11-16-2011 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members - 11-16-2011

FOLLOW UP ON BUMPER REINFORCEMENT BARS -

We have solved the puzzle on the other reinforcement bar noted in last week's Inner Circle (11-09-2011) as GM Part #25517840.

What was confusing to me was the fact I had never seen one and the illustration in the 44W book was so vague.

A big thanks goes out to Mike Dopkins, a long-time customer of ours who hails from the Spokane, Washington area. He has seen several of the narrow reinforcement bars, as it was part of the kit used with the mini brackets. That unique reinforcement bar can only be used when it is used with the pair of mini reinforcement brackets as it attaches to the top area. Mike has also seen the mini brackets used without that long connecting bar. Again, he reports that he has never seen the mini brackets on the rear bumper, only the front.

PHOTO 1 - The top photo was sent to us by Mike Dopkins. It shows the mini brackets and the long connecting bracket, Part #25517840. The connecting bar has been blasted and not painted in the photo. The lower photo shows a brand new driver's side mini bracket. I just got this from my local Buick dealer. In running the part numbers, only the left side is available. It retails now for $39.13. I think about 5 are still available.

So, in quick review, for the years 1984-1987 Regals, the front bumper can be secured by a steel, or aluminum reinforcement bar or a mini set of steel mini brackets, or a set of mini steel brackets with a narrow steel connecting brace. These would be the options on securing the front bumper.

To date, I have only see a steel or aluminum reinforcement bar used for the rear bumper on the 1984-1987 Turbo Regals. I would assume that the mini steel brackets by themselves would be a lot lighter than even the aluminum reinforcement brace. It does seem strange that Buick would offer so many variations to secure the bumper to the car. Keep in mind, these choices for reinforcement bars would not be limited to just the Turbo Regals, but can be found on the regular V6 and V8 models as well.

Sometimes when doing research it's difficult to understand how GM prices their various parts. As you know, GM recently discontinued the 1986-1987 Grand National INTERCOOLED emblem. The last retail price for that emblem from GM was $63.79 each! In the December 1987 Price Guide, the retail price was $10.80. The Grand National emblem in the December 1987 Price Guide retailed for $22.95. Today from GM the Grand National emblem is still available and retails for $120.46 each.

So, if you take that a step further, if you own a 1986-1987 Grand National and bought the 3 Grand National emblems from GM and was lucky enough to locate through the GM parts system the two intercooled emblems you needed you could end up spending over $490 for 5 emblems! NOTE - We still have a supply of intercooled emblems available (Part #6843.)

One less expensive option would be to buy the magnetic set of 3 "GRAND NATIONAL" emblems and 2 magnetic "INTERCOOLED" emblems, Part #7279 for just $24.95. A clever way to have the best of both worlds.

Here is a link to these magnetic emblems set on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/43794/GM+LICENSED+GRAND+NATIONAL+and+INTERCOOLED+MAGNETIC+DECALS+%237279.html


Here is a link to the factory original INTERCOOLED emblems on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/55/GM+Factory+Original+INTERCOOLED+FENDER+EMBLEMS+%282%29+%236843.html


PHOTO 2 - In 2009 Chevrolet introduced the limited edition Supercharged ZR1. Production was roughly about 1,500 cars per year with a price tag of slightly more than $100,000. This photo shows one of the fender emblems still in the GM wrapper. You would assume an exterior emblem for a $100,000-car would run a few hundred dollars. You would be wrong.

The current GM list price for the Supercharged ZR 1 emblem is only $58.15!

So, you have a 1986-1987 Grand National that maybe is worth $30,000 tops, spending almost $500 for fender emblems, yet for a one hundred grand Corvette, $120 covers the cost of both fender emblems. The Corvette emblems are plastic where as the Buick Grand National ones are metal. My point? May be worth buying a few Supercharged ZR1 emblems and putting them aside! The part number is 25858633.



MINI CONTEST -

While we are on the subject of emblems, here's a little contest.

PHOTO 3 - I picked this emblem up at the recent GS Nationals in Kentucky. I actually got it free as a gift, as the vendor knew I collected unusual items. He had no idea where it was used and neither do I. It is made in plastic and measures 2" wide x 2-3/4" tall. It is about 1/8" thick and appears to have some adhesive residue on the back.

I want to see if anyone can tell me where this emblem was used. I have no idea where and when it was used by Buick.

The first person who emails me the correct answer with PROOF, will win a $25 Gift Certificate. You must email me direct - [email protected]



A REAL 400-MILE 2002 SLP FIREBIRD FORMULA FOR SALE -

You may recall earlier this year, we were contacted by a local customer to sell his 1,600-mile 1987 Grand National that was parked in the late 1980s. We did get a buyer for that car and it is currently being restored.

This SLP Formula shared the same building and has been parked since late 2002. The car is now at our house and has been cleaned up. It has not been started since late 2002. The original Virginia temp plate is still on the back, the stock number sticker is still on the windshield, as is the window sticker and SLP sticker on the door window.

If my research is correct, in 2002 SLP converted a mere 25 red Formulas. Of those 25, 17 were 6-speed manual cars. This is one of them.

The box of SLP accessories still factory sealed in the box for the next owner to open.

PHOTO 4 - Shows various photos of this "barn find."

The top left photo shows the overall car after it was washed. The center left photo shows the engine compartment. The bottom left photo shows the interior notice still dangling from the radio is the caution label about the air bags and small children!

The top right photo shows the Firehawk original window sticker still glued to the passenger window. The middle right photo shows the box of SLP accessories, still factory sealed in the box for the next owner to open. The lower right photo shows the original Pontiac Window Sticker still glued to the passenger door window in near perfect shape.

This is probably the lowest mileage 2002 SLP Formula in existence today.

The body does not have a single mark, stain or blem. The paint is still smooth to the touch. The interior is equally as nice.

In my opinion, what the car needs is before it is ever started, all the fluids flushed and fuel tank cleaned out, and a new battery before the car is started. You should also replace the tires since the car has been sitting. The chrome wheels are the weak link. I believe, even if they were not neglected, the wheels had problems with the chrome peeling. Fortunately, these rims are not hard to come by.

The owner is asking $31,900. My commission is a fixed amount, so the price is what the owner is seeking. If you are interested, send me an email - [email protected] - and we can provide you with more photos.



CAR FOR SALE -

My friend Greg Glenn out of New Jersey has a 1986 T-Type for sale. The car is a one owner with 67,000 miles. It has a black exterior with T-Tops and a grey interior. He installed one of our rebuilt Cardone powermaster brake units. Car has a fresh oil change, new battery and air filter. It runs and drives. Car has fairly new tires on it. Needs TLC, headliner, front and rear bumper fillers and the digital dash does not light up. A good winter project for just $5900. Call Greg at 732-406-6285 for more details.



ON THE MAGAZINE NEWS FRONT -

HEMMINGS MOTOR NEWS, December 2011 issue has a one-page article entitled, "1978-1987 Buick Regal V-6 Turbo, Flint's force-fed flyer is a perennial collectible."

It talks about the values and how these cars, even when new, have been a good investment. Their chart shows the value peaked back in 2008 and have dropped slightly from that time in this soft economy.

OLD CARS WEEKLY, November 24, 2011 issue has a one-page article entitled, "Dark Secret," 1987 Buick GNX went straight from the drawing board to the head of the class. This refers to the GNX, and basically explains how it came about as a joint project with ASC/McLaren. I think Old Cars Weekly is only available by subscription and comes out every week.

So far the new little Fiat 500 models have not been the hit they were expecting. Sales have totaled less than 14,000 through the first three quarters of 2011. They were hoping for sales of 50,000. I think the Mini Cooper was a bigger hit when it hit our shores a few years back. Anytime I think of Fiat, I think of the phase "Fix It Again Tony."

A few years ago we had a red supercharged Mini Cooper. We bought used and later were able to sell it to a wholesaler for more than we paid for it!



2011 CHRISTMAS SPECIALS -

Be sure to check out our website as we have announced our 2011 Christmas Specials. Discounts range from 10% to as high as 15% on a huge array of parts, including ZDDPlus™ for your oil. The effective dates runs thru 4 pm December 16th, 2011. Be sure to check out our website for complete details.

NOTE - Our website will not be able to calculate the discounts, so you MUST call in your order to take advantage of the Specials.

Here is a link to the 2011 Christmas Specials page on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/inner_circle.php?nak=155




HURST ITEMS & COLLECTIBLES - NOW ON THE WEBSITE -

We have all the licensed Hurst items and other Collectibles on the website with full descriptions and photos. Check it out. You might find something there to use as a holiday/birthday gift for any automotive enthusiast or your mechanic.

Here is a link to the Hurst & Collectibles page on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products/31/HURST+AND+COLLECTIBLES.html



NEW PARTS FROM US -

Both of these items are available right now. First we have the 1986-1987 Buick Regal all models Black Carbon Fiber under-the-hood brace kit (similar to #6744).

What had those under-the-hood braces wrapped in 3M Scotchprint black carbon fiber. They really look good, especially since they are so visible under the hood. The price is $39.95 for the kit, which includes the pair plus all new hardware.

Here is the complete product description:

1986-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
"BLACK CARBON FIBER" UNDER-THE-HOOD BRACE KIT

We now carry these popular under-the-hood braces wrapped in black carbon fiber vinyl Braces are made from steel tubing, approximately 3/4" in diameter. They measure about 16" long and bolt to existing holes already on the radiator support. All the hardware is stainless steel. You do need to drill two small holes in the side of your inner fender. Each kit comes with easy-to-follow directions and all the hardware.

These braces help strengthen and support the front end. The idea is nothing new, as almost every G-body GM car and many Monte Carlo SS's have similar under-the-hood braces. The ends of each brace are tapered for a nice positive kit.

Using a unique process, the outer shell of each brace is vinyl wrapped using 3M™ Scotchprint® Wrap Film Series 1080 Black Carbon Fiber. The material is durable and not affected by heat. The final result is a gorgeous black carbon fiber look to enhance the engine compartment.

NOTE - We also offer the 1986-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) - Plain Under-the-hood Brace Kit, Part #6744.

Another under-the-hood dress-up item, and it also is nice compliment to the other brace kits we market.

7367 - 1986-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
"BLACK CARBON FIBER" Under-the-hood Brace Kit - $39.95 / kit
includes two braces and all hardware

Here is a link to the Black Carbon Fiber Brace Kit on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/43907/BLACK+CARBON+FIBER+UNDER-THE-HOOD+BRACE+KIT+%237367.html



We also have the new reproduction 1978-1987 Regal (All Models) Door Sill Plates, Part #7366, $99.95 a pair. The quality is excellent. A great new item to enhance the interior of your Regal.

Here is the complete product description:

1978-1987 Two-Door Buick Regal (All Models including Turbo Regals) -
REPRODUCTION DOOR SILL PLATES (2)

These are a high-quality reproduction door sill plates, complete with the small "Body by Fisher" logo plate in the center.

Over the years, the original plates in your Regal may have been dented, scratched or faded.

NOTE - These will ONLY fit two-door Regal models.

Plates are sold as a pair.

Another excellent replacement item for any interior restoration.

7366 - 1978-1987 Two-Door Buick Regal (All Models including Turbo Regals) -
Reproduction Door Sill Plates (2) - $99.95 / pair

Here is a link to the Reproduction Door Sill Plates on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/43906/REPRODUCTION+DOOR+SILL+PLATES+%282%29+%237366.html



GRAY PALLEX SEAT MATERIAL UPDATE -

Currently we have less than half of our roll left, as several customers have bought 2 and 3 sections of it to do several cars. So, if you have a 1985-1987 Grand National, you may want to get a sample of this material to see if it's something you want to have tucked away. Most of the pallex material you find today from companies sells for over $75 to $95 a yard.

We do NOT have the black pallex material. In many cases, the original black material should be good enough to simply re-use and install the new gray pallex material. The black is a lot easier to match whereas the gray is something that can vary. Keep in mind, before we sell you any material, please email me your name and address so I can send you a sample. That way, you know the exact shade of gray material you would receive - [email protected]



ALWAYS IN A BUYING POSITION WORKS -

Got any turbo 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 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].



LAST BUICK EVENT FOR 2011 IN THIS AREA -

Saturday - NOVEMBER 27, 2011 - Ford vs Buick
Atco Raceway, Atco, New Jersey
For more information, contact Atco Raceway - 856-768-2167



NEXT YEAR - 2012 CALENDAR OF EVENTS -

TURBOBUICK.COM NATIONALS 2012
May 2 - May 5, 2012 - Burlington, NC
For the latest information, go to - www.turbobuick.com/forums or - [email protected]
Event will feature free food, dyno, tech sessions, drag racing, and Auto-X.
This is one of the first Turbo Buick events for the year 2012.



EBAY LISTINGS -

If you would like to see any of the Kirban Performance Products items listed on eBay, here is a link to our store and auctions -
http://stores.ebay.com/Kirban-Performance-Products-Inc_W0QQssPageNameZl2QQtZ%20km



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 -

Be sure to check out our Christmas Specials information and Hurst & Collectible items on our website.

Email Deals

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