08-02-2017 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 08-02-2017 -

1984-1987 BUICK TURBO REGAL-UNDER-THE-HOOD STAINLESS STEEL BUTTON HEAD BOLTS, SCREWS AND WASHERS (110) SET -

Earlier this year at the Turbo Buick Nationals we met up with a person who has put together a stainless steel button head bolt and screw set. Through his job, he was even able to get the screws in this set custom made into button head screws. Screws are used for the various ground connections under the hood of these cars. Until recently he did not wholesale the set to other vendors.

It’s an excellent upgrade to replace 30-year old GM hardware that probably does not look that great in the engine compartment. See the New Parts section for more detailed information.

PHOTO 1 - We show the basic kit and directions. The kit contains 110 stainless pieces in total. Each individual bag in the set is identified, so you know exactly where each bolt and screw goes. These are currently in stock.

Here is a link to the bolts and washers set on our website.



1987 GRAND NATIONAL FOR SALE -

I am representing this 1987 Grand National for sale for the owner who resides in Florida. This car is at the top of the value chain and is, without any doubt, one of the best. It has been in the same family since it was new. The original owner bought it when he was single. Soon after, with a growing family, it became evident the Grand National was not a practical car, so he sold to his brother who I have known for probably 20 years. His brother recently passed away and that is why the car is back down in Florida.

It has been made better than new. When I say better than new, it is mainly due to the fact it has had a very high-dollar repaint applied and everything has been freshened up.

I knew the brother that passed away quite well, since he was heavily involved with GTOs and even wrote a very detailed book on GTOs that is still sold today. He also had a GTO and was a very meticulous individual. His name was Eric White. The book he wrote years ago was titled, “GTOAA of America Pontiac GTO, GT-37 Illustrated Identification Guide.”

I will give a copy of Eric’s GTO identification book to whoever buys this pristine Grand National. Eric was very well known in the GTO world at the national level. I would see him every year at the National events during the 1990s. As a matter of fact, we discussed his new book and what he needed it to say since he was using GM logos, etc.

The Grand National is now in his brother’s hand, Kirk White, in Florida. They have every single document with this car since it was new. Plus, they even have the original Window Sticker. They also have every single repair receipt. Over $10,000 was spent on the repaint and to freshening up this car.

It still smells new! A smell that no company as of yet has ever duplicated. If they did, Corvette owners would line up to buy it!

The Grand National has almost every single option. The actual mileage is under 23,000 original miles. The car is 99% stock with the one exception being an aftermarket alarm system.

It has the stock powermaster brake system with the upgraded Cardone brake bowl. The car has used seat covers, which have protected the original seats. According to Kirk, he doesn’t believe anyone has ever sat in the back seat of this car.

This is a Kirban-quality car based in my numerous emails with Kirk and the fact I knew his brother from our mutual GTO connection for many years.

The price is $33,900. Keep in mind, receipts come with the car and the repaint totaled over 12 grand. The repaint was only done because the car had such a poor paint job from the factory as many of them did.

PHOTO 2 - We show four various photos of this extremely well preserved 1987 Grand National hardtop with a mere 22,800 actual miles. If you desire one of the best, this car is a top candidate. For more info, email me direct - [email protected]



ALFRED “TREY” CREASE III MEMORIAL DINNER -

We have worked out a date and location with Mike to host a Memorial dinner in honor of the passing of Alfred “Trey” Crease III. This is a time for his local friends to get together and share stories about Trey and remember the good times.

The date is Saturday, August 12th at 6:30 pm at the Quakertown Family Restaurant located at 25 N West End Blvd, Quakertown, PA. The restaurant is about half a block north on 309 of the intersection of 313 and 309 on the right side. They have a section of the restaurant that can hold about 20 people away from the main dining area. I have it reserved for this event.

If you plan to attend, please email me direct, so I have an accurate head count. My email is [email protected]

If you can’t attend and have a memory of Trey you wish to share, email me your story and I would read it at the dinner that night.

It is somewhat ironic, but in the last batch of Turbo Regal parts I bought the other week, there was one single “Turbo Buick Newsletter - The Source.” It was the Jan/Feb issue 2001. In that issue was a Product Review on the “Reproduction GNX Rear Suspension” written by Trey Crease and Daryl Riegel. Trey also wrote another article in this issue, “Richard Clark’s 1987 Buick Regal GNX #313.” In the same issue were pictures of Trey Crease’s Open House at my old shop where Richard Clark installed his new reproduction GNX suspension on Trey’s car. It’s hard to believe that was over 15 years ago.

PHOTO 3 - Shows the two-page article Trey Crease wrote about Richard Clark’s GNX 313.



2017 ZL1 CAMARO BANNER -

As we mentioned last week, we have the 2017 Camaro ZL1 banner. It is a vertical design and measures 3 foot by 5 foot. This banner is extremely rare and in mint condition. See the Rare Parts section for details and prices.

PHOTO 4 - Shows the black and silver ZL1 Camaro banner. If you have a friend with one of these rare cars be sure to tell him.



THE MOVIE “DUNKIRK” -

I took my brother-in-law this past weekend to see the movie “Dunkirk.” I highly recommend it. Very little dialog and, although it’s a war picture, very little bloodshed is shone. It was a story that I was not aware of from World War 2. I had heard of Dunkirk, but not the circumstances surrounding it.

The music score and scenery was top notch. This movie will be up for awards!



UPDATE ON ULTRA RARE CARLISLE GNX BANNER -

I have just a handful of these GNX Carlisle banners left. As an Inner Circle member, you get first look at our rare items, and this GNX banner is definitely rare. I don’t know of any other source that has these for sale. NOTE - See photo 2 in 7-19-2017 Inner Circle to view what the GNX banner looks like.



CAR FOR SALE - 1987 BUICK GRAND NATIONAL -

1987 Grand National - exceptional condition, 30 k miles, t-tops.

It has all the options I am aware of. Car is most original with upgrades that address original design shortcomings; Monte Carlo brake system, original and up-sized wheel and tire sets, under body detailed, upgraded suspension bushings, GNX Speedometer, performance mufflers, rerouted vacuum lines, shift kit, and lowered. The stance, tire package, sound, and t-tops get the car noticed.

You won’t find a cleaner interior, underbody, motor compartment, trunk, and t-top set.

I have owned this car for 10 years. It ALWAYS starts first or second turn over out of storage.

I have not had a drive train failure requiring repair.

Don’t need to sell, but I don’t get it out enough and would like someone who is more enthusiastic to have it.

810-441-6121

Located in Flushing, Michigan

$25,000 firm - Chris - 810-441-6121

Here is a link to this Grand National for Sale on our website.



UPDATE ON THE NEW REPRODUCTION STOCK ALUMINUM RADIATORS -

The upgraded Aluminum Radiator, part #7457, is now available. You can either order on the website or call our office (215-766-7611 x 0) to be assured of getting one from this shipment. A great value over the original 30-year-old radiator, plus it’s a weight savings. Seems the hotter the weather, the more popular these radiators have become!

Here is a link to this radiator on our website.



NOTE - IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO SEE THE RARE PARTS SECTION -

If you are not able to see the Rare Parts section at the end of this Inner Circle, it is because you are not an Inner Circle member, but instead are reading this on the website. You must subscribe to see the Rare Parts section each week. It would go directly to your inbox every Wednesday afternoon. It is FREE, probably one reason why nobody complains about what I write about.

Simply email - [email protected] - to get on our weekly Inner Circle email.



VALVE COVER DESK TOP LAMP UPDATE -

We have several Turbo Regal Valve Cover Desk Top lamps in stock. Email me if you are interested in purchasing any of these lamps - [email protected]



URGENT NEED FOR CORRECT STEERING WHEEL CORES -

We have an urgent need for correct 1986-1987 Turbo Regal steering wheel cores that are not bent. They can have minor rust on the spokes but cannot be pitted. If you owe us a steering wheel core, please send it in to get your core deposit back.

In order to continue this service, we have had to raise the core price. Without cores, owners can’t get a redone leather-wrapped steering wheel. Help us continue this needed service. We now issue a Letter of Credit for $100, if you have a correct 1986-1987 Turbo Regal steering wheel core.



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]



TIP FROM KIRBAN -

Remember, some upgrades do not hurt the value of your Turbo Regal. If no wires get cut, upgrading your radio to a later GM radio with the CD option is the perfect upgrade.


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]



UPCOMING RELATED CAR SHOW EVENTS FOR 2017 -



21ST EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS -
SEPTEMBER 15th-16th, 2017
Cecil County Dragway in Cecil, Maryland

This is a very well attended event. Once again, we plan to be there as a vendor. It is the same weekend as the annual GS Nationals held in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

NOTE - We will be there the afternoon of the 15th and just in the morning of the 16th. I have to get back home as my wife’s 50th High School Reunion is that night! We will be set up as a vendor at the East Coast Buick Regionals. We will be accepting cores and interesting trades as usual.

For more up to date information go to their website - www.magnabuick.com



37th ANNUAL GS NATIONALS -
SEPTEMBER 13-16, 2017
Beech Bend Race Park, Bowling Green, Kentucky

For more details, go to their website or go to turbobuick.com and scroll down to the event section.



CORES NEEDED -

Here is the information on our credits for cores.

URGENT NEED - Powermaster brake units. The must be complete. We will issue you a letter of credit for $125 for each acceptable core. Currently we will also buy them outright.

URGENT NEED - 1986-1987 Turbo Regal steering wheels. They must not be bent or rusted. We will issue a $75 Letter of Credit for each acceptable core.

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

If you ship to us, the post office is the cheapest method. Pack the item(s) with a note with your name, address and phone number.

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

UPS - Ship to Address -
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
6201 Kellers Church Road
PLUMSTEADVILLE, PA 18949-1199



TECH CALLS -

If you need technical information, it’s best to email - [email protected] rather than call us. We will do our best to answer any technical questions within 24 hours. Please remember I have very little knowledge of the mechanical workings of the engine.



NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -

1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
UNDER-THE-HOOD STAINLESS STEEL BUTTON HEAD BOLTS, SCREWS & WASHERS (110) SET

Here is an easy method to dress up the engine bay area under the hood by replacing the factory hardware bolts with a new button head stainless set.

Developed by a fellow Turbo Regal owner several years ago, we are able to make this set available to our customers.

Each set comes with easy-to-follow directions. Each piece in the set of hardware is clearly marked, so you can simply remove and install each bolt one at a time. We suggest you replace one piece at a time, and put the original hardware in the same marked bag for future reference.

The set includes -
Bag 1A & 1 - A set of bolts and screws that secure the fenders to the inner fenders.
Bag 2 - The set of bolts that secure the radiator top plate support to the radiator.
Bag 3 - The battery hold-down bolt.
Bag 4 - The core support plate bolts.
Bag 5 - The hood latch at the core support bolts.
Bag 6 - The hood latch on the hood bolts.
Bag 7 - The hood shock at the hood bolts.
Bag 8 - The hood hinges, top and bottom bolts.
Bag 9 - The inner fender ground screws.
Bag 10 - The header panel bolts.
Bag 11 - The bolts to secure the turbo shield to the turbo for the 1986 and 1987 Turbo Regals. If you own a 1984 or 1985 Turbo Regal, these bolts would not be used.

There is a total of 110 button head bolts, screws, and washers in this set - 54 button head stainless screws/bolts and 56 stainless washers.

The stainless steel washers in this set are two different sizes, so when they are installed correctly, they stay centered on the bolt. This makes a nice, even appearance.

Our photo shows the complete set and the directions that show where most of them go under the hood.

Excellent upgrade to replace rusty bolts for any under-the-hood restoration.

7805 - 1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal - Under-the-Hood Stainless Steel Button Head Bolts, Screws & Washers (110) Set - $67.95

Here is a link to the bolts and washers set on our website.



1984-1987 Regal (All models Including Turbo Regal) -
Drop-In Flush-mounted PIONEER AM/FM CD, AUX, MP3 player
complete with Harness and GM Flush Mount Kit

Some Turbo Regal owners may want to upgrade their radio to any of the various aftermarket radios available today.

One of our long-time customers, who owns a Turbo Regal, operates a mobile radio shop. He has made up this special kit using a brand new Pioneer DEH-150MP radio. He then pre-wires it to a special harness that will plug into the original Regal radio harness, so none of the factory wires get cut and spliced.

This Pioneer radio comes with full instructions and a remote. You must re-use the original factory brackets that attaches to the sides of the mounting bezel. The main photo shows the factory Regal brackets on the Pioneer radio. The radio does NOT come with those brackets. That photo shows the original radio brackets that you need to re-use from your stock radio to make this new mounting kit fit flush in the radio bezel opening. We do NOT include these brackets.

You simply attach the original radio brackets to the side of the kit. It comes with the proper hardware to secure the factory brackets to the outer radio bezel.

You can also buy the GM Flush Mount Kit by itself, part #7802. Then you can buy any aftermarket radio and use that mounting kit to have a flush mounted radio in your Regal. Most mounting kits do not use the factory brackets nor does it allow the radio to sit flush in the dash opening.

Another excellent replacement for any interior restoration.

7803 - 1984-1987 Regal (All models including Turbo Regal) -
Drop-In Flush Mounted Pioneer AM/FM CD, AUX, MP3 player, complete with Harness and GM Flush Mount Kit - $229.95

Here is the link to this radio kit on our website.



1984-1987 Buick Regal (All models including Turbo Regal) -
RUBBER STOPPERS (13) SET

Over time, these small detail rubber stoppers can be missing, become hard, or broken. A careless repaint can also create overspray on the stoppers on the doors.

Just like original 30-year-old tires that become hard, so can these critical rubber stoppers, which makes them useless.

Although a minor part, these stoppers help keep the car rattle free, especially the 2 on the trunk lid. Once these are adjusted properly, the trunk lid will not rattle.

This set includes a total of 13 pieces - 5 under-the-hood stoppers, 4 for the door jamb area, 2 for the trunk lid, and 2 for the gas door.

Each set includes:
3 Round stoppers. These are the critical stoppers for under the hood. In most cases due to engine heat, these have become hard and are no longer pliable.
2 Stoppers for the fender-to-hood lip.
4 Stoppers for the door jamb area. A sloppy paint job can leave overspray on the 4 located on the door jambs.
2 Trunk lid stoppers so you can adjust the trunk lid to seat correctly. The originals may be missing or broken.
2 Stoppers for the gas door.

Even the rubber stoppers under the hood of my personal car were rock hard and needed to be replaced!

Unfortunately, the company we get these from does not offer a complete correct set for our cars. I have to include some from another source to make this set correct for the 1984-1987 Regal models.

Excellent replacement stoppers for any interior and exterior restoration.

7804 - 1984-1987 Buick Regal (All models including Turbo Regal) - Rubber Stoppers (13) Set

Here is the link for these stoppers on our website.



1984-1987 Buick Regal (Including Turbo Regal) -
GM FLUSH MOUNT KIT FOR AFTERMARKET RADIO

Some Turbo Regal owners may want to upgrade their radio to any of the various aftermarket radios available today.

Most of the radio mounting kits sold today for doing an aftermarket radio installation do not allow the radio to sit back in the factory bezel.

The end result is it looks tacky. This special mounting kit uses the factory radio side brackets which attach to the side of this mounting kit.

By using this method it allows any aftermarket radio/CD, etc. player to sit flush with the factory radio bezel. As the one photo shows it accepts two different size radio units, which will work with most Pioneer units as well as many of the other aftermarket brands.

You must have the factory brackets, which we show in the lower center photo. Those brackets do NOT come with the new kit. 

This kit was made possible by one of our Turbo Regal customers who is in the radio installation business and has it in his personal Turbo-T.

See part #7803 if you want to purchase a complete Pioneer radio with the mounting kit included. That part number also shows you how it will look once installed in a Turbo Regal.

Photo on the top left shows all the pieces included in this kit.

Photo on the lower left shows the insert installed into the main housing, which you may use depending on the size of the radio you are installing.

Photo on the lower center shows the original radio brackets that you need to re-use from your stock radio to make this new mounting kit fit flush in the radio bezel opening. We do NOT include these brackets.

Photo on the right photo shows this kit installed on a Pioneer radio/CD player, so it sits flush in the radio bezel opening.

NOTE - You may also be interested in this related part - #7789 Reproduction 4″x 10″REAR SPEAKERS (2) SET

Another excellent replacement for any interior restoration.

7802 - 1984-1987 Buick Regal (including Turbo Regal) - 
GM Flush Mount Kit for Aftermarket Radio - $21.95

Here is a link to this kit on our website:



1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
SPEEDOMETER CABLE GROMMET
REPRODUCTION ALUMINUM BRACKET

Over time, the original speedometer cable grommet bracket can break, since it’s only plastic. This reproduction bracket is made in aluminum, so it will last.

It is the only part that holds the grommet in place on the firewall to secure the speedometer cable.

I do not know if cars with the digital dash had this bracket or not. Regular Regals did not use this bracket, from what I can determine. I am also not aware if the 1984 and 1985 Turbo Regals used it. It can be difficult to see because it’s somewhat hidden by the harness behind the engine, which is also held in place with a metal bracket.

I have no idea why Buick used a plastic bracket secured by two 7mm screws for this connection. Check this bracket on your car. There’s probably a good chance it is broken.

NOTE - You can paint this bracket semi-gloss black or satin black to match the original bracket.
Another excellent replacement for any engine restoration.

7801 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal - Speedometer Cable Grommet Reproduction Aluminum Bracket - $12.95

Here is a link to this aluminum bracket on our website:



ALWAYS LOOKING FOR IDEAS -

If you have any product ideas that would fit our Turbo Buick market that you would like to see available, email me direct - [email protected]



ALWAYS IN A BUYING POSITION FOR TURBO REGAL PARTS -

Got any Turbo Buick parts you are not using? Why not cash them in for parts you need with a Letter of Credit. Simply email me a list - [email protected]. Also, we are still buying dead or partially dead 1984-1987 Turbo Regals under $4,000 that are within 250 to 350 miles of our location.



NOTE - ABOUT LINKS IN THE INNER CIRCLE -

We have heard from a couple people that have had problems with the links in our Inner Circle.

When we check the links, they work fine. However, if you are not able to be directed to the exact website page or internet site, you can "copy" and "paste" the link into the URL in your browser (such as Safari, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, etc.) If it doesn't link in one browser, it may work in another.

Most people having problems are using Internet Explorer. If you are having issues with links, try another browser to see if it works.

You may need to "UPDATE" your browser to be use you are using the current version.



NOTE ABOUT PHOTOS ON THE WEBSITE -

We have heard from a couple people that have viewed the photos on the website. Because these must be low-resolution photos to work on the Inner Circle segments on the website, any photos of text don't appear clear when enlarged. This is a problem when you are trying to see numbers, such as those on the VIN labels or pages from Options booklet. Also, because of photo reproduction and computer screen variations, the colors may not be true to the actual product or photo.

If you would like to have us email you any photo at the higher resolution for viewing, just email us and we will email them to you. Be sure to be specific on which pictures you want to see - Reference Inner Circle date and photo number 1, 2, 3 or 4 - [email protected]



ABOUT OUR EMAILS -

Any inquiries concerning used parts, you must email me direct - [email protected] - I will answer you. However, if I fail to answer you within 24 hours, please email us again. Since expanding into used parts, I get a lot of emails and sometimes I may forget your request or may not remember who requested the item.



IN CLOSING -

We have several new projects in the works. The one project is almost ready and will be something you can personalize and hang in your garage. It will feature a Buick part and will be LED lit.

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