04-02-2014 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 04-02-2014

APRIL CARTOON -

PHOTO 1 - This month’s “The Adventures of Tommy Turbo” cartoon relates to the upcoming Easter holiday. The caption reads, "A ride with you in that BUICK sure beats Hop-Hop-Hopping down the bunny trail!"



ONE MAN’S PERSONAL CAR COLLECTION -

This is the conclusion of photos from Hank's car collection and Open House we were invited to see several weeks ago. One of the most rare cars in Hank's collection is this pristine 1973 Jaguar E Type, powered by a V12 engine. The color turquoise was only available in 1973 and reportedly only three examples are known to exist today.

PHOTO 2 - The top left photo shows the front end of this Jaguar. The top right shows the back end with some of the original paperwork displayed on the trunk lid. The lower left photo shows a 1933 Packard sedan that someone drove to the party. The lower right photo shows a picnic display in the back of a 1959 Ford station wagon that was part of Hank's collection. When Hank displays his car collection, each car has its own unique theme.

Displayed in the showcases in the bottom floor were a number of cool items from the Jarrett Dodge dealership and from another dealership. One thing that caught my eye was this postcard dated 1951. It is from a wrecking yard listing various cars they were dismantling for parts.

PHOTO 3 - Here is a close up of the postcard listing the cars from the 1930s and early 1940s this wrecking yard was dismantling for parts. This wrecking yard was located in Philadelphia.



FOR SALE - MINT SET OF FOUR 1986-1987 GRAND NATIONAL WHEELS -

We now have this mint set of four 1986-1987 Grand National wheels available. These came off of a 12,000-mile one-owner Grand National. You can tell these are a low-mileage set of wheels by looking at the back side. Most are so rusted or corroded.

PHOTO 4 - The top left photo shows the wheels looking at the bead area. Notice how clean that area is. The top right photo shows the backside of one of the wheels. The lower left photo shows the stamping GM used to identify the wheels. This reads in part "15 x 7 JJ MADE IN THE USA." The lower right photo shows would be the date code in part "06 12 87." I have no idea what the other numbers that are stamped on each wheel mean or represent. This set of wheels has been sold.



AD FOR EMPLOYMENT -

I saw this in a local ad for employment. Listed as one of the qualifications you have to have is "Common Sense!" One would think that requirement was something every applicant would have! This was listed as the first qualification on their list!



WILL BUICK OR WON’T BUICK? -

Will Buick or won’t Buick introduce for 2015 a Grand National and a GNX? The buzz on the internet varies on this topic. It seems Cadillac is the main focus performance group marque with Chevrolet bringing back the Impala SS in a four-door version. I guess time will tell.



EBAY AND GRAND NATIONALS -

It’s been a while since I viewed Grand Nationals on eBay. Seems to be quite a selection of low-mileage examples, most of which are in the high 20s to low 30 price range. A good many of them have the upgraded GNX wheels, either the look-a-likes or the Kirban-style we use to sell years ago.



HISTORY OF THE KIRBAN-STYLE GNX WHEELS -

When the Grand Nationals were new, many owners wanted to upgrade to the GNX-style wheels. At the time 15 inch wheels were on their way out, as was the variety of performance tires available. The car just looked more aggressive with 16 inch wheels and 50 series tires. The problem was real GNX wheels were quite costly and because of the offsets, you would need to also install fender flares to get the proper look.

It wasn’t long before owners figured out that by finding four front Pontiac Trans Am wheels, they would work. The rears from the Trans Ams would not work without modifications. At the time I was having the Pontiac Ralley I wheels, Chevrolet Ralley wheels, and Chrysler wheels produced. My source was a person who ran the chrome division at American Racing Equipment (ARE). They had a mold of a similar wheel to the GNX mesh pattern, but never offered it in the proper offset for the G-body cars. ARE never offered this wheel in this offset because of the variations in the cars and problems with fitment.



I convinced my supplier to make up some in various offsets so I could trial fit them on our personal 1987 Grand National. I knew nothing about fitment of wheels and tires. I drove my local tire place crazy switching tires and wheels front and back to figure out what offset would work. After trying several various offsets, we were able to work out a suitable offset so the GNX-style tires would fit. The only issue was if you turned the wheels real sharp, they would rub against the inner plastic fender. The key was to work out an offset that would work for the front and rear.

We soon discovered that the older Turbo Regals sat lower in the front, which could cause fitment problems as well. For those owners we recommended they replace their front springs so the front sat like the 1987 models did. Another weak area was the stock rear springs and again we recommended upgrading the rear springs as well.

We sold those wheels for quite a number of years. We even made a few sets in the 15 inch, which were not nearly as popular.

Today most people refer to them as the Kirban-style wheels. It’s nice to see that these wheels have held their value even though they do not look exactly like the GNX wheels. I have a set of these on our white Turbo-T. I think they look superior over the original T-Type wheels and are probably just as light as the T-Type wheels. I think the only way to keep original T-Type wheels clean is not to drive your car!

Today very few performance tires are being made in the 15 inch size. Even the 16 inch have given way to 17 inch and 18 inch tires.



UNVEILING A UNIQUE WALL HANGING BANNER AT OUR OPEN HOUSE -

We will have for the first time a new banner that will appeal to any 1987 Turbo Regal owner. It's ideal for display at car shows, to hang in your garage, or to hang on your living room wall. Available in two sizes - 18" x 36" and 24" x 48". They are currently being made. We worked a deal with the person that owns the rights to the photo that we used. If you are not attending and wish to see a photo and pricing, send me an email - [email protected]



GTOAA NATIONAL CONVENTION -

I am a confirmed seminar speaker for this year's GTO National convention held the first week of July in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Over the last year I have been writing articles for their national GTO publication, The Legend.



CLOSE OUT SPECIAL ON 1986-1987 TURBO REGAL - OIL TUBE AND BREATHER ASSEMBLY -

This oil tube and breather assembly was not one of our parts but was a part made by another source and we purchased their remaining Inventory. Be sure to call our office if you want one. To see a photo, go to 03-12-2013 Inner Circle, Photo 1. The tube is straight and measures 4" tall overall and the breather has a chrome cap on the top and measures 3" in diameter, billet construction. The price is $29 each, which includes shipping to any of the basic 48 states.

You must call the office to order this, as it is not on our website - 215-766-1611 x 0. We have about 12 of them left. This is a product we bought from another company.



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]



OUR SPRING OPEN HOUSE SPECIALS -

Once again we will have the Upgraded H4 Headlight Kit, Part #7530, on sale at our Spring Open House. The normal price is $129.95. This is the complete kit headlights and the H4 Upgraded Headlight Harness. You can buy it at our Spring Open House for $100, a $29.95 saving. You must call our office and tell Christina - 215-766-1611 x 0 - so we have one aside for you.

Also, we will have the H4 Upgraded Headlight harness, Part #7531. It is normally $67.95 and the Show Special at our Spring Open House is just $55. You will not have to call in advance to hold one for the show.

Also, we should have from another source new GNX reproduction wheels on display and pricing on them. This company has made them in several different offsets to work with a stock Grand National and also for ones that have the reproduction fender flares installed.



UPDATE CONCERNING SPOOLFOOL FILLER PANELS -

We just received our skid of front and rear Spoolfool Filler Panels. We can give you a good price on shipping, since shipping would be from our Plumsteadville, PA zip code to your zip code. However, you must act quickly if you want either the single-piece rear filler or the Spoolfools front set. All the front filler sets may be spoken for. However, we do have some one-piece Spoolfool rears available, either for shipping or to be picked up at our Spring Open House, April 12th 2014.

Remember, if you want us to hold any filler panels to be picked up at the Open House, be sure to call Christina - 215-766-1611 x 0.



NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -

1978-1987 Buick Turbo Regal (with 10-bolt Housing) -
REAR SUPER SWAY BAR ANTI-ROLL

This rear sway bar kit is designed for the stock suspension, and will keep the car from twisting off the line and losing traction, while greatly improving handling characteristics. This design retains the "sleeper" factory sway bar appearance and also works better than the "race only" weld-on anti-roll setups at the track. It’s also much more street friendly and allows you to launch level and straight like "Pro-Stock," while greatly improving handling in normal driving conditions. Tire “scrubbing" is also drastically reduced or eliminated with close fitting tires or slicks.

This design simply bolts into place and the average person can do it in less than two hours with simple tools.

This design was made especially to bolt on for ease of installation and meet strict racing rules where no welding is allowed.

Here are some of the major features with this set up:

Legal for IHRA and NHRA Stock Eliminator
Fits all factory 10-bolt housing with 2-5/8" axle tubes.
Clears most standard single and dual exhaust systems.
Lower center of gravity.
Designed to be used on daily street driven cars and race cars.
Quiet smooth operation with HD Polyurethane mounts.
Does not bind or restrict suspension movement.
Launches level and straight, safer and more consistent.
Allows much more power to be applied at launch.
Designed to last longer and can be easily rebuilt if ever needed.
Light weight, high strength 1.25 diameter 4130 Chromoly seamless tubing.
Large HD 1/2" Chromoly rod ends and steel hex adjusters.
Only the best components available are used.
Smooth exterior with gloss black powdercoating.
Easily adapts from car to car.
Strong enough to use to jack up the rear end (just protect the finish).
Comes with a Manufacturer’s One-year Replacement policy.

This kit is made by HRpartsNstuff and is drop shipped from the manufacturer.

This system has been very popular among Turbo Regal owners for many years.

Another excellent suspension upgrade.

In order to calculate correct shipping costs, call our office to order this system - 215-766-1611 x 0.

7577 - 1978-1987 Buick Turbo Regal (with 10-bolt Housing) -
Rear Super Sway Bar Anti-Roll System - $509

NOTE - You may also be interested in some related items: Part #7559 Replacement Rear Coil Springs Insulators, Part #7077 Larger Rear Anti-Sway Bar Kit, Part #1520 Variable Rate Rear Springs (2), Part #6678 Bilstein Gas Shocks (4) Set, and Part #6820 KYB Front and Rear Gas Shocks (4) Set

Here is a link to this system on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44152/REAR+SUPER+SWAY+BAR+ANTI-ROLL+SYSTEM+%237577.html



2014 - UPCOMING TURBO REGAL EVENTS FOR 2014 -

KIRBAN PERFORMANCE OPEN HOUSE - SATURDAY - APRIL 12, 2014 - 2014 - RAIN or SHINE - 9 am until 3 pm.

Breaking news - We should have another companies reproduction of the GNX 16 inch wheels on display and available for sale. This company has done all the proper offsets to work with a stock Grand National and also the GNX offsets so they look proper under a Grand National that has the reproduction flares installed.

Richard Clark is 90% sure he will be able to attend our annual Spring Open House. This event is shaping up to be one of our biggest Spring events.

If you are arriving in the area Friday, be sure to stop by. We are planning to go to dinner at a nearby restaurant in Doylestown around 6 pm. Call us if you plan to join us for dinner - 215-766-1611 x 0.

We will have our usual program, including a freshly prepared lunch by chef Russ and Nancy doing all the cooking. Our usual M & M contest, a no reserve auction, Free Yum Yums donuts in the AM with coffee. Special sale prices and new products will be on display.

CONFIRMED VENDORS & GUESTS - Chris’ Custom Apparel, who has a full line of Turbo Buick clothing will be set up. Pete Hoffman will have parts for sale, and I will also have used parts for sale (known as the "tagged and bagged" sale items). Coming for the first time is Bruce Shaw - a lawyer and accountant specializing in Collector Car Fraud. Terry Shaw specializes in collector car appraisals and insurance claims will also be there. Both Terry Shaw and Bruce Shaw will be doing a seminar. So be sure to put this event on your calendar.

GREAT NEWS - Mike, owner of Spoolfools, has donated a set of his front fillers and his popular one-piece rear filler for our Open House to be raffled off for the Molly Scholarship Fund. Over a $650 value is up for grabs at our Spring Open House.

I am already putting aside some unique items for the no reserve auction. Our upgraded H4 Headlight kit with the special plug-and-play harness, Part #7530, will be on sale for just $100. You save $29.95 You must call and reserve a H4 Upgraded headlight kit so we have one for you - 215-766-1611 x 0. Also on sale will be the 1981-1987 H4 Upgraded plug-and-play harness, Part #7531, which allows you to use any style H4 headlight format. The sale price is $55, a savings of $12.95.

We will have a number of the upgraded GM lower steering shafts available. If you purchase one at our Spring Open House, the sale price is just $79.95, a savings of $20 over retail and shipping. You will be able to see firsthand the difference between your original lower steering shaft, the Jeep lower steering shaft and this later GM lower steering shaft and why it is the one that is in demand. The part number for this upgraded refurbished GM used lower steering shaft is #7574. It is now on our website, but you have to contact me personally to order - [email protected].

LODGING IN THE GENERAL AREA - Quakertown is about 25 minutes west of our warehouse location and the newest motels are by Route 663 and the exit for Quakertown off the northeast extension of the turnpike Route 476.

COMFORT SUITES INN
RT 663, 1905 John Fries Highway, Quakertown, PA 18951 - 215 / 538-3000

HAMPTON INN
RT 663, 1915 John Fries Highway, Quakertown, PA 18951 - 215 / 536-7779

QUAKERTOWN HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS
RT 663, 1915 John Fries Highway, Quakertown, PA 18951 - 215 / 529-7979

This is one of the first major events of 2014 for the Turbo Regal owner. Don't miss it.

Here is a link to this information on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/inner_circle.php?nak=286



24TH ANNUAL BUICK RACE DAY - NORWALK, OHIO -
APRIL 25-26-27, 2014

The dates are Friday, April 25th at the track from 6-11 pm, Saturday, April 26th for the All Buick Car Show show at Arbys in Norwalk, Ohio and Sunday, April 27th for Buick powered racing at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio.

For more information, contact Roberta Vasilow at 810-655-8277 or email - [email protected]. Or contact Bill Wills at 330-747-1029 or email is - [email protected]



RIDE FOR MOLLY - SATURDAY - MAY 10, 2014

The date this year for the "Ride for Molly" event is Saturday, May 10, 2014. According to Ralph Shelley, one of our Turbo Regal customers, he expects that 3 or 4 Turbo Buicks from northern California will participate this year.

This year the ride originates from the site of their first two memorial rides, the very popular Temecula Creek Inn. It will then go along one of Molly's favorite routes to Borrego Springs, with a luncheon planned at the Red Octotillo, located in the lodge built in 1948. This is truly a throwback to the 1950's and an experience you won't want to miss.

As in the past, all monies contributed by the attendees will support a college fund for Molly’s daughter Brooke. If you are not able to attend but wish to contribute, a check made payable to “Molly Memorial Education Fund” can be mailed to: Molly Memorial Education Fund, c/o Alan DeCarr, 6446 Fairwind Circle, Huntington Beach, Ca. 92648.

For more information, contact - [email protected] or (866) 275-1294



5TH ANNUAL BUICK RACE DAY - Lebanon Valley Dragway, Lebanon Valley, New York
MAY 24, 2014

This is sponsored by the Northeast Chapter of the GS/GN Club, on May 24th 2014 at Lebanon Valley Dragway in Lebanon Valley, New York. Three race classes are Quick 16, V8 and V6.

For more information, contact John at 518-794-7120 or 914-447-6068.



GN T-TYPE CENTRAL GET TOGETHER - Chicagoland Buick Chapter -
SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 7 & 8, 2014

The main dates are Saturday and Sunday June 7th and 8th 2014. Location is the Holiday Inn, 860 Irving Park Road in Itasca, Ill. The two-day event includes a car show, cruise, swap meet and racing. Sponsored in part by the Chicagoland Buick Chapter. Security will be provided. There is also a meet and Friday night, June 6th. For more information, contact Benny at 773-251-8198 or Prasad at 630-965-1987.



MAGNA - MID-ATLANTIC GRAND NATIONAL ASSOCIATION -

The local Magna Club has posted events related to the Turbo Regals for this coming summer season.

Here is a link for the latest information:
http://www.magnabuick.com/show/index.shtml



GS NATIONALS - OCTOBER 15-18, 2014 -
Beech Bend Raceway, 798 Beech Bend Road, Bowling Green, Kentucky

Ron Joseph informs me that the dates for the 2014 GS Nationals are October 15th thru 18th. The intent to move it to September has been shelved at least for a year, according to Ron. We will share more info as it becomes available. Also for the first time ever there will be an auto cross open to all cars October 15th and 16th. 2014. This year ALL vehicles are welcome to participate and have some fun, prizes will be given away and sponsors will be there!

Click here for more info:
http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/threads/2014-gs-nationals-auto-cross-oct-15-16-th.407646/#post-3357189



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.



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 -

Only two weeks until our Annual Spring Open House. The M&Ms are counted for the M & M contest. I have uncovered our Turbo-T from its winter hibernation. One good sign was the floor was completely dry under the Turbo-T!

If you are coming, bring any good used parts you wish to trade or cash in, as we are a buyer if a deal can be struck. We are hoping that winter has finally gone away by our Open House. Just now hoping for a sunny warm dry day!

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