Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 06-12-2019 –
COINCIDENCES AND THE 2007 MUSTANG COUPE SIX-CYLINDER MANUAL 5-SPEED -
The 2007 Mustang Coupe with 3,000 original miles listed last week sold within 30 minutes of the Inner Circle going out. Here is that amazing story.
At one time or another most of you have probably experienced a set of unusual coincidences. Would you believe there is a coincidence between this 2007 Mustang and GNX 480, which sold for $200 grand about 2 months ago? Here is a true story that combines more than one coincidence around this ordinary 2007 Mustang and the new buyer.
I spotted this Mustang the day before last week’s Inner Circle went out.
It was sitting in the parking lot of a junkyard along a major road that I pass on the way to the one bid lots I go to. That was the first coincidence. This junkyard was the same place about 5 years ago where I tested the very first hand-held battery jumper I bought. I was able to get a 1986 Regal that had been sitting undisturbed for over 5 years with the keys in it to turn over. Long-time customers will remember this story. The owner does not let customers wonder through the yard. That convinced me to buy and sell several hundred of those hand-held battery jumpers to our Turbo Regal customers.
Now you can buy those hand-held battery jumpers almost anywhere. I still use mine, as does the owner of that junkyard!
The next coincidence took place when I called the seller of the 2007 Mustang.
It turns out that the Mustang owner’s son Jerry (who is selling the Mustang for his Mom) is a Pastor of a nearby church. Out of curiosity, I asked Jerry if he had ever heard of the book “666”? It turns out he actually has some of my Dad’s books in his personal library! I then told him my Dad wrote the book 666. That was coincidence #2.
I told him I think I may be able to sell his Mustang for him. I thought since it was a manual shift with only 3,000 miles, it made it somewhat unique and the price seemed quite fair.
Within the first hour last Wednesday from when the Inner Circle newsletter went out, I had a buyer. The buyer of the Mustang lives in Arkansas and related to me the story of his Dad buying a brand new GNX in 1987. That GNX was #480 and he trailered it home. The entire time his Dad owned GNX #480 it had only traveled 8 miles! Tim, his son, was just 16. He would wax GNX #480 for his Dad almost weekly as it never got driven and stayed tucked away for many years in the garage.
Nothing had ever been removed from the GNX. It was never prepped for delivery. It sat like that for years before his Dad sold it to a doctor in Wisconsin. It was that doctor who recently sold GNX #480 this past February on the auction site “Bring A Trailer” for a cool $200 grand. Tim had first option to buy the GNX prior to his Dad selling it to the doctor, but could not work it out as he had just bought a house. (The sale of GNX #480 can be verified on the internet.) To my knowledge, the sale of GNX #480 is close to the record ever paid for a GNX as of June of 2019. I probably hold the record for the cheapest GNX ever sold at $13,500, which was all original and in good condition. Tim did buy a 1987 Grand National at age 16 that same year his Dad bought GNX #480. He still has the Grand National in new condition and it is kept in storage.
Tim, the son, has been a subscriber since I started doing the monthly printed newsletter “GRAND NEWS” in 1988. I find it fascinating that a six-cylinder Mustang has set a series of coincidences in motion that would be hard to make up!
Tim only bought the Mustang because it was manual shift and wanted a fun inexpensive car to drive to work. I almost did not stop to look at the Mustang originally as I realized it was a six cylinder!
The buyer already has his plane ticket to fly up to our place later this month to drive the little Mustang back to Arkansas. It’s also kind of funny that the Mustang originally came from Tennessee, which is much closer to Arkansas!
The seller called me this past Monday when he got payment for the Mustang from our buyer in Arkansas. I picked up the car and drove it home. It is absolutely like new inside and out!
We will have more to add to this unique story next week.
UPDATE TURBO REGAL WRIST WATCH –
I completely sold out of the dozen watches I had within a few hours of the Inner Circle going out last Wednesday. I am trying to get in touch with the company to get more. Watch for updates once I get word.
THE TOP 6 FRUSTRATIONS OF OWNING A TURBO REGAL –
I am referring mostly to the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal models. Many of you probably agree with my quick 6 Frustrations list.
Coming in at #1 by a land slide, it has to be the dreaded powermaster brake system. Based on the volume of sales we have for rebuilt powermasters or other options, it is #1! Coming in #2 would be the problems related to the windows sealing properly. If you have power windows, the #3 problem would be how slow they operate. It’s like the word “power” is not used properly to describe the operation! The Window Racer, Part #7837, corrects the problem.
Coming in at #4 would be the frustration of trying to eliminate the oil leaks. It is one of the reasons Mike Bernard has made the clever drip lip dust fly wheel cover, part #7823. Coming in at the #5 position would be the optional power antenna. This is because of its high failure rate and the fact removal and replacement is a fairly complicated procedure. Last, but not least, #6 is trying to reinstall the factory jack and spare tire the way either an assembly line worker did it or a robot. It would be nice to meet that person or robot!
PHOTO 1 – We show two detailed photos to show the proper way to install of the jack and jack handle in the trunk of the GNX. You can tell the jack has never been removed as the base of the jack is not scraped up. It is very tricky to adjust the jack all the way flat and lock in the jack handle so the bracket at the base of the jack secures the jack handle to the jack.
The J hook loops through a welded loop in the trunk floor and passes through the spare. A metal washer seats in the center of the steel wheel. A plastic knob tightens up against the metal washer securing the spare in place. If you do not have the 9-piece trunk kit, the cardboard filler gets wedged between the metal washer and the plastic knob. The purpose of this cardboard spacer is to keep the factory flimsy black carpet from falling into the spare tire wheel well. The black trunk carpet then sits on top of the cardboard insert. In Photo 2 we show all 8 parts that are needed to secure the jack and the spare tire.
The frustration is trying to seat the jack assembly correctly with the spare tire in the trunk. If you are missing even one of the 8 original parts, it can’t be done. My guess is that there are fewer than 20 Turbo Regal owners that can install the factory jack and spare tire properly in the trunk in less than 10 minutes. Most owners would simply give up in frustration. I would come close to completing the tasks only because I have done so many of them on the Turbo Regals we have bought and sold. The trick is to never remove the spare and jack if it’s been untouched originally.
PHOTO 2 – The top left photo shows all 8 parts needed to secure the factory spare and jack in any 1984-1987 Turbo Regal. The top right shows a very rare original black powermaster brake switch. This is the switch that was recalled (not to be installed.) The bottom left shows a completely restored grey third brake light complete with a new bulb. The bottom right shows a brand new factory GM 1987 plastic power steering reservoir with the factory cap. All four of these pictured items are listed for sale in the Rare Parts section.
FOR SALE – 1941 FORD SEDAN STREET ROD - $29,900 –
Local to me and owned by one of the sales people at the little car dealership I am associated with is this really nice custom-built 1941 Ford Sedan 2-door. It is not advertised on the internet. The body is 100% all steel that came from Nebraska. It was custom built in 2002. John the current owner, got it two years ago with 10,000 actual miles on it. It now has 12,000 miles.
It is set up for cruising at highway speeds and is fitted with vintage air, rack and pinion steering, tilt, cruise, and 6-changer CD player. The car has a dual fan arrangement that keeps temperatures down, even in heavy traffic. It is automatic. Car has a beautiful custom leather interior. Even the trunk is completely finished off. Actual rear ratio is unknown, but cruises very nice at 65 mph.
Car has been lowered 2-½ inches in the front. The flames are hand painted. The paint is a Mustang Grabber Blue with matching blue interior. The car is powered by a Chevrolet 350 V8 and is NHRA inspected. Car has been professionally built. The firewall has been sanded perfectly smooth. All the wiring is properly done and labeled at the fuse box to identify. Seat belts have been installed for front and back seats.
Car runs 100% with zero issues and everything works. Engine drips no oil. This car was built to be enjoyed. This is a chance to own a real nice all-steel vintage street hot rod at a very reasonable price. Car has had excellent care since it was reborn in 2002. Price is $29,900.
The car is in my neighborhood. Email me [email protected] for more photos and any questions.
PHOTO 3 – We show 4 photos of this 1941 Ford Sedan 2-door.
FOR SALE – 1939 BUICK SEDAN - $7295.00 –
Near our house is a 1939 Buick sedan for sale. In talking to the owner, it has been in their family for the last 20-25 years. An amateur restoration was done about 15 years ago. Car has a clear New Jersey title. It has the original straight 8 engine in it and it runs and drives. Brakes and clutch have recently been done. Engine runs extremely well and has probably been rebuilt at some point over the years as it does not smoke at all, even at initial start up. A very solid Buick sedan that now is almost 80 years old. It was recently driven from New Jersey to this Pennsylvania location with no issues.
This is a good entry level antique Buick to tinker with and enjoy on cool summer nights. Air conditioning only exists if you put down the windows! Perhaps you know someone looking for an antique car to restore. If so, this is a great candidate to consider.
PHOTO 4 – We show 4 photos of this 1939 Buick sedan. It runs and drives and stops. For more information and photos, email me direct - [email protected]
D-DAY 75 YEARS LATER –
Like most Americans who were born after World War 2, you have heard that war was supposed to be “the war to end all wars.” I knew very little about D-Day besides what I have seen at the movies. Several newspapers I get had a supplement about D-Day, which I read. It’s well worth reading, if you get a chance or if you are fortunate enough to have a relative still living that was part of that invasion, you must hear their first-hand report before it’s too late.
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]
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 –
Be sure to tell a friend about the 1941 Ford Sedan street rod for sale. It’s a good price for an all-steel body car. It is very well built.
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.
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.
CLASSIFIED ADS –
1987 Grand National For Sale – Show quality re-paint – 9 out of 10. Factory steel wheels. 3.8L LC2 V6 Turbo, 200-R4 OD transmission 2800 stall converter. 8.5” 3.42 Rear. Stock engine (80,000 miles) with bolt ons including TE61 Turbo, Turbo tweak chip with fresh injectors, fuel pump, MAF translator with LT1 MAF sensor, Terry Houston 3” downpipe, Pypes Performance exhaust system, Cotton Performance front mount intercooler, speedometer/odometer changed to 145mph overlay. New filler panels. LED headlights with smoked glass covers. 1000HP motor mounts – (eliminate engine tie-down). Kenwood Blue-Tooth radio with Mosfet 300W Amplifier. Halguard Clean Agent 2 pound chrome fire extinguisher. Fully dressed trunk. Scanmaster. Fully gauged. A high performance trophy winning show car. Offered at $33,000. Manville, RI Email Ron Griffin at - [email protected] for full description and photos. Week 1 of 4
WANTED TO BUY – NOS Buick Parts for 1986 and 1987 Buick Turbo Regal. Have you sold your Buick Turbo Regal and have NOS Buick Turbo parts left or have a NOS collection you are interested in selling? Are you located in NY, PA, NJ, CT, MA, MD, DE VA, OH, IL, MI, or IN? I travel to purchase and am a CASH buyer – so no shipping, e-bay or Paypal issues. No part too small or too big. Please call or e-mail and leave message anytime. All calls and e-mails will be returned. Contact Jason Maxfield at (416) 399-7265 or [email protected] Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Thank You Week 2 of 4.
FOR SALE - 1986 T-Type ex FBI car with documents. Owned for almost 22 years rebuilt motor 1500 miles maybe with 500 plus RWH car is white with GTA wheels I had made with the right offset 16×9 and 16×8 burgundy interior in nice shape 140 factory dash CD radio air bags with GNX flares. Many top of the line parts used, car not driven.
It's not mint but it's a good condition 2 and a half I think, but it's all there EGT gauge scan master new power master and a lot invested in 22 years. Bids start at 20 K serious seekers please. Call after noon California time. Stephen Donegan – Hayward, CA - 510-706-2800 Week 4 of 4
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. To subscribe 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.
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 –
This coming Saturday is Mack Trucks yearly Open House with a special time for employees and their families to tour the facilities. As grandparents we are going, since Devyn works there. This is a rare opportunity to tour an assembly plant facility like this that is near where we live.
COINCIDENCES AND THE 2007 MUSTANG COUPE SIX-CYLINDER MANUAL 5-SPEED -
The 2007 Mustang Coupe with 3,000 original miles listed last week sold within 30 minutes of the Inner Circle going out. Here is that amazing story.
At one time or another most of you have probably experienced a set of unusual coincidences. Would you believe there is a coincidence between this 2007 Mustang and GNX 480, which sold for $200 grand about 2 months ago? Here is a true story that combines more than one coincidence around this ordinary 2007 Mustang and the new buyer.
I spotted this Mustang the day before last week’s Inner Circle went out.
It was sitting in the parking lot of a junkyard along a major road that I pass on the way to the one bid lots I go to. That was the first coincidence. This junkyard was the same place about 5 years ago where I tested the very first hand-held battery jumper I bought. I was able to get a 1986 Regal that had been sitting undisturbed for over 5 years with the keys in it to turn over. Long-time customers will remember this story. The owner does not let customers wonder through the yard. That convinced me to buy and sell several hundred of those hand-held battery jumpers to our Turbo Regal customers.
Now you can buy those hand-held battery jumpers almost anywhere. I still use mine, as does the owner of that junkyard!
The next coincidence took place when I called the seller of the 2007 Mustang.
It turns out that the Mustang owner’s son Jerry (who is selling the Mustang for his Mom) is a Pastor of a nearby church. Out of curiosity, I asked Jerry if he had ever heard of the book “666”? It turns out he actually has some of my Dad’s books in his personal library! I then told him my Dad wrote the book 666. That was coincidence #2.
I told him I think I may be able to sell his Mustang for him. I thought since it was a manual shift with only 3,000 miles, it made it somewhat unique and the price seemed quite fair.
Within the first hour last Wednesday from when the Inner Circle newsletter went out, I had a buyer. The buyer of the Mustang lives in Arkansas and related to me the story of his Dad buying a brand new GNX in 1987. That GNX was #480 and he trailered it home. The entire time his Dad owned GNX #480 it had only traveled 8 miles! Tim, his son, was just 16. He would wax GNX #480 for his Dad almost weekly as it never got driven and stayed tucked away for many years in the garage.
Nothing had ever been removed from the GNX. It was never prepped for delivery. It sat like that for years before his Dad sold it to a doctor in Wisconsin. It was that doctor who recently sold GNX #480 this past February on the auction site “Bring A Trailer” for a cool $200 grand. Tim had first option to buy the GNX prior to his Dad selling it to the doctor, but could not work it out as he had just bought a house. (The sale of GNX #480 can be verified on the internet.) To my knowledge, the sale of GNX #480 is close to the record ever paid for a GNX as of June of 2019. I probably hold the record for the cheapest GNX ever sold at $13,500, which was all original and in good condition. Tim did buy a 1987 Grand National at age 16 that same year his Dad bought GNX #480. He still has the Grand National in new condition and it is kept in storage.
Tim, the son, has been a subscriber since I started doing the monthly printed newsletter “GRAND NEWS” in 1988. I find it fascinating that a six-cylinder Mustang has set a series of coincidences in motion that would be hard to make up!
Tim only bought the Mustang because it was manual shift and wanted a fun inexpensive car to drive to work. I almost did not stop to look at the Mustang originally as I realized it was a six cylinder!
The buyer already has his plane ticket to fly up to our place later this month to drive the little Mustang back to Arkansas. It’s also kind of funny that the Mustang originally came from Tennessee, which is much closer to Arkansas!
The seller called me this past Monday when he got payment for the Mustang from our buyer in Arkansas. I picked up the car and drove it home. It is absolutely like new inside and out!
We will have more to add to this unique story next week.
UPDATE TURBO REGAL WRIST WATCH –
I completely sold out of the dozen watches I had within a few hours of the Inner Circle going out last Wednesday. I am trying to get in touch with the company to get more. Watch for updates once I get word.
THE TOP 6 FRUSTRATIONS OF OWNING A TURBO REGAL –
I am referring mostly to the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal models. Many of you probably agree with my quick 6 Frustrations list.
Coming in at #1 by a land slide, it has to be the dreaded powermaster brake system. Based on the volume of sales we have for rebuilt powermasters or other options, it is #1! Coming in #2 would be the problems related to the windows sealing properly. If you have power windows, the #3 problem would be how slow they operate. It’s like the word “power” is not used properly to describe the operation! The Window Racer, Part #7837, corrects the problem.
Coming in at #4 would be the frustration of trying to eliminate the oil leaks. It is one of the reasons Mike Bernard has made the clever drip lip dust fly wheel cover, part #7823. Coming in at the #5 position would be the optional power antenna. This is because of its high failure rate and the fact removal and replacement is a fairly complicated procedure. Last, but not least, #6 is trying to reinstall the factory jack and spare tire the way either an assembly line worker did it or a robot. It would be nice to meet that person or robot!
PHOTO 1 – We show two detailed photos to show the proper way to install of the jack and jack handle in the trunk of the GNX. You can tell the jack has never been removed as the base of the jack is not scraped up. It is very tricky to adjust the jack all the way flat and lock in the jack handle so the bracket at the base of the jack secures the jack handle to the jack.
The J hook loops through a welded loop in the trunk floor and passes through the spare. A metal washer seats in the center of the steel wheel. A plastic knob tightens up against the metal washer securing the spare in place. If you do not have the 9-piece trunk kit, the cardboard filler gets wedged between the metal washer and the plastic knob. The purpose of this cardboard spacer is to keep the factory flimsy black carpet from falling into the spare tire wheel well. The black trunk carpet then sits on top of the cardboard insert. In Photo 2 we show all 8 parts that are needed to secure the jack and the spare tire.
The frustration is trying to seat the jack assembly correctly with the spare tire in the trunk. If you are missing even one of the 8 original parts, it can’t be done. My guess is that there are fewer than 20 Turbo Regal owners that can install the factory jack and spare tire properly in the trunk in less than 10 minutes. Most owners would simply give up in frustration. I would come close to completing the tasks only because I have done so many of them on the Turbo Regals we have bought and sold. The trick is to never remove the spare and jack if it’s been untouched originally.
PHOTO 2 – The top left photo shows all 8 parts needed to secure the factory spare and jack in any 1984-1987 Turbo Regal. The top right shows a very rare original black powermaster brake switch. This is the switch that was recalled (not to be installed.) The bottom left shows a completely restored grey third brake light complete with a new bulb. The bottom right shows a brand new factory GM 1987 plastic power steering reservoir with the factory cap. All four of these pictured items are listed for sale in the Rare Parts section.
FOR SALE – 1941 FORD SEDAN STREET ROD - $29,900 –
Local to me and owned by one of the sales people at the little car dealership I am associated with is this really nice custom-built 1941 Ford Sedan 2-door. It is not advertised on the internet. The body is 100% all steel that came from Nebraska. It was custom built in 2002. John the current owner, got it two years ago with 10,000 actual miles on it. It now has 12,000 miles.
It is set up for cruising at highway speeds and is fitted with vintage air, rack and pinion steering, tilt, cruise, and 6-changer CD player. The car has a dual fan arrangement that keeps temperatures down, even in heavy traffic. It is automatic. Car has a beautiful custom leather interior. Even the trunk is completely finished off. Actual rear ratio is unknown, but cruises very nice at 65 mph.
Car has been lowered 2-½ inches in the front. The flames are hand painted. The paint is a Mustang Grabber Blue with matching blue interior. The car is powered by a Chevrolet 350 V8 and is NHRA inspected. Car has been professionally built. The firewall has been sanded perfectly smooth. All the wiring is properly done and labeled at the fuse box to identify. Seat belts have been installed for front and back seats.
Car runs 100% with zero issues and everything works. Engine drips no oil. This car was built to be enjoyed. This is a chance to own a real nice all-steel vintage street hot rod at a very reasonable price. Car has had excellent care since it was reborn in 2002. Price is $29,900.
The car is in my neighborhood. Email me [email protected] for more photos and any questions.
PHOTO 3 – We show 4 photos of this 1941 Ford Sedan 2-door.
FOR SALE – 1939 BUICK SEDAN - $7295.00 –
Near our house is a 1939 Buick sedan for sale. In talking to the owner, it has been in their family for the last 20-25 years. An amateur restoration was done about 15 years ago. Car has a clear New Jersey title. It has the original straight 8 engine in it and it runs and drives. Brakes and clutch have recently been done. Engine runs extremely well and has probably been rebuilt at some point over the years as it does not smoke at all, even at initial start up. A very solid Buick sedan that now is almost 80 years old. It was recently driven from New Jersey to this Pennsylvania location with no issues.
This is a good entry level antique Buick to tinker with and enjoy on cool summer nights. Air conditioning only exists if you put down the windows! Perhaps you know someone looking for an antique car to restore. If so, this is a great candidate to consider.
PHOTO 4 – We show 4 photos of this 1939 Buick sedan. It runs and drives and stops. For more information and photos, email me direct - [email protected]
D-DAY 75 YEARS LATER –
Like most Americans who were born after World War 2, you have heard that war was supposed to be “the war to end all wars.” I knew very little about D-Day besides what I have seen at the movies. Several newspapers I get had a supplement about D-Day, which I read. It’s well worth reading, if you get a chance or if you are fortunate enough to have a relative still living that was part of that invasion, you must hear their first-hand report before it’s too late.
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]
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 –
Be sure to tell a friend about the 1941 Ford Sedan street rod for sale. It’s a good price for an all-steel body car. It is very well built.
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.
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.
CLASSIFIED ADS –
1987 Grand National For Sale – Show quality re-paint – 9 out of 10. Factory steel wheels. 3.8L LC2 V6 Turbo, 200-R4 OD transmission 2800 stall converter. 8.5” 3.42 Rear. Stock engine (80,000 miles) with bolt ons including TE61 Turbo, Turbo tweak chip with fresh injectors, fuel pump, MAF translator with LT1 MAF sensor, Terry Houston 3” downpipe, Pypes Performance exhaust system, Cotton Performance front mount intercooler, speedometer/odometer changed to 145mph overlay. New filler panels. LED headlights with smoked glass covers. 1000HP motor mounts – (eliminate engine tie-down). Kenwood Blue-Tooth radio with Mosfet 300W Amplifier. Halguard Clean Agent 2 pound chrome fire extinguisher. Fully dressed trunk. Scanmaster. Fully gauged. A high performance trophy winning show car. Offered at $33,000. Manville, RI Email Ron Griffin at - [email protected] for full description and photos. Week 1 of 4
WANTED TO BUY – NOS Buick Parts for 1986 and 1987 Buick Turbo Regal. Have you sold your Buick Turbo Regal and have NOS Buick Turbo parts left or have a NOS collection you are interested in selling? Are you located in NY, PA, NJ, CT, MA, MD, DE VA, OH, IL, MI, or IN? I travel to purchase and am a CASH buyer – so no shipping, e-bay or Paypal issues. No part too small or too big. Please call or e-mail and leave message anytime. All calls and e-mails will be returned. Contact Jason Maxfield at (416) 399-7265 or [email protected] Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Thank You Week 2 of 4.
FOR SALE - 1986 T-Type ex FBI car with documents. Owned for almost 22 years rebuilt motor 1500 miles maybe with 500 plus RWH car is white with GTA wheels I had made with the right offset 16×9 and 16×8 burgundy interior in nice shape 140 factory dash CD radio air bags with GNX flares. Many top of the line parts used, car not driven.
It's not mint but it's a good condition 2 and a half I think, but it's all there EGT gauge scan master new power master and a lot invested in 22 years. Bids start at 20 K serious seekers please. Call after noon California time. Stephen Donegan – Hayward, CA - 510-706-2800 Week 4 of 4
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. To subscribe 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.
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 –
This coming Saturday is Mack Trucks yearly Open House with a special time for employees and their families to tour the facilities. As grandparents we are going, since Devyn works there. This is a rare opportunity to tour an assembly plant facility like this that is near where we live.