Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 07-29-2015
RARE COLORS Continued -
I heard from Jeff Nicola, who owns one of the ultra rare 1987 Turbo-Ts that is black with the WO2 option. If you recall from last week’s Inner Circle, we figure that combination was available for 90 days or less because of the new WE4 Turbo-T.
Making Jeff’s car even more rare is it has a red bench seat interior. As I have said in the past, most black T-Types or Turbo-T buyers would have opted for the grey interior, rather than red or some other color.
Jeff’s father purchased the car new, and they have retained all the paper work. At the time, his father traded in his 1984 T-Type. He was at the dealership looking for a Grand National and saw this car coming in on the car hauler to the dealership. The timing was perfect and the end result is Jeff’s father purchased a Turbo-T that today is quite rare. If you own one of these rare cars, email me [email protected]
In my opinion, any black 1986 or 1987 Turbo Regal with an interior color other than grey would be a fairly rare combination. Depending on what options the car has, it would add to its rarity today. My reasoning for this is quite simple - Most buyers would buy a Grand National if they wanted a black Turbo Regal plus that was the model that garnered all the attention in the magazines.
ONE OF MANY RARE ONES WE OWNED -
One of the many rare cars we owned was a 1987 black Turbo-T that had the tan interior and the chrome package. You don’t see many black ones with a tan interior.
This particular car has an interesting story behind it. The car came out of Georgia. I arranged to meet the seller who was going to go on vacation and was willing to drive the car and meet me somewhere in South Carolina. This was the summer of 1998 or 1999. I contacted Pete Serio, better known as the “Window Rattle Guy” to see if he wanted to come out for a visit and go with me to South Carolina to pick up the Turbo Regal. My plan was to do it the same week as the national BMW convention was being held at the BMW plant in South Carolina. It’s probably the only time a Turbo Regal transferred ownership at a BMW plant. Pete and I drove down and met the seller at the BMW car show.
According to the seller, the car always had a stumble in it when you first would start out. No one could ever figure out why. I had Dave, our mechanic, check the car out and after several hours he pinpointed the issue. The cam sensor was one or two teeth off of where it should be. According to the seller, it was probably like that since the car was brand new.
I sold the car to a local person who was a mechanic at a repair shop in my area. One day at work he was reading one of the books I wrote when his boss saw the name Kirban. It turns out his boss was in the process of buying my parents home!
True story! It’s a small world!
PHOTO 1 - The top left photo shows Pete at one of the Buick events working on adjusting a T-Top. Pete was always busy adjusting windows at the Buick events! The top right photo shows Pete in the background and one of the people I bought Turbo parts from in Ohio. You can clearly see it was winter time! The bottom left photo shows Pete when we took a tour down in South Carolina at the BMW event. The bottom right shows Pete at the BMW plant ready to take delivery of a BMW 507 model. This is one of those cars that fetch a cool million dollars.
CAR SHOWS -
In our immediate area, there is a car show virtually every weekend during July and August. In four different towns they do a yearly show on a Saturday night where they virtually close down the main street through town. They will have on display between 350 and 500 cars of all kinds. It’s a chance to see a wide variety of all kinds of cars and see old friends you probably have not seen since the previous year.
I recently attended the Doylestown event.
PHOTO 2 - The top left photo shows the downstairs bar area in one of the restaurants in Doylestown. The bar is supported by what appears to be a 1938-1939 Oldsmobile that has been cut lengthwise, minus the frame, leaving the front end intact. It’s really neat looking with the headlights on. One of the most unique cars at the show was a1955 Chevrolet sedan. The owner had taken another 1955 Chevrolet and made it a pull along trailer. The top right photo shows both the restored 1955 Chevrolet and the matching trailer. The lower left shows a close up of the matching trailer. The lower right shows another clever idea how the owner has made a brace that secures an umbrella off the rear of the pull along trailer.
PHOTO 3 - The left photo shows a super mint 1957 Chevrolet convertible. What makes this 1957 Chevrolet worth the big money is what lies under the hood - a correct 1957 fuelie setup, which is seen in the photo on the right.
PHOTO 4 - The top left photo shows a close up of one of the upgraded lower steering shafts in a highly-modified Monte Carlo SS. This is the version we sell. The owner says it makes a world of difference over the original rag joint format. The top right photo shows a restored 1915 Excelsior motorcycle that was kept in the same family for many years and recently restored. The bottom left and bottom right photos pertain to a Corvair convertible that was used originally when the owner got married in the early 1960s. They kept the car all these years and restored it to like new again. The newspaper article captures the same photo to match the original one taken at his wedding. A cute story.
COMING NEXT WEEK -
This past weekend I saw what has to be one of the most unique displays of workmanship I have ever seen done on a truck. This owner is a mechanical engineer and what he did over a course of three years and 2500 hours is nothing short of amazing. I have never seen anything like this. He did it using a truck model you seldom ever see restored!
NOTE - I just found out this truck took “Best in Show” against over 350 entries at the event. Watch for photos and the story next week’s Inner Circle.
ON THE NEWS FRONT -
On the news front, Collectible Automobile August issue has a 14-page article on the 1964-67 Buick A-body cars, which includes the very popular GS models.
In all my dealings with selling cars, I have only had one GS Buick and it was a 1970 four speed that needed a full restoration. The only reason I probably bought it was because I had bought the seller’s Turbo Regal and saw it sitting in his other storage bay. Since I bought the Turbo-T, he gave me a good deal on the GS Buick.
INTERESTING THOUGHT ABOUT THE G-BODY CARS -
Here is an interesting thought about the G- body cars you may not realize. Between the years 1984 and 1988, Oldsmobile had the 442 and Hurst models. Chevrolet produced the Monte Carlo SS models and the Aerocoupes. Buick, of course, had the GNX, Grand Nationals, T-Types, and Turbo-Ts. Pontiac really lagged behind only coming out with a 2+2 model, which today, garners hardly any interest at all.
From what I read, when the Pontiac 2+2 was new, some had to be sold at a GM factory auction to sell them! It seems Pontiac neglected making any performance enhanced vehicles on their G-body platform. Buick, as we all know, captures the most value and had the most variety of models of all the G-body models.
CHRYSLER BOATS UPDATE -
We heard from several members that remember Chrysler boats. The brand was not a well-known boat brand.
WHEN TASTES RUN THE SAME -
I thought about this last week as I took my granddaughter, Devyn to the movies. Now that she is 16, it’s different than when she was a little child. We can now both enjoy the same movie. When she was younger, we would go to movies that she would understand and enjoy and not give her nightmares.
For example, now she loves the “Fast and Furious” movies. Some of the comedy and drama movies she enjoys now, I also like.
It reminded me of many years ago when I was around 13 or 14 years old I would listen to rock and roll and doo wop music, which was huge in Philadelphia. Back then it was just am radio and the big radio station was WIBG. At night you could also get WABC out of New York.
During those teenage years, in the summer I would run an inserting machine for my Dad in his building. Me and another local kid would run two inserting machines for 8 hours. Inserting machines are a huge machine that would put 6 or more paper inserts in a standard size #10 envelope and seal it. We would do mailings of 25,000 or more at a time. These machines worked using small suction cups that would pick up each insert and send it down a conveyor belt and put it in an envelope.
My Dad had several major advertising accounts, mostly with insurance companies and savings and loan banks. Back in the 1960s, this was how much of the advertising was done by various companies. The term “junk mail” was usually what it was called.
At the time, my parents were in their mid-thirties and our tastes in music, for at least those two summers, were the same.
Our taste in music would not be the same again until my parents were in their late 70s and early 80s. Once again we enjoyed the doo wop songs and early rock and roll.
MINI CONTEST - GUESS WHAT PART WE ARE HAVING MADE -
We have decided to continue this contest until this Saturday August 1st 9 pm eastern time. The reason is to give readers more time plus I should have actually have parts to show in next week’s Inner Circle. So far no one has submitted the correct answer! We did have a few people come pretty close.
We will award the first three correct answers that come direct to my email - [email protected]
The three winners will get the actual item (when it’s available) and one of our new LED dome lights, part #7661, for their car.
The new deadline is this Saturday, August 1st, 9 pm eastern time.
You can only submit 3 guesses. Your email must include your full name and phone number so I can contact the winners.
Here are the clues: The part we are getting made consists of three separate parts. It will retail for under $20. The part attaches to an option that was offered on all 1984 through 1987 Turbo Regals.
Be sure to follow rules exactly to be eligible.
1987 BUICK GRAND NATIONAL - FOR SALE -
This 1987 Grand National was one of the 300+ cars we’ve sold, and it has only been driven about 5,000 miles in the last 10 years of ownership.
The car has less than 29,000 miles. It is a hardtop model. We will have more exact information and photos in next week’s Inner Circle. The car will be at our location until we can sell it for the owner. The car has several nice upgrades, including new Bilstein shocks and one of our custom trunk kits. The car is one of the few that has been autographed by Molly.
The price is $22,900. This car has not been advertised anywhere else.
CAR FOR SALE - 1987 BUICK GRAND NATIONAL - CFS028
If you are looking for a low-mileage Grand National, here is one available from one of our New York customers with a mere 6,100 miles. Car includes several extras. See information below.
A beautiful example of a very low-mileage 1987 Buick Grand National.
This T-Tops vehicle has only 6,100 miles, shines like a mirror and is original.
Both original Grand National wheels and tires with 3,500 miles (original air) and new GNX-style wheels and tires with 2,600 miles on them are included, all excellent.
Awesome exhaust sound is through a full SS low-restriction system.
The car has always been garaged and never driven in the rain.
The interior is clean and original. This is one of the few with this mileage for sale at $35,000.
There are more photos available to interested buyers upon request. Contact Dave direct for additional photos or for more information.
Dave Johnson
Cicero, New York
315-436-1520
[email protected]
PRICE - $35,000
CLOSE OUT ITEMS -
We are discontinuing the “Black Air: The Buick Grand National Documentary” 24” x 36” Poster, part #7466. However, we will continue to offer the Black Air DVD, part #7465. We have just 3 of the posters left. The price is $21.95, which includes free shipping. You must call our office 215-766-1611 x 0 to order this part! I think we have 2 left!
We also discontinued part #7594, the Aftermarket Idler Arm Assembly that fits all 1978-1987 Buick Regals, including the Turbo models. We have just one left. You must call our office 215-766-1611 x 0 to order this last one. THE NEW LOWER PRICE $29.95 which includes free shipping.
We are also discontinuing the Multi-Function Jump Starter Model SBN T6, part #7629. The reason is there is so much competition featuring the same module housing that we just will focus on the smaller one, which we can sell for less money. I believe we have 5 units left in stock. The price is $79.95 with free UPS shipping to the basic 48 states.
Here is a link to this starter on our website :
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44205/MULTI-FUNCTION+JUMP+STARTER+-+MODEL+SBN+T6+%237629.html
We still carry the smaller one, part #7640, Mult-function MINI Jump Starter, Model U3-M - Jump Starting / Digital Products / LED Lighting - $74.95.
Here is a link to the MINI Starter on our webite:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44248/MULTI+FUNCTION+MINI+BATTERY+JUMP+STARTER++MODEL+U+3M+Jump+Starting++Digital+Products++LED+Lighting+%237640.html
We still have several reproduction state inspections stickers left. The price is $6 each with free USPS mailing or any 2 for $10 with free USPS mailing. See the below listing.
4 New Jersey 1986 stickers
1 New Jersey 1987 sticker
1 Massachusetts 1986 inspection sticker
1 New York 1986 inspection sticker
2 Ohio 1986 inspection stickers
2 Pennsylvania 1986 inspection stickers.
We have a set of the reproduction GM-style front bumper fillers (2), part #7438. Normally the price is $179.95 plus shipping. We have one set where the one side has about a ¼ inch cut in it that is not visible, even if you were to see a photo. This set has never been used. The price is $149.95 plus shipping. You must call our office to buy this particular set.
On any of these close-out items, you must call the office during normal business hours to purchase what you want - 215-766-1611 x 0
REFURBISHED UPGRADED USED LOWER STEERING SHAFTS -
As you read this, I have just 1 left of the refurbished upgraded used lower steering shafts now in stock, part #7572. Email me - [email protected] - if you want one from this batch.
Here is a link to this shaft on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44150/UPGRADED+REFURBISHED+USED+LOWER+STEERING+SHAFT+%237574.html
CORES NEEDED -
We have an urgent need for powermaster cores, steering wheel cores, and turbo cores.
Here is the information on our credits for cores.
POWERMASTER CORES must be complete with brake bowl and brake switch. You get $100 Letter of Credit or we will trade our complete headlight kit #7530 a $129.95 value for each acceptable core. Powermaster units must be nice and not look like they been in a river for the last 10 years.
TURBO CORES must be the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal stock ones. They must be complete. We will issue you a $100 Letter of Credit for each acceptable core. WE HAVE AN URGENT NEED FOR THESE.
If you ship to us, the post office is the cheapest method. Pack the item(s) with a note with your name, address and phone number
MAIL - Ship to Address -
ATTN DENNIS
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
PO BOX 1199
PLUMSTEADSVILLE, PA 18949-1199
TECH CALLS -
Because our busy season is starting, 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.
ORIGINAL GM AC DELCO HEATER WATER VALVE -
Our supplier was able to locate a few more of these original brand new AC Delco heater water valves. You must call our office to order one - 215-766-1611 x 0. The price is $60 plus shipping. It appears this AC Delco heater water valve will be discontinued from GM and AC Delco. It doesn’t appear that we will be getting any more of theses. We were able to get a few more and now have 6 of them!
VEHICLES FOR SALE -
From time to time, whenever we spot an unusual or an exceptional car or truck for sale, or one we have for sale, we will put a blurb in our weekly Inner Circle. Also any cars that our customers have for sale will be featured here and you can see their car with photos on our website. In this category we will run the descriptions for two to three weeks and, if there is no interest in that particular vehicle, it will be deleted the following week. Any new vehicles that we add will appear first, so the oldest listing would be at the end of this section.
If any of these vehicles perk your interest, email me personally - [email protected] - for more information and photos.
TIPS AND IDEAS YOU HAVE TRIED -
If you have a tip or a discovery that you found that works on your Turbo Regal, drop us an email giving us the details so we can pass the info on to our readers. Remember, even with my knowledge, I don’t know it all. Simply email me at - [email protected]
NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -
1978-1987 Buick V6 (including Turbo Regal) -
TIMING COVER GASKETS AND SEALS (7) KIT
This is the complete timing chain gasket kit for the original timing chain cover.
The original front seal from GM was a rope seal, which is subject to leakage.
This front seal included in this kit is a one-piece neoprene seal. Turbo applications need this better designed front seal because of the tremendous pressures the turbo engine builds up internally under boost.
This Timing Chain Gasket Kit consists of these 7 parts:
Front Oil Pan Gasket
Oil Pump Cover Gasket
Timing Cover Gasket
Timing Cover Seal
Fuel Pump Mounting Support Gasket
Water Pump Mounting Support Gasket
O-ring
NOTE - You may also be interested in these related parts - #6548 Neoprene Rear Main Seal, #6771 Cork Oil Pan Gasket, #7437 Reproduction Timing Chain Cover with New Timing Tab, #7500 Molded Rubber Oil Pan Gasket, #7683 CLOYES Street True Roller Timing Chain/Gear Set.
NOTE - We recommend these gaskets be installed by a qualified mechanic.
Another great under-the-hood restoration kit.
7683 - 1978-1987 Buick V6 (including Turbo Regal Models) - Timing Cover Gaskets and Seals (7) Kit - $13.95
Here is a link to this Timing Cover Gaskets and Seals Kit on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44261/TIMING+COVER+GASKETS+AND+SEALS+%287%29+KIT+%237683.html
1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Late-Model RADIO PLUG-IN HARNESS KIT
By using this custom harness, it allows you to plug your existing 1984-1987 Turbo Regal radio harness and antenna lead into this harness, which plugs into the later radios.
This eliminates cutting any of the factory wires. It allows the 12-pin harness to adapt to the 21-pin harness in the later AC Delco radios.
If you have a power antenna option, it will still work.
The harness and antenna lead can be seen in the photo. The big plug to the left is what the stock 3-part harness plugs into.
This is the same harness we have put with every late-model AC Delco CD player we have sold over the years.
7065 - 1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal - Late-Model Radio Plug-in Harness Kit - $19.95 / kit
21-Pin to 12-Pin Harness with Antenna Lead and Antenna Lead Adapter
Here is a link to this Radio Harness on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/89/RADIO+PLUG-IN+HARNESS+KIT+12+PIN+to+21+PIN+%237065.html
“THE POWER PAC BUICK - PERFORMANCE AND RESTORATION TIPS” Book
and Guide to 1978-1987 Buick Grand National, T-Type and GNX “THE FACTS & FIGURES BOOK - SERIES #II” Book
“The Power Pac Buick Performance and Restoration Tips” book by Steven L. Dove covers the popular Buick Turbo Regals; Grand Nationals, T-Types, Turbo-Ts, and GNXs. It was published in 1998.
The book measures 6" x 9", has 230 pages and includes eight chapters of information. One chapter highlights all the major players with fast Turbo Regals from Marka Gallina to Kenny Duttweiler. Another chapter covers transmission upgrades by Art Carr. That same chapter includes tidbits on getting your turbo car to run in the 11’s and 12’s.
A later chapter covers restoration and care of your Turbo Regal. There is a tech talk section with John Craig on turbo upgrades and a chapter on suspension and brake upgrades. Another chapter deals with all the specifications with quick data information covering all Turbo Regals from 1982 through 1987, including the GNX.
The “Guide to 1978-1987 Buick Grand National, T-Type and GNX - FACTS & FIGURES BOOK - SERIES #II” covers the history of the Buick Regal from 1978 through 1987. It has many pictures and shows actual Service Bulletins covering the Turbo Regals from GM. Very informative with many pictures and illustrations. It measures 6" x 9" and has 260+ pages, and was published in 1992.
These are great additions to your Buick library of information.
NOTE - We recently acquired a limited supply of these two books from the 1990s. Once our stock is sold, there are no more. Order now, while supplies last.
Here are the 3 options for these books.
6791 - “THE POWER PAC BUICK - PERFORMANCE AND RESTORATION TIPS” Book by Steven L. Dove - $18.95
6618 - “Guide to 1978-1987 Buick Grand National, T-Type and GNX - FACTS & FIGURES - SERIES #II” Book by Steven L. Dove - $18.95
7681 - “THE POWER PAC BUICK - PERFORMANCE AND RESTORATION TIPS” Book
AND Guide to 1978-1987 Buick Grand National, T-Type and GNX - “THE FACTS & FIGURES BOOK - SERIES #II” Book - $30 / 2 book set (Save $7.90)
Here is a link to these books on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7681&submit_button=
ALWAYS LOOKING FOR IDEAS -
If you have any product ideas that would fit our Turbo Buick market that you would like to see available, email me direct - [email protected]
ALWAYS IN A BUYING POSITION FOR TURBO REGAL PARTS -
Got any Turbo Buick parts you are not using? Why not cash them in for parts you need with a Letter of Credit. Simply email me a list - [email protected]. Also, we are still buying dead or partially dead 1984-1987 Turbo Regals under $4,000 that are within 250 to 350 miles of our location.
NOTE - ABOUT LINKS IN THE INNER CIRCLE -
We have heard from a couple people that have had problems with the links in our Inner Circle.
When we check the links, they work fine. However, if you are not able to be directed to the exact website page or internet site, you can "copy" and "paste" the link into the URL in your browser (such as Safari, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, etc.) If it doesn't link in one browser, it may work in another.
Most people having problems are using Internet Explorer… If you are having issues with links, try another browser to see if it works.
You may need to "UPDATE" your browser to be use you are using the current version.
NOTE ABOUT PHOTOS ON THE WEBSITE -
We have heard from a couple people that have viewed the photos on the website. Because these 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.
2015 CALENDAR OF EVENTS -
EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS & MAGNA PRESENTS ALL BUICK POWERED JUDGED CAR SHOW
September 18th and 19th, 2015
Cecil County Dragway, Maryland - Interstate 95 and MD Route 272 (Exit 100)
I plan to be there Saturday only.
Host Hotel - Comfort Inn, phone 410-287-7100
Free Vending
For more information, contact Doug Dougherty 302-653-2201 or John Csordas 914-447-6068 or email - [email protected]
35th Annual GS NATIONALS 2015
October 14-17, 2015
Beech Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, Kentucky
Here is a link to the event on their website:
http://www.gsnationals.com
IN CLOSING - I spotted a Smart car the other day and it had a trailer hitch on it. I can’t imagine the towing capacity the Smart car has to make a hitch worthwhile!
RARE COLORS Continued -
I heard from Jeff Nicola, who owns one of the ultra rare 1987 Turbo-Ts that is black with the WO2 option. If you recall from last week’s Inner Circle, we figure that combination was available for 90 days or less because of the new WE4 Turbo-T.
Making Jeff’s car even more rare is it has a red bench seat interior. As I have said in the past, most black T-Types or Turbo-T buyers would have opted for the grey interior, rather than red or some other color.
Jeff’s father purchased the car new, and they have retained all the paper work. At the time, his father traded in his 1984 T-Type. He was at the dealership looking for a Grand National and saw this car coming in on the car hauler to the dealership. The timing was perfect and the end result is Jeff’s father purchased a Turbo-T that today is quite rare. If you own one of these rare cars, email me [email protected]
In my opinion, any black 1986 or 1987 Turbo Regal with an interior color other than grey would be a fairly rare combination. Depending on what options the car has, it would add to its rarity today. My reasoning for this is quite simple - Most buyers would buy a Grand National if they wanted a black Turbo Regal plus that was the model that garnered all the attention in the magazines.
ONE OF MANY RARE ONES WE OWNED -
One of the many rare cars we owned was a 1987 black Turbo-T that had the tan interior and the chrome package. You don’t see many black ones with a tan interior.
This particular car has an interesting story behind it. The car came out of Georgia. I arranged to meet the seller who was going to go on vacation and was willing to drive the car and meet me somewhere in South Carolina. This was the summer of 1998 or 1999. I contacted Pete Serio, better known as the “Window Rattle Guy” to see if he wanted to come out for a visit and go with me to South Carolina to pick up the Turbo Regal. My plan was to do it the same week as the national BMW convention was being held at the BMW plant in South Carolina. It’s probably the only time a Turbo Regal transferred ownership at a BMW plant. Pete and I drove down and met the seller at the BMW car show.
According to the seller, the car always had a stumble in it when you first would start out. No one could ever figure out why. I had Dave, our mechanic, check the car out and after several hours he pinpointed the issue. The cam sensor was one or two teeth off of where it should be. According to the seller, it was probably like that since the car was brand new.
I sold the car to a local person who was a mechanic at a repair shop in my area. One day at work he was reading one of the books I wrote when his boss saw the name Kirban. It turns out his boss was in the process of buying my parents home!
True story! It’s a small world!
PHOTO 1 - The top left photo shows Pete at one of the Buick events working on adjusting a T-Top. Pete was always busy adjusting windows at the Buick events! The top right photo shows Pete in the background and one of the people I bought Turbo parts from in Ohio. You can clearly see it was winter time! The bottom left photo shows Pete when we took a tour down in South Carolina at the BMW event. The bottom right shows Pete at the BMW plant ready to take delivery of a BMW 507 model. This is one of those cars that fetch a cool million dollars.
CAR SHOWS -
In our immediate area, there is a car show virtually every weekend during July and August. In four different towns they do a yearly show on a Saturday night where they virtually close down the main street through town. They will have on display between 350 and 500 cars of all kinds. It’s a chance to see a wide variety of all kinds of cars and see old friends you probably have not seen since the previous year.
I recently attended the Doylestown event.
PHOTO 2 - The top left photo shows the downstairs bar area in one of the restaurants in Doylestown. The bar is supported by what appears to be a 1938-1939 Oldsmobile that has been cut lengthwise, minus the frame, leaving the front end intact. It’s really neat looking with the headlights on. One of the most unique cars at the show was a1955 Chevrolet sedan. The owner had taken another 1955 Chevrolet and made it a pull along trailer. The top right photo shows both the restored 1955 Chevrolet and the matching trailer. The lower left shows a close up of the matching trailer. The lower right shows another clever idea how the owner has made a brace that secures an umbrella off the rear of the pull along trailer.
PHOTO 3 - The left photo shows a super mint 1957 Chevrolet convertible. What makes this 1957 Chevrolet worth the big money is what lies under the hood - a correct 1957 fuelie setup, which is seen in the photo on the right.
PHOTO 4 - The top left photo shows a close up of one of the upgraded lower steering shafts in a highly-modified Monte Carlo SS. This is the version we sell. The owner says it makes a world of difference over the original rag joint format. The top right photo shows a restored 1915 Excelsior motorcycle that was kept in the same family for many years and recently restored. The bottom left and bottom right photos pertain to a Corvair convertible that was used originally when the owner got married in the early 1960s. They kept the car all these years and restored it to like new again. The newspaper article captures the same photo to match the original one taken at his wedding. A cute story.
COMING NEXT WEEK -
This past weekend I saw what has to be one of the most unique displays of workmanship I have ever seen done on a truck. This owner is a mechanical engineer and what he did over a course of three years and 2500 hours is nothing short of amazing. I have never seen anything like this. He did it using a truck model you seldom ever see restored!
NOTE - I just found out this truck took “Best in Show” against over 350 entries at the event. Watch for photos and the story next week’s Inner Circle.
ON THE NEWS FRONT -
On the news front, Collectible Automobile August issue has a 14-page article on the 1964-67 Buick A-body cars, which includes the very popular GS models.
In all my dealings with selling cars, I have only had one GS Buick and it was a 1970 four speed that needed a full restoration. The only reason I probably bought it was because I had bought the seller’s Turbo Regal and saw it sitting in his other storage bay. Since I bought the Turbo-T, he gave me a good deal on the GS Buick.
INTERESTING THOUGHT ABOUT THE G-BODY CARS -
Here is an interesting thought about the G- body cars you may not realize. Between the years 1984 and 1988, Oldsmobile had the 442 and Hurst models. Chevrolet produced the Monte Carlo SS models and the Aerocoupes. Buick, of course, had the GNX, Grand Nationals, T-Types, and Turbo-Ts. Pontiac really lagged behind only coming out with a 2+2 model, which today, garners hardly any interest at all.
From what I read, when the Pontiac 2+2 was new, some had to be sold at a GM factory auction to sell them! It seems Pontiac neglected making any performance enhanced vehicles on their G-body platform. Buick, as we all know, captures the most value and had the most variety of models of all the G-body models.
CHRYSLER BOATS UPDATE -
We heard from several members that remember Chrysler boats. The brand was not a well-known boat brand.
WHEN TASTES RUN THE SAME -
I thought about this last week as I took my granddaughter, Devyn to the movies. Now that she is 16, it’s different than when she was a little child. We can now both enjoy the same movie. When she was younger, we would go to movies that she would understand and enjoy and not give her nightmares.
For example, now she loves the “Fast and Furious” movies. Some of the comedy and drama movies she enjoys now, I also like.
It reminded me of many years ago when I was around 13 or 14 years old I would listen to rock and roll and doo wop music, which was huge in Philadelphia. Back then it was just am radio and the big radio station was WIBG. At night you could also get WABC out of New York.
During those teenage years, in the summer I would run an inserting machine for my Dad in his building. Me and another local kid would run two inserting machines for 8 hours. Inserting machines are a huge machine that would put 6 or more paper inserts in a standard size #10 envelope and seal it. We would do mailings of 25,000 or more at a time. These machines worked using small suction cups that would pick up each insert and send it down a conveyor belt and put it in an envelope.
My Dad had several major advertising accounts, mostly with insurance companies and savings and loan banks. Back in the 1960s, this was how much of the advertising was done by various companies. The term “junk mail” was usually what it was called.
At the time, my parents were in their mid-thirties and our tastes in music, for at least those two summers, were the same.
Our taste in music would not be the same again until my parents were in their late 70s and early 80s. Once again we enjoyed the doo wop songs and early rock and roll.
MINI CONTEST - GUESS WHAT PART WE ARE HAVING MADE -
We have decided to continue this contest until this Saturday August 1st 9 pm eastern time. The reason is to give readers more time plus I should have actually have parts to show in next week’s Inner Circle. So far no one has submitted the correct answer! We did have a few people come pretty close.
We will award the first three correct answers that come direct to my email - [email protected]
The three winners will get the actual item (when it’s available) and one of our new LED dome lights, part #7661, for their car.
The new deadline is this Saturday, August 1st, 9 pm eastern time.
You can only submit 3 guesses. Your email must include your full name and phone number so I can contact the winners.
Here are the clues: The part we are getting made consists of three separate parts. It will retail for under $20. The part attaches to an option that was offered on all 1984 through 1987 Turbo Regals.
Be sure to follow rules exactly to be eligible.
1987 BUICK GRAND NATIONAL - FOR SALE -
This 1987 Grand National was one of the 300+ cars we’ve sold, and it has only been driven about 5,000 miles in the last 10 years of ownership.
The car has less than 29,000 miles. It is a hardtop model. We will have more exact information and photos in next week’s Inner Circle. The car will be at our location until we can sell it for the owner. The car has several nice upgrades, including new Bilstein shocks and one of our custom trunk kits. The car is one of the few that has been autographed by Molly.
The price is $22,900. This car has not been advertised anywhere else.
CAR FOR SALE - 1987 BUICK GRAND NATIONAL - CFS028
If you are looking for a low-mileage Grand National, here is one available from one of our New York customers with a mere 6,100 miles. Car includes several extras. See information below.
A beautiful example of a very low-mileage 1987 Buick Grand National.
This T-Tops vehicle has only 6,100 miles, shines like a mirror and is original.
Both original Grand National wheels and tires with 3,500 miles (original air) and new GNX-style wheels and tires with 2,600 miles on them are included, all excellent.
Awesome exhaust sound is through a full SS low-restriction system.
The car has always been garaged and never driven in the rain.
The interior is clean and original. This is one of the few with this mileage for sale at $35,000.
There are more photos available to interested buyers upon request. Contact Dave direct for additional photos or for more information.
Dave Johnson
Cicero, New York
315-436-1520
[email protected]
PRICE - $35,000
CLOSE OUT ITEMS -
We are discontinuing the “Black Air: The Buick Grand National Documentary” 24” x 36” Poster, part #7466. However, we will continue to offer the Black Air DVD, part #7465. We have just 3 of the posters left. The price is $21.95, which includes free shipping. You must call our office 215-766-1611 x 0 to order this part! I think we have 2 left!
We also discontinued part #7594, the Aftermarket Idler Arm Assembly that fits all 1978-1987 Buick Regals, including the Turbo models. We have just one left. You must call our office 215-766-1611 x 0 to order this last one. THE NEW LOWER PRICE $29.95 which includes free shipping.
We are also discontinuing the Multi-Function Jump Starter Model SBN T6, part #7629. The reason is there is so much competition featuring the same module housing that we just will focus on the smaller one, which we can sell for less money. I believe we have 5 units left in stock. The price is $79.95 with free UPS shipping to the basic 48 states.
Here is a link to this starter on our website :
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44205/MULTI-FUNCTION+JUMP+STARTER+-+MODEL+SBN+T6+%237629.html
We still carry the smaller one, part #7640, Mult-function MINI Jump Starter, Model U3-M - Jump Starting / Digital Products / LED Lighting - $74.95.
Here is a link to the MINI Starter on our webite:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44248/MULTI+FUNCTION+MINI+BATTERY+JUMP+STARTER++MODEL+U+3M+Jump+Starting++Digital+Products++LED+Lighting+%237640.html
We still have several reproduction state inspections stickers left. The price is $6 each with free USPS mailing or any 2 for $10 with free USPS mailing. See the below listing.
4 New Jersey 1986 stickers
1 New Jersey 1987 sticker
1 Massachusetts 1986 inspection sticker
1 New York 1986 inspection sticker
2 Ohio 1986 inspection stickers
2 Pennsylvania 1986 inspection stickers.
We have a set of the reproduction GM-style front bumper fillers (2), part #7438. Normally the price is $179.95 plus shipping. We have one set where the one side has about a ¼ inch cut in it that is not visible, even if you were to see a photo. This set has never been used. The price is $149.95 plus shipping. You must call our office to buy this particular set.
On any of these close-out items, you must call the office during normal business hours to purchase what you want - 215-766-1611 x 0
REFURBISHED UPGRADED USED LOWER STEERING SHAFTS -
As you read this, I have just 1 left of the refurbished upgraded used lower steering shafts now in stock, part #7572. Email me - [email protected] - if you want one from this batch.
Here is a link to this shaft on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44150/UPGRADED+REFURBISHED+USED+LOWER+STEERING+SHAFT+%237574.html
CORES NEEDED -
We have an urgent need for powermaster cores, steering wheel cores, and turbo cores.
Here is the information on our credits for cores.
POWERMASTER CORES must be complete with brake bowl and brake switch. You get $100 Letter of Credit or we will trade our complete headlight kit #7530 a $129.95 value for each acceptable core. Powermaster units must be nice and not look like they been in a river for the last 10 years.
TURBO CORES must be the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal stock ones. They must be complete. We will issue you a $100 Letter of Credit for each acceptable core. WE HAVE AN URGENT NEED FOR THESE.
If you ship to us, the post office is the cheapest method. Pack the item(s) with a note with your name, address and phone number
MAIL - Ship to Address -
ATTN DENNIS
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
PO BOX 1199
PLUMSTEADSVILLE, PA 18949-1199
TECH CALLS -
Because our busy season is starting, 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.
ORIGINAL GM AC DELCO HEATER WATER VALVE -
Our supplier was able to locate a few more of these original brand new AC Delco heater water valves. You must call our office to order one - 215-766-1611 x 0. The price is $60 plus shipping. It appears this AC Delco heater water valve will be discontinued from GM and AC Delco. It doesn’t appear that we will be getting any more of theses. We were able to get a few more and now have 6 of them!
VEHICLES FOR SALE -
From time to time, whenever we spot an unusual or an exceptional car or truck for sale, or one we have for sale, we will put a blurb in our weekly Inner Circle. Also any cars that our customers have for sale will be featured here and you can see their car with photos on our website. In this category we will run the descriptions for two to three weeks and, if there is no interest in that particular vehicle, it will be deleted the following week. Any new vehicles that we add will appear first, so the oldest listing would be at the end of this section.
If any of these vehicles perk your interest, email me personally - [email protected] - for more information and photos.
TIPS AND IDEAS YOU HAVE TRIED -
If you have a tip or a discovery that you found that works on your Turbo Regal, drop us an email giving us the details so we can pass the info on to our readers. Remember, even with my knowledge, I don’t know it all. Simply email me at - [email protected]
NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -
1978-1987 Buick V6 (including Turbo Regal) -
TIMING COVER GASKETS AND SEALS (7) KIT
This is the complete timing chain gasket kit for the original timing chain cover.
The original front seal from GM was a rope seal, which is subject to leakage.
This front seal included in this kit is a one-piece neoprene seal. Turbo applications need this better designed front seal because of the tremendous pressures the turbo engine builds up internally under boost.
This Timing Chain Gasket Kit consists of these 7 parts:
Front Oil Pan Gasket
Oil Pump Cover Gasket
Timing Cover Gasket
Timing Cover Seal
Fuel Pump Mounting Support Gasket
Water Pump Mounting Support Gasket
O-ring
NOTE - You may also be interested in these related parts - #6548 Neoprene Rear Main Seal, #6771 Cork Oil Pan Gasket, #7437 Reproduction Timing Chain Cover with New Timing Tab, #7500 Molded Rubber Oil Pan Gasket, #7683 CLOYES Street True Roller Timing Chain/Gear Set.
NOTE - We recommend these gaskets be installed by a qualified mechanic.
Another great under-the-hood restoration kit.
7683 - 1978-1987 Buick V6 (including Turbo Regal Models) - Timing Cover Gaskets and Seals (7) Kit - $13.95
Here is a link to this Timing Cover Gaskets and Seals Kit on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44261/TIMING+COVER+GASKETS+AND+SEALS+%287%29+KIT+%237683.html
1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Late-Model RADIO PLUG-IN HARNESS KIT
By using this custom harness, it allows you to plug your existing 1984-1987 Turbo Regal radio harness and antenna lead into this harness, which plugs into the later radios.
This eliminates cutting any of the factory wires. It allows the 12-pin harness to adapt to the 21-pin harness in the later AC Delco radios.
If you have a power antenna option, it will still work.
The harness and antenna lead can be seen in the photo. The big plug to the left is what the stock 3-part harness plugs into.
This is the same harness we have put with every late-model AC Delco CD player we have sold over the years.
7065 - 1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal - Late-Model Radio Plug-in Harness Kit - $19.95 / kit
21-Pin to 12-Pin Harness with Antenna Lead and Antenna Lead Adapter
Here is a link to this Radio Harness on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/89/RADIO+PLUG-IN+HARNESS+KIT+12+PIN+to+21+PIN+%237065.html
“THE POWER PAC BUICK - PERFORMANCE AND RESTORATION TIPS” Book
and Guide to 1978-1987 Buick Grand National, T-Type and GNX “THE FACTS & FIGURES BOOK - SERIES #II” Book
“The Power Pac Buick Performance and Restoration Tips” book by Steven L. Dove covers the popular Buick Turbo Regals; Grand Nationals, T-Types, Turbo-Ts, and GNXs. It was published in 1998.
The book measures 6" x 9", has 230 pages and includes eight chapters of information. One chapter highlights all the major players with fast Turbo Regals from Marka Gallina to Kenny Duttweiler. Another chapter covers transmission upgrades by Art Carr. That same chapter includes tidbits on getting your turbo car to run in the 11’s and 12’s.
A later chapter covers restoration and care of your Turbo Regal. There is a tech talk section with John Craig on turbo upgrades and a chapter on suspension and brake upgrades. Another chapter deals with all the specifications with quick data information covering all Turbo Regals from 1982 through 1987, including the GNX.
The “Guide to 1978-1987 Buick Grand National, T-Type and GNX - FACTS & FIGURES BOOK - SERIES #II” covers the history of the Buick Regal from 1978 through 1987. It has many pictures and shows actual Service Bulletins covering the Turbo Regals from GM. Very informative with many pictures and illustrations. It measures 6" x 9" and has 260+ pages, and was published in 1992.
These are great additions to your Buick library of information.
NOTE - We recently acquired a limited supply of these two books from the 1990s. Once our stock is sold, there are no more. Order now, while supplies last.
Here are the 3 options for these books.
6791 - “THE POWER PAC BUICK - PERFORMANCE AND RESTORATION TIPS” Book by Steven L. Dove - $18.95
6618 - “Guide to 1978-1987 Buick Grand National, T-Type and GNX - FACTS & FIGURES - SERIES #II” Book by Steven L. Dove - $18.95
7681 - “THE POWER PAC BUICK - PERFORMANCE AND RESTORATION TIPS” Book
AND Guide to 1978-1987 Buick Grand National, T-Type and GNX - “THE FACTS & FIGURES BOOK - SERIES #II” Book - $30 / 2 book set (Save $7.90)
Here is a link to these books on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7681&submit_button=
ALWAYS LOOKING FOR IDEAS -
If you have any product ideas that would fit our Turbo Buick market that you would like to see available, email me direct - [email protected]
ALWAYS IN A BUYING POSITION FOR TURBO REGAL PARTS -
Got any Turbo Buick parts you are not using? Why not cash them in for parts you need with a Letter of Credit. Simply email me a list - [email protected]. Also, we are still buying dead or partially dead 1984-1987 Turbo Regals under $4,000 that are within 250 to 350 miles of our location.
NOTE - ABOUT LINKS IN THE INNER CIRCLE -
We have heard from a couple people that have had problems with the links in our Inner Circle.
When we check the links, they work fine. However, if you are not able to be directed to the exact website page or internet site, you can "copy" and "paste" the link into the URL in your browser (such as Safari, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, etc.) If it doesn't link in one browser, it may work in another.
Most people having problems are using Internet Explorer… If you are having issues with links, try another browser to see if it works.
You may need to "UPDATE" your browser to be use you are using the current version.
NOTE ABOUT PHOTOS ON THE WEBSITE -
We have heard from a couple people that have viewed the photos on the website. Because these 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.
2015 CALENDAR OF EVENTS -
EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS & MAGNA PRESENTS ALL BUICK POWERED JUDGED CAR SHOW
September 18th and 19th, 2015
Cecil County Dragway, Maryland - Interstate 95 and MD Route 272 (Exit 100)
I plan to be there Saturday only.
Host Hotel - Comfort Inn, phone 410-287-7100
Free Vending
For more information, contact Doug Dougherty 302-653-2201 or John Csordas 914-447-6068 or email - [email protected]
35th Annual GS NATIONALS 2015
October 14-17, 2015
Beech Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, Kentucky
Here is a link to the event on their website:
http://www.gsnationals.com
IN CLOSING - I spotted a Smart car the other day and it had a trailer hitch on it. I can’t imagine the towing capacity the Smart car has to make a hitch worthwhile!