRAIGS LIST -
I spotted this unusual ad on Craigs list. If every detail is true, I would think someone at the BMW zone level would be curious as to why this happened and offer to offset some of the costs to repair it. I don’t think I would be as calm as the seller in his presentation of this ad!
Here’s how the ad reads:
Selling my BMW M3, no engine. It is a 2006, one owner, garage kept, 6 speed manual trans, black convertible top, jet black exterior, and cinnamon leather interior. I have EVERY maintenance record, adult driven, never beaten.
Packages: Cold weather package, xenon headlights, navigation system, harman/kardon sound system. aluminum interior trim, 19 inch wheels with performance tires, alarm system, tinted windows, rear spoiler. Dynamic stability control, M Variable diff lock.
The engine died on me last week with 84,000 miles on it. BMW has no explanation as to why but it happened. Life sucks sometimes.
Serious inquires only.
REPRODUCTION GNX-STYLE DASH FOR SALE -
Complete pre-mounted GNX dash for sale. All of the cutting, fitting and alignment work is complete, just wire the dash and install the entire unit.
Kit Includes:
Applique with correct color indicators
Metal mounting plate
Plastic gauge bezel
Stock pre-cut cluster harness
Stock dash bezel (pre-cut with plastic gauge bezel attached)
New Stewart Warner speedometer with upper speedometer cable
New Stewart Warner tachometer
New Stewart Warner oil pressure gauge with sending unit
New Stewart Warner water temperature gauge with sending unit
New Stewart Warner fuel gauge
New Stewart Warner vacuum/ boost gauge
Plug-and-play harness
$2,250 plus shipping
This one was hand built by a good friend of ours who owns 3 Grand Nationals and has built several of these.
It comes with stock bezel already pre-cut so you do not have to cut your dash bezel. This kit eliminates any possible issues of trial and error since they have built several of these.
Buyer would have to inform us which dash is currently in the car - either digital or analog.
If interested, email me direct - [email protected] - I can provide photos.
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 $25 Letter of Credit for each core that can be rebuilt.
URGENT NEED - TURBO CORES must be the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal stock ones. 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 -
ATTN - DENNIS
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
PO BOX 1199
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.
VEHICLES FOR SALE -
From time to time, whenever we spot an unusual or an exceptional car or truck for sale, or one we have for sale, we will put a blurb in our weekly Inner Circle. Also, any cars that our customers have for sale will be featured here and you can see their car with photos on our website. In this category, we will run the descriptions for two-to-three weeks and, if there is no interest in that particular vehicle, it will be deleted the following week. Any new vehicles that we add will appear first, so the oldest listing would be at the end of this section.
If any of these vehicles perk your interest, email me personally - [email protected] - for more information and photos.
TIPS AND IDEAS YOU HAVE TRIED -
If you have a tip or a discovery that you found that works on your Turbo Regal, drop us an email giving us the details so we can pass the info on to our readers. Remember, even with my knowledge, I don’t know it all. Simply email me at - [email protected]
NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -
1978-1988 GM G-Body, Including Buick Turbo Regal -
BOLT-IN REAR SHOCK TOWER BRACE & HARDWARE
This 100% jig built, bolt-in brace ties the rear upper shock mounts together to share the load and stiffen the chassis. Strong 1-1/4" tubing is MIG welded to 3/16" thick laser cut brackets for a perfect fit.
This brace is designed to clear all of the popular exhaust systems and works equally well on coil over setups and traditional spring/shock combinations. Overall distance from floor to the bottom of the brace is approximately 5".
All UMI products are built from US steel, then they are powder coated black. Hardware is included to makes this a true, easy bolt-in installation.
Features:
Manufactured from 1-1/4" USA Tubing
CNC laser cut 3/16" mounting brackets
Grade 8 hardware included
Easy bolt-in installation with basic hand tools
Powder-coated black for a durable long-lasting finish
Made in the USA by UMI
Our top photo shows the brace and the hardware. The lower photos show this rear shock tower brace installed on a car with coil over springs. NOTE - The brace in the photos is red, but we only offer it in black.
NOTE - You may also be interested in these related parts - #1586 Powder-coated Black Rear Seat Frame Brace Kit® and #7169 Reproduction GNX Rear Seat Brace Kit (5) Set.
Another excellent way to stiffen the suspension on your car.
7715 - 1978-1988 GM G-Body, Including Buick Turbo Regal -
Bolt-In Rear Shock Tower Brace and Hardware - $130
Here is a link to this Shock Tower Brace on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44295/BOLT-IN+REAR+SHOCK+TOWER+BRACE+%26+HARDWARE+%237715.html
1984-1989 ALL GM Car Models, Including Buick Turbo Regal -
GM LICENSED DOOR JAMB VIN DATA DECALS
Every 1978-1987 G-body car had 2 tamper-proof door jamb VIN data decals. It’s impossible to remove the originals decals without destroying them. These decals are required by Federal Law to be printed on tamper-proof paper. These important decals show the car’s date of manufacture and the 17-digit VIN number. In many cases, your original decals may no longer be readable, may be missing, or may have paint overspray on them. We will have a display board at our Spring Open House showing all the GM car door jamb VIN data decals from 1969 through 1989.
You can email me direct [email protected] as we also can supply the correct reproductions for every GM car model from 1969 through 1989.
NOTE - Here is the link to view this on our website. Our website gives you all the information that we need to know in order to get you correct reproduction door jamb VIN data decals.
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/inner_circle.php?nak=394
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 -
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS SPRING OPEN HOUSE -
Saturday, April 30rd, 2016 - 9 am - 2 pm -
NOTE - The date was changed to APRIL 30th
Once again free Yum Yum donuts and coffee will be available in the morning. Terry Shaw will be conducting a seminar on the importance of having your car appraised.
We will have several unique limited production items available for sale at this event. Also samples of our new project. Although not strictly car related we can do car photos as well. This is a very unique format done on a special machine. In my immediate area I only know of two companies that have this machine.
We will be awarding 3 different trophies at our Spring Open House courtesy of Russ and Nancy. One will be for Longest Distance driven in a Turbo Regal to our event. Another trophy will be awarded for the car needing the most TLC, meaning the one Turbo Regal needing the most tender loving care. Last but not least, Kirban’s Choice award, which will be one that I pick that I feel is one I like or represents a car that I would buy.
Russ and Nancy have agreed to do the cooking. The luncheon is strictly by donation with all proceeds going to PBS, which Russ and Nancy support.
This is the only Open House we are doing this year, so you don’t want to miss it.
Most of our website products will be specially priced. We will have an array of used parts for sale, our M&M contest, and our no reserve auction. This event has no rain date.
TURBO BUICK/RICHARD CLARK EVENT - May 4th - May 7th, 2016 - Burlington, NC
This event is held at Richard Clark’s shop, located at 2557 Faucette Lane, Burlington, NC. If you have never been to his shop before, it would be a great event to attend. Once again, I am the MC for the free luncheon on Thursday. We will be at this event as a vendor. Bring any cores you want to cash in for a Letter of Credit. The event moves to the nearby racetrack for Friday and Saturday.
For more information, go to turbobuick.com and look for this under “Events for 2016.” I know that Mike Barnard (owner of Spoolfool), Nick Micale from Arizona, G-Body, Pete Hoffman, and our company will be in attendance.
RIDE ON MOLLY 6 - Saturday, May 21st, 2016 - California
For more information, contact Alan DeCarr - [email protected]
This event is now in its 6th year since Molly’s passing.
PYPES EXHAUST & MAX PERFORMANCE OPEN HOUSE CAR SHOW - June 18th, 2016 -
Held at their Headquarters, 2705 Clemens Road, Hatfield, PA 19440
This event has no rain date. Open to all American Muscle cars and trucks.
For more details, contact - [email protected]
This is a huge event that I usually attend, however, this year I can’t since it’s the same weekend as GM at Carlisle and I’m speaking both days at GM Carlisle.
GM CARLISLE - June 17th-19th, 2016
I am a guest speaker at this event both Friday and Saturday. I’ll be talking on Hurst, Hurst/Olds, and also about the door jamb VIN data decals. Seminars are always free at Carlisle.
Now that our granddaughter has a 2012 Camaro SS, she is planning on attending and showing her car. Carlisle is one of the largest swap meet facilities in the country. If you are planning on attending, bring any cores you want to cash in for a Letter of Credit. I will be able to take them. This will be the second year I been a guest speaker at Carlisle and it’s quite an honor. Over the years I have spoken at several National Pontiac and GTO conventions.
Check their website to see dates of all their upcoming 2016 events - carlisleevents.com
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]
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 -
As our date for the Spring Open House draws closer, we will be deleting some of the items from this Rare Parts list and not adding any new ones. This way we can have a good assortment of parts for our Spring Open House and for the TurboBuick/Richard Clark event the following week.
We will have some cool items for sale that are not advertised available at our Spring Open House. Make sure you plan to attend.