07-24-2019 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 07-24-2019 –

NEW MINI CONTEST –

Here is this week’s mini contest. No answer will be considered until AFTER 3:30 eastern time today, Wednesday, July 24th. My good friend Greg Davidian (who moved from New Jersey to California) recently purchased a kid’s tow truck pedal car.

To me it looks to be a reproduction of an earlier pedal car tow truck. There is no company name on it. The seller did say the steering wheel was changed. Greg got it for me since I had a towing business for over 20 years. At one time, we had 3 tow trucks on the road.

PHOTO 1 – We show several photos of this tow truck pedal car. To be a contest winner we need to know the name of the company that made it and what year this pedal car was produced. You must email me proof. No answers will be accepted until AFTER 3:30 eastern time today Wednesday, July 24, 2019. My email is – [email protected]

The winner will get a nice prize.

PHOTO 1 – We show several views of the tow truck pedal car.



LAST WEEK’S MINI CONTEST

Nobody submitted an answer to the contest showing the pair of motorcycle saddle bags. They are still for sale. I have no idea who made them or for what motorcycles they are specific for. They are listed for sale in the Rare Parts section at the reduced price of just $99.95 for the pair, which includes shipping to the basic 48 states. A real bargain for sure.



MORE GOOD NEWS – JEEP LOWER STEERING SHAFTS #7574 –

We currently have 2 of these desirable Jeep lower steering shafts in stock for immediate delivery, part #7574. These steering shafts replace the fiber-like rag joint the factory shaft has. The Jeep shaft has metal universal joints at both ends and is also a thinner design, which gives you more room under the hood on the driver’s side. This is a nice upgrade that offers several benefits over a 30-plus-year-old lower steering shift. You must email me direct [email protected] if you want one of these 2 we have in stock.



UPDATE ON THE TURBO REGAL WRISTWATCH –

As of this writing, I have a few of the Turbo Regal wristwatches left that features the gauge cluster that have not been sold. The watches are now in stock. If you want one, you must email me direct [email protected]. I have 3 or 4 left. The price is $36.95 each, which includes shipping to the basic 48 states. See the Rare Parts section.



GRAND NATIONAL WRISTWATCH –

I recently acquired this other style Grand National wristwatch. It is also battery operated and has the Grand National wording on it. See Rare Parts section for prices. You must email me direct [email protected] if you want one.

PHOTO 2 – Shows this new nice Grand National wrist watch.



NOT EVERY GNX HAS HAD CAREFUL STORAGE –

Although there were 547 GNXs produced, there is no organization that has tracked down and can identify where each one is today or which GNXs have been destroyed. Adding to the confusion is that some Grand Nationals have been turned into reproduction GNXs over the years. I doubt if the true count of real GNX survivors will ever be known completely counted.

I recently heard from a customer of ours who is a mechanic at a dealership and he also does mechanical work on the side. He has one customer that is getting up there in age and has a stash of several unusual performance cars. One is a real GNX with under 20,000 actual miles.

This elderly gentleman wants to convert the GNX to vacuum brakes, something his mechanic has told him not to do. That brake conversion would make most GNX owners cringe at the thought. It is one thing to do it to a regular Turbo Regal, but a GNX that could possibly be worth a figure north of $80,000 it is a no no in anyone’s book.

PHOTO 3 – The photo on the left shows two cars covered with huge tarps in the backyard. Sitting under one of the tarps is a real GNX with less than 20,000 actual miles. Under the other tarp sits a Mustang Cobra R. The Cobra R has 900 actual miles and the Window Sticker is still attached to the window! The photo on the right shows the GNX engine compartment partially uncovered. I have no idea how long these two muscle cars have been sitting in this environment. According to the person that sent me these photos, the GNX does run.



IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT CARS –

Being a home owner like many of you, you’re never lacking for things to do; especially around the outside of your house, farm, or estate. If you are lucky enough to own an estate, you can hire people to do the yardwork. While I have given up the fight of keeping weeds from growing in the grass, I have made a concentrated effort to maintain several nice flower beds. Two of the flower beds honor my Mom and Dad. Another flower bed focuses on Eileen’s Dad, who has also passed away.

Every year by the one corner of my pole building I plant 24 Impatiens flowers. As a kid I remember my Dad would always plant Impatiens flowers. In this flower bed we have a small cross as 2 of our cats are buried in that area. In another area where a tree once stood I made a huge flower bed and planted several dozen of another type of flower in honor of my Mom who loved flowers. Her favorite color was purple.

With my parents both gone and Eileen’s Dad gone we have another area that features memories of her Dad and his paving business. I made sure when they were selling off things from their house I got these keepsake items for our main flower bed along our driveway.

PHOTO 4 – The top left photo shows the bed of Impatiens flowers that sits in the one outside corner of my pole building. This area does not get a lot of bright sunlight, which makes it ideal for Impatiens to do well. You can probably see the small cross and the metal VW bus sign that Eileen gave me. The top right photo shows a 15-foot diameter flower garden of bright dark red flowers. I have no idea what kind of flowers they are, but they flourish in the bright sunlight. In the background is Darrell and Carrie’s horse pasture for their 2 miniature horses.

The bottom left shows the main bed as you come up the driveway with the sign that reads, “WORK AREA TINARI PAVING.” There are also the remaining letters from the Kirban tree carving that fell over earlier this year. The bottom right photo shows the wishing well and the concrete bear from my in-laws’ house. The Chevy truck front end I got at a local junkyard about 5 years ago. Cars are a big part of my life, but I do get enjoyment out of the flowers too.

We also have a nice pond with Koi and goldfish as well as 3 security cats that patrol the area.



GNX McLAREN REPRODUCTION T-SHIRT -

The GNX T-shirt that McLaren employees were given to wear on the GNX project has been reproduced by Brian of GBodyParts.com 

Below is the link to order them direct. The only difference between the original and this reproduction would probably be the tag on the collar denoting the supplier who made the T-shirt originally over 30 years ago. Plus, the new ones would lack the aged look! A nice addition for any GNX owner.

Here is the link to this T-shirt on their website.




1981 PONTIAC PACE TURBOCHARGED V8 PACE CAR FOR SALE –

This past Saturday night I attended the local Doylestown Main Street Car Show. The heat of the day (100 degrees) had not subsided, so attendance was way down from previous years. I did see a 1981 Pontiac Pace Car for sale. The car seemed to be reasonably priced with less than 60,000 actual miles. The owner said it originally came from Arizona. I am hoping I get this car to sell for the owner. If you have any interest, email me direct - [email protected] and I will send you photos and price.



C8 CORVETTE MID-ENGINE DESIGN –

The big news from GM is the upcoming new mid-engine 2020 Corvette that will have a starting price tag of just under $60,000. From what I read, everything will be brand new with only the inside door latches being the same from the previous C7 models. What may be disappointing to some buyers is that they will not offer any manual transmission models.

GM expects a huge demand for this new model because of its unique format even though demand for hot rods has shrunk by 2.3 percent of the U.S. market.

Overall production for all cars in 2020 will see fewer than 15% having a manual transmission. The figure for manual shift cars will probably be even less in future years.



2005 PERSONAL TAHOE UPDATE –

Our 2005 Tahoe has been sold. A woman bought it at the end of last week.



CORES NEEDED - URGENT REQUEST –

Here is the information on our credits for cores.

POWERMASTER BRAKE UNITS. Unit must be complete. We will issue you a Letter of Credit for $150 for each acceptable core. We currently will not buy any powermaster units outright, only Letter of Credit towards parts.

TURBO CORES must be the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal stock turbo. They must be complete. We will issue you a $150 Letter of Credit for each acceptable core.

If you ship to us, the post office is the cheapest method. Pack the item(s) with a note with your name, address and phone number. These are the only 2 items we are currently accepting as cores.

MAIL - Ship to Address –
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
PO BOX 1199
PLUMSTEADVILLE, PA 18949

UPS - Ship to Address –
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
6201 KELLERS CHURCH ROAD
PLUMSTEADVILLE, PA 18949-1199



CARSMARTS RADIO IS ON THE AIR AND ON THE WEB! –

Turbo V6 enthusiast Steve Saffier (who produced “The Dennis Kirban Story” on YouTube last year) is producer and host of a new automotive radio program broadcasting live every Saturday from 11am - 12 noon on 610 ESPN radio (the old WIP 610 am for those in the area.) The show talks about different aspects of the car world and Steve’s affinity for Turbo Regals and Syclone/Typhoons often is expressed in nearly every show.

You can tune in live or livestream the show at http://www.610espn.com from anywhere in the world.



TIPS AND IDEAS YOU HAVE TRIED -

If there are any tips or ideas you want to share with our readers, email me –[email protected]



TIP FROM KIRBAN –

One simple improvement to make is to replace the stock valve springs. The valve springs we offer are 100 lb springs whereas the stock ones are 80 lb springs. By now with 30-plus-years of age and miles, the stock valve springs are even weaker yet. These 100 lb valve springs are a nice upgrade without making any other change. This upgrade gives you 200 to 300 more rpm and sharper acceleration. On our website it’s part #6746 and the price is just $43.95 for the set of 12. They are in stock for immediate shipping. We sell several sets almost every week.



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.



HATBORO MOONLIGHT CAR SHOW -
July 27, 2019 from 5 pm until 10 pm.
This event occupies the main street thru Hatboro, PA. Like the Doylestown event, it attracts several hundred cars and trucks. We plan to attend as a spectator.


EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS -
FRIDAY & SATURDAY - SEPTEMBER 20 & 21, 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 –

WANTED TO BUY –
Wanted to buy: NOS Buick parts for 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regals. Some of the items I am looking for are NOS Powermaster electric motor, NOS Powermaster accumulator ball, NOS Powermaster electric bake switch, NOS Powermaster complete brake assembly. NOS front and rear rubber bumperettes, NOS power antenna, NOS black front bumper parking light bezels, NOS black tail lamp bezels, NOS metal vacuum harness, NOS black concert sound speaker covers,NOS grey inside door pull straps, Do you have a NOS Buick parts collection you are thinking about selling? I travel to purchase and I am a cash buyer. Please call or email and leave a message. All calls and email’s will be returned. Jason Maxfield (416)-399-7265 or [email protected] Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Thank You 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 it 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 –

With extreme heat throughout most of the country, it may be advisable to plan a car show or cruise events late in the day and early evening this time of the year. Sitting around in a field or a parking lot to showcase your pride and joy in the blistering sun is not very much fun.

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