08-05-2015 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 08-05-2015

AUGUST CARTOON -

PHOTO 1 - Our first photo is this month’s “Adventures of Tommy Turbo” cartoon. The caption reads, “I HEAR THEY HAVE THE LATEST SPRAY EQUIPMENT MONEY CAN BUY!”

This is the last cartoon of this series.


MINI CONTEST - GUESS WHAT PART WE ARE HAVING MADE -

Our mini contest produced no winners!

We had some guesses that were close, but nobody guessed it correctly.

We made the three aluminum inserts for the cassette buttons for one of the stock radio options on all the 1984 through 1987 Turbo Regals.

The same basic radio was also offered in the Oldsmobile Cutlass and the later Monte Carlo SS models. The Monte Carlo models, including the SS models, did not use this style radio until the model year 1986. It seems strange that Chevrolet would lag behind on the newer radio models that Buick and Oldsmobile had been using for several years. Prior to this they used the older GM style that had a volume knob on the left side and a tuner knob on the far right side.

I am not sure what style radio Pontiac used on their 1984-1987 G-body Grand Prix’s, since I seldom ever see any. Not a huge project, but one of those small finishing touches that can make your radio look like new again. In many cases, the wording may be worn off the center button or some of the aluminum inserts can be completely missing.

The AM-FM stereo with Seek and Scan, Cassette, and Clock is the version most of you probably have in your 1984-1987 Turbo Regal. In 1987, of the 5 possible radio versions, this was the fourth one listed. Only the 5th version was more expensive because it had the EQ feature.

All the 1984-1987 Turbo Regals have a glossy black face, which would closely match the dash inlays around the instrument cluster. We plan to cover a lot more about the various radios in upcoming issues.

Watch for more information next week about original radios in Buick Turbo Regals.



PHOTO 2 - We show our part #7684, Radio/Cassette Buttons Reproduction Aluminum ID Inserts (3) Set on the left and an actual radio with arrows indicating where these inserts affix to the buttons. See the New Products section for more details. These are very reasonably priced at $8.95 for the set of 3. This was one project that went from idea to finished parts in less than 3 weeks!



RARE COLORS Continued -

We heard this week again from Jeff Nicola, owner of one of the rare early production 1987 black Turbo-Ts with the WO2 option.

Jeff’s car has a built date of August of 1986. They bought it in September of 1986. It would be tough to figure it out, but it is likely their black 1987 Turbo-T with the WO2 option is very close to the beginning of the 1987 production run.

With the burgundy bench seat interior, it could be one of just a handful produced. Having the original Window Sticker adds a great deal to the value.

We also heard from Greg Hansen who also bought one of these cars brand new. He cloned it into a Grand National, adding a rear spoiler, powder coating the bumpers and taking off the header panel ornament. At the time, Greg did not realize the rarity of his 1987 Turbo-T.



1987 GRAND NATIONAL FOR SALE -

This 1987 Grand National is one we sold back in 2003. At that time the Grand National had 24,000 miles on it. I now have the car back at our location and selling it for the current owner. It has 28,000 miles on it, and it is one of the cars signed by Molly on the trunk ID label. The car is a hardtop. Options include, tilt, cruise, delay wipers, AM/FM cassette, power antenna, power locks, posi rear, analog dash, body side molding, and power trunk release. This is quite unique - it has crank windows!

The car is extremely tight and rattle free. The doors shut like they did in 1987. The car was garage kept all these years and is dry underneath. The car was never smoked in. The AC blows cold, the power antenna works, and the headliner has been redone.

Car comes with all the glove box booklets, including the Owner’s Manual. A car cover is also included. The car has brand new Bilstein shocks on it.

The car has several old school upgrades, which include a finned aluminum transmission pan, a finned rear end cover, the complete Kodiak West dress-up kit under the hood, a transmission cooler, embroidered head rests, and a complete embroidered trunk kit. The Kodiak West kit is comprised of a polished aluminum turbo shield, special caps for the power steering, oil, radiator overflow cap, transmission, and oil dip sticks. This engine dress-up kit was over $350 back in 1989.

The car also has a set of the rare Buick Motorsport valve covers. It also has our Kirban upgraded headlight kit installed and our embroidered floor mats.

The interior is near perfect. The car has no dents and all the bumper fillers are good. The car has been repainted sometime prior to 2003 and does have blemishes notably around the chip guard portion of both sides.

The stock wheels are like new and the tires are also like new. The car has what appears to be a Hooker dual exhaust system.

This is the first time this car has been for sale since I sold it in 2003.

The new owner will also get the original flyer when the car was advertised in 2003 by us.

Since this was one of our cars originally, all the missing body bushings have been done and both the front frame braces and connecting brace have been installed. All the weatherstripping is perfect.

This is a true original 28,000-mile 1987 Grand National hardtop. The price is $22,900.

For more photos email me direct [email protected]

PHOTO 3 - Here are four photos of the 1987 Grand National we are selling for the current owner. These photos show the engine, the literature and receipts, the trunk area and the underside. Note the Bilstein shocks. The owner has saved the original shocks, which the new owner would get.

PHOTO 4 - Here are four more photos of the 1987 Grand National we are selling. These photos show the body and the interior.



COMING NEXT WEEK -

Coming next week, photos and information on one of the most unique show trucks I have ever seen at a car show.



TAYLOR MASON - COMEDIAN MUSICIAN VENTRILQUIST -

Taylor Mason one of the best comic acts I have seen will be performing Friday, August 14th, 2015 at the New Beginnings Church in Jamison, Pennsylvania. Jamison is the town next to the town where we used to live.

I got to see his act about a year ago and he is simply amazing. His routine is for general audiences, which is rare to find today. I got to see him for the first time about a year ago at another function. I highly recommend his show if you live anywhere near Jamison, Pennsylvania.

Tickets are just $20 each. For more info, call 215-918-1281. Check him out on YouTube under Taylor Mason. He was a winner on Star Search years ago and does many of the Disney Cruises. My wife and I will be there.



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 $24.95 which includes free shipping.



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


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 -

1984-1987 All G-Body Models (Including Buick Turbo Regal)
RADIO/CASSETTE BUTTONS
REPRODUCTION ALUMINUM ID INSERTS (3) SET -

If you have the optional factory Delco am/fm radio with cassette, as pictured, you may be missing one of the ID inserts on one or more of the 3 buttons that control the cassette operation.

The original inserts can be totally missing or, in some cases, the words “STOP-EJECT” may be worn off.

We have reproduced the set of 3 button ID inserts in aluminum (like the originals,) each with a self-adhesive backing.

Inserts are easy to install. You simply clean and dry the button, peal back the protective paper, and affix the insert onto the button.

An excellent finishing touch for any interior restoration.

SHIPPING NOTE - If this is the only item you are purchasing, we can ship it by U.S. Mail FREE. If you are purchasing this set with other items in your cart, there will be no additional shipping for this item.

NOTE - You may also be interested in these related items - #7113 Reproduction Outer Radio Knobs (2) Set or #7156 Reproduction Heater / Radio Applique.

7684 - 1984-1987 All G-Body Models (Including Buick Turbo Regal) -
Radio/Cassette Buttons Reproduction Aluminum ID Inserts (3) Set - $8.95

7685 - 1984-1987 All G-Body Models (Including Buick Turbo Regal) -
TWO - Radio/Cassette Buttons Reproduction Aluminum ID Inserts (3) Sets $14.95 / 2 Sets (Save $2.95)

Here is a link to these Inserts on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7684&submit_button=



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 hope everyone is having a safe and happy summer!

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