Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 05-15-2019 –
LAST WEEK’S TURBO REGAL TRIVIA QUESTION ANSWERED –
Last week’s trivia question was “What 3 things on every 1984-1987 Turbo Regal are visual, but never formatted by Buick to function on the Turbo Regal.” The answer is the 3 things that show up to the left and right of the main dash cluster. They are Power Injection, the Car is Leveling, and Low Fuel. Buick used this same dash cluster on the Rivieras of that same vintage.
If you have a copy of the Buick Dealer Album, you would be able to see the illustration for the Regal gauge cluster and they have those 3 spaces blank. I assume this was to eliminate any confusion as to those 3 things that were not designed to function in the Regal model. Just another bit of Turbo Regal trivia.
PHOTO 1 – We show the Regal instrument panel illustration from a 1987 Buick Dealer Album. On the left panel (highlighted with a red arrow) you can see it is one short of the group. On the right panel two blanks can be seen (highlighted with red arrows) on the listed idiot lights.
GNX JACKET –
Last week under Rare Parts we listed a GNX original jacket that I put up for sale. It sold within minutes of the Inner Circle going out as did several other rare items we had in that issue. This GNX jacket had extremely great care and was kept out of the sunlight.
PHOTO 2 – Here are photos of the GNX jacket that we just sold. NOTE - It still had the tag on the front. The embroidered GNX patch and the black jacket looks like it was just made in the last 6 months. To any GNX owner this is probably the Holy Grail. Every collectible car owner, regardless of the car model, can probably name that one elusive part that is not only hard to find due to lack of production, but garners the big investment. For the GNX owner, the original GNX jacket with the Molly label inside ranks in the top 1 or 2 items. My guess for the other part would be an original GNX turbo.
The photo on the left shows the front of the jacket. Photo in the middle shows the back with the sleeves clipped together. Photo on the right shows the Molly label and original tag.
DRAWING FAST CARS –
We recently saw a post from Rich Graziano on the “Turbobuick.com members on facebook” page showing a Grand National page in a book entitled “DRAWING FAST CARS.” How To Draw A Car Drawing Fast Cars Step By Step: Draw cars like the Dodge Hellcat, Bugatti, Aston Martin, & More for Beginnings Paperback - $4.95 (Amazon Prime members get free shipping).
This book contains step-by-step instructions on how to draw your favorite Fast Cars in a picture book format. All the steps are visually depicted in a very detailed manner and are self explanatory. This book contains tutorials on drawing following characters like the Dodge Hellcat, Bugatti, Lamborghini (and Grand National) and many more. Kids and adults will discover simple techniques for drawing a variety of easy sports cars and have fun coloring them too.
It was quite a surprise to see the Grand National included in this book! I can’t explain it, but somehow the lowly VW Beetle also is in this book.
See the Rare Parts section as we have 2 copies for sale.
If you go on Facebook, you might want to join the “Turbobuick.com members on Facebook group.
PHOTO - 3 - We show the cover of this Drawing Fast Cars book and the pages featuring the Grand National. It’s missing is the oil spots that would be visible under the front end!
COLLECTING DIECAST CARS –
Like many of you, I collect various diecast cars. Even though I probably have every 1:18 and 1:24 scale Turbo Regal, as a collector I prefer the smaller scale cars, mostly the 1:43 scale. One company that makes the 1:43 scale I like is company called Minichamps. The detail is incredible - from the exterior emblems to the dash. The downside is, from what I have seen they focus mostly on making foreign cars.
Minichamps cars offer amazing detail. By collecting the 1:43 scale, it doesn’t require as much room to display the cars as the larger scale diecast cars. As far as value goes, like anything else, you never know in years to come what will be worth more money than you paid originally. I do collect several other lines of model cars that are plastic as well. We will cover more in a later issue.
In the two different larger versions of the Turbo Regal diecasts only certain models have held their value or increased in value. It would include the Grand National, Molly’s red prototype Turbo Regal and of course, the GNX. These would be the most valuable in my opinion.
Any version of any diecast connected with the real car that has a value in the $100 grand range would be a good investment!
From a marketing standpoint, once the mold has been made for a particular model, it is easy to change the paint scheme to increase the sales over your actual investment.
Case in point - Over 30 years ago we made the small black plastic emergency brake handle for the 1964-1967 GTO. The tooling was $5,000! This does not include the per piece price. While I was researching this project, I went to my local junkyard to see if any other A-body car used the same plastic brake handle. Remember, this was way before the internet could provide instant answers!
Turns out the 1964-1967 Chevelle used the same handle and wording, only it was pressed on - not threaded. The Buick and Oldsmobile had a different font style from what I remember. So, we did the project because by making a threaded version and a pressed-on version, I covered both popular A-body muscle cars and, most important, I was able to recoup our start-up costs in a reasonable amount of time.
That is a true story! Every automotive mail-order company that is making automotive parts always looks for a wider market to increase sales and recoup their start-up costs. Although the Turbo Regal adjustable fuel regulators we sell is popular, we sell over 20 times more Mustang regulators each year. With this sales volume, it makes it profitable to produce the adjustable fuel regulator for the Turbo Regal market.
PHOTO 4 – We show one of the Minichamps 1:43 scale diecast cars in the original packaging on the left and it out of the package on the right. What is nice is that on the package they show the total they make of the particular car. You can almost make out the Porsche logo on the center cap of each alloy wheel. The detail is amazing for the size and the cost.
PAYING IT FORWARD –
As many of you realize, the Vietnam War was not a popular war. It was often downgraded and called a “conflict.” If you served in the military during that time period, and like me served in Vietnam, the welcome home we got was not a warm welcome from the general public. In recent times, things have changed towards us Vietnam Veterans and more and more are wearing something to reflect their service in Vietnam. It’s been a long time coming.
In recent times whenever I go out to lunch or dinner, if I see someone in the restaurant wearing a Vietnam Veteran hat or a Vietnam patch, I tell my waitress I will pay their bill. I don’t want them to know who did this unexpected gesture.
If you are reading this Inner Circle, my hope is that you pick up this gesture for any Vietnam Veteran or any veteran. Believe me, it gives you a warm feeling inside and I know the Veteran would greatly appreciate it. This gesture is long overdue to those that served in that unpopular war/conflict. I still have my dog tag on my key chain. If you have a Facebook, page please spread the word. You will feel better for doing it.
GNX #206 FOR SALE –
We are selling GNX #206 for one of our long-time customers. While several GNXs can be found for sale on the internet, what separates this one from the pack is not only does it have the GNX book and GNX jacket but the trunk is full of everything associated with a GNX and all the documents back to the original owner in 1988. It is a 2-owner car. This GNX has never been advertised since the current owner purchased it in 1998.
It has been garaged with the wheels off the ground. Even the steering wheel was covered. Most unusual is that the little rubber bumpers are on both doors that came on the car when it was shipped is still on the car! I did not count them but Molly’s signature appears on a dozen or more items, including the GNX jacket. Car has 100% original paint and 100% stock. Front and rear fillers have just been replaced in the last 30 days.
The car still smells factory new. Mileage is 23,839 and original. Car has the latest PA inspection. It’s close to 100% perfect in every regard. The factory paint is outstanding, a term you seldom see used on a black Regal of any version. The price tag is $99,900. To help ease the pain, since I hold a license, I am open to consider any car or cars in partial trade. Trade value cuts down the sales tax bite and out-of-pocket money. Remember, a partial trade car need not be a Turbo Regal. It can even be more than one car. Buying this example eliminates any surprises that some of the other GNXs seem to have that are for sale. This GNX is one that can only advance in value. You can email me for more photos. My email is [email protected]
NEW PRODUCT COMING DESIGNED FOR JEEP OFF-ROADING –
A local company has patented a clever new product and we are the marketing agent for this new product. Jeeps are well known for having over heating issues especially when used to pull a trailer or to go off-roading.
Until now the solution has been to install lovers or vents in the hood to let the heat escape. The problem with this is the vents are open all the time. So, when it rains water gets under the hood and can cause issues with the electronics under the hood.
This company has developed a vent system that is heat activated so the vents close automatically when the engine is cooled down. No wiring is involved. The vent system is flush mounted on the hood of any Jeep and can be painted. The vent system is made from 6061 T aluminum.
In the next several months we will be approaching various Jeep companies about this new product. This clever product will be on display at our Open House. The Jeep off road market is huge. This product can be adapted to virtually any flat hood to allow heat out of the engine compartment. Email me [email protected] for more details and photos.
URGENT REQUEST –
We have an urgent need for usable 1986-1987 Turbo Regal steering wheel cores. Each acceptable core is worth a Letter of Credit of $100. Help us help others by sending us any acceptable cores you may have. The cheapest method to send them is by mail. Ship to Kirban Performance, PO Box 1199, Plumsteadville, PA 18949. Be sure to include your name, address and phone number.
CARSMARTS RADIO IS ON THE AIR AND ON THE WEB! –
Turbo V6 enthusiast Steve Saffier (who produced “The Dennis Kirban Story” on YouTube last year) is producer and host of a new automotive radio program broadcasting live every Saturday from 11am - 12 noon on 610 ESPN radio (the old WIP 610 am for those in the area.) The show talks about different aspects of the car world and Steve’s affinity for Turbo Regals and Syclone/Typhoons often is expressed in nearly every show.
You can tune in live or livestream the show at http://www.610espn.com from anywhere in the world.
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 –
One of the troublesome parts for any Turbo Regal owner are the issues with the windows and the internal workings. Our popular Window Rattle kit for years has proven to be most effective for curing these issues. One kit does one window. The part number is #7170. The price is $36.95 per kit. The booklet that explains how to do the adjustments is #6739. The price of the booklet if you buy a Window Rattle Kit is just $12.
2019 TURBO BUICK RELATED CAR SHOWS EVENTS -
To get your Turbo Regal event for 2019 listed here, you must email me direct [email protected] Also send me a copy of the flyer promoting the event.
10TH ANNUAL BUICK RACE DAY -
Saturday, MAY 25, 2019 – Gates open at 8 am
Lebanon Valley Dragway, 1746 U.S. Route 20, West Lebanon, NY
Participants in all Buick classes must be Buick-Powered. For more information, call 518-794-7130 or call 914-477-6068 (ask for John)
TURBO BUICK NATIONALS –
MAY 23, 24, and 25, 2019
Richard Clark’s Garage, Burlington, North Carolina
This event is held at Richard Clark’s Garage in Burlington, NC. For more information and a list of their program, go to Turbobuick.com and scroll down to Turbo Buick Nationals 2019 for up-to-date information. Here is the link to this event.
BATES NUT FARM BUICK SHOW -
SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 2019 - 9 am until 3 pm -
Bates Nut Farm, Valley Center, CA
According to Mike Bernard (of Spoolfool fame), this event is the second largest gathering of Turbo Buicks in the nation. Eric Brown and Mike Bernard deserve a lot of credit for putting this west coast event on every year. The event runs from 9 am until 3 pm. Vendors will be on hand and they will have many items for their raffles. They will update the info shortly for 2019 at this link. Here is a link to their website.
1ST ANNUAL BUICK BASH AT THE QUAKE -
FRIDAY& SATURDAY - JUNE 14 & 15, 2019
Quaker City Motorsports Park, 10225 West South Range Road, Salem, OH 44460
For more info, contact John Csordas 914-447-6068 [email protected] or Denny Moore 330-647-3615 [email protected] - www.quakercitymotorsportspark.com
EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS -
FRIDAY& SATURDAY - SEPTEMBER 20TH& 21ST, 2019
Cecil County Dragway, 1916 Theodore Road, Rising Sun, Maryland
This will be the 23rd year. Host hotel Information: Comfort Inn located just off exit 100 on I-95. Call 410-287-7100 and mention Northeast GS/GN Club for special pricing. For more info, contact John Csordas 914-447-6068 [email protected] or Jim Chaudrue 215-266-1052 [email protected]
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 3,300 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 x 0.
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. 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]
CORES NEEDED -
Here is the information on our credits for cores.
URGENT NEED –
POWERMASTER BRAKE UNITS. Unit must be complete. We will 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.
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. 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 –
BUICK GRAND NATIONAL 22-Ounce BEVERAGE TUMBLER MUG
This GM licensed 22-ounce beverage tumbler is made of a durable double-wall stainless steel vacuum construction with copper insulation. This allows the beverage to stay cold for 24 hours or hot for at least 6 hours!
The construction also prevents condensation on the outside of the tumbler. On-trend, durable powder coating, and easy sipping with a push-on lid with a wide opening for comfortable filing and pouring. An Eastman Tritan T straw is included.
The Grand National Turbo-six logo is imprinted in red, orange and white.
It makes a great statement at a car show, and also makes a great gift for that Turbo enthusiast or for your mechanic.
This is another excellent Buick enthusiast gift idea.
7875 - GM Licensed - BUICK GRAND NATIONAL 22-ounce Beverage Tumbler Mug - $24.95
Here is a link to this Tumbler on our website.
GM Licensed –
BUICK GRAND NATIONAL BASEBALL-STYLE EMBROIDERED BLACK HAT
This GM licensed 6-panel structured low crown pre-curved visor black hat is made from moisture wicking polyester. It has a micro-hook/loop closure in the back.
The black hat has the Grand National Turbo-six logo embroidered in red, orange and white on the front and adjustable in the back.
This is another excellent Buick enthusiast gift idea.
7876 - GM Licensed - BUICK GRAND NATIONAL Baseball-style Embroidered Black Hat - $17.95
Here is a link to this Hat 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 –
Remember, possible partial trades can be done towards the GNX. We have a sales license so we would pay the difference to our seller. Muscle cars and regular cars would be considered.
LAST WEEK’S TURBO REGAL TRIVIA QUESTION ANSWERED –
Last week’s trivia question was “What 3 things on every 1984-1987 Turbo Regal are visual, but never formatted by Buick to function on the Turbo Regal.” The answer is the 3 things that show up to the left and right of the main dash cluster. They are Power Injection, the Car is Leveling, and Low Fuel. Buick used this same dash cluster on the Rivieras of that same vintage.
If you have a copy of the Buick Dealer Album, you would be able to see the illustration for the Regal gauge cluster and they have those 3 spaces blank. I assume this was to eliminate any confusion as to those 3 things that were not designed to function in the Regal model. Just another bit of Turbo Regal trivia.
PHOTO 1 – We show the Regal instrument panel illustration from a 1987 Buick Dealer Album. On the left panel (highlighted with a red arrow) you can see it is one short of the group. On the right panel two blanks can be seen (highlighted with red arrows) on the listed idiot lights.
GNX JACKET –
Last week under Rare Parts we listed a GNX original jacket that I put up for sale. It sold within minutes of the Inner Circle going out as did several other rare items we had in that issue. This GNX jacket had extremely great care and was kept out of the sunlight.
PHOTO 2 – Here are photos of the GNX jacket that we just sold. NOTE - It still had the tag on the front. The embroidered GNX patch and the black jacket looks like it was just made in the last 6 months. To any GNX owner this is probably the Holy Grail. Every collectible car owner, regardless of the car model, can probably name that one elusive part that is not only hard to find due to lack of production, but garners the big investment. For the GNX owner, the original GNX jacket with the Molly label inside ranks in the top 1 or 2 items. My guess for the other part would be an original GNX turbo.
The photo on the left shows the front of the jacket. Photo in the middle shows the back with the sleeves clipped together. Photo on the right shows the Molly label and original tag.
DRAWING FAST CARS –
We recently saw a post from Rich Graziano on the “Turbobuick.com members on facebook” page showing a Grand National page in a book entitled “DRAWING FAST CARS.” How To Draw A Car Drawing Fast Cars Step By Step: Draw cars like the Dodge Hellcat, Bugatti, Aston Martin, & More for Beginnings Paperback - $4.95 (Amazon Prime members get free shipping).
This book contains step-by-step instructions on how to draw your favorite Fast Cars in a picture book format. All the steps are visually depicted in a very detailed manner and are self explanatory. This book contains tutorials on drawing following characters like the Dodge Hellcat, Bugatti, Lamborghini (and Grand National) and many more. Kids and adults will discover simple techniques for drawing a variety of easy sports cars and have fun coloring them too.
It was quite a surprise to see the Grand National included in this book! I can’t explain it, but somehow the lowly VW Beetle also is in this book.
See the Rare Parts section as we have 2 copies for sale.
If you go on Facebook, you might want to join the “Turbobuick.com members on Facebook group.
PHOTO - 3 - We show the cover of this Drawing Fast Cars book and the pages featuring the Grand National. It’s missing is the oil spots that would be visible under the front end!
COLLECTING DIECAST CARS –
Like many of you, I collect various diecast cars. Even though I probably have every 1:18 and 1:24 scale Turbo Regal, as a collector I prefer the smaller scale cars, mostly the 1:43 scale. One company that makes the 1:43 scale I like is company called Minichamps. The detail is incredible - from the exterior emblems to the dash. The downside is, from what I have seen they focus mostly on making foreign cars.
Minichamps cars offer amazing detail. By collecting the 1:43 scale, it doesn’t require as much room to display the cars as the larger scale diecast cars. As far as value goes, like anything else, you never know in years to come what will be worth more money than you paid originally. I do collect several other lines of model cars that are plastic as well. We will cover more in a later issue.
In the two different larger versions of the Turbo Regal diecasts only certain models have held their value or increased in value. It would include the Grand National, Molly’s red prototype Turbo Regal and of course, the GNX. These would be the most valuable in my opinion.
Any version of any diecast connected with the real car that has a value in the $100 grand range would be a good investment!
From a marketing standpoint, once the mold has been made for a particular model, it is easy to change the paint scheme to increase the sales over your actual investment.
Case in point - Over 30 years ago we made the small black plastic emergency brake handle for the 1964-1967 GTO. The tooling was $5,000! This does not include the per piece price. While I was researching this project, I went to my local junkyard to see if any other A-body car used the same plastic brake handle. Remember, this was way before the internet could provide instant answers!
Turns out the 1964-1967 Chevelle used the same handle and wording, only it was pressed on - not threaded. The Buick and Oldsmobile had a different font style from what I remember. So, we did the project because by making a threaded version and a pressed-on version, I covered both popular A-body muscle cars and, most important, I was able to recoup our start-up costs in a reasonable amount of time.
That is a true story! Every automotive mail-order company that is making automotive parts always looks for a wider market to increase sales and recoup their start-up costs. Although the Turbo Regal adjustable fuel regulators we sell is popular, we sell over 20 times more Mustang regulators each year. With this sales volume, it makes it profitable to produce the adjustable fuel regulator for the Turbo Regal market.
PHOTO 4 – We show one of the Minichamps 1:43 scale diecast cars in the original packaging on the left and it out of the package on the right. What is nice is that on the package they show the total they make of the particular car. You can almost make out the Porsche logo on the center cap of each alloy wheel. The detail is amazing for the size and the cost.
PAYING IT FORWARD –
As many of you realize, the Vietnam War was not a popular war. It was often downgraded and called a “conflict.” If you served in the military during that time period, and like me served in Vietnam, the welcome home we got was not a warm welcome from the general public. In recent times, things have changed towards us Vietnam Veterans and more and more are wearing something to reflect their service in Vietnam. It’s been a long time coming.
In recent times whenever I go out to lunch or dinner, if I see someone in the restaurant wearing a Vietnam Veteran hat or a Vietnam patch, I tell my waitress I will pay their bill. I don’t want them to know who did this unexpected gesture.
If you are reading this Inner Circle, my hope is that you pick up this gesture for any Vietnam Veteran or any veteran. Believe me, it gives you a warm feeling inside and I know the Veteran would greatly appreciate it. This gesture is long overdue to those that served in that unpopular war/conflict. I still have my dog tag on my key chain. If you have a Facebook, page please spread the word. You will feel better for doing it.
GNX #206 FOR SALE –
We are selling GNX #206 for one of our long-time customers. While several GNXs can be found for sale on the internet, what separates this one from the pack is not only does it have the GNX book and GNX jacket but the trunk is full of everything associated with a GNX and all the documents back to the original owner in 1988. It is a 2-owner car. This GNX has never been advertised since the current owner purchased it in 1998.
It has been garaged with the wheels off the ground. Even the steering wheel was covered. Most unusual is that the little rubber bumpers are on both doors that came on the car when it was shipped is still on the car! I did not count them but Molly’s signature appears on a dozen or more items, including the GNX jacket. Car has 100% original paint and 100% stock. Front and rear fillers have just been replaced in the last 30 days.
The car still smells factory new. Mileage is 23,839 and original. Car has the latest PA inspection. It’s close to 100% perfect in every regard. The factory paint is outstanding, a term you seldom see used on a black Regal of any version. The price tag is $99,900. To help ease the pain, since I hold a license, I am open to consider any car or cars in partial trade. Trade value cuts down the sales tax bite and out-of-pocket money. Remember, a partial trade car need not be a Turbo Regal. It can even be more than one car. Buying this example eliminates any surprises that some of the other GNXs seem to have that are for sale. This GNX is one that can only advance in value. You can email me for more photos. My email is [email protected]
NEW PRODUCT COMING DESIGNED FOR JEEP OFF-ROADING –
A local company has patented a clever new product and we are the marketing agent for this new product. Jeeps are well known for having over heating issues especially when used to pull a trailer or to go off-roading.
Until now the solution has been to install lovers or vents in the hood to let the heat escape. The problem with this is the vents are open all the time. So, when it rains water gets under the hood and can cause issues with the electronics under the hood.
This company has developed a vent system that is heat activated so the vents close automatically when the engine is cooled down. No wiring is involved. The vent system is flush mounted on the hood of any Jeep and can be painted. The vent system is made from 6061 T aluminum.
In the next several months we will be approaching various Jeep companies about this new product. This clever product will be on display at our Open House. The Jeep off road market is huge. This product can be adapted to virtually any flat hood to allow heat out of the engine compartment. Email me [email protected] for more details and photos.
URGENT REQUEST –
We have an urgent need for usable 1986-1987 Turbo Regal steering wheel cores. Each acceptable core is worth a Letter of Credit of $100. Help us help others by sending us any acceptable cores you may have. The cheapest method to send them is by mail. Ship to Kirban Performance, PO Box 1199, Plumsteadville, PA 18949. Be sure to include your name, address and phone number.
CARSMARTS RADIO IS ON THE AIR AND ON THE WEB! –
Turbo V6 enthusiast Steve Saffier (who produced “The Dennis Kirban Story” on YouTube last year) is producer and host of a new automotive radio program broadcasting live every Saturday from 11am - 12 noon on 610 ESPN radio (the old WIP 610 am for those in the area.) The show talks about different aspects of the car world and Steve’s affinity for Turbo Regals and Syclone/Typhoons often is expressed in nearly every show.
You can tune in live or livestream the show at http://www.610espn.com from anywhere in the world.
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 –
One of the troublesome parts for any Turbo Regal owner are the issues with the windows and the internal workings. Our popular Window Rattle kit for years has proven to be most effective for curing these issues. One kit does one window. The part number is #7170. The price is $36.95 per kit. The booklet that explains how to do the adjustments is #6739. The price of the booklet if you buy a Window Rattle Kit is just $12.
2019 TURBO BUICK RELATED CAR SHOWS EVENTS -
To get your Turbo Regal event for 2019 listed here, you must email me direct [email protected] Also send me a copy of the flyer promoting the event.
10TH ANNUAL BUICK RACE DAY -
Saturday, MAY 25, 2019 – Gates open at 8 am
Lebanon Valley Dragway, 1746 U.S. Route 20, West Lebanon, NY
Participants in all Buick classes must be Buick-Powered. For more information, call 518-794-7130 or call 914-477-6068 (ask for John)
TURBO BUICK NATIONALS –
MAY 23, 24, and 25, 2019
Richard Clark’s Garage, Burlington, North Carolina
This event is held at Richard Clark’s Garage in Burlington, NC. For more information and a list of their program, go to Turbobuick.com and scroll down to Turbo Buick Nationals 2019 for up-to-date information. Here is the link to this event.
BATES NUT FARM BUICK SHOW -
SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 2019 - 9 am until 3 pm -
Bates Nut Farm, Valley Center, CA
According to Mike Bernard (of Spoolfool fame), this event is the second largest gathering of Turbo Buicks in the nation. Eric Brown and Mike Bernard deserve a lot of credit for putting this west coast event on every year. The event runs from 9 am until 3 pm. Vendors will be on hand and they will have many items for their raffles. They will update the info shortly for 2019 at this link. Here is a link to their website.
1ST ANNUAL BUICK BASH AT THE QUAKE -
FRIDAY& SATURDAY - JUNE 14 & 15, 2019
Quaker City Motorsports Park, 10225 West South Range Road, Salem, OH 44460
For more info, contact John Csordas 914-447-6068 [email protected] or Denny Moore 330-647-3615 [email protected] - www.quakercitymotorsportspark.com
EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS -
FRIDAY& SATURDAY - SEPTEMBER 20TH& 21ST, 2019
Cecil County Dragway, 1916 Theodore Road, Rising Sun, Maryland
This will be the 23rd year. Host hotel Information: Comfort Inn located just off exit 100 on I-95. Call 410-287-7100 and mention Northeast GS/GN Club for special pricing. For more info, contact John Csordas 914-447-6068 [email protected] or Jim Chaudrue 215-266-1052 [email protected]
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 3,300 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 x 0.
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. 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]
CORES NEEDED -
Here is the information on our credits for cores.
URGENT NEED –
POWERMASTER BRAKE UNITS. Unit must be complete. We will 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.
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. 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 –
BUICK GRAND NATIONAL 22-Ounce BEVERAGE TUMBLER MUG
This GM licensed 22-ounce beverage tumbler is made of a durable double-wall stainless steel vacuum construction with copper insulation. This allows the beverage to stay cold for 24 hours or hot for at least 6 hours!
The construction also prevents condensation on the outside of the tumbler. On-trend, durable powder coating, and easy sipping with a push-on lid with a wide opening for comfortable filing and pouring. An Eastman Tritan T straw is included.
The Grand National Turbo-six logo is imprinted in red, orange and white.
It makes a great statement at a car show, and also makes a great gift for that Turbo enthusiast or for your mechanic.
This is another excellent Buick enthusiast gift idea.
7875 - GM Licensed - BUICK GRAND NATIONAL 22-ounce Beverage Tumbler Mug - $24.95
Here is a link to this Tumbler on our website.
GM Licensed –
BUICK GRAND NATIONAL BASEBALL-STYLE EMBROIDERED BLACK HAT
This GM licensed 6-panel structured low crown pre-curved visor black hat is made from moisture wicking polyester. It has a micro-hook/loop closure in the back.
The black hat has the Grand National Turbo-six logo embroidered in red, orange and white on the front and adjustable in the back.
This is another excellent Buick enthusiast gift idea.
7876 - GM Licensed - BUICK GRAND NATIONAL Baseball-style Embroidered Black Hat - $17.95
Here is a link to this Hat 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 –
Remember, possible partial trades can be done towards the GNX. We have a sales license so we would pay the difference to our seller. Muscle cars and regular cars would be considered.