04-04-2012 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members - 04-04-2012

WE HAVE SEVERAL NEW PRODUCTS AVAILABLE -

First, we just had a really slick little theft deterrent item made locally.

1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal with Floor Shift -
THEFT DETERRENT LOCK-OUT PLATE

Since collar locks are now selling for over $150 or more, there aren't many options available to secure your car with a locking device.

Theft is still a major concern for owners of these cars. While no theft deterrent is fool proof, this is a simple method to block the console shifter from being moved out of PARK.

The lock-out plate is machined from a solid block of aluminum, and a lock cylinder is installed. Next a machined tapered tab is installed on the bottom of the lock tumbler, so when it is engaged, it locks the plate to the console. There is enough of a gap for the tab to engage against the top of the ribbed plastic shifter cover and locks against the bottom of the console metal piece. It will not harm the factory plastic ribbed slider that surrounds the chrome shifter lever.

Although small in size, the block required most of the machine work to have a flush bottom to house the lock cylinder and make the tapered locking tab.

There are no wires and no alarms to worry about. You simply put it into position, turn the key to engage the plate, and remove the key.

Of course, like any theft deterrent, given enough time and patience, a determine thief could defeat it, but it will certainly prevent theft in some cases.

This is a simple concept... it prevents the car from being taken out of PARK, so the car can't be rolled or pushed.

I keep one in my console for whenever I have to leave the car parked.

Unit comes with two keys.

Another excellent theft deterrent to help keep your car in your possession.

7389 - 1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal with Floor Shift -
Theft Deterrent Lock-Out Plate - $119.95

PHOTO 1 - The top photo shows the actual part aluminum block with lock and 2 keys. The lower photos show console shots with and without installed on our white Turbo-T. It's Part #7389, and the price is $119.95. A small price to pay, if it stops a theft!

Here is the link to the theft deterrent on our website.
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/43954/THEFT+DETERRENT+LOCK-OUT+PLATE+%237389.html



Next, we now have the 1985-1987 Grand National reproduction pre-sewn seat covers available. You can buy just the pair of front bucket seat covers, or the back seat covers, or save a few dollars and purchase the complete set. The headrests are sold separately as a pair. They do have the "Power Six" logo embroidered on them.

Unfortunately, at this time no one makes the original pallex material. (Some of you were lucky enough to purchase some of the original grey pallex material that we had in the Inner Circle a while back.) This pallex cloth does have a similar diamond pattern, but the color grey is darker and has a different feel to the touch.

1985-1987 Buick Regal GRAND NATIONAL -
Reproduction SEAT COVER SETS

Over time, the seats deteriorate, especially the driver’s side. If you are having the interior restored, this is the time to replace the seat cushions and covers.

We offer reproduction pre-sewn seat cover kits for both the front bucket seats and the rear seat.
It’s important to realize, since the original seats have been exposed to sunlight and the elements, if you just recover the front seats, it will not match your original rear seat. We suggest you replace all the seat covers and headrests if you want a perfect match.

The original grey and black Pallex seat material is no longer available.

All of the kits are pre-sewn for ease of installation. The manufacturer of these kits refers to the grey and black material as "Pallex" cloth. It does have a similar diamond-style pattern in the material. However, the grey material is a slightly darker grey than what originally came in your car. The texture of the material is also slightly different than the original pallex material.

NOTE - Photos show general color of the covers, but because of differences on computer monitors, the colors may vary slightly.

NOTE - Since the material is not an exact reproduction, we suggest you call our office (215-766-1611) to receive a sample of the material prior to ordering.

We offer several options -

Part #7397 - 4 Pieces to cover BOTH front bucket seats minus the headrest.

Part #7398 - 2 Pieces to covers the rear seat.

Part #7399 - 6 Pieces to covers BOTH front bucket seats minus the headrest AND the rear seat, which saves you a few dollars. In many cases even if your rear seat is hardly used, exposure to sun over years may have cause the top of the rear seat to split or crack.

Part #7412 - 2 Pieces to cover BOTH headrests. The "Power Six" logo is embroidered in red and yellow on each.

NOTE - We highly recommend covers be installed by a qualified upholstery shop. We also recommend replacing the bucket seat cushion buns to get the best possible fit, Part #7395 or #7396.

Seat covers will be drop shipped from the supplier.

IMPORTANT - Be sure to look over all of the options before ordering.
7397 - 1985-1987 Buick Regal GRAND NATIONAL - Reproduction Front Bucket Seat Cover Set (2 Bases & 2 Back Covers) 4-piece Set - $319.95 / 4-piece set

7398 - 1985-1987 Buick Regal GRAND NATIONAL - Reproduction Rear Seat Cover Set (1 Base and 1 Back Covers) $189.95 / 2-piece set

7399 - 1985-1987 Buick Regal GRAND NATIONAL - Reproduction Front Bucket Seat Cover Set (2 Bases & 2 Back Covers) AND Rear Seat Cover Set (1 Base and 1 Back Covers) - Complete 6-piece Set $489.95 / 6-piece set

7412 - 1985-1987 Buick Regal GRAND NATIONAL - Reproduction Headrest Covers (2) with Red and Yellow Embroidered "Power Six" Logo Set $125 / 2-piece set

These will soon be listed on our website.



1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
REPRODUCTION STAINLESS STEEL POWER STEERING LINE

This reproduction stainless steel line goes from the power steering pump and connects to the rubber power steering pressure hose, our Part #6943. We recommend you replace both the power steering line and pressure hose at the same time.

We have noted this power steering line with an arrow on the factory GM illustration.

NOTE - This will also fit 1986 Turbo Regals, if the recall on the power steering reservoir was done at some point. If you own a 1986 Turbo Regal, locate the power steering reservoir on the inner driver's fender. If the cap unscrews by turning it clockwise, you have the updated reservoir and this power steering pressure line will work.

This reproduction stainless steel power steering pressure line comes with two O-rings.

NOTE - We recommend this line be installed by a qualified mechanic.

Another item you may need to complete your restoration project.

7414 - 1987 Buick Turbo Regal – Reproduction Stainless Steel Power Steering Line - $39.95

Here is the link to this item on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/43953/REPRODUCTION+STAINLESS+STEEL+POWER+STEERING+LINE+%237414.html



1986 BUICK DEALER OUTDOOR PROGRAM -

In last week's Inner Circle we showed the 1987 Buick Dealer Outdoor Program information.

It appears for 1986 they offered 7 possible billboard posters. Once again, nothing on the new intercooled turbo V6, which seems strange. They don’t even offer a Regal on poster.

PHOTO 2 - Top photo shows the cover of this 1986 brochure.

The lower left photo shows the only models for a poster in a two-door; the 1986 Skyhawk and the 1986 Somerset. Their options for alternate headline suggestions seem strange - "GO AHEAD, FALL IN LOVE." or "TAKE OFF" or the one shown on the sample, "FLY IT."

Other suggestions for inspiring people to buy the Somerset are - "ON THE ROAD TO SUCCESS" - "PERSONAL PLEASURE" or the one shown on the sample, "SOMERSET ME FREE."

The lower right photo shows the catch phrase I remember featuring the Hawk and the saying, "WOULDN’T YOU REALLY RATHER HAVE A BUICK?"



ANOTHER RELATED ITEM FROM THE PAST -

Old time followers may remember back in our October 1994 GRAND NEWS newsletter we offered a handcrafted wood replicars of a GNX, Grand National and a T-Type. The plan was to make available 547 GNXs with specific GNX numbers, 100 Grand Nationals and 100 T-Types. An ambitious plan that failed to generate more than a handful of sales in the Fall of 1994. This was probably due in part to the cost, which was $299. Since each one was hand carved and made in the U.S.A., the labor was a big portion of the cost factor.

Each car was pantographed carved in a solid block of hardwood, sanded, detailed, airbrushed highlighted, stained and then lacquered by hand. The high-gloss black finish was stunning. Each car measured approximately 13" long by 5" wide and 3-1/2" tall. A matching wooden display base was also included. As a bonus, a limited edition plaque was secured to the front with the production number and was personally signed in advance by "Molly."

As I said, only a very limited number of GNXs and Grand Nationals ever were made. I can't recall if any T-Types saw production. Unfortunately, I have no records to indicate how many actually did get produced.

PHOTO 3 - The top photo shows the GNX replica we own on the wooden display board that came with it. At the bottom of the display board is an insert with the words "GNX A HIGH-PERFORMANCE INVESTMENT FOR THE FORTUNATE 547" and the number of the replicar on the far right. You can also see Molly's autograph on the white insert on the wooded display piece. The lower left photos show another view of the car alone and the inscription on the bottom showing this is GNX #001 of 547. The lower right shows the actual description page from the October 1994 "GRAND NEWS" Newsletter. I don’t see any mention of this project in any of our older catalogs.

The Grand National one I have looks almost identical to this GNX, except for the wheels and the flares. Although not visible in these pictures, the GNX vents are lightly airbrushed in the fenders.

If you have any of these hand-carved versions, I would like to hear from you. Or, if you have one you want to sell, I would be interested.



FOLLOW UP TO THE CADDY POWERED LINCOLN -

In last week's Inner Circle we talked about a 1946 Lincoln Continental convertible that was Caddy powered and that George Hurst did the conversion on. I happen to mention it to a friend of mine this week and he told me of another 1946 Lincoln Continental that was also Caddy powered and was in this area.

This one is a coupe. The current owner is 84 years young. I made arrangements to see this car. He originally purchased it from a relative around 1955-1956 in Abington, Pennsylvania. The engine conversion had already been done. I am fairly confident this Lincoln also has Hurst engine mount kit in it as well. I can’t imagine many companies in the mid-1950s making these engine mount kits for this particular model. Especially since the car was purchased in Abington where George Hurst had his first shop.

PHOTO 4 - This top left photo shows the 1953 V8 Caddy powerplant with a single 4-barrel carburetor under the huge air cleaner. This was a pretty classy car in its day.

The top right photo shows the unique round inside button door handle release. This same round button release also was on the outside of the door (no door handles.) The small square button towards the front on the door panel is actually a power window button. The windows go down very slowly, but travel up a lot quicker.

The lower left photo shows the am radio and speaker. Several control buttons are camouflaged in the diecast chrome down both sides of the speaker. They serve as a cigarette lighter, ashtray, choke etc. The Lincoln is also equipped with an original power antenna.

The lower right photo shows a portion of the passenger's side, complete with spare tire behind the trunk. Unfortunately the car was in a fairly dark garage making pictures difficult.



AVAILABLE AT OUR SPRING KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS OPEN HOUSE -
JUST A WEEK AND A HALF AWAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012 - 9 am until 3 pm.

MORE INFO ON OUR OPEN HOUSE -

We have several new products that will be on display, including a complete new aluminum driveshaft. We will also have two other products that we'll demonstrate how to use.

This is one Open House you do not want to miss.

Currently, we have one fiberglass hood and one fiberglass trunk lid that will be available at our April 14th Open House. You save shipping, plus they are eligible for a slight discount. However, a deposit of $50 is required to hold either or both for pick up at our April 14th Open House.

Also, you can save shipping if you want to order a Pypes Exhaust System for pick up. A $50 deposit will hold a system to have for pick up at our April 14th Open House. Its important you contact us now if you want to pick up a Pypes exhaust system at our Open House April 14th. A $50 deposit is required.

Russ, one of our local customers, informs us he will be bringing several bake goods for door prizes at our Open House. He may have a nice steel turbo hood for sale, as well as some other items from his personal collection.



UNIQUE TV SHOWS -

I am not a fan of many of the current reality shows, but one my wife and I always watch is on Friday nights called, "SHARK TANK." I highly recommend it. The basic premise is a panel of extremely wealthy individuals get to interview regular individuals that have a created a product and need an investor to take it to the next level.

Besides the quick humor and sarcasm, it's interesting to see the various ideas people present. They also do follow-ups to previous shows. I have actually seen one product on the shelves at our local CVS store. It's very clever and fast paced.



BILL "GRUMPY" JENKINS PASSED AWAY-

Bill "Grumpy" Jenkins was born in 1930. Between the years 1965 and 1975 he won 13 NHRA drag races. He was nationally known for helping build 30 cars, which have set National records. In 2001 he was ranked 8th on NHRA’s Top 50 Drivers of all time. I had the privilege of meeting him last summer at the York Reunion event when I was out there with Linda Vaughn.



PENNY UPDATE -

In Canada, our friends to the north, the plan is to stop making their 1-cent penny this coming Fall. In Canada it cost 1.5 cents to make each 1-cent penny. In the U.S. it costs 2 cents to make a single penny, yet the powers to be can't seem to make the move to eliminate it. Our tax dollars at work.



ON THE NEWS FRONT - HEMMINGS MUSCLE MACHINES

The May 2012 issue has an in-depth article covering many of the Indy Pace cars. In that article they show the 1989 Turbo Trans Am.

In the same issue is 6-page article on the 1976 Buick Century Replica Pace Car owned by Alan Oldfield. Alan is a long-time customer of ours and also owns a Grand National. He and his wife also own several other unique Buicks.

Here again is a connection to Hurst, as this car has the Hurst Hatches on it, better known today as "T-Tops." In a future Inner Circle we will feature more information on the Hurst Hatches created during the mid-1970s.



MECUM AUCTION - KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI -

The huge Mecum Auction was held this past weekend in Kansas City, Missouri.

Of interest was Lot S191 - a 1987 Grand National with a mere 7,700 miles. In the ad copy on the website, it stated it was part of Dennis Kirban's collection. In part this is true, since it was one of the 317 Turbo Regals we sold over the years. At this writing. I am not sure what price the car brought. It’s nice to be recognized at the national level at a major auction.

If a Carfax was done, the Grand National probably would show up as being registered in Warminster, PA through O’Neil Buick GMC. I would think the seller would also have ample proof besides in correspondence with me when they bought the car. We definitely had a good run during the 1990s and 2000s, traveling all over the east coast and the mid-west buying 1986-1987 Turbo Regals. With the cost of fuel today, it would create quite a burden on the cost factor! When traveling to pick up these cars, I used mostly a 2500 HD Silverado or an identical GMC, both featured the 8.1 gas engine with the Allison transmission. The Silverado rusted badly underneath, so I replaced it with an identical GMC version.



MORE UPDATES -

We been told we may have the new reproduction upper dash panels late this week. Our initial order is almost sold out. As I stated earlier, this reproduction upper dash panel is excellent. It looks identical to the original. No need to chase down $300 panels on ebay anymore. We hope to have some available at our Open House.



RECENT OBSERVATION -

When I was using my car trailer the other day, I had to put more air in the tires. I had upgraded to Goodyear radials to replace the foreign brand that had weathered quickly in 2-years time. I was surprised to see the words "MADE IN CHINA" on the tire sidewalls. I did not realize a long time U.S. manufacturer such as Goodyear, which is a major tire company for OEM produced tires, is manufacturing their tires in China. I don't know if it is just trailer tires, but I didn't expect to see Made in China on their tires.



NOTE - ONLY A MONTH AWAY -
TURBOBUICK.COM NATIONALS 2012 - MAY 2 - MAY 5, 2012 - Burlington, NC

We just received a call from the Econo Lodge offering a great room rate for the TurboBuick.com Nationals. SPECIAL ROOM RATES - Econo Lodge, 2133 West Hanford Road, Burlington, NC 27215 is offering a flat rate on any room for just $47.99 a night. You must mention Turbo Buick Nationals. They have free wireless internet, breakfast, and a microwave in the rooms. Phone number is 336-227-1270.

Remember, the luncheon is absolutely free. However, you must email my wife Eileen if you are going to be there for the free Thursday lunch. Her email is - [email protected]

We will continue to update information in our 2012 Calender of Events section of the Inner Circle and on our website.

For the latest information, go to - www.turbobuick.com/forums or - [email protected]

Here's a link to this event on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/inner_circle.php?nak=173



SLP FIREBIRD FORMULA - FOR SALE - NEW LOWER PRICE

This car is still available at $19,500. This is for the 400-mile red 2002 SLP Formula Firebird we pictured in the 11-16-2011 Inner Circle. This car will be finding a new home at some point.



REPRODUCTION GNX SUSPENSION - NOW AVAILABLE -

Pete Hoffman has a limited number of the reproduction GNX Suspension Systems available. These are the Richard Clark systems that he has had made locally.

They are nearly exact to the originals, down to the welds and material used. They come with complete detailed instructions.

Limited availability! Call or email Pete 215-778-1036
[email protected]



ALWAYS IN A BUYING POSITION WORKS -

Got any turbo parts you are not using? Why not cash them in for parts you need with a Letter of Credit. Simply email me a list - [email protected].

Also, we are still buying dead or partially dead 1984-1987 Turbo Regals under $4,000 that are within 250 to 350 miles of our location.



NOTE ABOUT PHOTOS ON THE WEBSITE - We have heard from a couple people that have viewed the photos on the website. Because these have to be low-resolution photos to work on the Inner Circle segments on the website, any photos of text don't appear clear when enlarged. This is a problem when you are trying to see numbers, such as those on the VIN labels or pages from Options booklet. Also, because of photo reproduction and computer screen variations, the colors may not be true to the actual product or photo.

If you would like to have us email you any photo at the higher resolution for viewing, just email us and we will email them to you. Be sure to be specific on which pictures you want to see - Reference Inner Circle date and photo number 1, 2, 3 or 4 - [email protected].



2012 CALENDAR OF EVENTS -

KIRBAN OPEN HOUSE - SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012 - 9 am until 3 pm.
Located at 6201 Kellers Church Road, Plumsteadville, PA 18949.
NOTE - If you are using a GPS, you may have to put in Pipersville 18947 as the town.

Our Open House is one of the first Buick events of the 2012 season.

Yum Yum donuts, raffle items, M & M contest, and 5% discount on in-stock catalog items. Save on shipping! Pete Hoffman, and myself will have used parts for sale. Paul Castle from World of Motorworks will also be at this event.

One of our local customers will have on display a completely rebuilt show-quality 1987 Turbo engine. The amount of time and effort into this is truly amazing.

Once again we will have bake goods for sale with all the proceeds going to the Molly Scholarship Fund, like we did last year. We hope many of you can plan to attend.

Here's a link to our Open House on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/inner_circle.php?nak=172



2nd ANNUAL "RIDE ON MOLLY" MEMORIAL RIDE!
April 27-29, 2012
It's time to register for the 2nd Annual Ride on Molly ride in California!

The event purpose is two-fold - It serves as a gathering of friends to honor Molly and to provide a remembrance of the positive impact he had on so many lives. It also benefits Molly and Terry's daughter Brooke, by adding to her college fund.

Donations to participate in the ride are neither required nor expected. However, 100% of all donations received will be placed in Brooke’s college fund as they were last year. Since donations go to a personal fund, they are not tax deductible.

NOTE – If anyone from our Inner Circle is planning to attend this event, please let us know. We would appreciate having photos and coverage of the ride.

Here is the link for their website:
https://www.eiseverywhere.com/ehome/mollyride2012/53454/



TURBOBUICK.COM NATIONALS 2012 - MAY 2 - MAY 5, 2012 - Burlington, NC

For the latest information, go to - www.turbobuick.com/forums or - [email protected]

Event will feature free food, dyno, tech sessions, drag racing, and Auto-X. This is one of the first Turbo Buick events for the year 2012. Already they have many of the top vendors confirmed that will be at this event. Several key speakers are also confirmed.

The luncheon is absolutely free. However, you must email my wife Eileen if you are going to be there for the free Thursday lunch. Her email is - [email protected]

NEWS - SPECIAL ROOM RATES - Econo Lodge, 2133 West Hanford Road, Burlington, NC 27215 is offering a flat rate on any room for just $47.99 a night. You must mention Turbo Buick Nationals. They have free wireless internet, breakfast, and a microwave in the rooms. Phone number is 336-227-1270.

For the most up-to-date information on Race Classes and other activities, go to -http://turbobuick.com/forums/forums/2012-turbobuick-com-nationals-may-2nd-5th-sponsore.168/

Here's a link to this event on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/inner_circle.php?nak=173



31st ANNUAL PEACH BLOSSOM B.O.P.C. - MAY 4th and 5th, 2012 - Car Show & Swap Meet
Marriott Atlanta Northeast, 200 Interstate North Parkway, Atlanta, GA

Open to all Buicks, Oldsmobiles, Pontiacs and Cadillacs. Hosted by the Southeastern GTO Association. There is a reception Friday night and the Car Show is on Saturday. For more info, contact Ed Bellair at 770-428-4934 or email - [email protected]



3RD ANNUAL BUICK RACE DAY - May 26th, 2012
Lebanon Valley Dragway, Lebanon, New York.
For more info, phone number for the racetrack is 518-794-7130. To reach John Csordas - 845-528-GSGN or his cell is 914-447-6068.



22ND ANNUAL BUICK RACEDAY - JUNE 15th, 16th and 17th, 2012
Summit Motorsports Park, Norwalk, Ohio.

Hotels - Best Western Norwalk - 419-663-3501 or All American Inn Norwalk - 419-663-1922.
For more info, contact Roberta Vasilow 810-655-8277 email - [email protected]
or Bill Wills 330-747-1029 email [email protected]



2012 BUICK PERFORMANCE GROUP "CLASS OF 1987" and "BIG BOAT BASH"
AUGUST 3rd and 4th, 2012
National Trail Raceway, Hebron, Ohio
The theme this year is the "Class of 1987." Open to all Buick models built in 1987.



2012 EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS and FAST EVENT
September 21st and 22nd 2012
Cecil County Dragway, Maryland
Event is open to all models of Buicks

Featuring the 2nd annual MAGNA (Mid-Atlantic Grand National Association) All Buick powered judged Car Show! All Buick's! All years! All makes!

Goodie bags for the first 50 Buicks in the show. Door prizes all day and 50/50 to win some cash. The ONLY ALL Buick car show on the east coast!

For more information, contact Doug Dougherty - 302-653-2201 or John Csordas - 914-447-6068 or email questions to - [email protected] or [email protected] Visit their website -http://tristategsclub.com



2012 GS NATIONALS - OCTOBER 17-20, 2012
Beach Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, Kentucky

Racing is FREE on Wednesday, October 17th. The correct dates are October 17-20, 2012. Because of the reschedule, they have negotiated FREE racing on Wednesday, October 17th. This includes "everyone" who comes thru the gate and pays the usual nominal entrance fee. There is NO usual additional charge to race your Buick powered cars on Wednesday.

The BCA (Buick Club of America) will be joining the GSCA event. This combination will make for a well-rounded event featuring all kinds of Buicks. This is one fall event you do not want to miss!



EBAY LISTINGS -

If you would like to see any of the Kirban Performance Products items listed on eBay, here is a link to our store and auctions - http://stores.ebay.com/Kirban-Performance-Products-Inc_W0QQssPageNameZl2QQtZ%20km



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 - Our annual Spring Open House is just a week and a half away. Be sure to plan to attend.

Be sure to bring any good used parts you want to trade and also any powermaster cores.

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