04-22-2020 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 04-22-2020 –

UPDATE ON SHIPPING –

We are still able to ship daily, both by mail and UPS. Some parts are getting difficult to get. Thank you for your patience.



THE IMPACT OF THE VIRUS -

The government has laid out a plan leaving it up to the individual states to determine when they can open their states for a return of normalcy. Some states will be doing it more quickly than others. I just hope that things go smoothly and no areas suffer any relapses of the virus that has virtually crippled our country and virtually every other country in the world.


TWO NEW REPRODUCTION 1986-1987 TURBO REGAL DECALS IN THE WORKS –

We have two new decals in the works that would have appeared on the 1986-1987 Turbo Regals. I had original decals in my collection from years ago. To my knowledge, these have not been reproduced. Both are quite visible on the car. They will be sold as a pair. We should have them available in the next 10 days or so. One is being made this week. Watch for updates.



HAPPY ENDING FOR THE 1985 V8 REGAL SAGA –

We shared the story in last week’s Inner circle of getting the 1985 Regal off on its final journey to Texas to its new owner. We got an email the other day from the buyer. Here is his exact quote.

“Good morning Dennis, I finally got the car and I’m pleased to say that I’m more than happy. You’re a blessing to us all and God Bless you and your family. Stay Safe and hopefully one day when this is over I can come up and meet you. Thanks for everything.”

I am just glad that this story has a happy ending. The Regal was a good value for the price.

I think until this virus gets eliminated, collector car sales are going to be difficult, especially sales to our-of-state buyers.



MORE COLLECTIBLES FROM MY PRIVATE COLLECTION –

All these items are for sale in the Rare Parts section. Some of these were made many years ago. In some cases, we bought them from another source. The Rare Parts section is at the very end of this Inner Circle, if you are a subscriber!

PHOTO 1 – The top left photo shows a refurbished blue third brake light and a refurbished burgundy third brake light. This primitive first design of the third brake light is hard to find in good condition. The top right photo shows a used oil fill tube and filter, a used powermaster rubber brake hose, and a license plate clip that GM used on several applications.

The bottom left photo shows a used powermaster reservoir cap, a used powermaster molded hose, a used brake switch, and a used original vacuum block with gasket. The bottom right photo shows a used powermaster brake switch, both metal lines, and rubber hose line to the powermaster.



PHOTO 2 – The top left photo shows a used powermaster brake reservoir cap, a molded powermaster hose, a used brake switch, a used EGR cap, and a used diagnostic cap. The top right photo shows a cloth proof of the popular “We Brake for Corvettes” T-shirt we did probably 20 years ago. The bottom left photo shows a cloth proof of the “Buick Best of Both Worlds” T-shirt design that Jacks Classics did probably 20 years ago that we used to sell. The bottom right photo shows our Reunion 1993 T-shirt design. All the T-shirt proofs are being sold as is.



PHOTO 3 - The top left photo shows a cloth proof of the popular “B-B-B-Bad to the Bone” T-shirt we had made over 20 years ago. The top right photo shows a cloth proof of our cartoon Buick Quotations T-shirt design from 1991. The bottom left photo shows our Kirban Performance Product cloth proof from 1995. The bottom right photo shows a cloth proof of our 1990 Kirban Reunion event. All the T-shirt proofs are being sold as is.

Again, everything pictured in Photo 1, Photo 2, and Photo 3 appear under the Rare Parts section at the end of this Inner Circle that only subscribers get to see.



PAST MEMORIES –

PHOTO 4 –The top photos were taken at our old house on Sugar Bottom Road. The photo on the top left shows the two vehicles we used for incoming and outgoing UPS. The VW bus was the last year for the split windshield. I think it was a 1967 model. The milk truck was a 1950s Divco. The photo on the top right was taken just after a huge snowstorm in the 1990s. You can clearly see that the snow drifts were deep. In the one photo, you can see two Turbo Regals off in the distance on our lawn. The VW bus went to Texas and the Divco milk truck went to Michigan prior to us moving.

The bottom left and right photos capture a very rare example of a Turbo Regal on the left and a Turbo Limited Regal on the right, both sporting crank windows. It would be extremely rare to have crank windows on the Limited model. Most buyers of Limited models went for most of the options, and the power windows option was quite popular. When have you ever seen a Turbo Regal with crank windows?



CLOTH MASKS –

Because it appears a good bit of the country will be required to wear some sort of masks, we are looking at getting several versions made that would have an imprinted slogan on the front. Already some companies are having to provide them for their employees and are getting their company logo printed on them. If you own a business and want to get cloth masks made, send me an email [email protected]

We can get you a quote. These cloth masks would be black. The imprint is one color only. We can get as few as 25 made at a time. I know in our state many stores are now requiring customers to wear a mask or they can’t enter the store.

I am think of having them made with the “Bad to the Bone” wording on them and another version using my Dad’s quote, “Your Health is your Wealth.” Watch for more information shortly.



RIP - YING KAO LEE –

Most readers probably do not recognize the name Ying Kao Lee. You probably would recognize his major contribution to the classic car world. He worked at the Dupont Company for 35 years. He invented Lucite dispersion lacquer, the substance in car paint that prevents fading. By doing so, it also reduced emissions in the painting process by 70% and set the pattern for automotive top coat finishing.



AUTO EASEL CAR SHOW HOOD LATCH DISPLAY STAND - FITMENT AND UPDATE –

The Auto Easel Car Show Hood Latch Display Stand is now up on our website. Because of the special sale price, you must call our office to place your order - 215-766-1611.

Here is the link to see the Auto Easel pictures and information on our website.

We also now have a YouTube video showing it installed on a 2012 Camaro SS and on a 1985 Regal. In this 9-minute YouTube video we also show all the parts in the kit as well as the unit complete. It clearly shows how it installed in mere seconds, if you use a power hand tool with the proper bit to secure the single allen head screw on the 2-piece clamp.

We have filmed an informative video for YouTube filmed by our son Darrell showing how to attach the unit to your vehicle. 

Here is the link to the video on YouTube.

If the link doesn’t work, put copy and paste this information into your url.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEWGPZkGhnE&t=2s

Or you can search "The Kirban Auto Easel - A Car Show Hood Latch Display Stand" on YouTube.

Here is an up-to-date list of cars and trucks we know our new Auto Easel Car Show Hood Latch Display Stands will fit. As we discover more applications, we will list them.

Remember, there is a Special Introductory Price that is in effect until midnight April 30, 2020.

1982-1988 G-Body - All Models
1955-1957 Chevrolet
1979-2004 Ford Mustang and 2010-2014 Ford Mustang
1995-1997 Ford Ranger
1967-1968 Firebird
1982-2002 Chevrolet Camaro / Pontiac Firebird
2010-2018 Chevrolet Camaro
1966-1967 and 1968-1969 Pontiac GTO
2005-2010 Chrysler 300
2005-2010 Dodge Magnum
2011-2020 Dodge Charger
2009-2014 Dodge Challenger
2001-2004 Honda Civic
1996-2004 Mazda Miata

Remember, as long as the hood latch extends above the core support by 1½", this Auto Easel Car Show Hood Latch Display Stand will fit. You don’t have to get it centered on the hood latch since you can adjust your display panel so the display panel is centered in front of the car or truck.



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 –

It is nothing short of amazing that several original parts are still available from GM and AC Delco. For example, one such part is the heater water valve. It is unique for the 1986-1987 Turbo Regals. Aftermarket versions do not look anything like the original. Plus, the aftermarket versions do not allow you to use the original molded heater hosesOver time they can develop a leak and also look very nasty. This would be one part you should buy as a backup or a spare. . AC Delco Heater Water Valve, our part #6594, $69.95 plus shipping.



2020 - BUICK RELATED CAR SHOW EVENTS –

NOTE - With the ongoing crisis, watch for updates as some events may be cancelled or pushed back to a later date.

If you know of a Turbo Regal related car show, email us the promotional flyer and we will list it FREE! - [email protected]



NOTE - THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED FOR 2020 -
GS NATIONALS 40TH ANNIVERSARY
May 13-16, 2020
Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky



11th ANNUAL BUICK RACE DAY -
May 23, 2020 – Gates open at 8 am Saturday
Lebanon Valley Dragway 1746 US Route 20, West Lebanon, NY 12195

This is the 11th year for this Buick event. For more info, call 518-794-7130 or 914-447-6068 and ask for John. It is open to all GS Buick and Turbo Regals.


NOTE – THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED FOR 2020 -
JUNE 12-14, 2020
MIDWEST BUICK GS/GN SHOW
Itasca, Illinois

This is the 4th year of this popular event held in Illinois. Last year they had over 100 Turbo Regals in attendance. Car show day is Saturday, June 13th. This year it is expanded to include Firebird Turbo cars, Typhoons, and Syclones. For more exact details and location, contact Tim Barthel, the Chicagoland Chapter President - Phone 630-234-7478.



BUICK BASH AT THE QUAKE -
June 18-20, 2020
Quaker City Motorsports Park, 10225 West South Range Road, Salem, Ohio 44460

For more details, contact John Csordas 914-447-6068 [email protected] or Denny Moore 330-647-3615 [email protected]



LORENZ RACING & PERFORMANCE -
4TH ANNUAL DYNO DAYS, CAR SHOW & OPEN HOUSE -
July 17-18, 2020
Lorenz Racing & Performance, 12399 Stratton Road, West Salem, Ohio 44287

Last year they had 68 Turbo Regals in attendance from 23 different states. For more details, contact Brian Lorenz - 330-608-9735 - [email protected]



EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS -
September 12-13, 2020
Cecil County Dragway, 1916 Theodore Road, Rising Sun, Maryland 21911

For more details, contact John Csordus 914-447-6068 [email protected] or Jim Chaudrue 215-266-1052 [email protected]



IMPORTANT - INFORMATION ABOUT OUR SHIPPING ADDRESS –

If you are returning any cores or products, it is important that you send them to the correct address.

KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
529 HAYCOCK RUN ROAD
KINTNERSVILLE, PA 18930

We discovered that Fed Ex will not forward any packages that are sent to the PO Box or to our old address in Plumsteadville. Instead they deliver the packages to the old address and leave them outside. They refuse to forward and say that we should notify the shipper. In most cases, we have no idea when we are getting packages shipped back to us.

If you have any cores that are being sent back to us, be sure to use the correct address, especially if you use Fed Ex. Otherwise, we may not receive your package or it may be sent back to you.



EBAY SALES –

We have been placing some of our special items on ebay. We post under two company names - Kirban Performance for new parts. Kirban Enterprises for used and rare items. If you search for sellers – kirbanperformance – kirbanenterprises (Do not put a space between kirban and second word.) Or bookmark the links below. Be sure to check it out.

Here is a link to the Kirban Performance ebay listings –
Here’s is the URL if the link doesn’t work:
https://www.ebay.com/sch/kirbanperformance/m.html?item=333406745159&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562

Here is a link to the Kirban Enterprises ebay listings –
Here’s is the URL if the link doesn’t work:
https://www.ebay.com/sch/kirbanenterprises/m.html?item=264511012420&ssPageName=STRK%3AMESELX%3AIT&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562



IMPORTANT NOTE ON RARE PARTS FOR SALE –

In order for our Inner Circle members to have an equal opportunity on the Rare Parts, no emails regarding orders on rare parts will be honored prior to 3 pm Wednesday. This way Inner Circle members get the opportunity first to purchase any of the rare items that may be pictured in the main body of the Inner Circle which may go on our website earlier in the day each week. Inner Circle members are the ONLY people that get to see the Rare Parts listing and see the prices.



CORES NEEDED - URGENT REQUEST –

Here is the information on our credits for cores.

POWERMASTER BRAKE UNITS. Currently, we are NOT accepting powermaster brake units. When we need cores, we give a $150 Letter of Credit for each acceptable core.


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. This is the only item we are currently accepting as cores.

UPS or MAIL - Ship to Address –
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE
529 HAYCOCK RUN ROAD
KINTNERSVILLE, PA 18930



CARSMARTS RADIO IS ON THE AIR AND ON THE WEB! –

Turbo V6 enthusiast Steve Saffier (who produced “Dennis Kirban” story on YouTube) is producer and host of CarSmarts Radio which is in its third season! The show is heard in eastern PA on 610 ESPN Radio every Saturday from 11 am – 12 noon and on WOND 1400 in southern New Jersey, Sundays from 10am – 11am. You can also listen to the live stream at that time - download the podcast on http://www.610 espn.com (Live and Local)

Past guests have included me (Dennis Kirban) Brock Yates Jr, Steve Magnante, as well as car photographers, car museum staff, tech students, car clubs, and much more. Tune up and Tune in! More info at - http://www.carsmartsradio.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 3,400 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.



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. To subscribe simply email – [email protected] - to get our free 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]



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 –

See information earlier on the AUTO EASEL CAR SHOW HOOD LATCH DISPLAY STAND. Both versions at a Special Introductory Price until midnight April 30, 2020.

The Auto Easel Car Show Hood Latch Display Stand is now up on our website. Because of the special sale price, you must call our office to place your order - 215-766-1611.

Here is the link to see the Auto Easel pictures and information on our website.
Here’s is the URL if the link doesn’t work:
https://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=easel&submit_button=


We also now have a YouTube video showing it installed on a 2012 Camaro SS and on a 1985 Regal. In this 9-minute YouTube video we also show all the parts in the kit as well as the unit complete. It clearly shows how it installed in mere seconds, if you use a power hand tool with the proper bit to secure the single allen head screw on the 2-piece clamp.

We have filmed an informative video for YouTube filmed by our son Darrell showing how to attach the unit to your vehicle. 

Here is a link to the video on YouTube.

Here’s is the URL if the link doesn’t work:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEWGPZkGhnE&t=3s

Or you can search "The Kirban Auto Easel - A Car Show Hood Latch Display Stand" on YouTube.



1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction GRAND NATIONAL FENDER & TRUNK EMBLEMS

We are now offering high-quality reproduction Grand National emblems for the front fenders and trunk lid. All 1986-1987 GNs used three emblems; one on each fender and one on the driver’s side trunk lid. The 1984-1985 GNs only used two emblems; one on each fender.

This striking silver, red, orange and black enamel-like finish emblem measures 5-3/8" x 1-7/8" and comes with a self-adhesive backing.

NOTE - If you need to replace an emblem on your car, it’s best to replace all three at the same time so they all look new.

Emblems also make a great addition to any car show display board.

Another excellent replacement for any exterior restoration.

7855 - 1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal - ONE - Reproduction Grand National Fender and Trunk Emblem - $54.95

7856 - 1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal - THREE - Reproduction Grand National Fender and Trunk Emblems (3) Set - $149.95 set

Here is the link to these emblems 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] - and 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 –

It’s hard to remember what day of the week it is since being home bound, every day seems like the weekend. Stay safe.

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