Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 12-17-2014
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE -
NOTE - There will be no Inner Circle emails for the next two weeks.
The next Inner Circle will be on Wednesday, January 7th 2015. In that first issue for the New Year, we will have our annual M&Ms contest.
Our office will be closed December 24th, 25th and 26th (Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.)
We will be closed New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
We hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year - from our staff to your family.
EXPLAINING THE LACK OF AVAILABLE TURBO REGAL T-SHIRTS -
Long-time customers can recall the wide array of Turbo Regal T-shirts that we had designed in the early 1990s. We had about a dozen different designs available, up through the year 1997. We had to stop selling them because we did not have a GM license agreement.
A few years ago we found a company that made a few designs that we carried on our website. We had to discontinue them earlier this year when they did not renew their GM license agreement.
If you want to buy a Corvette or Camaro T-shirt, you have plenty of options.
Unfortunately, it’s all tied into how many sales can be generated to offset the fees involved for obtaining a GM license.
I know of one source that is fully GM licensed but their agreement is for embroidery-style only. They are not licensed to do silk screen designs.
They generate enough embroidery sales to make it work. The company is called “Custom Auto Apparel,” run by Chris and Ron Sklenar.
I have personally known Ron for over 30 years as he bought a GTO from us many years ago. If you have my 2007 60th Birthday DVD, there is an interview with him explaining how he purchased the very last GNX 547 before GM realized the last one built had been sold.
Custom Auto Apparel has a good assortment of embroidered GNX, Grand National, and T-Type apparel. They do denim shirts, hats, and even embroidered T-shirts.
Their website is - customautoapparel.com
Be sure to check them out.
I have tried over the years to find a company that is GM licensed for silk-screened T-shirts that would run our designs for us, but we haven’t had any luck.
I attend every spring and fall Carlisle swap meet. They always do a T-shirt for each event, including the Spring and Fall events. Some of their T- shirts in the past have featured a Chrysler, Ford, and a GM car on the same T-shirt. Those shirts will carry 3 separate license tags from all three car companies.
As a business, I can fully understand protecting your company logo, etc. But if you have artwork done of a particular car and decide to print it on a T-shirt, it seems to me that it’s promoting the car brand with zero investment for the car maker. Making it still tougher is the fact it’s not a level playing field any more with the internet and ebay. You can find various designs being sold on ebay and elsewhere that are not licensed.
Here is a similar example from over 50 years ago where one company wanted a recording artist to remove the name of their candy bar from his song.
The year was 1956 - the song was written by John D Loudermilk - titled, “A Rose and a Baby Ruth.” The recording artist was George Hamilton IV.
The Curtiss Candy Company did not want their candy bar mentioned in the song. A funny thing happened… the song rose to number 6 on the Billboards Top 100 and sales of the Baby Ruth candy bar increased. The company then back pedaled on their complaint! Back in the 1950s advertising was pretty much limited to newsprint, radio, and TV. Getting airtime nationwide on a song that rose to number 6 on Billboard’s 100 without Curtiss Candy Company spending any money worked in their favor.
I listen to a lot of Satellite radio and from time to time the DJ will give a short story on the history of a particular song. That is where I heard this story.
On a side note, I always assumed the candy bar was named after Babe Ruth, the slugger. It was not. It was named after Grover Cleveland’s daughter, Ruth, who was the first child born in the White House. Today the Babe Ruth candy bar is owned by Nestle. George Hamilton IV had a very successful music career both in rock and roll and later country music.
We have some silk-screened proof sheets from some of our T-shirt designs.
PHOTO 1 - The design to the left is one of our very early T-shirts done in 1991 - “BUICK TURBO OWNERS FAMOUS QUOTATIONS.” It’s mind boggling how many quotes we got on that design! The T-shirt one on the right was done in 1993 featuring T-Types. The catch phrase, “A Boost of Buick Performance” was a line I came up with.
PHOTO 2 - We show two of the designs I especially like. The one on the left features a T-Type and the quotes, “Top Ten Reasons to Own a Turbo Regal.” The one on the right features a Grand National and quotes, “Top Ten Reasons to Own a Grand National.” Both of these designs were done in 1995.
PHOTO 3 - This T-shirt design was done by one of our cartoonist, Paul Vilser, in 1994. This design was one of our top sellers. Our exact design was copied by another company several years ago, and they conveniently removed our copyright from the design! One unique thing we tried to do in some of our designs was to use a vanity license plate that is registered to me in Pennsylvania. You can see my expired license plate from 2001 in the photo on the right.
It’s just a shame that I can’t seem to find a GM licensed company that will do these Buick Turbo T-shirts. I have been told since this design “knocks” another GM car model, it would never get approved by the GM license division. The story I heard years ago was that some of the Buick engineers came up with the slogan, “We Brake For Corvettes.” I even remember buying that saying on a bumper sticker at one of the GS Nationals from an employee at Buick.
HAPPY ACCIDENTS -
“Happy Accidents” is a name of a book I picked up the other day at a Hallmark store. It’s a hardbound book printed this year and written by Joey Green. Joey Green has written over a dozen other books that all have interesting titles. This book covers mostly how certain products inventions happened by accident, such as old time favorites like the Popsicle and even the later Super Soaker water gun… all created by accident.
Another example is the popular blue Jeans. The inventor, Jacob Davis a tailor by trade in the 1800’s, decided to put copper rivets at the edge of pockets on denim trousers to keep them from ripping. When this format became an instant success for him, he wanted to patent it but lacked the $68 required to file the paperwork. He sought out a partner Levi Strauss, a dry goods salesman who supplied him with the denim material. For nearly twenty years they cornered the market without any competition!
PHOTO 4 - Our photos show the book “Happy Accidents” and an inside 2-page spread starting the Blue Jeans chapter. The book runs 384 pages and is worth reading. It would make for a nice gift. The price was $14.95 at Hallmark.
OUR GRANDDAUGHTER DEVYN TURNS 16 LATER THIS MONTH -
It’s hard to believe, but our granddaughter turns 16 in a few short weeks. She’s already applied for her driver’s permit.
I guess later this Spring I will let her take the Turbo-T out for a spin.
It will be interesting to see what her first car or truck will be, since we are all in the automotive business in our family.
It doesn't seem that long ago when one of our long-time customers (John Mulligan out of California) located a Barbie Lamborghini battery-powered car for her to drive on the driveway!
GM EFI MAGAZINE - WEBSITE -
GM EFI Magazine is now on the internet and is completely FREE.
We will be advertising on their website beginning next year.
This is the place to go for all the late-model muscle car information.
The founder and editor is Rich Seitz. Many of you may remember when he was editor of GM High Tech Magazine.
Check it out. Here is a link to their website:
http://www.gm-efi.com
MORE NEWS ON THE MULTI-FUNCTION JUMP STARTERS -
We will be filling any orders for the Multi-Function Jump Starters this week, so you have them in time for Christmas. The company has also sent me a prototype of a product I sent them to make. I hope to be able to test it under various conditions over the holidays. This product would work in conjunction with either of their current two Multi-Function Jump Starter kits.
See our new products listing as we now have the 4-IN-1 charging cord available at a very good price structure. For a limited time, when you buy two of them, you get a third cord free! This is the perfect answer by having multi electronic devices connectors in one cord.
We have a tremendous wholesale program on this 4-IN-1 cord as well. If you own a small store or a mail-order company, this is an excellent opportunity to add this item to your product line.
Here is a link to these Multi-Function Jump Starter parts on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7629&submit_button=
DISTRIBUTORS WANTED -
Now that we are the only supplier for the Multi-Function Jump Starter for this company is the U.S.A., we want to line up more distributors.
We are looking for distributors for this product. We currently have two price breaks - 5-9 units or 10 or more.
The product is very easy to sell and not limited to any specific car or truck owner. For pricing and more details, email me personally - [email protected]
WE WANT YOUR INPUT -
If you have any ideas for usage of small batteries, we welcome your suggestions. Who knows, your idea may prove to be a winner for everyone.
URGENT REQUEST FROM US -
Once again we need stock used 1986-1987 Turbo Regal turbo cores. Currently we will issue a $100 Letter of Credit for any you send us. Turbos need not be good, but must be complete with exhaust housing.
Email me first - [email protected] for shipping details. This helps us help others keep their cars on the road.
LAST WEEK FOR OUR CHRISTMAS SPECIAL ON SET OF FOUR DVDS -
Only a few days remain to take advantage of our last two Christmas Specials on DVDs. This special pricing runs from now until Friday, December 19th, 2014 - 4 pm.
For more information on each of the DVDs in this set search the part number on our website.
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL #8558 - TOTAL VALUE - $57.80
SPECIAL PRICE $24.99 includes FREE U.S. SHIPPING Save $32.81 + shipping
Here is a list of the four DVDs in this special Christmas Package:
6990 - Kirban's Guide To Turbo Regals (Includes Bad to the Bone Decal) - $16.95
7048 - The 25th Buick GS Nationals DVD - $10.95
7183 - Molly Designs Art and the Machine DVD - $14.95
7184 - Kirban's 2007 Reunion and Birthday Bash - $14.95
Total Retail Value is $57.80 plus shipping. Christmas Special is $24.99, which includes shipping to any of the 50 States. You are saving $32.81 and getting free shipping too. Supplies of some of the DVDs in this package are limited.
You must call our office to get this special deal. Unfortunately you CANNOT order this Christmas Special through our website. To receive the discount, you MUST call our office with your order - 215-766-1611 x 0
These DVDs make an excellent Christmas gift to watch, especially when you are snowed in this winter!
GREAT NEWS -
ANOTHER CHRISTMAS SPECIAL - NINE DVDS -
Only a few days remain on this special deal. This special pricing runs from now until Friday, December 19th, 2014 - 4 pm.
7064 - The Nickel Tour of One Man’s Private Turbo Collection $7.95
7084 - GM at Carlisle 2004 $6.95
7085 - Step-by-Step Details on Two 1987 Grand Nationals $6.95
7086 - Detailing an Original Buick GNX and Related Memorabilia $6.95
7095 - Dennis Kirban’s 26th Annual Buick GS Nationals $7.95
7122 - The Making of the GNX Wall Mural $6.95
7141 - Chicago Trip January 2007 $6.95
7182 - Buick GS Nationals 2007 and Grand National in the Barn $6.95
7246 - Richard Clark’s Open House 2008 and Back to the Bricks Event 2009 $6.95
Total value is $64.55
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL #8559 - TOTAL VALUE - $64.55
SPECIAL PRICE $34.95 includes FREE U.S. SHIPPING save $29.60 & shipping
WHILE SUPPLIES LAST
NOTE - Supplies of some of the DVDs in this package are limited.
You must call our office to get this special deal. Unfortunately you CANNOT order this Christmas Special through our website. To receive the discount, you MUST call our office with your order - 215-766-1611 x 0
These DVDs make an excellent Christmas gift to watch, especially when you are snowed in this winter!
SPECIAL LOWER PRICE
ON THE REMAINING REPRODUCTION 1984-1985 TURBO REGAL PLUG WIRES -
We had a special run made of the correct length 1984-1985 Turbo Regal grey spark plug wires.
I don’t believe any other source has these available in the proper lengths. These are not on our website. You must call our office to order - 215-766-1611 x 0 - specify 1984-1985 Turbo Regal Custom-Cut High-Performance Plug Wires. We have about 3 sets left. If you own a 1984 or 1985 Turbo Regal, don’t wait as we will not be running these again.
NEW SPECIAL LOWER PRICE - $39.95 plus $6 shipping.
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 as well. 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.
No vehicles for sale available at this time.
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 -
4-IN-1 CHARGING CORD WITH MICRO USB CONNECTOR -
iPhone / Laptops / SmartPhones / Tablets / Notebooks
Introducing one of the greatest products that makes charging your electronics easy - a single USB connector cord with 4 individual adapters. By having four different adapters into one cord, it eliminates the need to carry a specific cord for each of your different electronic devices. You can also charge several devices at the same time. It’s also handy if someone nearby doesn’t have their cord and their device needs to be charged.
Why have a different charging cord for all your various electronic devices? This single four way cord will fit most major brands of electronic devices, such as cell phones, tablets, iPads, notebooks, etc.
Cord is white and measures 14" long from end to end. There are four micro adapters with a USB connector at the opposite end. The USB connector plugs into any charger you have with a USB port.
One adapter has a 30-pin connector and another has a 8-pin connector, compatible for iPhones 3, 4, 4s, 5, 5s, 6, iPad mini, iPad air, and iPod. The other adapters will charge most android phones, such as Samsung Galaxy, S3, S4, S5, Nokia, Nexus, most older cell phones, and some GPS devices.
The cost for any single cord for your electronics is usually $15 or more and is usually more for the iPhones. This single cord with 4 individual adapters includes the two versions for Apple products besides two other connectors that virtually will work on all the other android phones, as well as older cell phones and some GPS devices.
It pays to buy two, since shipping is the same cost whether you buy one or two.
A very convenient 4-IN-1 cord that eliminates the need for different cords for your mobile electronic devices.
This is the perfect cord to keep at home and have another one at work. It also makes a great gift, since it's something everyone can use.
An excellent way to keep all of your electronics charged using one cord.
7641 - 4-IN-1 Charging Cord with Micro USB Connector - $12.95
7642 - TWO -
4-IN-1 Charging Cord with Micro USB Connector (2) - $21.95* Save $3.95
*INTRODUCTORY PRICE SPECIAL - For a limited time, if you buy TWO, you’ll get another for FREE - Total Savings $16.90
*DEALER INQUIRIES WELCOME
CONTACT - Dennis Kirban
[email protected] or 215-766-1611 x 0
Here is a link to this 4-IN-1 cord on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7641&submit_button=
1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction 3-BAR MAP SENSOR
The original map sensor is only a 2-bar, which will not allow the boost reading to go above 20 psi.
The 3-bar map sensor was a factory item found in the 1989 Turbo Trans Am. This 3-bar map sensor allows you to read boost values above 20 psi.
It will work with a stock boost levels as well.
Another nice upgrade that allows proper reading of boost values above 20 psi, if your Turbo Regal is modified.
7635 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction 3-Bar Map Sensor - $79.95
Here is the link to this Map Sensor on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44211/Reproduction+3+BAR+MAP+SENSOR+%237635.html
1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction O-RINGS KITS
Richard Clark has painstakingly put together 2 kits of reproduction O-rings.
O-rings are available in two kits:
#7633 has 14 O-rings for the injectors and fuel pressure regulator.
#7634 has 35 O-rings. These 35 O-rings will fit virtually every application related to the fuel, lubricants, transmission, and powermaster unit. This kit also includes the 14 O-rings in the #7633 kit for the injectors and fuel pressure regulator.
NOTE - The transmission and powermaster O-rings are for external leaks, and NOT for a complete overhaul.
In many cases, the same O-rings will work on the 1984-1985 Turbo Regal.
Since GM has discontinued many of the Buick O-rings, Richard has had to have some of the O-rings reproduced. In one particular case, the O-ring listed for over $20 from GM, making this kit a bargain.
Kit #7634 includes a real-size drawing to ensure that the correct O-rings can be easily identified. The O-rings should match the drawing exactly.
The O-rings are made of different materials based on the fluid they contact, so no O-rings from any group should ever be used for an application not specified.
In some cases, the original O-rings have been problematic on these cars. The O-rings in this kit has been improved to offer better than original performance.
Any time connections are disturbed, the O-rings should be replaced with new ones.
This kit is the first of its kind specifically for the 1986-1987 Turbo Regals.
A must have item for any 1986-1987 Turbo Regal owner. You should have this kit on hand.
NOTE - We recommend these O-rings be installed by a qualified mechanic.
NOTE - The 14 O-rings in Kit #7633 are INCLUDED in the 35 O-rings in Kit #7634.
Great engine restoration items.
7633 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction O-Rings (14) Kit - $14.95 / kit
for Injectors and Fuel Pressure Regulator
7634 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction O-Rings (35) Kit - $48.95 / kit
for Fuel, Lubricants, Transmission, Powermaster Unit, Injectors & Fuel Pressure Regulator
Here is a link to these kits on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7633&submit_button=
NEW LOWER PRICE STRUCTURE ON GM STYLE REPRODUCTION FILLERS –
The price for the front GM style reproduction bumper fillers part number #7438 remains unchanged. However, the rear GM style reproduction bumper fillers part number #7439 is now just $459.95 instead of $559.95. A $100 price reduction! The price for the full set of front and rear reproduction GM style bumper fillers part number #7440 is now just $579.95. You save $59.95 when you buy a full set of front and rear reproduction GM replacement bumper fillers.
ALWAYS LOOKING FOR IDEAS -
If you have any product ideas that would fit our Turbo Buick market that you would like to see available, email me direct - [email protected]
ALWAYS IN A BUYING POSITION WORKS -
Got any Turbo Buick parts you are not using? Why not cash them in for parts you need with a Letter of Credit. Simply email me a list - [email protected]. Also, we are still buying dead or partially dead 1984-1987 Turbo Regals under $4,000 that are within 250 to 350 miles of our location.
NOTE - ABOUT LINKS IN THE INNER CIRCLE -
We have heard from a couple people that have had problems with the links in our Inner Circle.
When we check the links, they work fine. However, if you are not able to be directed to the exact website page or internet site, you can "copy" and "paste" the link into the URL in your browser (such as Safari, Firefox, 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.
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 -
Remember, there is no Inner Circle for the next two weeks. We will resume our weekly Inner Circle on Wednesday, January 7th, 2015.
In that first issue for the New Year 2015, we will have our annual M&Ms contest.
In my office at our home I still have on display the metal passenger HO train engine I painted when I was about 8-10 years old. I still have most of my HO trains from my youth.
Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE -
NOTE - There will be no Inner Circle emails for the next two weeks.
The next Inner Circle will be on Wednesday, January 7th 2015. In that first issue for the New Year, we will have our annual M&Ms contest.
Our office will be closed December 24th, 25th and 26th (Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.)
We will be closed New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
We hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year - from our staff to your family.
EXPLAINING THE LACK OF AVAILABLE TURBO REGAL T-SHIRTS -
Long-time customers can recall the wide array of Turbo Regal T-shirts that we had designed in the early 1990s. We had about a dozen different designs available, up through the year 1997. We had to stop selling them because we did not have a GM license agreement.
A few years ago we found a company that made a few designs that we carried on our website. We had to discontinue them earlier this year when they did not renew their GM license agreement.
If you want to buy a Corvette or Camaro T-shirt, you have plenty of options.
Unfortunately, it’s all tied into how many sales can be generated to offset the fees involved for obtaining a GM license.
I know of one source that is fully GM licensed but their agreement is for embroidery-style only. They are not licensed to do silk screen designs.
They generate enough embroidery sales to make it work. The company is called “Custom Auto Apparel,” run by Chris and Ron Sklenar.
I have personally known Ron for over 30 years as he bought a GTO from us many years ago. If you have my 2007 60th Birthday DVD, there is an interview with him explaining how he purchased the very last GNX 547 before GM realized the last one built had been sold.
Custom Auto Apparel has a good assortment of embroidered GNX, Grand National, and T-Type apparel. They do denim shirts, hats, and even embroidered T-shirts.
Their website is - customautoapparel.com
Be sure to check them out.
I have tried over the years to find a company that is GM licensed for silk-screened T-shirts that would run our designs for us, but we haven’t had any luck.
I attend every spring and fall Carlisle swap meet. They always do a T-shirt for each event, including the Spring and Fall events. Some of their T- shirts in the past have featured a Chrysler, Ford, and a GM car on the same T-shirt. Those shirts will carry 3 separate license tags from all three car companies.
As a business, I can fully understand protecting your company logo, etc. But if you have artwork done of a particular car and decide to print it on a T-shirt, it seems to me that it’s promoting the car brand with zero investment for the car maker. Making it still tougher is the fact it’s not a level playing field any more with the internet and ebay. You can find various designs being sold on ebay and elsewhere that are not licensed.
Here is a similar example from over 50 years ago where one company wanted a recording artist to remove the name of their candy bar from his song.
The year was 1956 - the song was written by John D Loudermilk - titled, “A Rose and a Baby Ruth.” The recording artist was George Hamilton IV.
The Curtiss Candy Company did not want their candy bar mentioned in the song. A funny thing happened… the song rose to number 6 on the Billboards Top 100 and sales of the Baby Ruth candy bar increased. The company then back pedaled on their complaint! Back in the 1950s advertising was pretty much limited to newsprint, radio, and TV. Getting airtime nationwide on a song that rose to number 6 on Billboard’s 100 without Curtiss Candy Company spending any money worked in their favor.
I listen to a lot of Satellite radio and from time to time the DJ will give a short story on the history of a particular song. That is where I heard this story.
On a side note, I always assumed the candy bar was named after Babe Ruth, the slugger. It was not. It was named after Grover Cleveland’s daughter, Ruth, who was the first child born in the White House. Today the Babe Ruth candy bar is owned by Nestle. George Hamilton IV had a very successful music career both in rock and roll and later country music.
We have some silk-screened proof sheets from some of our T-shirt designs.
PHOTO 1 - The design to the left is one of our very early T-shirts done in 1991 - “BUICK TURBO OWNERS FAMOUS QUOTATIONS.” It’s mind boggling how many quotes we got on that design! The T-shirt one on the right was done in 1993 featuring T-Types. The catch phrase, “A Boost of Buick Performance” was a line I came up with.
PHOTO 2 - We show two of the designs I especially like. The one on the left features a T-Type and the quotes, “Top Ten Reasons to Own a Turbo Regal.” The one on the right features a Grand National and quotes, “Top Ten Reasons to Own a Grand National.” Both of these designs were done in 1995.
PHOTO 3 - This T-shirt design was done by one of our cartoonist, Paul Vilser, in 1994. This design was one of our top sellers. Our exact design was copied by another company several years ago, and they conveniently removed our copyright from the design! One unique thing we tried to do in some of our designs was to use a vanity license plate that is registered to me in Pennsylvania. You can see my expired license plate from 2001 in the photo on the right.
It’s just a shame that I can’t seem to find a GM licensed company that will do these Buick Turbo T-shirts. I have been told since this design “knocks” another GM car model, it would never get approved by the GM license division. The story I heard years ago was that some of the Buick engineers came up with the slogan, “We Brake For Corvettes.” I even remember buying that saying on a bumper sticker at one of the GS Nationals from an employee at Buick.
HAPPY ACCIDENTS -
“Happy Accidents” is a name of a book I picked up the other day at a Hallmark store. It’s a hardbound book printed this year and written by Joey Green. Joey Green has written over a dozen other books that all have interesting titles. This book covers mostly how certain products inventions happened by accident, such as old time favorites like the Popsicle and even the later Super Soaker water gun… all created by accident.
Another example is the popular blue Jeans. The inventor, Jacob Davis a tailor by trade in the 1800’s, decided to put copper rivets at the edge of pockets on denim trousers to keep them from ripping. When this format became an instant success for him, he wanted to patent it but lacked the $68 required to file the paperwork. He sought out a partner Levi Strauss, a dry goods salesman who supplied him with the denim material. For nearly twenty years they cornered the market without any competition!
PHOTO 4 - Our photos show the book “Happy Accidents” and an inside 2-page spread starting the Blue Jeans chapter. The book runs 384 pages and is worth reading. It would make for a nice gift. The price was $14.95 at Hallmark.
OUR GRANDDAUGHTER DEVYN TURNS 16 LATER THIS MONTH -
It’s hard to believe, but our granddaughter turns 16 in a few short weeks. She’s already applied for her driver’s permit.
I guess later this Spring I will let her take the Turbo-T out for a spin.
It will be interesting to see what her first car or truck will be, since we are all in the automotive business in our family.
It doesn't seem that long ago when one of our long-time customers (John Mulligan out of California) located a Barbie Lamborghini battery-powered car for her to drive on the driveway!
GM EFI MAGAZINE - WEBSITE -
GM EFI Magazine is now on the internet and is completely FREE.
We will be advertising on their website beginning next year.
This is the place to go for all the late-model muscle car information.
The founder and editor is Rich Seitz. Many of you may remember when he was editor of GM High Tech Magazine.
Check it out. Here is a link to their website:
http://www.gm-efi.com
MORE NEWS ON THE MULTI-FUNCTION JUMP STARTERS -
We will be filling any orders for the Multi-Function Jump Starters this week, so you have them in time for Christmas. The company has also sent me a prototype of a product I sent them to make. I hope to be able to test it under various conditions over the holidays. This product would work in conjunction with either of their current two Multi-Function Jump Starter kits.
See our new products listing as we now have the 4-IN-1 charging cord available at a very good price structure. For a limited time, when you buy two of them, you get a third cord free! This is the perfect answer by having multi electronic devices connectors in one cord.
We have a tremendous wholesale program on this 4-IN-1 cord as well. If you own a small store or a mail-order company, this is an excellent opportunity to add this item to your product line.
Here is a link to these Multi-Function Jump Starter parts on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7629&submit_button=
DISTRIBUTORS WANTED -
Now that we are the only supplier for the Multi-Function Jump Starter for this company is the U.S.A., we want to line up more distributors.
We are looking for distributors for this product. We currently have two price breaks - 5-9 units or 10 or more.
The product is very easy to sell and not limited to any specific car or truck owner. For pricing and more details, email me personally - [email protected]
WE WANT YOUR INPUT -
If you have any ideas for usage of small batteries, we welcome your suggestions. Who knows, your idea may prove to be a winner for everyone.
URGENT REQUEST FROM US -
Once again we need stock used 1986-1987 Turbo Regal turbo cores. Currently we will issue a $100 Letter of Credit for any you send us. Turbos need not be good, but must be complete with exhaust housing.
Email me first - [email protected] for shipping details. This helps us help others keep their cars on the road.
LAST WEEK FOR OUR CHRISTMAS SPECIAL ON SET OF FOUR DVDS -
Only a few days remain to take advantage of our last two Christmas Specials on DVDs. This special pricing runs from now until Friday, December 19th, 2014 - 4 pm.
For more information on each of the DVDs in this set search the part number on our website.
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL #8558 - TOTAL VALUE - $57.80
SPECIAL PRICE $24.99 includes FREE U.S. SHIPPING Save $32.81 + shipping
Here is a list of the four DVDs in this special Christmas Package:
6990 - Kirban's Guide To Turbo Regals (Includes Bad to the Bone Decal) - $16.95
7048 - The 25th Buick GS Nationals DVD - $10.95
7183 - Molly Designs Art and the Machine DVD - $14.95
7184 - Kirban's 2007 Reunion and Birthday Bash - $14.95
Total Retail Value is $57.80 plus shipping. Christmas Special is $24.99, which includes shipping to any of the 50 States. You are saving $32.81 and getting free shipping too. Supplies of some of the DVDs in this package are limited.
You must call our office to get this special deal. Unfortunately you CANNOT order this Christmas Special through our website. To receive the discount, you MUST call our office with your order - 215-766-1611 x 0
These DVDs make an excellent Christmas gift to watch, especially when you are snowed in this winter!
GREAT NEWS -
ANOTHER CHRISTMAS SPECIAL - NINE DVDS -
Only a few days remain on this special deal. This special pricing runs from now until Friday, December 19th, 2014 - 4 pm.
7064 - The Nickel Tour of One Man’s Private Turbo Collection $7.95
7084 - GM at Carlisle 2004 $6.95
7085 - Step-by-Step Details on Two 1987 Grand Nationals $6.95
7086 - Detailing an Original Buick GNX and Related Memorabilia $6.95
7095 - Dennis Kirban’s 26th Annual Buick GS Nationals $7.95
7122 - The Making of the GNX Wall Mural $6.95
7141 - Chicago Trip January 2007 $6.95
7182 - Buick GS Nationals 2007 and Grand National in the Barn $6.95
7246 - Richard Clark’s Open House 2008 and Back to the Bricks Event 2009 $6.95
Total value is $64.55
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL #8559 - TOTAL VALUE - $64.55
SPECIAL PRICE $34.95 includes FREE U.S. SHIPPING save $29.60 & shipping
WHILE SUPPLIES LAST
NOTE - Supplies of some of the DVDs in this package are limited.
You must call our office to get this special deal. Unfortunately you CANNOT order this Christmas Special through our website. To receive the discount, you MUST call our office with your order - 215-766-1611 x 0
These DVDs make an excellent Christmas gift to watch, especially when you are snowed in this winter!
SPECIAL LOWER PRICE
ON THE REMAINING REPRODUCTION 1984-1985 TURBO REGAL PLUG WIRES -
We had a special run made of the correct length 1984-1985 Turbo Regal grey spark plug wires.
I don’t believe any other source has these available in the proper lengths. These are not on our website. You must call our office to order - 215-766-1611 x 0 - specify 1984-1985 Turbo Regal Custom-Cut High-Performance Plug Wires. We have about 3 sets left. If you own a 1984 or 1985 Turbo Regal, don’t wait as we will not be running these again.
NEW SPECIAL LOWER PRICE - $39.95 plus $6 shipping.
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 as well. 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.
No vehicles for sale available at this time.
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 -
4-IN-1 CHARGING CORD WITH MICRO USB CONNECTOR -
iPhone / Laptops / SmartPhones / Tablets / Notebooks
Introducing one of the greatest products that makes charging your electronics easy - a single USB connector cord with 4 individual adapters. By having four different adapters into one cord, it eliminates the need to carry a specific cord for each of your different electronic devices. You can also charge several devices at the same time. It’s also handy if someone nearby doesn’t have their cord and their device needs to be charged.
Why have a different charging cord for all your various electronic devices? This single four way cord will fit most major brands of electronic devices, such as cell phones, tablets, iPads, notebooks, etc.
Cord is white and measures 14" long from end to end. There are four micro adapters with a USB connector at the opposite end. The USB connector plugs into any charger you have with a USB port.
One adapter has a 30-pin connector and another has a 8-pin connector, compatible for iPhones 3, 4, 4s, 5, 5s, 6, iPad mini, iPad air, and iPod. The other adapters will charge most android phones, such as Samsung Galaxy, S3, S4, S5, Nokia, Nexus, most older cell phones, and some GPS devices.
The cost for any single cord for your electronics is usually $15 or more and is usually more for the iPhones. This single cord with 4 individual adapters includes the two versions for Apple products besides two other connectors that virtually will work on all the other android phones, as well as older cell phones and some GPS devices.
It pays to buy two, since shipping is the same cost whether you buy one or two.
A very convenient 4-IN-1 cord that eliminates the need for different cords for your mobile electronic devices.
This is the perfect cord to keep at home and have another one at work. It also makes a great gift, since it's something everyone can use.
An excellent way to keep all of your electronics charged using one cord.
7641 - 4-IN-1 Charging Cord with Micro USB Connector - $12.95
7642 - TWO -
4-IN-1 Charging Cord with Micro USB Connector (2) - $21.95* Save $3.95
*INTRODUCTORY PRICE SPECIAL - For a limited time, if you buy TWO, you’ll get another for FREE - Total Savings $16.90
*DEALER INQUIRIES WELCOME
CONTACT - Dennis Kirban
[email protected] or 215-766-1611 x 0
Here is a link to this 4-IN-1 cord on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7641&submit_button=
1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction 3-BAR MAP SENSOR
The original map sensor is only a 2-bar, which will not allow the boost reading to go above 20 psi.
The 3-bar map sensor was a factory item found in the 1989 Turbo Trans Am. This 3-bar map sensor allows you to read boost values above 20 psi.
It will work with a stock boost levels as well.
Another nice upgrade that allows proper reading of boost values above 20 psi, if your Turbo Regal is modified.
7635 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction 3-Bar Map Sensor - $79.95
Here is the link to this Map Sensor on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44211/Reproduction+3+BAR+MAP+SENSOR+%237635.html
1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction O-RINGS KITS
Richard Clark has painstakingly put together 2 kits of reproduction O-rings.
O-rings are available in two kits:
#7633 has 14 O-rings for the injectors and fuel pressure regulator.
#7634 has 35 O-rings. These 35 O-rings will fit virtually every application related to the fuel, lubricants, transmission, and powermaster unit. This kit also includes the 14 O-rings in the #7633 kit for the injectors and fuel pressure regulator.
NOTE - The transmission and powermaster O-rings are for external leaks, and NOT for a complete overhaul.
In many cases, the same O-rings will work on the 1984-1985 Turbo Regal.
Since GM has discontinued many of the Buick O-rings, Richard has had to have some of the O-rings reproduced. In one particular case, the O-ring listed for over $20 from GM, making this kit a bargain.
Kit #7634 includes a real-size drawing to ensure that the correct O-rings can be easily identified. The O-rings should match the drawing exactly.
The O-rings are made of different materials based on the fluid they contact, so no O-rings from any group should ever be used for an application not specified.
In some cases, the original O-rings have been problematic on these cars. The O-rings in this kit has been improved to offer better than original performance.
Any time connections are disturbed, the O-rings should be replaced with new ones.
This kit is the first of its kind specifically for the 1986-1987 Turbo Regals.
A must have item for any 1986-1987 Turbo Regal owner. You should have this kit on hand.
NOTE - We recommend these O-rings be installed by a qualified mechanic.
NOTE - The 14 O-rings in Kit #7633 are INCLUDED in the 35 O-rings in Kit #7634.
Great engine restoration items.
7633 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction O-Rings (14) Kit - $14.95 / kit
for Injectors and Fuel Pressure Regulator
7634 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction O-Rings (35) Kit - $48.95 / kit
for Fuel, Lubricants, Transmission, Powermaster Unit, Injectors & Fuel Pressure Regulator
Here is a link to these kits on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7633&submit_button=
NEW LOWER PRICE STRUCTURE ON GM STYLE REPRODUCTION FILLERS –
The price for the front GM style reproduction bumper fillers part number #7438 remains unchanged. However, the rear GM style reproduction bumper fillers part number #7439 is now just $459.95 instead of $559.95. A $100 price reduction! The price for the full set of front and rear reproduction GM style bumper fillers part number #7440 is now just $579.95. You save $59.95 when you buy a full set of front and rear reproduction GM replacement bumper fillers.
ALWAYS LOOKING FOR IDEAS -
If you have any product ideas that would fit our Turbo Buick market that you would like to see available, email me direct - [email protected]
ALWAYS IN A BUYING POSITION WORKS -
Got any Turbo Buick parts you are not using? Why not cash them in for parts you need with a Letter of Credit. Simply email me a list - [email protected]. Also, we are still buying dead or partially dead 1984-1987 Turbo Regals under $4,000 that are within 250 to 350 miles of our location.
NOTE - ABOUT LINKS IN THE INNER CIRCLE -
We have heard from a couple people that have had problems with the links in our Inner Circle.
When we check the links, they work fine. However, if you are not able to be directed to the exact website page or internet site, you can "copy" and "paste" the link into the URL in your browser (such as Safari, Firefox, 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.
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 -
Remember, there is no Inner Circle for the next two weeks. We will resume our weekly Inner Circle on Wednesday, January 7th, 2015.
In that first issue for the New Year 2015, we will have our annual M&Ms contest.
In my office at our home I still have on display the metal passenger HO train engine I painted when I was about 8-10 years old. I still have most of my HO trains from my youth.
Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.