Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members - 06-19-2013
PERFORMANCE YEARS CAR SHOW - June 15, 2013
I went to the Performance Years Car show on Saturday and the weather was picture perfect. They had probably 350 to 400 cars at this event with about half of them being Pontiacs.
It was great seeing so many old friends that remember me, and seeing some of our parts on their cars.
I drove my Turbo-T and put it in the show. I did not have a nameplate on my car as I did not want it judged. Only saw one other Turbo Regal at the show, and it was a Grand National.
Since I hardly drive my Turbo-T, it really is amazing how fast the car is with stock trim and a mixture of 100 proof and 92 octane. Like many owners, I recently had to have the driver's header replaced and my brake light started to flicker on and off. I had a good used brake bowl installed and another driver's side header put on as well. Both issues are now solved.
PHOTO 1 - This top left photo shows one of the "Monkeemobiles" that was in attendance (it may have been a re-creation.) On the one seat was a photo of the Monkees with each of their signatures on the photo. This can be seen in the top right photo. The car was really well done.
The bottom left photo shows a beautiful 1966 Oldsmobile 442. What makes this unusual was the fact it had tri-power and a four speed. The engine can be seen in the bottom right photo. Oldsmobile did not build many with the tri-power option in 1966, compared to Pontiac in their GTOs.
PHOTO 2 - The top left photo shows a very rare 1957 Ford Ranchero, another seldom seen car today. The top right photo shows what appears to be a plain-Jane AMC Gremlin. While stock on the exterior, under the hood lies what appears to be a LS1 Chevrolet engine, shoe-horned between the fenders!
This next car, although fairly new, was one I had never seen before in person - one of the limited production Pontiac Solstice coupes. In the bottom left photo we show the Solstice coupe. The bottom right photo is a close up of the optional 18" wheels on the Solstice coupe. One of the sharpest wheels I have seen lately on a Pontiac. I liked the guy's license plate, it read, "RIP PMD." I am sure most of you know what that stands for - Pontiac Motor Division. This Solstice coupe happens to be the desirable turbo version as well. This car may become very collectible in years to come. I am sure if you research it, you'll find they didn’t build many of these neat little coupes. Reminds me of the Z4 BMW coupes that BMW made a few years back. Right now they are a bargain, in my opinion. The owner told me GM sells a neat upgrade for the Turbo version that puts the horsepower above 300. Another company makes a plug-and-play harness, so nothing gets cut and GM honors the warranty.
PHOTO 3 - The top left photo shows a neat hand-painted cartoon of a Goat above the actual rear quarter panel GTO emblem. In the top right photo we show the rare factory 8-track in a 1968 GTO. Also visible is the optional Dual Gate Hurst shifter. The 8-track option first became available in the 1967 model. Sometime in 1970 or 1971 the 8-track option gave way to the cassette option. As you can see, the 8-track option was about the size of a toaster! I remember having both formats in various cars back in the 1970s and chucking tapes out the window when they would jam, which would happen frequently on those players!
The bottom left photo shows airbrushed art on the underside hood pad of a Mustang. Probably would have been better fit on a Mopar, since they used the same cartoons in the early Plymouth Roadrunners. In the bottom right photo shows a popular feature - when owners upgrade to front disc brakes, they have a bracket that comes off the brake booster to mount the brake proportioning valve instead of locating it down under the firewall on the floor pan.
Later that day I drove over to the Lansdale car show, which takes place along the main street in Lansdale. In walking down the main street, a few things caught my attention. I noticed the town had two comic book stores, one magic store and one shoe repair store. Not exactly businesses you would think would garner enough income! I was half expecting to see the Leonard and Sheldon gang from the Big Bang TV series to be browsing in the comic book store.
They start positioning the cars on the main street around 3 in the afternoon. By the time they are done, they have between 300 or more cars lined up.
PHOTO 4 - This top left photo shows a rare 1987 Buick Riviera T-Type that was at this event, showing under 55,000 actual miles. In the top right photo we show the grey interior. Notice how the seats resemble the earlier optional Lear Siegler seats. According to the info on the windshield, the insert panel in the middle of the front bucket seats can be switched to the reverse side, which I assume showed either another pattern or perhaps was a cloth insert. A lot more gadgets and electronics were put into the Riviera that year.
The bottom left photo shows the dash and the steering wheel. The steering wheel was quite unusual with the long rectangle center and had a small T-Type emblem on it. The dash was digital. The bottom right photo is a close up of the one fender showing the T-Type fender emblem. The price on the car was under $5,000, which seemed like a fair price. The car was in very nice condition. I may be able to get more information on this car, if anyone is interested.
RIVIERA T-TYPE -
In one of my Buick books, I found some more information on the T-Type version of the Riviera for 1987. You got the upgrade suspension, 2:97:1 final drive, power comfort seats - just a few of the upgrades. The T-Types had a unique two-tone paint scheme. All of them had a silver lower bottom and selected colors for the top, four-way adjustable headrest and reversible cushions in the seats.
The seats were six-way power adjustments and included inflatable lumbar supports. It's a shame these optional seats did not find their way into the Regals as a option! Unfortunately, the book I have on Buicks only shows the total Riviera production for 1987, which was 15,223. It's a safe bet that the T-Type model was very low in production, in my opinion. The same book does break down the 1986 Riviera figures. It shows in 1986 a total of 20,096 Rivieras were built and 2,042 T-Type model Rivieras were built. Basically 10% of the production was T-Types. I would think the model year 1987 would be similar or less for the T-Type models.
SPEAKING OF BUICK PRODUCTION -
Did you know that in 1908 Buick was the number one producer of automobiles, beating out Ford and Cadillac, its closest competitors? The count was just under 9,000 cars.
ONE MAN'S PRIVATE MUSCLE CAR COLLECTION - PART 3 -
We'll have Part 3 in next week's Inner Circle.
ANOTHER GM PRICE JUMP -
We had to discontinue the brand new GM third brake light, our Part #7476. The new list price for the third brake light is now over $165 each! Our cost would be $108 each! If you get our emailed Inner Circle, see rare parts #1903.
We sell a lot of the third brake light socket with a new bulb installed. Generally the bulb burns the socket housing, causing it to crack.
UPDATE FOR GM AT CARLISLE -
We hope to have two new items on display at "GM at Carlisle" and one of them will be available at this show.
We have the telltale lenses done for the 1984-1987 Turbo Regals. These are the left and right lenses that cover the "idiot lights," as they are sometimes called. We also did another version that will indicate Low Alky and Alky. The wording LOW ALKY now replaces LOW FUEL on the left side of the main cluster and ALKY replaces POWER INJECTION on the right side lens. We will have both versions available at GM at Carlisle this weekend.
They are made in the USA and priced under $25 for the pair. This is really a good price on such a visible item! Most of the original lenses are badly scratched or past owners have sprayed cleaner on them, which ruins them. These are not yet on our website. They should be on our website by the end of this week, Part #7501 and #7502.
The other neat item we will have a sample of is the main cluster lens. Both versions - one with the hole for the trip odometer for the analog dash and one with a smaller hole for the trip needle for the digital dash, Part #7503 and #7504.
More on both of these items next week. With both these items being available, you can now freshen up the visual part of your dash cluster.
COMING TO GM AT CARLISLE????
If you are coming, we will be accepting powermaster and stock 1986-1987 turbo cores. You will get a Letter of Credit for $100 for each acceptable core.
We also need original AC Delco 1986-1987 mass air sensors. We issue a Letter of Credit for $25 each for them. We will be there Friday and Saturday only. Our vendor spot is near where I am giving my seminars, near the main buildings.
Hope to see many of you there. The weather forecast looks great!
RARE MOTORCYCLES FOR SALE -
We recently sold several of this local customer's cars and he has decided to part with some of his old motorcycles. My knowledge on various bikes is very little. If interested, email me - [email protected] - and I can put the seller in touch with you. Specify which bike(s) perks your interest.
Here is the info that he has provided.
1) 1997 Buell Thunderbolt T3. Original Buell purchased from Brian of Brian's Harley Davidson. (Brian's is a Cycle shop near me.) All black, all original, second owner with 9,980 miles. Bike has been maintained by Brian's. In storage for approximately 24 months. This is the premier year for the Thunderbolt with the 1203 cc Harley Davidson engine. Asking $4,150.
2) 1975 Suzuki T500 Titan. All original Titan with 5,400 original miles. Blue with excellent chrome and seat. Bike is very tight with no piston slap. Titan was gone over approximately 36 months ago and in storage for approximately 24 months. Very comfortable ride. Asking $2,950.
3) 1974 Honda CB 350 F. Excellent example of Honda's smallest 4 and last year for the CB 350. Maroon in color, bike has 22,500 miles, disc brake and electric start. Very good paint and chrome. Bike is all original except for exhaust, which is 4 into 2. Bike was gone over approximately 36 months ago with carbs. rebuilt. In storage approximately 24 months. Asking $1,950.
ANOTHER URGENT REQUEST -
Once again we find ourselves needing original stock AC Delco correct 1986-1987 Turbo Regal mass air flow sensors. The housing CANNOT be broken. Screens are not important. Each one that meets these requirements is worth $25 in Letter of Credit to us. Help us help other owners keep their cars original.
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS ON YouTube -
Here is a link to the videos we currently have up on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/KirbanPerformance?feature=guide
ANOTHER EX-KIRBAN CAR FOR SALE - 1987 WE4 BUICK TURBO REGAL
This 1987 Turbo Regal is a WE4 hardtop with less than 25,000 original miles. The current owner purchased it from me back in July of 2000, when it had about 17,000 miles on it. The car has never seen the rain since he got it from me. Car is located in New Jersey. I can provide a list of upgrades that have been done.
According to the owner, he has invested over $12,000 in various upgrades to make this an outstanding example of a WE4. The paint has no issues and is original. No cracking no fading at all.
This is a well-optioned WE4 hardtop that has not been advertised. This one of the best-of-the-best examples of a sought-after WE4. The price is $20,900. For more details, email me - [email protected]
GM LICENSED T-SHIRTS - DISCONTINUED -
Our supplier for the Buick T-shirts we offer is not renewing their contract with GM. Supplies are very limited!
NOTE - BUY ANY 2 T-SHIRTS FROM THIS LIST FOR JUST $25 PLUS POSTAGE FOR MAIL SHIPPING.
We have the following T-Shirts available. You must call our office - 215-766-1611 - to place your order.
Once our current supply is gone, there will NOT be any more.
#7058 - GM Licensed - Turbo Regal - “TURBO TIME” Buick T-Shirt - size LARGE - Only 29 available in LARGE - $15 each.
Here is the "TURBO TIME" T-shirt on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/394/SIZE+LARGE+GM+Licensed+-+TURBO+TIME+BUICK+T-SHIRT+%237058.html
"BUICK TRI-SHIELD" T-shirts
#7226 - 1984-1987 BUICK –
GM Licensed “BUICK TRI-SHIELD” T-Shirt - size LARGE - Only 2 available - $15 each
#7227 - 1984-1987 BUICK -
GM Licensed “BUICK TRI-SHIELD” T-Shirt - size EXTRA LARGE LARGE - Only 1 available at $15
Here is the "BUICK TRI-SHIELD" T-shirts on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=Buick+Tri-shield&submit_button=
"GRAND NATIONAL" T-shirts
#7224 - 1984-1987 Grand National -
GM Licensed “GRAND NATIONAL” T-Shirt - size LARGE - Only 7 available. The price is $15 each.
Here is the "GRAND NATIONAL" T-shirt on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/43511/SIZE+LARGE+GM+Licensed+-+GRAND+NATIONAL+T-SHIRT+%237224.html
These prices are slightly less than the normal retail.
Remember, you MUST call our office to place your order with this special pricing (does not include Shipping.)
NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -
1987 Buick Turbo-T -
Reproduction TRUNK “3.8 SFI TURBO” EMBLEM
This reproduction “3.8 SFI TURBO” trunk emblem measures 9-7/8" x 5/8" and is different from the set that goes on the hood. The trunk emblem is all chrome and the hood emblems are chrome with a black edge.
Emblems are made of plastic with a self-adhesive backing. These are chrome-plated plastic emblems - all letters appear chrome silver with the chrome edging, which is correct for all the 1987 Turbo-T Regals.
PLACEMENT -
Our top photo shows the emblem with and our lower photo shows this emblem on my original paint 1987 Turbo-T.
Here are the specifications for placement of this 3.8 SFI trunk emblem. From the leading left edge of the trunk lid, come in 1-1/2". From the top edge of the chrome metal lip molding on the trunk lid, come up 1-1/2". The “BUICK” emblem on the passenger’s side is positioned at the same height but ends 2-3/4" inward from the outer trunk lid edge. In other words, it is not a match to the 3.8 SFI emblem.
NOTE - When purchasing this item, you may also want to consider buying the matching pair of “3.8 SFI TURBO” hood emblems, which have the black edge, Part #6556.
Another great exterior restoration item.
7510 - 1987 Buick Turbo-T -
Reproduction Trunk “3.8 SFI TURBO” Emblem - $21.95
1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
REPRODUCTION DRIVER’S & PASSENGER’S SIDE FLOOR PANS
These reproduction floor pans are made in the U.S.A. This version has been on the market for over 10 years.
It’s important to realize that other reproductions exist, and the quality and overall size can vary.
These are a perfect fit to the original floor. Unlike some other reproductions, these go up on the sides where the door sills go. In the back area, these pans go up towards the base cushion of the back seat. The driver’s front pan also goes up about 6"-7" and the passenger’s side goes up several inches. In other words, it’s not just the flat portion of the floor pan.
The end result is these pans give you enough material to do the job properly.
These are dropped shipped direct from our supplier. Shipping is a flat rate of $125 to most of the U.S.A. Because of the size, truck freight shipping must be to a business address. The shipping costs is the same whether it’s a single pan or both sides. So, before you order, check the entire interior floor pans to see what you need.
Unfortunately, we cannot ship pans to Canada.
You MUST call our office to order these pans. West coast orders, call for freight charges (215-766-1611.)
Floor pans are drop shipped to you from our mid-west supplier.
NOTE?- Prices below do not include shipping.
7513 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Reproduction DRIVER’S SIDE - Floor Pan $249.95 + Shipping
7514 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Reproduction PASSENGER’S SIDE - Floor Pan $249.95 + Shipping
7515 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Reproduction DRIVER’S & PASSENGER’S SIDES - Floor Pans (2) $475 (save $24.90) + shipping
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS FOR 2013 -
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. The first seminar is 10 am on Saturday and it will be on Hurst. The second seminar is on Turbo Buicks and it is held at 2 pm Saturday. So, mark your calendar.
Carlisle, as many of you know, puts on some of the largest car shows and swap meets in the U.S.A. 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.
I hope to see many of you there. It's a tremendous facility.
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
2013 GS NATIONALS - October 16-19, 2013
This is the 33rd Annual consecutive event held at Beech Bend Raceway, 798 Beech Bend Road, Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Jim Bell, of Kenne-Bell fame, will be in attendance to present honorary car and race show awards to both V8 & V6 cars.
Working on having the 2015 models of the new GNX and Grand National display along with a GM rep to hold a seminar on the car's development and performance capabilities.
For more info log onto - http://www.gsnationals.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 -
Hope to see many of you this coming weekend at GM at Carlisle. I guess I better get my notes in order for the two seminars. Should be a good time.
PERFORMANCE YEARS CAR SHOW - June 15, 2013
I went to the Performance Years Car show on Saturday and the weather was picture perfect. They had probably 350 to 400 cars at this event with about half of them being Pontiacs.
It was great seeing so many old friends that remember me, and seeing some of our parts on their cars.
I drove my Turbo-T and put it in the show. I did not have a nameplate on my car as I did not want it judged. Only saw one other Turbo Regal at the show, and it was a Grand National.
Since I hardly drive my Turbo-T, it really is amazing how fast the car is with stock trim and a mixture of 100 proof and 92 octane. Like many owners, I recently had to have the driver's header replaced and my brake light started to flicker on and off. I had a good used brake bowl installed and another driver's side header put on as well. Both issues are now solved.
PHOTO 1 - This top left photo shows one of the "Monkeemobiles" that was in attendance (it may have been a re-creation.) On the one seat was a photo of the Monkees with each of their signatures on the photo. This can be seen in the top right photo. The car was really well done.
The bottom left photo shows a beautiful 1966 Oldsmobile 442. What makes this unusual was the fact it had tri-power and a four speed. The engine can be seen in the bottom right photo. Oldsmobile did not build many with the tri-power option in 1966, compared to Pontiac in their GTOs.
PHOTO 2 - The top left photo shows a very rare 1957 Ford Ranchero, another seldom seen car today. The top right photo shows what appears to be a plain-Jane AMC Gremlin. While stock on the exterior, under the hood lies what appears to be a LS1 Chevrolet engine, shoe-horned between the fenders!
This next car, although fairly new, was one I had never seen before in person - one of the limited production Pontiac Solstice coupes. In the bottom left photo we show the Solstice coupe. The bottom right photo is a close up of the optional 18" wheels on the Solstice coupe. One of the sharpest wheels I have seen lately on a Pontiac. I liked the guy's license plate, it read, "RIP PMD." I am sure most of you know what that stands for - Pontiac Motor Division. This Solstice coupe happens to be the desirable turbo version as well. This car may become very collectible in years to come. I am sure if you research it, you'll find they didn’t build many of these neat little coupes. Reminds me of the Z4 BMW coupes that BMW made a few years back. Right now they are a bargain, in my opinion. The owner told me GM sells a neat upgrade for the Turbo version that puts the horsepower above 300. Another company makes a plug-and-play harness, so nothing gets cut and GM honors the warranty.
PHOTO 3 - The top left photo shows a neat hand-painted cartoon of a Goat above the actual rear quarter panel GTO emblem. In the top right photo we show the rare factory 8-track in a 1968 GTO. Also visible is the optional Dual Gate Hurst shifter. The 8-track option first became available in the 1967 model. Sometime in 1970 or 1971 the 8-track option gave way to the cassette option. As you can see, the 8-track option was about the size of a toaster! I remember having both formats in various cars back in the 1970s and chucking tapes out the window when they would jam, which would happen frequently on those players!
The bottom left photo shows airbrushed art on the underside hood pad of a Mustang. Probably would have been better fit on a Mopar, since they used the same cartoons in the early Plymouth Roadrunners. In the bottom right photo shows a popular feature - when owners upgrade to front disc brakes, they have a bracket that comes off the brake booster to mount the brake proportioning valve instead of locating it down under the firewall on the floor pan.
Later that day I drove over to the Lansdale car show, which takes place along the main street in Lansdale. In walking down the main street, a few things caught my attention. I noticed the town had two comic book stores, one magic store and one shoe repair store. Not exactly businesses you would think would garner enough income! I was half expecting to see the Leonard and Sheldon gang from the Big Bang TV series to be browsing in the comic book store.
They start positioning the cars on the main street around 3 in the afternoon. By the time they are done, they have between 300 or more cars lined up.
PHOTO 4 - This top left photo shows a rare 1987 Buick Riviera T-Type that was at this event, showing under 55,000 actual miles. In the top right photo we show the grey interior. Notice how the seats resemble the earlier optional Lear Siegler seats. According to the info on the windshield, the insert panel in the middle of the front bucket seats can be switched to the reverse side, which I assume showed either another pattern or perhaps was a cloth insert. A lot more gadgets and electronics were put into the Riviera that year.
The bottom left photo shows the dash and the steering wheel. The steering wheel was quite unusual with the long rectangle center and had a small T-Type emblem on it. The dash was digital. The bottom right photo is a close up of the one fender showing the T-Type fender emblem. The price on the car was under $5,000, which seemed like a fair price. The car was in very nice condition. I may be able to get more information on this car, if anyone is interested.
RIVIERA T-TYPE -
In one of my Buick books, I found some more information on the T-Type version of the Riviera for 1987. You got the upgrade suspension, 2:97:1 final drive, power comfort seats - just a few of the upgrades. The T-Types had a unique two-tone paint scheme. All of them had a silver lower bottom and selected colors for the top, four-way adjustable headrest and reversible cushions in the seats.
The seats were six-way power adjustments and included inflatable lumbar supports. It's a shame these optional seats did not find their way into the Regals as a option! Unfortunately, the book I have on Buicks only shows the total Riviera production for 1987, which was 15,223. It's a safe bet that the T-Type model was very low in production, in my opinion. The same book does break down the 1986 Riviera figures. It shows in 1986 a total of 20,096 Rivieras were built and 2,042 T-Type model Rivieras were built. Basically 10% of the production was T-Types. I would think the model year 1987 would be similar or less for the T-Type models.
SPEAKING OF BUICK PRODUCTION -
Did you know that in 1908 Buick was the number one producer of automobiles, beating out Ford and Cadillac, its closest competitors? The count was just under 9,000 cars.
ONE MAN'S PRIVATE MUSCLE CAR COLLECTION - PART 3 -
We'll have Part 3 in next week's Inner Circle.
ANOTHER GM PRICE JUMP -
We had to discontinue the brand new GM third brake light, our Part #7476. The new list price for the third brake light is now over $165 each! Our cost would be $108 each! If you get our emailed Inner Circle, see rare parts #1903.
We sell a lot of the third brake light socket with a new bulb installed. Generally the bulb burns the socket housing, causing it to crack.
UPDATE FOR GM AT CARLISLE -
We hope to have two new items on display at "GM at Carlisle" and one of them will be available at this show.
We have the telltale lenses done for the 1984-1987 Turbo Regals. These are the left and right lenses that cover the "idiot lights," as they are sometimes called. We also did another version that will indicate Low Alky and Alky. The wording LOW ALKY now replaces LOW FUEL on the left side of the main cluster and ALKY replaces POWER INJECTION on the right side lens. We will have both versions available at GM at Carlisle this weekend.
They are made in the USA and priced under $25 for the pair. This is really a good price on such a visible item! Most of the original lenses are badly scratched or past owners have sprayed cleaner on them, which ruins them. These are not yet on our website. They should be on our website by the end of this week, Part #7501 and #7502.
The other neat item we will have a sample of is the main cluster lens. Both versions - one with the hole for the trip odometer for the analog dash and one with a smaller hole for the trip needle for the digital dash, Part #7503 and #7504.
More on both of these items next week. With both these items being available, you can now freshen up the visual part of your dash cluster.
COMING TO GM AT CARLISLE????
If you are coming, we will be accepting powermaster and stock 1986-1987 turbo cores. You will get a Letter of Credit for $100 for each acceptable core.
We also need original AC Delco 1986-1987 mass air sensors. We issue a Letter of Credit for $25 each for them. We will be there Friday and Saturday only. Our vendor spot is near where I am giving my seminars, near the main buildings.
Hope to see many of you there. The weather forecast looks great!
RARE MOTORCYCLES FOR SALE -
We recently sold several of this local customer's cars and he has decided to part with some of his old motorcycles. My knowledge on various bikes is very little. If interested, email me - [email protected] - and I can put the seller in touch with you. Specify which bike(s) perks your interest.
Here is the info that he has provided.
1) 1997 Buell Thunderbolt T3. Original Buell purchased from Brian of Brian's Harley Davidson. (Brian's is a Cycle shop near me.) All black, all original, second owner with 9,980 miles. Bike has been maintained by Brian's. In storage for approximately 24 months. This is the premier year for the Thunderbolt with the 1203 cc Harley Davidson engine. Asking $4,150.
2) 1975 Suzuki T500 Titan. All original Titan with 5,400 original miles. Blue with excellent chrome and seat. Bike is very tight with no piston slap. Titan was gone over approximately 36 months ago and in storage for approximately 24 months. Very comfortable ride. Asking $2,950.
3) 1974 Honda CB 350 F. Excellent example of Honda's smallest 4 and last year for the CB 350. Maroon in color, bike has 22,500 miles, disc brake and electric start. Very good paint and chrome. Bike is all original except for exhaust, which is 4 into 2. Bike was gone over approximately 36 months ago with carbs. rebuilt. In storage approximately 24 months. Asking $1,950.
ANOTHER URGENT REQUEST -
Once again we find ourselves needing original stock AC Delco correct 1986-1987 Turbo Regal mass air flow sensors. The housing CANNOT be broken. Screens are not important. Each one that meets these requirements is worth $25 in Letter of Credit to us. Help us help other owners keep their cars original.
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS ON YouTube -
Here is a link to the videos we currently have up on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/KirbanPerformance?feature=guide
ANOTHER EX-KIRBAN CAR FOR SALE - 1987 WE4 BUICK TURBO REGAL
This 1987 Turbo Regal is a WE4 hardtop with less than 25,000 original miles. The current owner purchased it from me back in July of 2000, when it had about 17,000 miles on it. The car has never seen the rain since he got it from me. Car is located in New Jersey. I can provide a list of upgrades that have been done.
According to the owner, he has invested over $12,000 in various upgrades to make this an outstanding example of a WE4. The paint has no issues and is original. No cracking no fading at all.
This is a well-optioned WE4 hardtop that has not been advertised. This one of the best-of-the-best examples of a sought-after WE4. The price is $20,900. For more details, email me - [email protected]
GM LICENSED T-SHIRTS - DISCONTINUED -
Our supplier for the Buick T-shirts we offer is not renewing their contract with GM. Supplies are very limited!
NOTE - BUY ANY 2 T-SHIRTS FROM THIS LIST FOR JUST $25 PLUS POSTAGE FOR MAIL SHIPPING.
We have the following T-Shirts available. You must call our office - 215-766-1611 - to place your order.
Once our current supply is gone, there will NOT be any more.
#7058 - GM Licensed - Turbo Regal - “TURBO TIME” Buick T-Shirt - size LARGE - Only 29 available in LARGE - $15 each.
Here is the "TURBO TIME" T-shirt on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/394/SIZE+LARGE+GM+Licensed+-+TURBO+TIME+BUICK+T-SHIRT+%237058.html
"BUICK TRI-SHIELD" T-shirts
#7226 - 1984-1987 BUICK –
GM Licensed “BUICK TRI-SHIELD” T-Shirt - size LARGE - Only 2 available - $15 each
#7227 - 1984-1987 BUICK -
GM Licensed “BUICK TRI-SHIELD” T-Shirt - size EXTRA LARGE LARGE - Only 1 available at $15
Here is the "BUICK TRI-SHIELD" T-shirts on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=Buick+Tri-shield&submit_button=
"GRAND NATIONAL" T-shirts
#7224 - 1984-1987 Grand National -
GM Licensed “GRAND NATIONAL” T-Shirt - size LARGE - Only 7 available. The price is $15 each.
Here is the "GRAND NATIONAL" T-shirt on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/43511/SIZE+LARGE+GM+Licensed+-+GRAND+NATIONAL+T-SHIRT+%237224.html
These prices are slightly less than the normal retail.
Remember, you MUST call our office to place your order with this special pricing (does not include Shipping.)
NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -
1987 Buick Turbo-T -
Reproduction TRUNK “3.8 SFI TURBO” EMBLEM
This reproduction “3.8 SFI TURBO” trunk emblem measures 9-7/8" x 5/8" and is different from the set that goes on the hood. The trunk emblem is all chrome and the hood emblems are chrome with a black edge.
Emblems are made of plastic with a self-adhesive backing. These are chrome-plated plastic emblems - all letters appear chrome silver with the chrome edging, which is correct for all the 1987 Turbo-T Regals.
PLACEMENT -
Our top photo shows the emblem with and our lower photo shows this emblem on my original paint 1987 Turbo-T.
Here are the specifications for placement of this 3.8 SFI trunk emblem. From the leading left edge of the trunk lid, come in 1-1/2". From the top edge of the chrome metal lip molding on the trunk lid, come up 1-1/2". The “BUICK” emblem on the passenger’s side is positioned at the same height but ends 2-3/4" inward from the outer trunk lid edge. In other words, it is not a match to the 3.8 SFI emblem.
NOTE - When purchasing this item, you may also want to consider buying the matching pair of “3.8 SFI TURBO” hood emblems, which have the black edge, Part #6556.
Another great exterior restoration item.
7510 - 1987 Buick Turbo-T -
Reproduction Trunk “3.8 SFI TURBO” Emblem - $21.95
1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
REPRODUCTION DRIVER’S & PASSENGER’S SIDE FLOOR PANS
These reproduction floor pans are made in the U.S.A. This version has been on the market for over 10 years.
It’s important to realize that other reproductions exist, and the quality and overall size can vary.
These are a perfect fit to the original floor. Unlike some other reproductions, these go up on the sides where the door sills go. In the back area, these pans go up towards the base cushion of the back seat. The driver’s front pan also goes up about 6"-7" and the passenger’s side goes up several inches. In other words, it’s not just the flat portion of the floor pan.
The end result is these pans give you enough material to do the job properly.
These are dropped shipped direct from our supplier. Shipping is a flat rate of $125 to most of the U.S.A. Because of the size, truck freight shipping must be to a business address. The shipping costs is the same whether it’s a single pan or both sides. So, before you order, check the entire interior floor pans to see what you need.
Unfortunately, we cannot ship pans to Canada.
You MUST call our office to order these pans. West coast orders, call for freight charges (215-766-1611.)
Floor pans are drop shipped to you from our mid-west supplier.
NOTE?- Prices below do not include shipping.
7513 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Reproduction DRIVER’S SIDE - Floor Pan $249.95 + Shipping
7514 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Reproduction PASSENGER’S SIDE - Floor Pan $249.95 + Shipping
7515 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Reproduction DRIVER’S & PASSENGER’S SIDES - Floor Pans (2) $475 (save $24.90) + shipping
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS FOR 2013 -
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. The first seminar is 10 am on Saturday and it will be on Hurst. The second seminar is on Turbo Buicks and it is held at 2 pm Saturday. So, mark your calendar.
Carlisle, as many of you know, puts on some of the largest car shows and swap meets in the U.S.A. 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.
I hope to see many of you there. It's a tremendous facility.
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
2013 GS NATIONALS - October 16-19, 2013
This is the 33rd Annual consecutive event held at Beech Bend Raceway, 798 Beech Bend Road, Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Jim Bell, of Kenne-Bell fame, will be in attendance to present honorary car and race show awards to both V8 & V6 cars.
Working on having the 2015 models of the new GNX and Grand National display along with a GM rep to hold a seminar on the car's development and performance capabilities.
For more info log onto - http://www.gsnationals.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 -
Hope to see many of you this coming weekend at GM at Carlisle. I guess I better get my notes in order for the two seminars. Should be a good time.