05-08-2013 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members - 05-08-2013

REPORT FROM THE - 2013 TurboBuick.com GBody Nationals -

It was another great event, even with the unsettling weather that surrounded Burlington most of the week. It was actually warmer in Pennsylvania the entire week than it was in Burlington, North Carolina. The group from Florida was not used to the cold weather!

On Thursday, it was one of the largest lunch crowds we have had at these events with the count at 188. Over two dozen raffle prizes were awarded. The "Guess the M&Ms Count" contest was won by Jeff Dotson, who nailed it exactly at 375!

At the luncheon I asked for a show of hands of first timers and was surprised that we had so many this year at Richard Clark's. For those of you that have been there before, you know what it was like your first time seeing the massive collection Richard has amassed over 20-plus years of collecting.

The two larger raffle items were awarded at the track on Saturday; one from Baer brakes and the other from Mike Barnard, Spoolfool2, a one-piece rear filler panel. (Mike also donated one to our recent Spring Open House.)

All the usual Buick vendors were there, as in years past. I was able to take notes for several new ideas to work on. The dyno was kept busy, as were most of the lifts with owners working on their cars fixing various problems.

PHOTO 1 - In this top left photo we show one of the unique combinations a 1935 Ford Tudor powered by a 1986-1987 Turbo engine. The back of this car in shown in the oval inset photo. In this top right photo we show the dyno in Richard's shop in action. In this bottom left photo you see a GNX louver in a driver's side fender. This is the reason you measure twice and cut once. (It is backwards). In the bottom right photo is a Snap On holder that holds a variety of air tools in Richard's shop.

PHOTO 2 - In this top left photo I saw this on the back of one of the racers rear windows. In this top right photo you can clearly see size matters. Note the molded tool bin on the core support. We used to sell these and still get requests for them. In this bottom left photo is another racecar with the ZDDPlus™ banner on the side. ZDDPlus™, sponsored the entire race portion of the event. In the bottom right photo we show a really nice well-built Grand National riding on a unique set of wheels. The tire size was 275/45 by 18s on the rear. I always tell people that the "ready-to-restore building" behind it was Richard's earlier shop!

PHOTO 3 - The top left photo shows the GNS Performance setup at the track. They hail from Tennessee. The top right photo shows the GBodyparts.com display at the track Friday. It was the only day the sun did shine bright. I did see one Grand National for sale, this well-weathered 1986 example for $4,950. This can be seen in the bottom left photo. The front and back fillers were completely gone and you could easily see it had an aluminum bumper brace without bending over to look under the bumper! Although attendance was lacking for other brands of G-body cars, there was this one outstanding rare Pontiac Grand Am at the track on Saturday. This can be seen in the bottom right photo. The Grand Am is probably one of the most easily forgotten G-body cars due to low production.

PHOTO 4 - This is May's Cartoon, Part #81006, "The Great Brake Bowl Toss-off Contest Between GBodyParts.com and Kirban Performance." We actually had this reproduced in a larger format and presented it to Brian of GBody Parts as a gift at the Thursday luncheon.

We will run more photos next week from the Turbo Buick G Body Nationals.



UPDATE ON TERRY SHAW - AUTO APPRAISER

We had Terry Shaw at our Spring Open House in April, giving customers information about insurance issues.

Due to a medical emergency, he was not able to get back to some people he spoke to that day. He is in the process of getting back to work and will be contacting people with information.

If you need to contact him, here is his email - [email protected] and his phone number - 215-659-4947.



BREAKING NEWS - 1952 PACKARD COUPE - FOR SALE -

We have information about a 1952 Packard for sale. It was owned by a recently deceased relative of ours, and since the house has been sold, the family would like to sell it. It has had the same owner for over 16 years. The mileage is around 68,000 original. Car has been garaged and runs. It does need some bodywork, but it is all there to be restored. They are seeking a fair market value for the car.

If you are interested, email me - [email protected] - and we will forward your phone number to the person handling the sale.



BREAKING NEWS 1987 BUICK GRAND NATIONAL FOR SALE -

We handled the sale of this same 1987 Grand National about 8-9 years ago. I even trailered it to the new owner's house in New Jersey. This super mint original 1987 Grand National hardtop has a mere 5,290 miles on it. The owner drove it less than 100 miles, since he got it from us! I just saw the car again this past weekend.

According to the original sale, the car has only had 2 owners and it was stored in a heated garage. This Grand National is well optioned: power seat, concert sound II, am/fm cassette, power antenna (non working), map reading lamps, lighted visor mirror, power trunk release, power windows, power locks, posi, factory body side molding, tilt column, cruise, delay wipers, factory tinted glass, factory door edge guards. Also owner has the Window Sticker. Built date 11-27-87, which is very close to the end of production.

The car retains a very strong new car smell and the factory paint is one of the best I have ever seen. No fading, no heat cracks, the paint is that nice. This car has original tires with 1987 air in them. The only change is a test pipe was installed. Rest of the exhaust is 100% stock. Under the hood is all original, even the numbered spark plug wires. There are just a very few imperfections in the factory paint. The wheels are like new. Originally we did the missing body bushings, the connecting braces and frame braces.

This car literally looks like it's less than one year old. It's priced to sell at $25,900. Remember, it has less than 5,300 actual miles. No surprises here as the car has had the same owner last 8-9 years and not been advertised anywhere during that time. Also the seller has proof he got the car from me as he has retained the original ad. He actually bought it sight unseen and I delivered the car to him back then.

This car is priced right for a potential buyer. You must email me [email protected], if interested and include your email and phone number so I can pass it on to the seller. He can provide photos, if needed. Keep in mind, it has traveled less than 100 miles since I sold it 8-9 years ago. The condition of the Grand National has not changed since he bought it back then.



KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS ON YouTube -

We have been recording various segments on our products and information related to the Buick Turbo Regals, and we have posted them on YouTube. We will continue to post segments as they are recorded, so keep checking back.

Some segments feature products, their placements, benefits, or issues.

In one of the segments I explain the LED dash lights we have available for the analog dash and the Low Fuel warning unit. There is also a segment on the Tinman cold air system.

Here is a link to the YouTube site:
https://www.youtube.com/user/KirbanPerformance?feature=guide



NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -



SCANMASTER MOUNTING BRACKET
for Any Buick Turbo Regal Steering Column

This clever product was actually developed and made by a Turbo Regal owner that races his Turbo Regal. It is fabricated in aluminum and designed to sit across the top area of your steering column. Attached to the arched base part is a flat part that your Scanmaster sits on.

The end result is your Scanmaster is directly in front of you in your line of vision. Even after a year of racetrack testing, this bracket didn’t come loose. Each bracket comes with easy-to-follow directions.

A nice custom mounting technique for the popular Scanmaster for your Turbo Regal.

7496 - Scanmaster Mounting Bracket
for any Buick Turbo Regal Steering Column - $29.95

Here is a link to this Bracket on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44075/SCANMASTER+MOUNTING+BRACKET+for+Steering+Column+%237496.html



1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
REPRODUCTION AIR CONDITIONING HOSES (2) SET

This is a quality reproduction of the two main air conditioning lines, which go across the front of the engine by the core support.

The one set of fittings goes to the air conditioner compressor. One of the other ends goes to the drier receiver on the passenger’s side. The remaining fitting goes to the condenser towards the front on the passenger’s side.

These are identical to the original except the aluminum lines are not painted black like the originals. If you want them to look factory original, you can paint them.

In some cases, your originals may be cracked or severely bent from leaning over the front of the engine.

Another great engine restoration item.

7494 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction Air Conditioning Hoses (2) Set - $199.95 / 2-piece set

Here is a link to this AC Hoses Set on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44073/REPRODUCTION+AIR+CONDITIONING+HOSES+SET+%237494.html



CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS FOR 2013 -



4TH ANNUAL BUICK RACE DAY - Saturday, May 25, 2013
Lebanon Valley Dragway, Lebanon, NY - Gates open at 8 am

Participants in all Buick classes must be Buick powered. Sponsored by the GS Northeast GS/GN Club, Inc. For more information, call 518-794-7130 or call 845-528-GSGN (Ask for John.)



GM AT CARLISLE - June 21st thru 23rd, 2013 -
Carlisle Fairgrounds, Carlisle, PA

GM at Carlisle is held at the Carlisle Fairgrounds, celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Turbo Regal.

I have signed on to conduct two seminars on Saturday, June 22nd. One seminar will be on Turbo Regals and the second one will be on Hurst. So, mark your calendar.

Carlisle, as many of you know, puts on some of the largest car shows and swap meets in the USA and has done so for over 25 years. It is centrally located in Pennsylvania, just west of Harrisburg, PA and minutes off the PA Turnpike and Route 81.

Check out their website for more details.
http://www.carlisleevents.com/ce/events/gm-nationals/



BUICK PERFORMANCE GROUP BLOCK PARTY - Hebron, Ohio - August 2nd & 3rd, 2013 -

The 2013 BPG Event will be at National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio, Friday, August 2nd and Saturday August 3rd.

The Host Hotel will be the Newark Metropolitan. For reservations, call the hotel direct - 740-322-6455. Use the code " BUICK 2013" to get special price when booking online.

There will be a Cruise In Thursday and Friday night. The city is blocking off the street in front of Hotel for the Cruise In. There will also be a live band in the parking lot Friday night.

For more information visit their website:

http://www.buickperformancegroup.com/forums/showthread.php?11518-2013-BPG-Event-information
or contact Sean Ryder at [email protected]



EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS - Cecil County Dragway, MD - September 20th & 21st, 2013 -

The East Coast Buick Regionals are held at Cecil County Dragway, Maryland. Saturday, the 21st, features a judged car show for all Buick-powered cars.

For more info, contact Doug Doughtery at 302-653-2201 or email - [email protected], John Csordas 914-447-6068 or email - [email protected]

The website is - tristategsclub.com



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 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].



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 -

Enjoy the summer. I hope to see many of you at the GM at Carlisle in June. I am conducting two seminars at that event on Saturday, June 22nd.

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