Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 05-30-2018 -
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT - 49-MILE 1987 GRAND NATIONAL FOR SALE ON EBAY -
In case you missed it, the original 49-mile 1987 Grand National that was on ebay last week had a top winning bid of $75,200.
I am not sure when, but we had this same car listed for sale on our Inner Circle a while back for the seller. The Grand National had a very interesting background, which was featured in the highly detailed write up that the seller posted on ebay, complete with very detailed photos. One photo actually showed two of our books and one of our catalogs in the trunk.
A car like this is probably not going to be driven and enjoyed, but rather tucked away in order to retain the value. Who knows what this car will be worth in say another 5 to 10 years.
OLD CARS REPORT PRICE GUIDE -
Old Cars Report Price Guide May/June 2018 issue is now on the newsstands. This Price Guide covers all car values from 1920 through 1987. Conditions range from number one down to number six. Number one would be showroom new and number six would basically be a parts car. At best, most real nice examples would fall into a number two condition. I would base the white Turbo-T car I recently sold as a strong number two example. We sold it for just over $21,000.
Here are some of the values they list.
1986 Regal T-Types - top value would be $21,000.
1986 Grand National - top value would be $37,000.
1987 Turbo-T - top value would be $24,000.
Limited Turbo - top value would be $26,000.
Grand National - top value would be $40,000.
GNX - top value would be $92,500.
While you may feel the values are weak for the T-Types and Turbo-Ts, it is because Grand Nationals are more popular and there is a bigger demand for them. Unfortunately, the Price Guide does not have a category for the unique 1987 WE4 models, which in my opinion are quite valuable depending on their condition.
Again, these would be the values of cars that are basically showroom condition.
In case you’re wondering, the same year Monte Carlo SS falls way short. The Monte Carlo SS models don’t even come in at half those values for a number one condition. The same year Corvettes, 1986 and 1987, fair slightly better at $28,000 and $35,000.
I think the numbers shown for the 1986 and 1987 Corvette are on the high side. In other words, you are better off owning a 1986 or a 1987 Grand National than a comparable 1986 or 1987 Corvette. This is just my opinion.
PHOTO 1 - The photo to the left show the new May/June 2018 Old Cars Report Price Guide. The photo to the right shows the March 2014 issue. In that 2014 issue, it shows the 1986 T-Type at $18,500 and the 1986 Grand National at $31,000. The same issue shows the 1987 Turbo-T at $24,000 the 1987 Limited Turbo at $26,000, the 1987 Grand National at $33,000, and the GNX at $92,500. This is for a number one condition car. Based on those numbers from 2014 Old Cars Report Price Guide, the values have not really increased by very much.
MORE FACTORY REGAL AM/FM RADIOS AVAILABLE -
We have a few more factory GM radios available. These are out of early 1990s GM cars. The outer frame is the correct frame, so the factory brackets will fit to secure the radio into any 1984-1987 Turbo Regal dash. These radios also fit all the 1986-1987 Monte Carlo SS models. Each one has been benched tested and powers up on am/fm. No warranty on the cassette option. Since they are 15-20 years old, these are getting extremely difficult to find today.
PHOTO 2 - The photo to the left shows the early 1990s regular am/fm radio with cassette. The photo to the right shows the upgraded am/fm radio with cassette and the EQ option. Both radios come with the proper jumper harness to plug into the factory radio harness. Both radios have the studs installed to secure to the factory radio brackets. Both radios are mint in appearance. See the Rare Parts section for prices. We have 3 of the radio on the left available. You can install your factory tuner and volume knobs in place of the solid black ones, so it will look more correct in your car.
BODY SIDE PINSTRIPES -
Buick offered body side stripes, or “pinstripes” as they were called, in every year on the Turbo Regal models 1984 through 1987. The Suggested Retail Price never changed and stayed at $45. The year 1984 offered the most versions at 10. The 1985, 1986 and 1987 offered 8 different versions. According to my books, the pinstripe colors should always match the top or interior trim color whenever possible.
For all 4 years the body side pinstripes version was not available on the D84 Regals. The D84 was the Designers Accent paint code. They had their own special pinstripes.
In each case the pinstripes were painted on the cars. It is also noted in the 1987 Buick Price Directory that pinstripes were not available on the Grand Nationals. It appears that you could have had optional pinstripes on the earlier year Grand Nationals.
I do remember various car dealers would add 2 different color pinstripes to Grand Nationals. It was usually a dual orange and red pinstripe. For almost every listing, the code for the SPID trunk decal was a two-digit code followed by the letter A. The one exception was in 1984 when they listed B88 code black for the T-Type models only.
Some owners make a mistake when they get their car repainted and have it restriped to match the original SPID listing on the trunk ID label.
The factory pinstripe was a dual stripe with the thicker stripe at the top and the thinner strip under it. The mistake owners make is they install the dual pinstripe as a solid dual strip under the sport mirrors. This is not correct. It may look correct, but for whatever reason, Buick installed the dual pinstripes slightly higher and broke the pinstripes leaving a small gap between the sport mirror on each door.
PHOTO 3 - The photo to the left shows the incorrect pinstripes that do not break under the sport mirror on the driver’s door. In the photo to the right, we show the proper dual factory pinstripe that does break under the sport mirror on the passenger door. I remember when I was buying these cars and when I would see a car that had solid dual pinstripes under the sport mirrors, I would look very closely to see if the car had been repainted.
This format reminded me of how Buick installed the 3.8 SFI trunk emblem and Buick trunk emblem on the T-Types and Turbo-Ts. The spacing was different for both emblems on the trunk lid rather than to make then even to the outer edge of the trunk lid. This is another error some Turbo Regal owners make when they reinstall their factory emblems after their car has been repainted.
While these are just minor differences, some keen experts can pick these errors out instantly at a car show. It’s always a good habit to take several photos before you disassemble your car to restore it. This eliminates relying on your memory!
CAR TRANSPORTS -
PHOTO 4 - The photo on the top left shows the Cadillac CTS-V being loaded up on this huge aluminum trailer and was headed to Indiana to its new home. The photo to the lower right shows the very first truck we used to haul Turbo Regals back to our location. It was a V8 powered Dodge Dakota. Here you see a rare black 1986 T-Type on the open trailer that we used for many years. I found that open trailers worked best. They were light weight, easy to move around, plus gave you a visual look to check on the cargo. Judging from the sign on the building, this was probably Norwalk, Ohio around 1989-1990.
Over the years, I have probably seen almost every type of transport come to our house to pick up various cars we have sold.
COLD CASE RADIATORS -
We just got in another shipment of the Cold Case radiators for the 1986-1987 Turbo Regals. We expect to have some in stock this week. These are a tremendous value. For more information and photos, see part #7457 on our website. Contact our office to order 215-766-1611X0
Here is a link to this radiator on our website.
UPDATE ON REPRODUCTION SPID DECALS -
ECS Automotive is still working on making SPID Decals 100% like the originals. I sent them original SPID decals for them to get the size and the color of the paper correct. They are still working on perfecting the decals.
2018 TURBO BUICK RELATED CAR SHOWS EVENTS -
2018 Midwest Buick GS/GN Show - June 1st thru 3rd
The location is the Holiday Inn Chicago West-Itasca, 860 West Irving Park Road, Itasca, IL 60143. This is an annual event specifically for the GS and Turbo Regals. For more information, go on Facebook or turbobuick.com
BUICKS@Bates 2018 -
Sunday, June 3, 2018
9 am - 4 pm PDT
Bates Nut Farm, 15954 Wood Valley Road, Valley Center, California 92082
The largest gathering of 1984-1987 Turbo Buicks and Classic Buicks west of the Mississippi! Come hang with the SoCal GS Club and Turbobuick.com South Westerners.
PYPES and MAX PERFORMANCE 8th Annual American Muscle Car and Truck Show -
June 29th and June 30th, 2018 - Hatfield, PA
This show is hosted by Pypes and Max Performance. A BBQ and cruise is Friday afternoon and Saturday is the car show. The location is at their facility at 2705 Clemens Road B103, Hatfield, PA 19440. This event draws a huge amount of all kinds of GM muscle cars, including Ford and Chrysler. The company owner has been our friend for over 30-plus years. We will be attending this event. For more information, go to their website - maxperformanceinc.com
MAGNA - MID ATLANTIC GRAND NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
22nd EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS -
September 14th and 15th, 2018 - Cecil County Dragway, Cecil, Maryland
The MAGNA Group has their annual event September 14th and 15th at Cecil County Dragway in Cecil County, Maryland. This event grows bigger each year and is open to all Buick muscle cars not just the Turbo Regals. We expect to be attending this event. (It falls on my birthday). For more details, go to turbobuick.com - or - their website - magnabuick.com
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 3,200 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.
My Rare Parts section is only viewed by those that subscribe. Subscription is free, so complaints on what I write are nonexistent!
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 RARE PARTS SECTION -
If you are not able to see the 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 on our weekly Inner Circle email.
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]
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]
TIP FROM KIRBAN -
Two of the most helpful books we have written are Dennis Kirban’s Tips, Trivia, and Sources for 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regals Volume 1, part #7027, and Volume 2, part #7088. Both of these books cover many of the tips that we have done over the years on our various test cars and cars we have sold. Both are on our website. Simply type in the part number in the search block at the top for more details.
Here is a link to these books on our website.
CORES NEEDED -
Here is the information on our credits for cores.
URGENT NEED - Powermaster brake units. The must be complete. We will now 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.
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 -
GM Licensed - “GNX - A HIGH-PERFORMANCE INVESTMENT FOR THE FORTUNATE 547” 2' x 4' BLACK VINYL BANNER -
This high-quality vinyl black banner is GM licensed and measures approximately 2' tall x 4' wide. The banner has metal grommets on four corner.
This distinctive GNX design features the “GNX” logo in red and white and the quote “A HIGH-PERFORMANCE INVESTMENT FOR THE FORTUNATE 547” in white. The design is a black 13 oz vinyl with nylon scrim (mesh) reinforced with hems and grommets.
It’s just one of several distinctive banners we offer.
These banners make an excellent gift for any Buick enthusiast or mechanic. Ideal to hang in any garage, workshop, office or to display at a car show.
8600 - GM Licensed - “GNX” A HIGH-PERFORMANCE INVESTMENT FOR THE FORTUNATE 547” 2' x 4' Vinyl Banner - $42.95
Here is a link to this new GNX banner on our website.
1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
REPLACEMENT RADIO TUNER KNOB (1) & VOLUME KNOB (1) SET
In many cases, the original brushed disc may be missing from the factory radio knobs or the brushed disc may be discolored.
This is a brand new correct replacement for the 2 outer radio knobs - tuner and volume knobs. These are very hard to find today since they were last used over 20 years ago on various GM radios. These are correct for other GM applications as well, including all the G-body models.
Another excellent replacement for any interior restoration.
7824 - 1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal - Replacement Radio Tuner Knob (1) & Volume Knob (1) Set - $12.95
Here is a link to these radio knobs on our website.
1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
SPOOLFOOL DRIP-LIP Flywheel (Torque Converter) Cover
Mike, owner of Spoolfool, has created another great practical high-quality product. It’s a fiberglass flywheel (torque converter) cover that has a built-in drip tray. What’s even crazier is that it works.
It is a known fact that 90% of oil leaks on our cars either happen at the back of the engine or end up at the back of the engine. This clever flywheel cover with its built-in drip tray catches those drips, so the oil does not drip on the ground or on the crossover pipe.
Mike has named this new product the “Drip-Lip.” The piece is made in glossy black fiberglass and it replaces the metal or plastic fly wheel cover. Not only is it lighter than the factory metal flywheel cover, but it will not rust.
This Spoolfool Drip-Lip replaces the stock dust cover and keeps oil from dripping on the ground by trapping it in a special tray that attaches to the bottom of this custom-made cover. It has a removable cloth that absorbs any oil that would normally drip and stain your garage floor or driveway. The small cloth catches any oil from dripping and is easy to remove and replace when it becomes fully soaked. This fiberglass dust cover replaces the factory dust cover. You simply reuse the factory bolts and install this dust cover in place of the plastic or metal one.
Like all of Mike’s fiberglass products, the quality is excellent.
If you are into drag racing, this is a critical part as it eliminates dripping oil from the car onto the race track.
So far, the initial results have been that 80% of oil leaks can be kept from dripping on the ground, track and crossover pipe with it installed on a car.
Up until now, the joke has been that if it ain’t leaking oil, you might want to check the oil level. This unique Spoolfool Drip-Lip hopes to change all that.
This product is NOT FOR EVERYONE. It is only for cars with oil leaks (which is most of the Turbo Regals.)
Spoolfool Production Drip-Lip features:
*Catches engine oil from a 3.8 liter Turbo Buick engine
*Keeps smoking oil off the exhaust crossover pipe
*A must-have part for street or strip car
*Half the weight of an original metal flywheel cover
*Since it is fiberglass, it won’t rust out
*Easy installation
*Made in the U.S.A.
An excellent way to solve the oil drip problem.
7823 - 1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal - SPOOLFOOL DRIP-LIP Flywheel (Torque Converter) Cover
Here is a link to this Spoolfool Drip-Lip Flywheel Cover on our website.
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 -
I just found out that the original Monkeemobile from the TV show has been restored will be on display at the GTOAA Nationals at the Expo Oaks, in Oaks, PA on June 28th thru June 30th.
Some of you may recall we had Davy Jones as our guest for our GTO customers and Molly for our Buick Turbo Regal customers at our 1992 Reunion event at the Airbase in Johnsville, PA. It’s hard to believe that both now are gone.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT - 49-MILE 1987 GRAND NATIONAL FOR SALE ON EBAY -
In case you missed it, the original 49-mile 1987 Grand National that was on ebay last week had a top winning bid of $75,200.
I am not sure when, but we had this same car listed for sale on our Inner Circle a while back for the seller. The Grand National had a very interesting background, which was featured in the highly detailed write up that the seller posted on ebay, complete with very detailed photos. One photo actually showed two of our books and one of our catalogs in the trunk.
A car like this is probably not going to be driven and enjoyed, but rather tucked away in order to retain the value. Who knows what this car will be worth in say another 5 to 10 years.
OLD CARS REPORT PRICE GUIDE -
Old Cars Report Price Guide May/June 2018 issue is now on the newsstands. This Price Guide covers all car values from 1920 through 1987. Conditions range from number one down to number six. Number one would be showroom new and number six would basically be a parts car. At best, most real nice examples would fall into a number two condition. I would base the white Turbo-T car I recently sold as a strong number two example. We sold it for just over $21,000.
Here are some of the values they list.
1986 Regal T-Types - top value would be $21,000.
1986 Grand National - top value would be $37,000.
1987 Turbo-T - top value would be $24,000.
Limited Turbo - top value would be $26,000.
Grand National - top value would be $40,000.
GNX - top value would be $92,500.
While you may feel the values are weak for the T-Types and Turbo-Ts, it is because Grand Nationals are more popular and there is a bigger demand for them. Unfortunately, the Price Guide does not have a category for the unique 1987 WE4 models, which in my opinion are quite valuable depending on their condition.
Again, these would be the values of cars that are basically showroom condition.
In case you’re wondering, the same year Monte Carlo SS falls way short. The Monte Carlo SS models don’t even come in at half those values for a number one condition. The same year Corvettes, 1986 and 1987, fair slightly better at $28,000 and $35,000.
I think the numbers shown for the 1986 and 1987 Corvette are on the high side. In other words, you are better off owning a 1986 or a 1987 Grand National than a comparable 1986 or 1987 Corvette. This is just my opinion.
PHOTO 1 - The photo to the left show the new May/June 2018 Old Cars Report Price Guide. The photo to the right shows the March 2014 issue. In that 2014 issue, it shows the 1986 T-Type at $18,500 and the 1986 Grand National at $31,000. The same issue shows the 1987 Turbo-T at $24,000 the 1987 Limited Turbo at $26,000, the 1987 Grand National at $33,000, and the GNX at $92,500. This is for a number one condition car. Based on those numbers from 2014 Old Cars Report Price Guide, the values have not really increased by very much.
MORE FACTORY REGAL AM/FM RADIOS AVAILABLE -
We have a few more factory GM radios available. These are out of early 1990s GM cars. The outer frame is the correct frame, so the factory brackets will fit to secure the radio into any 1984-1987 Turbo Regal dash. These radios also fit all the 1986-1987 Monte Carlo SS models. Each one has been benched tested and powers up on am/fm. No warranty on the cassette option. Since they are 15-20 years old, these are getting extremely difficult to find today.
PHOTO 2 - The photo to the left shows the early 1990s regular am/fm radio with cassette. The photo to the right shows the upgraded am/fm radio with cassette and the EQ option. Both radios come with the proper jumper harness to plug into the factory radio harness. Both radios have the studs installed to secure to the factory radio brackets. Both radios are mint in appearance. See the Rare Parts section for prices. We have 3 of the radio on the left available. You can install your factory tuner and volume knobs in place of the solid black ones, so it will look more correct in your car.
BODY SIDE PINSTRIPES -
Buick offered body side stripes, or “pinstripes” as they were called, in every year on the Turbo Regal models 1984 through 1987. The Suggested Retail Price never changed and stayed at $45. The year 1984 offered the most versions at 10. The 1985, 1986 and 1987 offered 8 different versions. According to my books, the pinstripe colors should always match the top or interior trim color whenever possible.
For all 4 years the body side pinstripes version was not available on the D84 Regals. The D84 was the Designers Accent paint code. They had their own special pinstripes.
In each case the pinstripes were painted on the cars. It is also noted in the 1987 Buick Price Directory that pinstripes were not available on the Grand Nationals. It appears that you could have had optional pinstripes on the earlier year Grand Nationals.
I do remember various car dealers would add 2 different color pinstripes to Grand Nationals. It was usually a dual orange and red pinstripe. For almost every listing, the code for the SPID trunk decal was a two-digit code followed by the letter A. The one exception was in 1984 when they listed B88 code black for the T-Type models only.
Some owners make a mistake when they get their car repainted and have it restriped to match the original SPID listing on the trunk ID label.
The factory pinstripe was a dual stripe with the thicker stripe at the top and the thinner strip under it. The mistake owners make is they install the dual pinstripe as a solid dual strip under the sport mirrors. This is not correct. It may look correct, but for whatever reason, Buick installed the dual pinstripes slightly higher and broke the pinstripes leaving a small gap between the sport mirror on each door.
PHOTO 3 - The photo to the left shows the incorrect pinstripes that do not break under the sport mirror on the driver’s door. In the photo to the right, we show the proper dual factory pinstripe that does break under the sport mirror on the passenger door. I remember when I was buying these cars and when I would see a car that had solid dual pinstripes under the sport mirrors, I would look very closely to see if the car had been repainted.
This format reminded me of how Buick installed the 3.8 SFI trunk emblem and Buick trunk emblem on the T-Types and Turbo-Ts. The spacing was different for both emblems on the trunk lid rather than to make then even to the outer edge of the trunk lid. This is another error some Turbo Regal owners make when they reinstall their factory emblems after their car has been repainted.
While these are just minor differences, some keen experts can pick these errors out instantly at a car show. It’s always a good habit to take several photos before you disassemble your car to restore it. This eliminates relying on your memory!
CAR TRANSPORTS -
PHOTO 4 - The photo on the top left shows the Cadillac CTS-V being loaded up on this huge aluminum trailer and was headed to Indiana to its new home. The photo to the lower right shows the very first truck we used to haul Turbo Regals back to our location. It was a V8 powered Dodge Dakota. Here you see a rare black 1986 T-Type on the open trailer that we used for many years. I found that open trailers worked best. They were light weight, easy to move around, plus gave you a visual look to check on the cargo. Judging from the sign on the building, this was probably Norwalk, Ohio around 1989-1990.
Over the years, I have probably seen almost every type of transport come to our house to pick up various cars we have sold.
COLD CASE RADIATORS -
We just got in another shipment of the Cold Case radiators for the 1986-1987 Turbo Regals. We expect to have some in stock this week. These are a tremendous value. For more information and photos, see part #7457 on our website. Contact our office to order 215-766-1611X0
Here is a link to this radiator on our website.
UPDATE ON REPRODUCTION SPID DECALS -
ECS Automotive is still working on making SPID Decals 100% like the originals. I sent them original SPID decals for them to get the size and the color of the paper correct. They are still working on perfecting the decals.
2018 TURBO BUICK RELATED CAR SHOWS EVENTS -
2018 Midwest Buick GS/GN Show - June 1st thru 3rd
The location is the Holiday Inn Chicago West-Itasca, 860 West Irving Park Road, Itasca, IL 60143. This is an annual event specifically for the GS and Turbo Regals. For more information, go on Facebook or turbobuick.com
BUICKS@Bates 2018 -
Sunday, June 3, 2018
9 am - 4 pm PDT
Bates Nut Farm, 15954 Wood Valley Road, Valley Center, California 92082
The largest gathering of 1984-1987 Turbo Buicks and Classic Buicks west of the Mississippi! Come hang with the SoCal GS Club and Turbobuick.com South Westerners.
PYPES and MAX PERFORMANCE 8th Annual American Muscle Car and Truck Show -
June 29th and June 30th, 2018 - Hatfield, PA
This show is hosted by Pypes and Max Performance. A BBQ and cruise is Friday afternoon and Saturday is the car show. The location is at their facility at 2705 Clemens Road B103, Hatfield, PA 19440. This event draws a huge amount of all kinds of GM muscle cars, including Ford and Chrysler. The company owner has been our friend for over 30-plus years. We will be attending this event. For more information, go to their website - maxperformanceinc.com
MAGNA - MID ATLANTIC GRAND NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
22nd EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS -
September 14th and 15th, 2018 - Cecil County Dragway, Cecil, Maryland
The MAGNA Group has their annual event September 14th and 15th at Cecil County Dragway in Cecil County, Maryland. This event grows bigger each year and is open to all Buick muscle cars not just the Turbo Regals. We expect to be attending this event. (It falls on my birthday). For more details, go to turbobuick.com - or - their website - magnabuick.com
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 3,200 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.
My Rare Parts section is only viewed by those that subscribe. Subscription is free, so complaints on what I write are nonexistent!
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 RARE PARTS SECTION -
If you are not able to see the 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 on our weekly Inner Circle email.
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]
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]
TIP FROM KIRBAN -
Two of the most helpful books we have written are Dennis Kirban’s Tips, Trivia, and Sources for 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regals Volume 1, part #7027, and Volume 2, part #7088. Both of these books cover many of the tips that we have done over the years on our various test cars and cars we have sold. Both are on our website. Simply type in the part number in the search block at the top for more details.
Here is a link to these books on our website.
CORES NEEDED -
Here is the information on our credits for cores.
URGENT NEED - Powermaster brake units. The must be complete. We will now 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.
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 -
GM Licensed - “GNX - A HIGH-PERFORMANCE INVESTMENT FOR THE FORTUNATE 547” 2' x 4' BLACK VINYL BANNER -
This high-quality vinyl black banner is GM licensed and measures approximately 2' tall x 4' wide. The banner has metal grommets on four corner.
This distinctive GNX design features the “GNX” logo in red and white and the quote “A HIGH-PERFORMANCE INVESTMENT FOR THE FORTUNATE 547” in white. The design is a black 13 oz vinyl with nylon scrim (mesh) reinforced with hems and grommets.
It’s just one of several distinctive banners we offer.
These banners make an excellent gift for any Buick enthusiast or mechanic. Ideal to hang in any garage, workshop, office or to display at a car show.
8600 - GM Licensed - “GNX” A HIGH-PERFORMANCE INVESTMENT FOR THE FORTUNATE 547” 2' x 4' Vinyl Banner - $42.95
Here is a link to this new GNX banner on our website.
1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
REPLACEMENT RADIO TUNER KNOB (1) & VOLUME KNOB (1) SET
In many cases, the original brushed disc may be missing from the factory radio knobs or the brushed disc may be discolored.
This is a brand new correct replacement for the 2 outer radio knobs - tuner and volume knobs. These are very hard to find today since they were last used over 20 years ago on various GM radios. These are correct for other GM applications as well, including all the G-body models.
Another excellent replacement for any interior restoration.
7824 - 1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal - Replacement Radio Tuner Knob (1) & Volume Knob (1) Set - $12.95
Here is a link to these radio knobs on our website.
1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
SPOOLFOOL DRIP-LIP Flywheel (Torque Converter) Cover
Mike, owner of Spoolfool, has created another great practical high-quality product. It’s a fiberglass flywheel (torque converter) cover that has a built-in drip tray. What’s even crazier is that it works.
It is a known fact that 90% of oil leaks on our cars either happen at the back of the engine or end up at the back of the engine. This clever flywheel cover with its built-in drip tray catches those drips, so the oil does not drip on the ground or on the crossover pipe.
Mike has named this new product the “Drip-Lip.” The piece is made in glossy black fiberglass and it replaces the metal or plastic fly wheel cover. Not only is it lighter than the factory metal flywheel cover, but it will not rust.
This Spoolfool Drip-Lip replaces the stock dust cover and keeps oil from dripping on the ground by trapping it in a special tray that attaches to the bottom of this custom-made cover. It has a removable cloth that absorbs any oil that would normally drip and stain your garage floor or driveway. The small cloth catches any oil from dripping and is easy to remove and replace when it becomes fully soaked. This fiberglass dust cover replaces the factory dust cover. You simply reuse the factory bolts and install this dust cover in place of the plastic or metal one.
Like all of Mike’s fiberglass products, the quality is excellent.
If you are into drag racing, this is a critical part as it eliminates dripping oil from the car onto the race track.
So far, the initial results have been that 80% of oil leaks can be kept from dripping on the ground, track and crossover pipe with it installed on a car.
Up until now, the joke has been that if it ain’t leaking oil, you might want to check the oil level. This unique Spoolfool Drip-Lip hopes to change all that.
This product is NOT FOR EVERYONE. It is only for cars with oil leaks (which is most of the Turbo Regals.)
Spoolfool Production Drip-Lip features:
*Catches engine oil from a 3.8 liter Turbo Buick engine
*Keeps smoking oil off the exhaust crossover pipe
*A must-have part for street or strip car
*Half the weight of an original metal flywheel cover
*Since it is fiberglass, it won’t rust out
*Easy installation
*Made in the U.S.A.
An excellent way to solve the oil drip problem.
7823 - 1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal - SPOOLFOOL DRIP-LIP Flywheel (Torque Converter) Cover
Here is a link to this Spoolfool Drip-Lip Flywheel Cover on our website.
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 -
I just found out that the original Monkeemobile from the TV show has been restored will be on display at the GTOAA Nationals at the Expo Oaks, in Oaks, PA on June 28th thru June 30th.
Some of you may recall we had Davy Jones as our guest for our GTO customers and Molly for our Buick Turbo Regal customers at our 1992 Reunion event at the Airbase in Johnsville, PA. It’s hard to believe that both now are gone.