Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 11-29-2017 -
UPDATE ON KIRBAN YouTube VIDEO -
You can now check out the “Buick Grand National: The Dennis Kirban Story” video on YouTube. It is produced by Steven Saffier. His company is called Car Smarts TV. It tells you my history from young, all in the space of 15 minutes. Nice coverage for the Turbo Buicks!
Here is a link to this video on YouTube.
2018 GRAND NATIONAL/GNX CALENDAR -
It has been many years since any company has put out a calendar specifically for the Grand Nationals and GNXs. Duane Baker has put out a top-notch high-quality calendar. Each month features an owners pride and joy in full color on glossy paper stock. Each page format is different, making it a gorgeous calendar.
The spouse may even let you hang it in the living room, it is that nice. See the classified ad section for ordering. This makes for a nice unique Christmas gift for that spouse that lives and breathes Grand Nationals or GNXs.
Duane has a special offer. If you buy 3 calendars, you get the 4th one free!
Here is the link to order the new 2018 Grand National/GNX calendar.
PHOTO 1 - We show the front and back covers from the calendar. The only minor short-coming is that there are no T-Types, Turbo-Ts, or Turbo Limited models featured. Oh well, maybe next year Duane will include those models too.
WINNER OF THE THANKSGIVING M&Ms CONTEST -
We have a winner of our M&Ms contest, with a guess of 781, which was the closest guess under the actual count of 825. The winner is Scott Weaver who hails from Elysburg, PA. Congrats to Scott! Scott has been a customer of ours since the early 1990s. He owns a maroon 1987 Turbo-T that has won 2nd place in 2000 and 3rd place in 2001 at the GS Nationals.
What was unusual is we actually had two members guess exactly the same at 467. Although it wasn’t the closest to the actual count, William Weyrich and Glen Weisman both guessed 467. I think those two guys ought to play the lottery! That has never happened before with any of our contests.
RARE PLASTIC HEMI-UNDER-GLASS MODEL -
It’s not often that a plastic car model (like the Hemi-Under-Glass) has been built and then becomes more valuable as each year passes.
I have one model in the small 1/32 scale that has gained value over the years. One of the most famous Hemi modified cars from the sixties was showcased and built by Hurst-Campbell beginning with the 1965 Barracuda. It got its name “Hemi-Under-Glass” because the fuel injected Chrysler Hemi engine was placed under the Barracuda’s exceptionally large rear window. The result of the rearward weight transfer was that the Barracuda would do a wheelie down the entire length of the drag strip.
It was, without a doubt, quite an attention getter back in the day where ever the Hemi-Under-Glass was showcased. Each one was built based on the corresponding model year. The car was campaigned by Hurst from 1965 thru 1975.
The first one was based on a 1965 Barracuda and is probably the most valuable one. I own the actual 1/32 scale Aurora Plastic Corporation model that sat on Bill Campbell’s desk for many years at Hurst-Campbell. Bill Campbell was the co-founder of Hurst. To a Hurst collector it is a very valuable one-of-kind model, especially since I have a photograph showing it on Bill’s desk!
PHOTO 2 - The top left photo shows the actual 1/32 scale Hemi-Under-Glass model. The top right photo shows the actual 1/32 model in front of a photo of the real car. The bottom left photo shows the original 1965 Hemi-Under-Glass car being unloaded from a United Airlines airplane. It was not unusual for Hurst to ship the car around the country to various events and military bases in the late 1960s. The bottom right shows Bill Campbell seated and George Hurst standing. In the forefront is the 1/32 scale Hemi-Under-Glass model. It is the most rare plastic car model built that I have in my personal collection.
RARE BUICK MINI “KNOW HOW” BOOKLETS -
I consider these mini “Know How” booklets published by Buick in the mid-1980s to be quite rare. I say that because I can’t recall ever seeing any for sale other than the collection of booklets I have in my collection. In this issue, I showcase 4 different ones as they refer in part to the Turbo Regals of the mid-1980s.
The Engine and Turbocharger Update booklet is copyrighted 1986. The Fuel Injection Diagnosis and Service has a 1985 copyright. Diagnosing the Fuel Delivery System has a 1988 copyright. The Powermaster Brake System - Operation and Diagnosis does not have a copyright. It’s safe to assume it only refers to the few years that the powermaster was used in the Turbo Regals and other Buick models. It also refers to the powermaster system in the Electra and LeSabre stationwagons.
Obviously, those Buick stationwagon models are long gone from the landscape! Interesting enough, on the first page in the powermaster booklet one photo shows the black brake switch on the actual powermaster unit. Even on the second page, under the paragraph about the brake switch, the closeup photo again shows the black brake switch. As everyone is aware, that black brake switch was recalled and replaced by a grey brake switch. As complicated as the powermaster brake unit is, the booklet is only 17 pages in length!
I think they should have added another chapter to the powermaster booklet. Maybe list various other options, such as vacuum brake format or hydroboost formats. Maybe a few words of caution, like never stand in front of a car equipped with a powermaster brake unit for any brake testing!
It would have been nice to at least have a paragraph about changing the brake fluid every 1-2 years to keep it clean. Or better yet, a list of acceptable profanity words to use when you see that dreaded brake light come on and pushing your brake pedal does nothing to slowing the car down! Fortunately for GM, they never came to me to write the last chapter in the Know How the Powermaster Brake System Operation and Diagnosis booklet.
I have at least 25 more different “Know How” Buick booklets. Watch for more articles in future Inner Circle issues!
PHOTO 3 - We show the 4 various “Know How” booklets mentioned above. These are quite rare to find today, since they are now in most cases 25-to-30 years old.
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS SPECIALS -
NOTE - You will be receiving a second INNER CIRCLE email today. The second one will be all our 2017 Christmas Specials.
Here is a link to these specials on our website.
Please note it’s best to order early to be assured the item(s) will be shipped to you in time and that we have ample stock. These Christmas Special, must be ordered by phone as they can’t be ordered thru the website.
One of the listed Christmas Specials is the Packaged Deal of #7572 - the reproduction Upgraded Upper Steering Column Bearing kit a ($37.95 value) and the Upgraded refurbished used Lower Steering Shaft a ($109.95 value).
The #7572 bearing kit is far superior to what GM used in the G-body cars. GM simply used 2 rubber seals instead of a metal bearing. This is metal bearing kit with all the parts. Secure it at the base of your upper steering shaft where it bolts to your lower steering shaft under your hood. I have no idea why some GM vehicles used this rubber seal format versus the better steel bearing format.
Add 30-plus years to that crude design, plus the fact your lower steering shaft has a riveted rag joint at the one end, and you can pretty much imagine that those parts are developing various degrees of play in your steering.
The Turbo Regals received the good steering box with the road feel and quick lock-to-lock feature. This is one upgrade that is not only worth the money, but something you will feel immediately when you take that initial test drive.
We sell two different styles of refurbished used lower steering shafts depending on availability. One version is from a Jeep and the other is from a later GM van. Both lower steering shafts are very similar in appearance. These two used refurbished lower steering shafts perform the same. You can’t specify which lower steering shaft you want. You will receive whichever shaft we have in stock. Installation is the same for either design lower steering shaft. Both lower steering shafts have metal U-joints at both ends, instead of the rag joint on your current original lower steering shaft.
PHOTO 4 - We show both of these upgraded refurbished used lower steering shafts, plus the metal bearing kit that is listed as one of the Christmas Specials. These refurbished lower steering shafts are limited due to supplies available.
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE FACEBOOK PAGE -
Until recently I never really posted anything on our company Facebook page. Mostly because I did not know how everything worked on Facebook. Now that has changed as I post something almost every day, mostly under the heading of “A Few Random Thoughts”. Be sure to check it out. I also will probably run some mini specials on parts on our Facebook page. I am sure the interest on Facebook will grow for us as well.
Our main focus will always be our weekly Inner Circle emails, which I enjoy doing every week. Fortunately, I never run out of topics to talk about and try to keep them interesting for our many Inner Circle followers.
611 AUTO SALES -
We recently mentioned that I have secured a salesman’s license for a local country used car dealership. This dealership is about 4 miles from our house.
Their website is - 611autosales.com
I’ve been getting an education by checking out various cars for them. Then she researches the recent auction sales and places the bids. If you are local to us and are looking for a nice car or even a winter beater, check them out. They have sold cars as cheap as a grand that are inspected and ready to go.
I have been good friends with her partner for over 50 years.
If you contact them, use my name. It will either get you a better price or a higher price than posted!
UPDATE ON CHEVROLET TURBO-POWERED PICK UP FOR SALE -
This truck has been sold and will be going to one of our customers in Texas.
UPDATE ON COLLECTOR SELLING HIS COLLECTION DUE TO HEALTH ISSUES -
Currently he has 3 cars to sell.
One car is a 1978 Corvette coupe. It has the L82 engine and one repaint. This is a real nice 4-speed. The car has 4 brand new factory wheels and has 52,000 original miles. The price on the Corvette is $12,900.
He also has a 1994 Trans Am 25th Anniversary Firebird for sale. This car is all original with all the papers and documents and has 34,000 original miles. The price is $16,900.
I heard both cars run while I was there. He has all the records on both cars and what has been done on them over the years that he has owned them. These cars have always garaged.
While neither car is extremely valuable, both are priced to enjoy and hit the car show circuit Because of their low production, they should maintain their value.
He also has a 1967 BMW 2000 CS factory 4-speed with dual weber carburetors on it. This is a nice example of an unusual BMW coupe for $14,900.
If any of these cars interest you, email me direct - [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.
Maximum number of words is 125 words, which is about 7 to 9 lines of copy. No photos. You can list a website. We recommend you state your name, phone number or email, a price, and your location in your ad.
The cost for 2 consecutive weeks is $25. The cost for 4 consecutive weeks is $40. You save $10 with the 4-week plan. No changes can be made to your existing running ad. You can only run one ad at any given time. We will have a code system at the end of your ad, so we will know what week number your ad is to run - 2 or 4 weeks.
It can be an ad for something for sale or an ad for something you are looking for.
We have never missed a single week since we started the Inner Circle email format in 2009. It’s something I enjoy doing and I just always seem to have enough material to write about.
Our weekly Inner Circle reaches over 3,200 members every Wednesday direct to their inbox. The Inner Circle also appears every Wednesday on our website with the related photos. Your ad would be visible to both groups of readers. So, the exposure to your ad is well over 3,200 potential buyers.
My Rare Parts section is only viewed by those that subscribe. Subscription is free, so complaints on what I write are nonexistent!
Ads submitted properly by the previous Sunday would appear that next Wednesday in the weekly Inner Circle. Ads must be submitted by email to - [email protected]
Payment by credit card must be done by phone to our office 215-766-1611 x 0.
CLASSIFIED ADS -
Here is the link to order a 2018 Grand National/GNX calendar.
Remember, buy 3 of the new 2018 Grand National/GNX calendars and get 1 free!
Week 1 of 4.
FOR SALE - 1971 Nova SS 43k original mi 4 speed m20 …. 355 posi rear all original untouched car 2 owners since new never ever driven in the rain…90% original paint that shines great never left outside never undercoated…factory radio delete and factory no power steering !! the car was found thru a church member just an incredible story…. ALL orig paperwork window sticker protect plate sales order and so much more…. one of those cars that only comes around once in a while… when car was found 7 years ago it was sitting for 10 years at mothers house recent work just done in the last 7 years new gas tank fuel lines new tires new radio under dash complete MAJOR tune up new exhaust all new belts and hoses have originals orig carb was just restored drives like a dream NEVER EVER ABUSED OR DRIVEN HARD CALL to discuss... this car would win any survivor class event 26500.00 firm STEALS IT GREGG DAVIDIAN 732 406 6285 car is in Jackson, New Jersey OR CAN DELIVER TO KIRBANS Week 1 of 4.
NOTE - IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO SEE THE RARE PARTS SECTION -
If you are not able to see the Rare Parts section at the end of this Inner Circle, it is because you are not an Inner Circle member, but instead are reading this on the website. You must subscribe to see the Rare Parts section each week. It would go directly to your inbox every Wednesday afternoon. It is FREE, probably one reason why nobody complains about what I write about. Simply email - [email protected] - to get on our weekly Inner Circle email.
EMAILS TO KIRBAN PERFORMANCE -
NOTE- If you email us and do NOT get a timely reply, be sure to check your “SPAM” folder. Some emails do not go thru.
If you need to email us, use - [email protected]
TIPS AND IDEAS YOU HAVE TRIED -
If you have a tip or a discovery that you found that works on your Turbo Regal, drop us an email giving us the details so we can pass the info on to our readers. Remember, even with my knowledge, I don’t know it all. Simply email me at - [email protected]
TIP FROM KIRBAN -
We suggest you order any Christmas Specials early to be sure of getting them in time.
CORES NEEDED -
Here is the information on our credits for cores.
NEED - Stock original AC Delco 1986-1987 Turbo Regal mass air flow sensor cores. Units can’t be cracked or broken. Currently we will issue a Letter of Credit for $40 for each acceptable core.
NEED - Powermaster brake units. The must be complete. We will issue you a Letter of Credit for $125 for each acceptable core. Currently we will also buy them outright.
NEED - 1986-1987 Turbo Regal steering wheels. They must not be bent or rusted. We will issue a $75 Letter of Credit for each acceptable core.
NEED - 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.
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 -
1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
REPRODUCTION 8-HOLE MOLDED
UNDER HOOD INSULATOR LINER PAD (NO WORDING)
Over time, an original under hood (insulator liner) pad can deteriorate or rodents may have eaten holes in the material.
GM has not had the factory 9-hole molded hood pad available for several years. GM later made an 8-hole molded hood pad which eliminated the center back hole.
This hood pad is an exact reproduction of that GM 8-hole molded hood pad. A new mold was made from a brand new GM hood pad.
This molded hood pad does not have the wording on it, otherwise it is exact to the 8-hole style pad.
Whenever an original 9-hole hood pad with the wording is advertised on ebay, it brings big money.
NOTE - From time to time on the internet you can find someone that has the pattern or decal for the exact wording, if you want it to look original.
Because they are oversized to ship, we have a flat shipping charge as shown. This item is shipped direct from the manufacturer to you. NOTE - We have a flat shipping rate, since the box is oversized.
*NOTE - Price includes the shipping and handling UPS Ground Shipping to 48 U.S. continental states.
Another excellent restoration item.
7770 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction 8-Hole Molded Under Hood Insulator Liner Pad (No Wording) - $229.95 Plus $75 UPS shipping to basic 48 states - TOTAL $304.95
Here is a link to this Hood Pad 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. 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 -
Didn’t win the Thanksgiving contest? You get another chance when we do the Christmas contest in a few weeks!