Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 03-27-2019 –
LAST WEEK’S TURBO REGAL TRIVIA QUESTION ANSWERED –
The answer to last week’s Turbo Regal Trivia question is FE3. This must have been an easy question as we had our biggest response to date.
The FE3 code refers to the suspension and, to the best of my knowledge, appears on every 1987 Turbo Regal SPID decal. The plastic FE3 emblem was used on the trunk lid of some of the late 1980s and perhaps the early 1990s Oldsmobile models. These cars were front wheel drive. I had one of these Oldsmobiles that did have that plastic FE3 emblem on the back. I can’t remember what model it was.
I have a brand new FE3 emblem in my personal collection and I also have another rare Oldsmobile emblem that many of you may not even be aware of. Apparently, when the decision was made to cancel production of the entire Oldsmobile car line, Oldsmobile created a metal-type emblem that was quite unique. We have pictured it in Photo 1. This emblem says, “SINCE 1897” and under the word Oldsmobile it says, “FINAL 500.” I can only assume this emblem was on the last 500 Oldsmobiles to roll down the assembly line. Makes you wonder how many of the last 500 Oldsmobiles are still on the road today.
PHOTO 1 – We show both the FE3 Oldsmobile emblem and the Oldsmobile emblem that indicated the last 500 Oldsmobiles produced. Neither of these emblems is available from GM any more. The Final 500 Oldsmobile emblem is made from the same material as the Grand National fender badges and was also made by the same company. (Another bit of useless Buick trivia).
THIS WEEK’S TRIVIA QUESTION –
Here is this week’s trivia question. Name the GM car make and model that has a direct bolt option into any 1986-1987 Grand National. No Turbo Regal or Grand National ever had this option from the factory. This may also be the largest option from another GM car model that bolts in with no modification whatsoever.
The question - name the GM car make and model and also the option I am referring to. Your answer must agree with mine. Email me [email protected] your educated guess.
MEMORIES OF TURBO REGALS FOR SALE –
Eileen found these two photos of Turbo Regals, mostly Grand Nationals, taken at our house in the Spring of 2007. According to my records, I sold 13 of the 1986-1987 Turbo Regals that year. Our car sales were winding down from earlier years. Our biggest selling years, according to my records, were 1999 and 2000. We sold 44 Turbo Regal each of those two years. With 52 weeks a year, that equals a Turbo Regal sold about one every 10 days.
PHOTO 2 – The photo to the left was taken in April 2007 in front of our 30 by 50 pole building at our house. At that time, I had 3 Grand Nationals. The photo to the right was taken in May of 2007. Some of these Turbo Regals probably had been sold earlier and may have been at our house for other work or detailing. It made for a nice group photo.
JUNKYARDING –
I am sure when many of you were teenagers, you may have made several trips to a junkyard to hunt for parts for your car. I know I did it when I was in high school as funds were hard to come by and junkyard parts were a lot cheaper than new or rebuilt parts from the local auto stores.
We had a junkyard near our house and over my teenage years this was the equivalent of a Walmart Super Store today. I simply called them up and made sure my parents did not block the car in so the car could be picked up from my house while I was at school.
Today junkyards have become more sophisticated and most now accept credit cards. For many years junkyards were probably one of the last major enterprises to only accept cash for their sales. In my area, we have about 4 or 5 huge You Pull It Yards. Two of them have over 3,000 vehicles or more. This also provides a means of great exercising. You Pull It Yards lets you do all the work removing the parts you want. I have become known to most of them as I am one of the select few with a resale tax number on file. At my age, I can usually do a stretch of about two hours before calling it quits.
To me going to these You Pull It Yards brings back memories. While some play the state lottery (knowing the chances of winning anything more that $5 is slim and none,) I find it rewarding to find some cool little item(s) in a junked GM car. There are a few parts from later GM cars that are the same or are upgrades for the Turbo Regals that I find on a frequent basis.
As each year passes, it is getting tougher and tougher to find the early 1990s GM cars that share some of the little parts that the G-body format cars used. It’s interesting what you can find in glove boxes of some of the cars. Two items, in particular, that are quickly disappearing are the original Made in England radiator cap and the early format 3rd brake light. These two parts have not been reproduced yet, making the original ones in demand.
In many cases, heat has destroyed the 3rd brake light socket and in extreme conditions heat has warped the outer housing. The unusual Made in England radiator cap was only used a few years and not many 25-plus-year-old cars in the junkyard have retained the original radiator cap.
PHOTO 3 – This photo shows various ways GM packaged a spare key format in the 1990s. Some keys are metal and some were plastic. We show Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and Pontiac that we have found over the years in You Pull It Yards. In several instances, the VIN number is on the package. The 3 different years of Chevrolet key kits are plastic. Keys have come a long way since the 1980s. Some newer replacement keys can run $300 or more! It’s one example of how all this technology may not be that great a thing!
IS YOUR TURBO REGAL PROPERLY INSURED? –
Classic car enthusiasts know that it is sometimes difficult to reach an agreement with an insurance company on the value of a collectible car or truck. It is always better to agree on that value as soon as you arrange to insure it, rather than wait to argue it out when trying to make a claim. It is also a good idea to periodically re-evaluate the worth of your classic car or truck as the value will change as time passes.
ALS Appraisal and Litigation Services is the right choice to appraise your collectible vehicle for this or any other purpose. Get your Turbo Regal/Grand National appraised at 20% OFF at Kirban’s upcoming spring Open House event on May 4, 2019.
Contact - [email protected] Terry Shaw - 215-659-4947 - fax 215-657-3409 - PA License #139808.
On a personal note, I have known Terry Shaw for over 35-plus years. He has appraised several vehicles for my son as well as my personal Turbo-T years ago.
PHOTO 4 - Shows actual wreck photos of a Grand National with two cartoons on how you could end up on the short end of what an insurance company will pay you for your loss.
“CARS WE REMEMBER” MAGAZINE INSERT IN LAST SUNDAY’S NEWSPAPER –
In this past Sunday’s newspaper, there was a 48-page magazine insert called, “Cars We Remember.” The magazine included several articles on the muscle cars from the 1960s. The Pontiac GTO was featured, as was the Buick GS models.
Another article was about the Edsel, which was a huge flop for Ford. Something I never knew was that the 1960 Mercury Comet used Edsel taillights. Interesting enough, the first year Mercury Comet sold more than all three years of the Edsel.
Another article explained how the new auction company Bring a Trailer works on keeping sellers and bidders honest. Unlike Ebay bidders, they have to cough up a bit of cash before the auction starts. They put a hold on a bidder’s credit card in the amount of the bidder’s fee. It is enough to weed out the bidders who are there just to mess around.
The magazine also had a good article on the Willys car company. For example, the 1940-1942 Willys was a great looking car with a low entry price tag of just $495. If only you lived back then and could foresee the future. I think 90% of the Willys coupes that now exist have been turned into hot rods. I can’t recall ever seeing an original Willys restored.
I’m not sure of the reason, but the magazine does not cover any of the 1980s cars, which is a shame since the Grand National is a rising star in the collectible car market.
We get two Sunday papers each week, but only one of the Sunday papers had this “Cars We Remember” magazine insert.
THIS IS A REAL STRETCH OF THE TRUTH –
I saw this sign at a fast food restaurant advertising hiring employees. I quote, “Come join the fun.” I don’t think working at a fast food restaurant is known as a fun place! Another was a sign I saw by an Ice machine. The line read, “Our ice cubes are healthier than yours.” I never knew much skill was required to make ice cubes. Simply use a good source of clean pure water, pour and freeze.
CARSMARTS RADIO IS ON THE AIR AND ON THE WEB! –
Turbo V6 enthusiast Steve Saffier (who produced “The Dennis Kirban Story” on YouTube last year) is producer and host of a new automotive radio program broadcasting live every Saturday from 11am - 12 noon on 610 ESPN radio (the old WIP 610 am for those in the area.) The show talks about different aspects of the car world and Steve’s affinity for Turbo Regals and Syclone/Typhoons often is expressed in nearly every show.
You can tune in live or livestream the show at http://www.610espn.com from anywhere in the world.
TIPS AND IDEAS YOU HAVE TRIED -
If there are any tips or ideas you want to share with our readers, email me –[email protected]
TIP FROM KIRBAN –
If you plan on attending our May 4th Spring Open House, it’s best to order any big item in the next several weeks so it can be put aside for pick up. These items need to be paid for up front. They include Spoolfool fillers, Pypes Exhaust Systems, and Cold Case Radiators.
2019 TURBO BUICK RELATED CAR SHOWS EVENTS -
To get your Turbo Regal event for 2019 listed here, you must email me direct [email protected] Also send me a copy of the flyer promoting the event.
KIRBAN SPRING OPEN HOUSE –
Saturday, May 4, 2019 - 9 am until 2 pm
6201 Kellers Church Road, Plumsteadville (Pipersville), PA
This event has no rain date. Gbodyparts.com will be coming to our event as a vendor. Contact him in advance for any parts you want him to bring. Their email is [email protected] year we are combining this event with Black Ice Details, a detail shop that shares our warehouse. We will have many raffle items from various vendors that have donated to our event. A few No Reserve Auction items and our usual M&Ms contest as well. Free coffee and Yum Yums donuts as usual, Yum Yums donuts seldom last past the first hour.
Vendors that have now donated raffle prizes include: Auto Legal Appraisals, Casper’s Electronics, Cold Case, Gbodyparts.com, Max Performance, Mike’s Montes, Russ & Nancy, Spoolfool, and Yum Yum donuts. We expect to hear from others as the time draws closer.
Local motels would be in nearby Quakertown, which is about a 25-minute drive west of our shop location. They would include Quakertown Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn, Spring Hill Suites by Marriott, Quality Inn & Suites. There is also a Hampton Inn Warrington south of us on Route 611 in Warrington.
GENERAL DIRECTIONS -
From Willow Grove... North on RT 611 through Warrington, Doylestown and into Plumsteadville (you can take the RT 611 Bypass that goes around Doylestown - it exits back onto RT 611 north of Doylestown). Watch for a shopping center with a McDonald’s on your right. Go past that light at Stump Road and the Plumsteadville Inn. Make the FIRST left at the Shelly Funeral Home onto Kellers Church Road. Ours is the second office complex just a short distance down on the right. Our unit is at the back far corner. There’s plenty of parking, since most of the other companies are closed on the weekends.
From Quakertown... Take RT 663 east and it will become RT 313 heading east (away from the turnpike.) You will cross through the major intersection at RT 309 in Quakertown. Go through Quakertown (it will take several sharp turns). RT 663 becomes Route 313 Dublin Pike, past Dublin. Make a left onto Stump Road, left onto RT 611, FIRST left at the Shelly Funeral Home onto Kellers Church Road. Ours is the second office complex on the right.
NOTE - If you are using GPS, you may have to use “Pipersville 18947” as the town.
10TH ANNUAL BUICK RACE DAY -
Saturday, MAY 25, 2019 – Gates open at 8 am
Lebanon Valley Dragway, 1746 U.S. Route 20, West Lebanon, NY
Participants in all Buick classes must be Buick-Powered. For more information, call 518-794-7130 or call 914-477-6068 (ask for John)
TURBO BUICK NATIONALS –
MAY 23, 24, and 25, 2019
Richard Clark’s Garage & Piedmont Race Track, Burlington, North Carolina
This event is held at Richard Clark’s Garage in Burlington, NC and the nearby Piedmont Race Track. For more information and a list of their program, go to Turbobuick.com and scroll down to Turbo Buick Nationals 2019 for up-to-date information. Here is the link to this event.
BATES NUT FARM BUICK SHOW -
SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 2019 - 9 am until 3 pm -
Bates Nut Farm, Valley Center, CA
According to Mike Bernard (Spoolfool fame), this event is the second largest gathering of Turbo Buicks in the Nation. Eric Brown and Mike Bernard deserve a lot of credit for putting this west coast event on every year. The event runs from 9 am until 3 pm. Vendors will be on hand and they will have many items for their raffles. They will update the info shortly for 2019 on the link shown below.
Here is a link to their website.
1ST ANNUAL BUICK BASH AT THE QUAKE -
FRIDAY& SATURDAY - JUNE 14 & 15, 2019
Quaker City Motorsports Park, 10225 West South Range Road, Salem, OH 44460
For more info, contact John Csordas 914-447-6068 [email protected] or Denny Moore 330-647-3615 [email protected] - www.quakercitymotorsportspark.com
EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS -
FRIDAY& SATURDAY - SEPTEMBER 20TH& 21ST, 2019
Cecil County Dragway, 1916 Theodore Road, Rising Sun, Maryland
This will be the 23rd year. Host hotel Information:Comfort Inn located just off exit 100 on I-95.Call 410-287-7100 and mention Northeast GS/GN Club for special pricing. For more info, contact John Csordas 914-447-6068 [email protected] or Jim Chaudrue 215-266-1052 [email protected]
GOOD NEWS - WE ARE ACCEPTING CLASSIFIED ADS -
Good news - We now accept Classified Ads in our weekly Inner Circle emails. Over the years several customers have asked about placing an ad in our weekly Inner Circle.
Here are the options and the costs.
Ads can be from any individual or company. It needs to be automotive related, meaning it does not need be specifically Turbo Regal related. It can be for something for sale or something wanted.
Maximum number of words is 125 words, which is about 7 to 9 lines of copy. No photos. You can list a website. We recommend you state your name, phone number or email, a price, and your location in your ad.
The cost for 2 consecutive weeks is $25. The cost for 4 consecutive weeks is $40. You save $10 with the 4-week plan. No changes can be made to your existing running ad. You can only run one ad at any given time. We will have a code system at the end of your ad, so we will know what week number your ad is to run - 2 or 4 weeks.
It can be an ad for something for sale or an ad for something you are looking for.
We have never missed a single week since we started the Inner Circle email format in 2009. It’s something I enjoy doing and I just always seem to have enough material to write about.
Our weekly Inner Circle reaches over 3,300 members every Wednesday direct to their inbox. The Inner Circle also appears every Wednesday on our website with the related photos. Your ad would be visible to both groups of readers. So, the exposure to your ad is well over 3,200 potential buyers.
Ads submitted properly by the previous Sunday would appear that next Wednesday in the weekly Inner Circle. Ads must be submitted by email to - [email protected]
Payment by credit card must be done by phone to our office 215-766-1611 x 0.
NOTE - IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO SEE THE BUICK RARE PARTS SECTION -
If you are not able to see the Buick Rare Parts section at the end of this Inner Circle, it is because you are not an Inner Circle member, but instead are reading this on the website. You must subscribe to see the Rare Parts section each week. It would go directly to your inbox every Wednesday afternoon. It is FREE, probably one reason why nobody complains about what I write about. Simply email- [email protected] to get our weekly Inner Circle email.
The Buick Rare Parts section is only viewed by those that subscribe. Subscription is free, so complaints on what I write are nonexistent!
EMAILS TO KIRBAN PERFORMANCE -
NOTE- If you email us and do NOT get a timely reply, be sure to check your “SPAM” folder. Some emails do not go thru.
If you need to email us, use - [email protected]
CORES NEEDED -
Here is the information on our credits for cores.
URGENT NEED –
POWERMASTER BRAKE UNITS. Unit must be complete. We will issue you a Letter of Credit for $150 for each acceptable core. We currently will not buy any powermaster units outright, only Letter of Credit towards parts.
TURBO CORES must be the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal stock turbo. They must be complete. We will issue you a $150 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. These are the only 2 items we are currently accepting as cores.
MAIL - Ship to Address -
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
PO BOX 1199
PLUMSTEADVILLE, PA 18949
UPS - Ship to Address -
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
6201 Kellers Church Road
PLUMSTEADVILLE, 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. Please remember I have very little knowledge of the mechanical workings of the engine.
NEW PRODUCTS FROM US –
REPRODUCTION GM LICENSED - 1987 BUICK OWNER’S MANUAL
A must-have reference booklet for any 1987 Turbo Regal owner. This is a high-quality GM Licensed reproduction of the original Owner’s Manual.
This is a great addition to your reference material.
7843 - Reproduction GM Licensed 1987 Buick Owner’s Manual - $19.95
1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
POWER ANTENNA HARDWARE (4 Nuts & 4 Bolts) KIT
NOTE - This kit is included if you purchase the Power Antenna Upgraded Steel Cable Repair Kit, part #7433.
You only need this kit if you do NOT purchase the upgraded steel cable repair kit and plan to replace the cable not using our kit, part #7433.
This kit comes with directions and the proper hardware to reassemble the power antenna housing.
It eliminates the need to hunt down the hardware to reassemble the power antenna motor assembly.
Step-by-step directions are included to make it easy to install.
We also recommend you purchase the "1984-1987 Turbo Regal Power Antenna Removal and Installation Guide" Book by Pete Serio, part #6976. The location of the original power antenna on the passenger fender makes removal a more difficult project than most locations. Or purchase the 1984-1987 Buck Turbo Regal Power Antenna Upgraded Steel Cable Repair Kit, part #7433, which includes this hardware kit.
NOTE - You may also be interested in these related parts - #7702 Rebuild Service for Original Power Antenna.
NOTE - We recommend you also purchase our Part #6976 - “1984-1987 Turbo Regal - Power Antenna Removal and Installation Guide” Book by Pete Serio
7433-Kit - 1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Power Antenna Hardware (4 Nuts & 4 Bolts) Kit - $4.95 / kit
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. We also may buy your new or used parts. 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 must 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 –
Vendors that have now donated something for our May 4, 2019 Spring Open House include: Auto Legal Appraisals, Casper’s Electronics, Cold Case, Gbodyparts.com, Max Performance, Mike’s Montes, Russ & Nancy, Spoolfool, and Yum Yum donuts. We expect to hear from others as the time draws closer.
LAST WEEK’S TURBO REGAL TRIVIA QUESTION ANSWERED –
The answer to last week’s Turbo Regal Trivia question is FE3. This must have been an easy question as we had our biggest response to date.
The FE3 code refers to the suspension and, to the best of my knowledge, appears on every 1987 Turbo Regal SPID decal. The plastic FE3 emblem was used on the trunk lid of some of the late 1980s and perhaps the early 1990s Oldsmobile models. These cars were front wheel drive. I had one of these Oldsmobiles that did have that plastic FE3 emblem on the back. I can’t remember what model it was.
I have a brand new FE3 emblem in my personal collection and I also have another rare Oldsmobile emblem that many of you may not even be aware of. Apparently, when the decision was made to cancel production of the entire Oldsmobile car line, Oldsmobile created a metal-type emblem that was quite unique. We have pictured it in Photo 1. This emblem says, “SINCE 1897” and under the word Oldsmobile it says, “FINAL 500.” I can only assume this emblem was on the last 500 Oldsmobiles to roll down the assembly line. Makes you wonder how many of the last 500 Oldsmobiles are still on the road today.
PHOTO 1 – We show both the FE3 Oldsmobile emblem and the Oldsmobile emblem that indicated the last 500 Oldsmobiles produced. Neither of these emblems is available from GM any more. The Final 500 Oldsmobile emblem is made from the same material as the Grand National fender badges and was also made by the same company. (Another bit of useless Buick trivia).
THIS WEEK’S TRIVIA QUESTION –
Here is this week’s trivia question. Name the GM car make and model that has a direct bolt option into any 1986-1987 Grand National. No Turbo Regal or Grand National ever had this option from the factory. This may also be the largest option from another GM car model that bolts in with no modification whatsoever.
The question - name the GM car make and model and also the option I am referring to. Your answer must agree with mine. Email me [email protected] your educated guess.
MEMORIES OF TURBO REGALS FOR SALE –
Eileen found these two photos of Turbo Regals, mostly Grand Nationals, taken at our house in the Spring of 2007. According to my records, I sold 13 of the 1986-1987 Turbo Regals that year. Our car sales were winding down from earlier years. Our biggest selling years, according to my records, were 1999 and 2000. We sold 44 Turbo Regal each of those two years. With 52 weeks a year, that equals a Turbo Regal sold about one every 10 days.
PHOTO 2 – The photo to the left was taken in April 2007 in front of our 30 by 50 pole building at our house. At that time, I had 3 Grand Nationals. The photo to the right was taken in May of 2007. Some of these Turbo Regals probably had been sold earlier and may have been at our house for other work or detailing. It made for a nice group photo.
JUNKYARDING –
I am sure when many of you were teenagers, you may have made several trips to a junkyard to hunt for parts for your car. I know I did it when I was in high school as funds were hard to come by and junkyard parts were a lot cheaper than new or rebuilt parts from the local auto stores.
We had a junkyard near our house and over my teenage years this was the equivalent of a Walmart Super Store today. I simply called them up and made sure my parents did not block the car in so the car could be picked up from my house while I was at school.
Today junkyards have become more sophisticated and most now accept credit cards. For many years junkyards were probably one of the last major enterprises to only accept cash for their sales. In my area, we have about 4 or 5 huge You Pull It Yards. Two of them have over 3,000 vehicles or more. This also provides a means of great exercising. You Pull It Yards lets you do all the work removing the parts you want. I have become known to most of them as I am one of the select few with a resale tax number on file. At my age, I can usually do a stretch of about two hours before calling it quits.
To me going to these You Pull It Yards brings back memories. While some play the state lottery (knowing the chances of winning anything more that $5 is slim and none,) I find it rewarding to find some cool little item(s) in a junked GM car. There are a few parts from later GM cars that are the same or are upgrades for the Turbo Regals that I find on a frequent basis.
As each year passes, it is getting tougher and tougher to find the early 1990s GM cars that share some of the little parts that the G-body format cars used. It’s interesting what you can find in glove boxes of some of the cars. Two items, in particular, that are quickly disappearing are the original Made in England radiator cap and the early format 3rd brake light. These two parts have not been reproduced yet, making the original ones in demand.
In many cases, heat has destroyed the 3rd brake light socket and in extreme conditions heat has warped the outer housing. The unusual Made in England radiator cap was only used a few years and not many 25-plus-year-old cars in the junkyard have retained the original radiator cap.
PHOTO 3 – This photo shows various ways GM packaged a spare key format in the 1990s. Some keys are metal and some were plastic. We show Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and Pontiac that we have found over the years in You Pull It Yards. In several instances, the VIN number is on the package. The 3 different years of Chevrolet key kits are plastic. Keys have come a long way since the 1980s. Some newer replacement keys can run $300 or more! It’s one example of how all this technology may not be that great a thing!
IS YOUR TURBO REGAL PROPERLY INSURED? –
Classic car enthusiasts know that it is sometimes difficult to reach an agreement with an insurance company on the value of a collectible car or truck. It is always better to agree on that value as soon as you arrange to insure it, rather than wait to argue it out when trying to make a claim. It is also a good idea to periodically re-evaluate the worth of your classic car or truck as the value will change as time passes.
ALS Appraisal and Litigation Services is the right choice to appraise your collectible vehicle for this or any other purpose. Get your Turbo Regal/Grand National appraised at 20% OFF at Kirban’s upcoming spring Open House event on May 4, 2019.
Contact - [email protected] Terry Shaw - 215-659-4947 - fax 215-657-3409 - PA License #139808.
On a personal note, I have known Terry Shaw for over 35-plus years. He has appraised several vehicles for my son as well as my personal Turbo-T years ago.
PHOTO 4 - Shows actual wreck photos of a Grand National with two cartoons on how you could end up on the short end of what an insurance company will pay you for your loss.
“CARS WE REMEMBER” MAGAZINE INSERT IN LAST SUNDAY’S NEWSPAPER –
In this past Sunday’s newspaper, there was a 48-page magazine insert called, “Cars We Remember.” The magazine included several articles on the muscle cars from the 1960s. The Pontiac GTO was featured, as was the Buick GS models.
Another article was about the Edsel, which was a huge flop for Ford. Something I never knew was that the 1960 Mercury Comet used Edsel taillights. Interesting enough, the first year Mercury Comet sold more than all three years of the Edsel.
Another article explained how the new auction company Bring a Trailer works on keeping sellers and bidders honest. Unlike Ebay bidders, they have to cough up a bit of cash before the auction starts. They put a hold on a bidder’s credit card in the amount of the bidder’s fee. It is enough to weed out the bidders who are there just to mess around.
The magazine also had a good article on the Willys car company. For example, the 1940-1942 Willys was a great looking car with a low entry price tag of just $495. If only you lived back then and could foresee the future. I think 90% of the Willys coupes that now exist have been turned into hot rods. I can’t recall ever seeing an original Willys restored.
I’m not sure of the reason, but the magazine does not cover any of the 1980s cars, which is a shame since the Grand National is a rising star in the collectible car market.
We get two Sunday papers each week, but only one of the Sunday papers had this “Cars We Remember” magazine insert.
THIS IS A REAL STRETCH OF THE TRUTH –
I saw this sign at a fast food restaurant advertising hiring employees. I quote, “Come join the fun.” I don’t think working at a fast food restaurant is known as a fun place! Another was a sign I saw by an Ice machine. The line read, “Our ice cubes are healthier than yours.” I never knew much skill was required to make ice cubes. Simply use a good source of clean pure water, pour and freeze.
CARSMARTS RADIO IS ON THE AIR AND ON THE WEB! –
Turbo V6 enthusiast Steve Saffier (who produced “The Dennis Kirban Story” on YouTube last year) is producer and host of a new automotive radio program broadcasting live every Saturday from 11am - 12 noon on 610 ESPN radio (the old WIP 610 am for those in the area.) The show talks about different aspects of the car world and Steve’s affinity for Turbo Regals and Syclone/Typhoons often is expressed in nearly every show.
You can tune in live or livestream the show at http://www.610espn.com from anywhere in the world.
TIPS AND IDEAS YOU HAVE TRIED -
If there are any tips or ideas you want to share with our readers, email me –[email protected]
TIP FROM KIRBAN –
If you plan on attending our May 4th Spring Open House, it’s best to order any big item in the next several weeks so it can be put aside for pick up. These items need to be paid for up front. They include Spoolfool fillers, Pypes Exhaust Systems, and Cold Case Radiators.
2019 TURBO BUICK RELATED CAR SHOWS EVENTS -
To get your Turbo Regal event for 2019 listed here, you must email me direct [email protected] Also send me a copy of the flyer promoting the event.
KIRBAN SPRING OPEN HOUSE –
Saturday, May 4, 2019 - 9 am until 2 pm
6201 Kellers Church Road, Plumsteadville (Pipersville), PA
This event has no rain date. Gbodyparts.com will be coming to our event as a vendor. Contact him in advance for any parts you want him to bring. Their email is [email protected] year we are combining this event with Black Ice Details, a detail shop that shares our warehouse. We will have many raffle items from various vendors that have donated to our event. A few No Reserve Auction items and our usual M&Ms contest as well. Free coffee and Yum Yums donuts as usual, Yum Yums donuts seldom last past the first hour.
Vendors that have now donated raffle prizes include: Auto Legal Appraisals, Casper’s Electronics, Cold Case, Gbodyparts.com, Max Performance, Mike’s Montes, Russ & Nancy, Spoolfool, and Yum Yum donuts. We expect to hear from others as the time draws closer.
Local motels would be in nearby Quakertown, which is about a 25-minute drive west of our shop location. They would include Quakertown Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn, Spring Hill Suites by Marriott, Quality Inn & Suites. There is also a Hampton Inn Warrington south of us on Route 611 in Warrington.
GENERAL DIRECTIONS -
From Willow Grove... North on RT 611 through Warrington, Doylestown and into Plumsteadville (you can take the RT 611 Bypass that goes around Doylestown - it exits back onto RT 611 north of Doylestown). Watch for a shopping center with a McDonald’s on your right. Go past that light at Stump Road and the Plumsteadville Inn. Make the FIRST left at the Shelly Funeral Home onto Kellers Church Road. Ours is the second office complex just a short distance down on the right. Our unit is at the back far corner. There’s plenty of parking, since most of the other companies are closed on the weekends.
From Quakertown... Take RT 663 east and it will become RT 313 heading east (away from the turnpike.) You will cross through the major intersection at RT 309 in Quakertown. Go through Quakertown (it will take several sharp turns). RT 663 becomes Route 313 Dublin Pike, past Dublin. Make a left onto Stump Road, left onto RT 611, FIRST left at the Shelly Funeral Home onto Kellers Church Road. Ours is the second office complex on the right.
NOTE - If you are using GPS, you may have to use “Pipersville 18947” as the town.
10TH ANNUAL BUICK RACE DAY -
Saturday, MAY 25, 2019 – Gates open at 8 am
Lebanon Valley Dragway, 1746 U.S. Route 20, West Lebanon, NY
Participants in all Buick classes must be Buick-Powered. For more information, call 518-794-7130 or call 914-477-6068 (ask for John)
TURBO BUICK NATIONALS –
MAY 23, 24, and 25, 2019
Richard Clark’s Garage & Piedmont Race Track, Burlington, North Carolina
This event is held at Richard Clark’s Garage in Burlington, NC and the nearby Piedmont Race Track. For more information and a list of their program, go to Turbobuick.com and scroll down to Turbo Buick Nationals 2019 for up-to-date information. Here is the link to this event.
BATES NUT FARM BUICK SHOW -
SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 2019 - 9 am until 3 pm -
Bates Nut Farm, Valley Center, CA
According to Mike Bernard (Spoolfool fame), this event is the second largest gathering of Turbo Buicks in the Nation. Eric Brown and Mike Bernard deserve a lot of credit for putting this west coast event on every year. The event runs from 9 am until 3 pm. Vendors will be on hand and they will have many items for their raffles. They will update the info shortly for 2019 on the link shown below.
Here is a link to their website.
1ST ANNUAL BUICK BASH AT THE QUAKE -
FRIDAY& SATURDAY - JUNE 14 & 15, 2019
Quaker City Motorsports Park, 10225 West South Range Road, Salem, OH 44460
For more info, contact John Csordas 914-447-6068 [email protected] or Denny Moore 330-647-3615 [email protected] - www.quakercitymotorsportspark.com
EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS -
FRIDAY& SATURDAY - SEPTEMBER 20TH& 21ST, 2019
Cecil County Dragway, 1916 Theodore Road, Rising Sun, Maryland
This will be the 23rd year. Host hotel Information:Comfort Inn located just off exit 100 on I-95.Call 410-287-7100 and mention Northeast GS/GN Club for special pricing. For more info, contact John Csordas 914-447-6068 [email protected] or Jim Chaudrue 215-266-1052 [email protected]
GOOD NEWS - WE ARE ACCEPTING CLASSIFIED ADS -
Good news - We now accept Classified Ads in our weekly Inner Circle emails. Over the years several customers have asked about placing an ad in our weekly Inner Circle.
Here are the options and the costs.
Ads can be from any individual or company. It needs to be automotive related, meaning it does not need be specifically Turbo Regal related. It can be for something for sale or something wanted.
Maximum number of words is 125 words, which is about 7 to 9 lines of copy. No photos. You can list a website. We recommend you state your name, phone number or email, a price, and your location in your ad.
The cost for 2 consecutive weeks is $25. The cost for 4 consecutive weeks is $40. You save $10 with the 4-week plan. No changes can be made to your existing running ad. You can only run one ad at any given time. We will have a code system at the end of your ad, so we will know what week number your ad is to run - 2 or 4 weeks.
It can be an ad for something for sale or an ad for something you are looking for.
We have never missed a single week since we started the Inner Circle email format in 2009. It’s something I enjoy doing and I just always seem to have enough material to write about.
Our weekly Inner Circle reaches over 3,300 members every Wednesday direct to their inbox. The Inner Circle also appears every Wednesday on our website with the related photos. Your ad would be visible to both groups of readers. So, the exposure to your ad is well over 3,200 potential buyers.
Ads submitted properly by the previous Sunday would appear that next Wednesday in the weekly Inner Circle. Ads must be submitted by email to - [email protected]
Payment by credit card must be done by phone to our office 215-766-1611 x 0.
NOTE - IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO SEE THE BUICK RARE PARTS SECTION -
If you are not able to see the Buick Rare Parts section at the end of this Inner Circle, it is because you are not an Inner Circle member, but instead are reading this on the website. You must subscribe to see the Rare Parts section each week. It would go directly to your inbox every Wednesday afternoon. It is FREE, probably one reason why nobody complains about what I write about. Simply email- [email protected] to get our weekly Inner Circle email.
The Buick Rare Parts section is only viewed by those that subscribe. Subscription is free, so complaints on what I write are nonexistent!
EMAILS TO KIRBAN PERFORMANCE -
NOTE- If you email us and do NOT get a timely reply, be sure to check your “SPAM” folder. Some emails do not go thru.
If you need to email us, use - [email protected]
CORES NEEDED -
Here is the information on our credits for cores.
URGENT NEED –
POWERMASTER BRAKE UNITS. Unit must be complete. We will issue you a Letter of Credit for $150 for each acceptable core. We currently will not buy any powermaster units outright, only Letter of Credit towards parts.
TURBO CORES must be the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal stock turbo. They must be complete. We will issue you a $150 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. These are the only 2 items we are currently accepting as cores.
MAIL - Ship to Address -
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
PO BOX 1199
PLUMSTEADVILLE, PA 18949
UPS - Ship to Address -
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
6201 Kellers Church Road
PLUMSTEADVILLE, 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. Please remember I have very little knowledge of the mechanical workings of the engine.
NEW PRODUCTS FROM US –
REPRODUCTION GM LICENSED - 1987 BUICK OWNER’S MANUAL
A must-have reference booklet for any 1987 Turbo Regal owner. This is a high-quality GM Licensed reproduction of the original Owner’s Manual.
This is a great addition to your reference material.
7843 - Reproduction GM Licensed 1987 Buick Owner’s Manual - $19.95
1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
POWER ANTENNA HARDWARE (4 Nuts & 4 Bolts) KIT
NOTE - This kit is included if you purchase the Power Antenna Upgraded Steel Cable Repair Kit, part #7433.
You only need this kit if you do NOT purchase the upgraded steel cable repair kit and plan to replace the cable not using our kit, part #7433.
This kit comes with directions and the proper hardware to reassemble the power antenna housing.
It eliminates the need to hunt down the hardware to reassemble the power antenna motor assembly.
Step-by-step directions are included to make it easy to install.
We also recommend you purchase the "1984-1987 Turbo Regal Power Antenna Removal and Installation Guide" Book by Pete Serio, part #6976. The location of the original power antenna on the passenger fender makes removal a more difficult project than most locations. Or purchase the 1984-1987 Buck Turbo Regal Power Antenna Upgraded Steel Cable Repair Kit, part #7433, which includes this hardware kit.
NOTE - You may also be interested in these related parts - #7702 Rebuild Service for Original Power Antenna.
NOTE - We recommend you also purchase our Part #6976 - “1984-1987 Turbo Regal - Power Antenna Removal and Installation Guide” Book by Pete Serio
7433-Kit - 1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Power Antenna Hardware (4 Nuts & 4 Bolts) Kit - $4.95 / kit
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. We also may buy your new or used parts. 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 must 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 –
Vendors that have now donated something for our May 4, 2019 Spring Open House include: Auto Legal Appraisals, Casper’s Electronics, Cold Case, Gbodyparts.com, Max Performance, Mike’s Montes, Russ & Nancy, Spoolfool, and Yum Yum donuts. We expect to hear from others as the time draws closer.