Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members - 05-16-2012
MORE PHOTOS FROM THE TurboBuick.com NATIONALS -
Photo 1 - Here is something you don't see every day. Although the photo may not be very clear, the headliner material of this Grand National has been embossed with a huge "Power Six" logo.
PHOTO 2 - Richard Clark has a very sophisticated method to weighing cars. The top photo shows the control panel. The lower photos show how a small plate is positioned under each wheel.
PHOTO 3 - If you know Richard Clark, you also know his faithful champion Jill, who is now 16 years old. The top left photo shows Jill resting out of the North Carolina heat. The top right photo is something that caught my eye. The hood shock actually has the word "BODY" in a big printed arrow on the shaft. This informs the car owner to position the hood shock so it's going in the correct direction. I have actually seen these installed upside down at shows! The lower left photo shows just a portion of the transmissions Richard Clark has sitting neatly in rows on his shelves. The lower right photo shows just a few of the turbo engines Richard has in his one toy room.
More photos next week!
RADIATOR OVERFLOW BOTTLE & CAPS -
In our April 25, 2012 Inner Circle we showed three various radiator overflow bottle caps.
Another aftermarket version exists, which is similar to the correct one that should be on your 1986-1987 Turbo Regal. The difference is the aftermarket cap has a different font style (lettering) and it is not as bold a typestyle as the lettering found on the factory plastic radiator overflow cap.
It appears that during production on the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal, Buick used two different radiator overflow bottles. They both attach to the passenger's side inner fender the same with the difference being the position of the screw-on fill cap.
PHOTO 4 - The left photo shows the more popular 1986-1987 Turbo Regal radiator overflow bottle that has the fill cap clearly near the center of the top of the bottle. The right photo shows the other factory radiator overflow bottle that has the screw-on fill cap towards the back of the bottle.
My best guess? Out of every 10-12 of the 1986-1987 Turbo Regals you might see in one place, 10 or 11 would have the radiator overflow bottle with the fill cap in the center, which is like our first photo. It is also the only one we carry.
Since I was not working on the production line, I have no idea why some 1986-1987 Turbo Regals received the other bottle. I have seen this style bottle on low-mileage original 1986-1987 Turbo Regals. It may also have been used on regular V6 and V8 Regals.
Both bottles also have that angled indention on the top. This may have been to clear an under-the-hood-brace for another GM model. (Some GM models had a brace under the hood in this general area).
I don't know what other applications this bottle may have been used in. We welcome any input on this.
NOTE FROM TERRY SANDERS - RIDE ON MOLLY -
We received a kind note from Molly's wife, Terry about the Ride On Molly Inner Circle sent out last week. Here is part of her note…
Yes, we had a wonderful time... the second time in April and only the second time in several years when I really had "FUN." Laughed so hard at the stories about Molly... The guys did a really great job of helping to keep him alive for Brooke.
Thanks for the link!
And, thank you for all you have done to care for and to encourage me, and also for spreading the word about the Ride On Molly 2012. Having Ralph and Scott on the ride was really special. Brooke and her friend got fixated on them and their cars. They would run out there to hang out if they were outside by the cars. They loved to go fast with them and I did too. It was "cool."
Lastly, I hope you and your family is having a peaceful time with health and happiness in abundance. Even with all of our challenges, I try to remember, "Life is good."
Terry Sanders
RIP CARROLL SHELBY -
Auto legend Carroll Shelby died on May 10th, at age 89. As a driver and designer of high-speed sports cars, his name is legendary. He was well known for putting a Ford V-8 engine in the chassis of a little British roadster and called it the Shelby Cobra.
Hopefully, we can all be as active as he was to the very end.
GNX OWNERS - IMPORTANT NEWS -
Next week we hope to have some good news on a replacement part available for GNXs, which has been next to impossible to get. Even if your car has very low mileage, you will probably want this part.
Can’t wait? Email me direct - [email protected] for details.
I may have a few by the end of this current week.
REPRODUCTION STRAP CAPS - UPDATE - NOW IN STOCK -
The 1984-1987 Turbo Regal Reproduction Strap Cap Sets are finally in stock.
We only offer them in a set of 2 (Part #6977) or set of 4 (Part #6978). Each door takes 2 caps.
URGENT - WE NEED STEERING WHEEL CORES
We have an urgent need for original 1986-1987 Turbo Regal steering wheel cores. For years we had plenty of cores and eliminated a core charge.
If you send us a core we will issue you a letter of credit for $50.00.
If you send us one be sure to put a note with it. Help us help others by sending us good
used original steering wheel cores.
ANOTHER GM PART HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED -
Part #6775, 1984-1987 GM Signal Lamps have been. These are the amber lamps that sit in the front bumper. We can no longer get them from GM.
Here are some background facts on these signal lamps.
According to my 1987 GM Price Guide, the retail price back in December 1987 was $21.30 each. The list price last week was $68.97 for one side and $71.87 for the other side. It strikes me as a bit odd that one side would list for almost $3 more, since the price structure did not start out that way, nor do I see what is different between the two to warrant a different price!
So, if you see any new ones for sale, it's best to buy them if priced reasonably, since GM has discontinued them. I am sure one of the companies will reproduce it at some point in the future.
NEW PARTS & NEW LINKS -
GM LICENSED GRAND NATIONAL MAGNETIC DECALS -
All of the magnetic decals are now on the website. Here is the link:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7277&submit_button=
SafestRustRemover #7322 and Ultra One Heavy Duty Degreaser #7323 -
These are great additions to your garage arsenal of cleaning products. We have used them both and are totally satisfied with the results. Here is the link to these products on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7322&submit_button=
REPRODUCTION SEAT COVERS - #7397, #7398, #7399 and #7412 -
We now have all of the reproduction seat cover options on the website. Here is the link:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7397&submit_button=
REPRODUCTION GNX SUSPENSION - NOW AVAILABLE -
Pete Hoffman has a limited number of the reproduction GNX Suspension Systems available. These are the Richard Clark systems that he has had made locally.
They are nearly exact to the originals, down to the welds and material used. They come with complete detailed instructions.
Limited availability! Call or email Pete 215-778-1036
[email protected]
ALWAYS IN A BUYING POSITION WORKS -
Got any turbo parts you are not using? Why not cash them in for parts you need with a Letter of Credit. Simply email me a list - [email protected].
Also, we are still buying dead or partially dead 1984-1987 Turbo Regals under $4,000 that are within 250 to 350 miles of our location.
NOTE ABOUT PHOTOS ON THE WEBSITE - We have heard from a couple people that have viewed the photos on the website. Because these have to be low-resolution photos to work on the Inner Circle segments on the website, any photos of text don't appear clear when enlarged. This is a problem when you are trying to see numbers, such as those on the VIN labels or pages from Options booklet. Also, because of photo reproduction and computer screen variations, the colors may not be true to the actual product or photo.
If you would like to have us email you any photo at the higher resolution for viewing, just email us and we will email them to you. Be sure to be specific on which pictures you want to see - Reference Inner Circle date and photo number 1, 2, 3 or 4 - [email protected].
2012 CALENDAR OF EVENTS -
3RD ANNUAL BUICK RACE DAY -
MAY 26th, 2012 - Saturday
Lebanon Valley Dragway, Lebanon, New York.
For more info, phone number for the racetrack is 518-794-7130. To reach John Csordas - 845-528-GSGN or his cell is 914-447-6068.
PERFORMANCE YEARS CAR SHOW -
JUNE 15th and 16th, 2012 - Friday & Saturday
Friday afternoon World's Record attempt at muffler box dominoes.
Cruise through Lansdale, PA Friday night.
Saturday event is held at Performance Years headquarters, 2705 Clemens Road, Hatfield, PA 19440. They should have 150+ Pontiacs, 150+ musclecars and 150+ Mustangs. They even have 2 bands playing back to back on Saturday.
Lansdale Under the Lights is that evening. Lansdale/Hatfield area should be crawling with cool cars!
All monies collected for registration, minus the costs of the trophies, goes to the ALS Foundation (Lou Gehrig's disease) in Philadelphia, PA.
Here is the link with for more details -
http://performanceyears.com/openhouse.asp
22ND ANNUAL BUICK RACEDAY -
JUNE 15th, 16th and 17th, 2012 - Friday, Saturday & Sunday -
Summit Motorsports Park, Norwalk, Ohio.
Hotels - Best Western Norwalk - 419-663-3501 or All American Inn Norwalk - 419-663-1922.
For more info, contact Roberta Vasilow 810-655-8277 email - [email protected]
or Bill Wills 330-747-1029 email [email protected]
2012 BUICK PERFORMANCE GROUP "CLASS OF 1987" and "BIG BOAT BASH"
AUGUST 3rd and 4th, 2012 - Friday & Saturday
National Trail Raceway, Hebron, Ohio
The theme this year is the "Class of 1987." Open to all Buick models built in 1987.
2012 EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS and FAST EVENT -
SEPTEMBER 21st and 22nd, 2012 - Friday & Saturday
Cecil County Dragway, Maryland
Event is open to all models of Buicks
Featuring the 2nd Annual MAGNA (Mid-Atlantic Grand National Association) All Buick powered judged Car Show! All Buick's! All years! All makes!
Goodie bags for the first 50 Buicks in the show. Door prizes all day and 50/50 to win some cash. The ONLY ALL-Buick car show on the east coast!
For more information, contact Doug Dougherty - 302-653-2201 or John Csordas - 914-447-6068 or email questions to - [email protected] or [email protected] Visit their website -http://tristategsclub.com
2012 GS NATIONALS -
OCTOBER 17-20, 2012 - Wednesday-Saturday
Beach Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, Kentucky
Racing is FREE on Wednesday, October 17th. The correct dates are October 17-20, 2012. Because of the reschedule, they have negotiated FREE racing on Wednesday, October 17th. This includes "everyone" who comes thru the gate and pays the usual nominal entrance fee. There is NO usual additional charge to race your Buick powered cars on Wednesday.
The BCA (Buick Club of America) will be joining the GSCA event. This combination will make for a well-rounded event featuring all kinds of Buicks. This is one fall event you do not want to miss!
EBAY LISTINGS -
If you would like to see any of the Kirban Performance Products items listed on eBay, here is a link to our store and auctions - http://stores.ebay.com/Kirban-Performance-Products-Inc_W0QQssPageNameZl2QQtZ km
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 went junk yarding again this past Saturday. Once again, there were rows of GM cars but not one single Regal from 1987 and older. Although I did see one mid-1960s Corvair, even a 1986 Fiero and several Firebirds from that same vintage.
Fortunately, I look for other parts too. So with my two hours of limited skills, I was able to get a few items with a minimal use of tools!
MORE PHOTOS FROM THE TurboBuick.com NATIONALS -
Photo 1 - Here is something you don't see every day. Although the photo may not be very clear, the headliner material of this Grand National has been embossed with a huge "Power Six" logo.
PHOTO 2 - Richard Clark has a very sophisticated method to weighing cars. The top photo shows the control panel. The lower photos show how a small plate is positioned under each wheel.
PHOTO 3 - If you know Richard Clark, you also know his faithful champion Jill, who is now 16 years old. The top left photo shows Jill resting out of the North Carolina heat. The top right photo is something that caught my eye. The hood shock actually has the word "BODY" in a big printed arrow on the shaft. This informs the car owner to position the hood shock so it's going in the correct direction. I have actually seen these installed upside down at shows! The lower left photo shows just a portion of the transmissions Richard Clark has sitting neatly in rows on his shelves. The lower right photo shows just a few of the turbo engines Richard has in his one toy room.
More photos next week!
RADIATOR OVERFLOW BOTTLE & CAPS -
In our April 25, 2012 Inner Circle we showed three various radiator overflow bottle caps.
Another aftermarket version exists, which is similar to the correct one that should be on your 1986-1987 Turbo Regal. The difference is the aftermarket cap has a different font style (lettering) and it is not as bold a typestyle as the lettering found on the factory plastic radiator overflow cap.
It appears that during production on the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal, Buick used two different radiator overflow bottles. They both attach to the passenger's side inner fender the same with the difference being the position of the screw-on fill cap.
PHOTO 4 - The left photo shows the more popular 1986-1987 Turbo Regal radiator overflow bottle that has the fill cap clearly near the center of the top of the bottle. The right photo shows the other factory radiator overflow bottle that has the screw-on fill cap towards the back of the bottle.
My best guess? Out of every 10-12 of the 1986-1987 Turbo Regals you might see in one place, 10 or 11 would have the radiator overflow bottle with the fill cap in the center, which is like our first photo. It is also the only one we carry.
Since I was not working on the production line, I have no idea why some 1986-1987 Turbo Regals received the other bottle. I have seen this style bottle on low-mileage original 1986-1987 Turbo Regals. It may also have been used on regular V6 and V8 Regals.
Both bottles also have that angled indention on the top. This may have been to clear an under-the-hood-brace for another GM model. (Some GM models had a brace under the hood in this general area).
I don't know what other applications this bottle may have been used in. We welcome any input on this.
NOTE FROM TERRY SANDERS - RIDE ON MOLLY -
We received a kind note from Molly's wife, Terry about the Ride On Molly Inner Circle sent out last week. Here is part of her note…
Yes, we had a wonderful time... the second time in April and only the second time in several years when I really had "FUN." Laughed so hard at the stories about Molly... The guys did a really great job of helping to keep him alive for Brooke.
Thanks for the link!
And, thank you for all you have done to care for and to encourage me, and also for spreading the word about the Ride On Molly 2012. Having Ralph and Scott on the ride was really special. Brooke and her friend got fixated on them and their cars. They would run out there to hang out if they were outside by the cars. They loved to go fast with them and I did too. It was "cool."
Lastly, I hope you and your family is having a peaceful time with health and happiness in abundance. Even with all of our challenges, I try to remember, "Life is good."
Terry Sanders
RIP CARROLL SHELBY -
Auto legend Carroll Shelby died on May 10th, at age 89. As a driver and designer of high-speed sports cars, his name is legendary. He was well known for putting a Ford V-8 engine in the chassis of a little British roadster and called it the Shelby Cobra.
Hopefully, we can all be as active as he was to the very end.
GNX OWNERS - IMPORTANT NEWS -
Next week we hope to have some good news on a replacement part available for GNXs, which has been next to impossible to get. Even if your car has very low mileage, you will probably want this part.
Can’t wait? Email me direct - [email protected] for details.
I may have a few by the end of this current week.
REPRODUCTION STRAP CAPS - UPDATE - NOW IN STOCK -
The 1984-1987 Turbo Regal Reproduction Strap Cap Sets are finally in stock.
We only offer them in a set of 2 (Part #6977) or set of 4 (Part #6978). Each door takes 2 caps.
URGENT - WE NEED STEERING WHEEL CORES
We have an urgent need for original 1986-1987 Turbo Regal steering wheel cores. For years we had plenty of cores and eliminated a core charge.
If you send us a core we will issue you a letter of credit for $50.00.
If you send us one be sure to put a note with it. Help us help others by sending us good
used original steering wheel cores.
ANOTHER GM PART HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED -
Part #6775, 1984-1987 GM Signal Lamps have been. These are the amber lamps that sit in the front bumper. We can no longer get them from GM.
Here are some background facts on these signal lamps.
According to my 1987 GM Price Guide, the retail price back in December 1987 was $21.30 each. The list price last week was $68.97 for one side and $71.87 for the other side. It strikes me as a bit odd that one side would list for almost $3 more, since the price structure did not start out that way, nor do I see what is different between the two to warrant a different price!
So, if you see any new ones for sale, it's best to buy them if priced reasonably, since GM has discontinued them. I am sure one of the companies will reproduce it at some point in the future.
NEW PARTS & NEW LINKS -
GM LICENSED GRAND NATIONAL MAGNETIC DECALS -
All of the magnetic decals are now on the website. Here is the link:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7277&submit_button=
SafestRustRemover #7322 and Ultra One Heavy Duty Degreaser #7323 -
These are great additions to your garage arsenal of cleaning products. We have used them both and are totally satisfied with the results. Here is the link to these products on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7322&submit_button=
REPRODUCTION SEAT COVERS - #7397, #7398, #7399 and #7412 -
We now have all of the reproduction seat cover options on the website. Here is the link:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7397&submit_button=
REPRODUCTION GNX SUSPENSION - NOW AVAILABLE -
Pete Hoffman has a limited number of the reproduction GNX Suspension Systems available. These are the Richard Clark systems that he has had made locally.
They are nearly exact to the originals, down to the welds and material used. They come with complete detailed instructions.
Limited availability! Call or email Pete 215-778-1036
[email protected]
ALWAYS IN A BUYING POSITION WORKS -
Got any turbo parts you are not using? Why not cash them in for parts you need with a Letter of Credit. Simply email me a list - [email protected].
Also, we are still buying dead or partially dead 1984-1987 Turbo Regals under $4,000 that are within 250 to 350 miles of our location.
NOTE ABOUT PHOTOS ON THE WEBSITE - We have heard from a couple people that have viewed the photos on the website. Because these have to be low-resolution photos to work on the Inner Circle segments on the website, any photos of text don't appear clear when enlarged. This is a problem when you are trying to see numbers, such as those on the VIN labels or pages from Options booklet. Also, because of photo reproduction and computer screen variations, the colors may not be true to the actual product or photo.
If you would like to have us email you any photo at the higher resolution for viewing, just email us and we will email them to you. Be sure to be specific on which pictures you want to see - Reference Inner Circle date and photo number 1, 2, 3 or 4 - [email protected].
2012 CALENDAR OF EVENTS -
3RD ANNUAL BUICK RACE DAY -
MAY 26th, 2012 - Saturday
Lebanon Valley Dragway, Lebanon, New York.
For more info, phone number for the racetrack is 518-794-7130. To reach John Csordas - 845-528-GSGN or his cell is 914-447-6068.
PERFORMANCE YEARS CAR SHOW -
JUNE 15th and 16th, 2012 - Friday & Saturday
Friday afternoon World's Record attempt at muffler box dominoes.
Cruise through Lansdale, PA Friday night.
Saturday event is held at Performance Years headquarters, 2705 Clemens Road, Hatfield, PA 19440. They should have 150+ Pontiacs, 150+ musclecars and 150+ Mustangs. They even have 2 bands playing back to back on Saturday.
Lansdale Under the Lights is that evening. Lansdale/Hatfield area should be crawling with cool cars!
All monies collected for registration, minus the costs of the trophies, goes to the ALS Foundation (Lou Gehrig's disease) in Philadelphia, PA.
Here is the link with for more details -
http://performanceyears.com/openhouse.asp
22ND ANNUAL BUICK RACEDAY -
JUNE 15th, 16th and 17th, 2012 - Friday, Saturday & Sunday -
Summit Motorsports Park, Norwalk, Ohio.
Hotels - Best Western Norwalk - 419-663-3501 or All American Inn Norwalk - 419-663-1922.
For more info, contact Roberta Vasilow 810-655-8277 email - [email protected]
or Bill Wills 330-747-1029 email [email protected]
2012 BUICK PERFORMANCE GROUP "CLASS OF 1987" and "BIG BOAT BASH"
AUGUST 3rd and 4th, 2012 - Friday & Saturday
National Trail Raceway, Hebron, Ohio
The theme this year is the "Class of 1987." Open to all Buick models built in 1987.
2012 EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS and FAST EVENT -
SEPTEMBER 21st and 22nd, 2012 - Friday & Saturday
Cecil County Dragway, Maryland
Event is open to all models of Buicks
Featuring the 2nd Annual MAGNA (Mid-Atlantic Grand National Association) All Buick powered judged Car Show! All Buick's! All years! All makes!
Goodie bags for the first 50 Buicks in the show. Door prizes all day and 50/50 to win some cash. The ONLY ALL-Buick car show on the east coast!
For more information, contact Doug Dougherty - 302-653-2201 or John Csordas - 914-447-6068 or email questions to - [email protected] or [email protected] Visit their website -http://tristategsclub.com
2012 GS NATIONALS -
OCTOBER 17-20, 2012 - Wednesday-Saturday
Beach Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, Kentucky
Racing is FREE on Wednesday, October 17th. The correct dates are October 17-20, 2012. Because of the reschedule, they have negotiated FREE racing on Wednesday, October 17th. This includes "everyone" who comes thru the gate and pays the usual nominal entrance fee. There is NO usual additional charge to race your Buick powered cars on Wednesday.
The BCA (Buick Club of America) will be joining the GSCA event. This combination will make for a well-rounded event featuring all kinds of Buicks. This is one fall event you do not want to miss!
EBAY LISTINGS -
If you would like to see any of the Kirban Performance Products items listed on eBay, here is a link to our store and auctions - http://stores.ebay.com/Kirban-Performance-Products-Inc_W0QQssPageNameZl2QQtZ km
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 went junk yarding again this past Saturday. Once again, there were rows of GM cars but not one single Regal from 1987 and older. Although I did see one mid-1960s Corvair, even a 1986 Fiero and several Firebirds from that same vintage.
Fortunately, I look for other parts too. So with my two hours of limited skills, I was able to get a few items with a minimal use of tools!