Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 05-13-2015
MAY CARTOON -
PHOTO 1 - Our first photo is this month’s “Adventures of Tommy Turbo” cartoon. In honor of May and the start of car show season, the caption reads, “YES TOMMY, THE CAR LOOKS GREAT-- NOW CLEAN-UP THAT MESS YOU MADE IN THE DRIVEWAY!”
We usually run each month’s cartoon the first week of the month. This month I completely forgot about it!
LED LIGHTING FOR THE INTERIORS -
Recently we have come up with various LED light kits for the interiors of the 1984-1987 Turbo Regals. Most will fit all the other G-Body applications as well.
One of the latest kits we did was part #7670, which is comprised of two LED lights. One LED light is for the shifter indicator and one is for the heater/AC control panel.
In an earlier Inner Circle, we remarked about how crude the factory GM heater/AC control panel is when it comes to how GM chose to illuminate the heater/AC panel at night. I also think the heater/AC control panel was probably the same for 1978 through 1987 on our cars and probably the same in the Monte Carlos though the 1988 models.
PHOTO 2 - I removed the heater/AC control panel from a Regal I have at the house. In this photo you can clearly see that only one single light socket exists and it’s way over to the right side of the panel. You can see how this is a poor method to shine light evenly across the width of the control panel. While our LED light is brighter, it is also limited as to what it can accomplish!
POWERMASTER BRAKE SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPAIR GUIDE -
This new book, “POWERMASTER BRAKE SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPAIR GUIDE” appears below under new products and is also on our website.
Both Richard Clark and John Norton have put a lot of effort into making this repair guide easy for the novice to understand. The repair guide is highly detailed with photos.
They also have made a kit that consists of all the O-rings you need for a powermaster unit. The book shows you also where each of the 14 different seals or O-rings go.
PHOTO 3 - Shows two of the pages showing the power piston sub-assembly and the various o-rings that are used on this part.
Here is a link to this book #7675 on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44242/POWERMASTER+BRAKE+SYSTEM+TROUBLESHOOTING+AND+REPAIR+GUIDE+By+Richard+Clark+and+John+Norton+%237675.html
GNX #331 - FOR SALE - UPDATE -
The GNX #331 has been paid for in full and if all goes according to the buyers plan, he will be driving it home to Texas shortly. This would be about a 1,500-mile trip.
MINI-MULTI FUNCTION JUMPER MODULE, Part #7640 -
We just received our initial shipment of these mini mult-function jumper modules last week. It is the identical size of a typical smart phone. It weighs less than 9 ounces! It even has a tinted clear plastic face on it. It has 4 blue lights to indicate available power. It has a 3-function LED flashlight. A 4-IN-1 harness to charge various electronic devices, and a set of jumper cables for jumping any 12-volt vehicle comes with it. It also comes with both a wall charger and a car charger. This unit is rated at 200 cranking amps and 400 peak amps. It is capable of starting about 8-10 vehicles on a single charge, 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder engine as well as any 12-volt motorcycle, snowmobile, or tractor, etc.
This mini unit is the perfect size for a woman to carry in their purse or for a motorcyclist to carry. It’s the perfect electronic device companion to charge most electronic devices without being tied to a wall charger or a car charger. It is also perfect to jumpstart most 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder vehicles.
We have a special introductory price on this new mini multi-function Jumper module of just $69.95 and free UPS ground shipping! This price is only good until Friday, May 20, 2015. The suggested retail price will be higher. We would not charge your credit card until we ship it.
PHOTO 4 - The photo to the left shows the entire kit. The front of it looks like most of the smart phones. The photo to the right shows it under the hood on our neighbors 1999 Subaru. Her car has been sitting since January with a blown head gasket. The battery was completely dead, not even the interior lights would go on with the door open. I jumped here car over 15 times with the new mini multi-function module. You can see it resting by the battery under the hood of her Subaru wagon.
CUSTOM-MADE BATTERY JUMPER WIRE HARNESS -
Now that we have a mini multi-function jumper harness it becomes more practical for a motorcyclist to have if they also buy this harness for their bike. We now have a custom-made battery jumper wire harness that will fit on virtually every motorcycle, ATV, or snowmobile. We made it the correct length so it can be hardwired to the 12-volt battery and be able to get to the male connector if you need to jump start your bike. On some late-model motorcycles you can be almost one-hour removing parts just to get to the battery. You also need to have the proper tools with you, if your battery was to fail. All the various hand-held battery jumper modules have the same one-way blue male and female connectors. This custom-made wire harness takes the worry out of ever being stranded on a motorcycle with a dead battery.
It’s one of those products that you will be glad you have, yet hope you never have to use it! It has a one-way circuit breaker in the positive wire so the power can only go to your battery. No power can come from your battery when it is not in use. This clever product now makes those hand-held battery jumper modules useful for motorcycle owners.
If you own a motorcycle shop or ATV shop, we are looking for dealers.
Our part #7643. These are in stock. The retail price is just under $25 each. Email me - [email protected] for more details.
PRICE TO REBUILD POWERMASTER BRAKE UNITS IS GOING UP -
We have held off as long as possible on raising the price of our rebuilt powermaster brake units. These units carry a Limited Lifetime Warranty from Cardone.
Because we are having issues with some of the cores we get back, it has caused problems during the rebuilding process. Unfortunately, we are getting more cores now that have burnt electric motors. This requires a new armature winding to be installed, which increases the labor time to rebuild the units and our cost to have them rebuilt. Unfortunately, we are seeing smore and more with burnt motors, so we have had to increase our price slightly to spread out the costs involved. Currently we have several rebuilt powermaster brake units in stock for immediate delivery. The new price $639.95 + $100 core charge.
POPULARITY OF BRAKE OPTIONS -
As many of you know we offer various brake solutions besides the stock rebuilt powermaster brake unit.
In addition to the rebuilt powermaster brake unit, the next most popular choice buyers are going with is the vacuum kit we sell for $379.95, our part #7625. This kit is extremely popular as it includes the original vacuum brake pedal that would be in a regular G-body application.
For the hydroboost options, the most popular one is part #7618 the Hydratech unit. Most of our sales are between these three versions for the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal.
We still do not have any update on the completely new powermaster brake unit. Once we get more information, we will keep you informed.
Many of our customers have responded to our requests for powermaster cores, which enables us to continue to offer rebuilt units. Cardone has one person that does the rebuild on these for us. Making your Turbo Regal stop is perhaps more important than making it go faster!
One upgrade we highly recommend, no matter what brake format you go with, is to upgrade the front rubber brake hoses to the new stainless ones. Our part #7218 and the cost is just $83.95. These are in stock. The time to do it is when you are changing out the brake unit because you are already spending the time and in many cases the money to flush your brake system. So it pays to change these hoses as well.
The stainless ones won’t swell up, which means the pressure is directed quicker to the front calipers when you apply the brakes.
QUITE AN HONOR -
A recent article on the internet caught my attention entitled, “The 10 Best Vehicles General Motors Has Ever Built.” The article states that the week of May 5th GM will have passed the 500 millionth vehicle sold. To narrow it down to the ten best, puts any of the ten chosen in some pretty rare company. All ten combine technology, style, and forward thinking into memorable rides.
The Chevrolet division had the most cars in the top ten. Including the 1963 Corvette, 2009 ZR1, 1969 Z28 Camaro and, of course, the 1955 Bel Air. Cadillac scored a few as well with the 1959 model and several of the 1930s models featuring the V16 engines. Pontiac was represented with the 1966 GTO, which also marked the highest year of product for the GTO. Pontiac really had it together during the 1960s. Oldsmobile scored with the 1966 Tornado. GMC makes the list with the Suburban model, which has been in production every year since the mid-1930s.
Buick had one entry in the top 10 and the car noted is the GNX. It was noted as one of the very few collectible cars from that era of the 1980s. To think it was not that many years ago that new and fairly new GNXs were selling in the $30,000 to 35,000 range. You add the trickle down effect and you can see that the Grand National is also a very good investment.
TWO NEW PARTS ARE CURRENTLY IN THE WORKS -
We have played a major part in getting both of these parts produced by providing samples. The company that owns Pypes exhaust (who has been a friend of mine for over 30 years) has started to make aluminum radiators for many of the various Pontiac models. We gave him an original 1986-1987 Turbo Regal radiator to see what that will cost to make. He fully understands that the factory fittings must fit both the engine cooler and the transmission cooler. We should have a very good price structure on these radiators plus the fact we can simply drive over to their facility and pick them up like we do the Pypes exhaust systems.
They should have a prototype to test sometime in the next 3 to 4 weeks. We already have lined up a local owner to trial fit the unit.
The other project is a major undertaking although originally I thought it would be rather simple to make. The market for this item is huge, not just limited to our cars. I am referring to the aluminum rear brake drums. You seldom ever see a set for sale. Also, when you do, you have no idea if they have enough material on them and if they are warped. I approached Cardone Industries about two years ago about this project figuring they have the vast connections to make it happen.
I also figured I had a good track record with them since I pushed them hard to go ahead and make the powermaster brake accumulator bowl. (Somewhere there is a WE4 running around with the very first Cardone brake bowl on it!) I wish now I had put some sort of code on it!
The sales of the bowl alone have been very good besides being the one part they needed to continue to rebuilt powermaster cores for us. As a company in the replacement business and rebuilding business, they just didn’t see why aluminum brake drums would be needed since steel ones are readily available.
I thought they decided not to pursue it and it was a dead end. I recently found out they are currently waiting on samples. Hopefully this project pans out and we will have aluminum brake drums. I have an original set on our Turbo Regal and of course they came stock on GNXs. They look nice behind the mesh alloy wheels, not to mention the weight factor.
Like many of our items we will be making them available to the other major dealers as well.
IN STOCK - BOB BAILEY’S TR-6 HIGH TECH IGNITION SYSTEM -
We have several units now in stock. Bob only builds these a few times a year.
#7442 - TR-6 High Tech Ignition System
#7443 - TR-6 High Tech Ignition System and Custom-Cut High-Performance Grey Plug Wires Set
Here is a link to these to options on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7442&submit_button=
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 or $75 cash for each acceptable core. Powermaster units must be nice and not look like they been in a river for the last 10 years.
STEERING WHEEL CORES must be the 1986-1987 style. They can’t have any bent spokes and spokes, and can’t be rusty. We will issue you a $75 Letter of Credit for each acceptable core.
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.
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.
1985 GRAND NATIONAL AND 1987 BUICK REGAL TURBO-T FOR SALE -
1985 BUICK GRAND NATIONAL - FOR SALE - CFS025 -
1985 Grand National is almost all factory stock. The only upgrades are a Big Mouth air intake and I upgraded the brakes to vacuum with a Kirban Performance brake conversion kit last fall.
Rear main seal was replaced at the same time. This car also has beautiful original paint and is laser straight down the sides. Car is super clean under the hood and you can eat off the under body. New Goodyear Eagle tires. New springs and shocks. Car is show quality. 56,000 original miles but it shows like a car with half the miles. Originally female adult owned before I bought it. Non-smoker.
Asking Price - $15,000 - NEW LOWER PRICE
I also have another car for sale
1987 Buick Regal Turbo T - FOR SALE- CFS024
This 1987 Regal is a bone stock, unmolested car with excellent original paint. The car has only 38,000 original miles. Interior is mint condition. New tires with less than 2000 miles on them. Car runs and drives like it’s new. Show-quality car. Adult owned. Non-smoker.
Asking Price - $19,900
Any questions, please call me at - 315-879-7602
My email is - [email protected]
My name is Justin Paliotti
I live in Lyons, NY. 14489
Here is a link to these two cars - CFS024 & CFS025 - for sale on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products/14/CARS+FOR+SALE.html
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 -
1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACEMENT HANGER LOOP
Over time, the factory catalytic converter rubber hanger loop can break away from the original metal catalytic converter bracket.
This rubber exhaust loop can easily be modified to replace the original worn out rubber hanger part on the original rear catalytic converter hanger.
As long as the original metal hanger is still in good shape, you can install this part to replace the rubber loop part on the original hanger. We include mounting hardware, if needed.
The entire factory hanger is no longer available from GM.
NOTE - You may also be interested in these related parts - #6996 PYPES PERFORMANCE Dual Exhaust System and #6567 EPA Certified Low Restrictive Stock Catalytic Converter.
Another excellent restoration item.
7659 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal - Catalytic Converter Replacement Hanger Loop - $14.95
Here is the link to this Hanger Loop on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44247/CATALYTIC+CONVERTER+REPLACEMENT+HANGER+LOOP+%237659.html
“POWERMASTER BRAKE SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPAIR GUIDE - For 1985 thru 1987 Buick Turbo Regal, Grand National, GNX, T-Type, and Turbo-T” Book by Richard Clark and John Norton
“POWERMASTER BRAKE SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPAIR GUIDE - For 1985 thru 1987 Buick Turbo Regal, Grand National, GNX, T-Type, and Turbo-T” Book by Richard Clark and John Norton is an excellent reference Guide to have in your reference library.
It would also be a great gift for your mechanic.
This very detailed manual took over three years to do. Even if you lack mechanical skills, this Guide is worth having to share with your mechanic. It is full of highly-detailed photos and charts, showing all of the possible problems and solutions for diagnosing a powermaster brake unit. Everything can be done using basic hand tools. The Guide runs 90 pages in length.
Here are some of the chapters: Major Component Descriptions and Nomenclature, Powermaster Characteristics During Normal Operation, Common Problems and Which Tests to Run to Address Each One, Flowcharts to Help Diagnose Problems Correctly, The Major Components and How to Test Each One, Maintenance, Tools and Accessories, and Vendor List and Contact Information.
It is spiral bound for easy reading when you are working on the powermaster. As long as the electric motor is not burned out, everything else is available for you to repair a powermaster on your own with this handy Guide.
They also have made all the various O-rings that you need to rebuild a powermaster brake unit. In some cases, they had to have parts reproduced. For example, GM sold just one of the O-rings in the kit for over $30 each. This Powermaster Reproduction O-rings (14) kit is only $39.95, part #7676.
I don't think anyone has more experience with powermaster brake units than Richard Clark. Over the years, he has even made special testing equipment for not only the powermaster brake units but also for other electronic parts found in the Turbo Regals.
He worked with John Norton to compile this easy-to-follow and informative powermaster repair Guide, so you can become better educated on powermasters and not be stressed out the first time the brake light comes on!
Our photos show the cover and a two-page spread in the book.
NOTE - You may also be interested in a related item - #6697 Reproduction Brake Accumulator Bowl, #7175 Original GM Powermaster Brake Switch, #7018 Reproduction Powermaster Brake Reservoir, and #7676 Powermaster Reproduction O-Rings (14) Kits.
A great book to keep in your Turbo Buick reference library.
7675 - “POWERMASTER BRAKE SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPAIR GUIDE - For 1985 thru 1987 Buick Turbo Regal, Grand National, GNX, T-Type, and Turbo-T” Book by Richard Clark and John Norton - $29.95
Here is a link to this book #7675 on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44242/POWERMASTER+BRAKE+SYSTEM+TROUBLESHOOTING+AND+REPAIR+GUIDE+By+Richard+Clark+and+John+Norton+%237675.html
1985-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
POWERMASTER REPRODUCTION O-RINGS (14) KITS
Richard Clark has painstakingly put together this kit of reproduction O-rings specifically for the Turbo Regal power master.
Each kit consists of 14 O-rings, some of which Richard has reproduced to make this a complete kit for the entire powermaster brake unit. It includes not only the O-rings for the brake switch and accumulator bowl, but also the very important power piston sleeve, check valve body master cylinder, etc.
Each package includes a real-size drawing to ensure that the correct O-rings can be easily identified for the proper application. The O-rings should match the drawings exactly.
Since GM has discontinued many of the Buick O-rings, Richard has had to have some of the O-rings reproduced. In one particular case, the O-ring listed for over $30 from GM, making this kit a bargain.
NOTE - You may also be interested in these related items - #7675 “POWERMASTER BRAKE SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPAIR GUIDE - For 1985 thru 1987 Buick Turbo Regal, Grand National, GNX, T-Type, and Turbo-T” Book by Richard Clark and John Norton, #6697 Reproduction Brake Accumulator Bowl, #7175 Original GM Powermaster Brake Switch, and #7018 Reproduction Powermaster Brake Reservoir.
A must have item for any 1986-1987 Turbo Regal owner. You should have this kit on hand in case you have issues with the powermaster.
NOTE - We recommend these O-rings be installed by a qualified mechanic.
Great powermaster restoration items.
7676 - 1985-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Powermaster Reproduction O-Rings (14) Kit - $39.95 / kit
Here is a link to this O-ring Kit on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44243/POWERMASTER+REPRODUCTION+O-RINGS%E2%80%88%2814%29+KITS+%237676.html
1984-1988 GM G-Body - All Models (Including Buick Turbo Regal) -
HEATER/AC CONTROL CLUSTER LIGHT AND SHIFTER INDICATOR LIGHT AFTERMARKET LED LIGHT BULBS (2) SET
These aftermarket LED bulbs will replace the heater and shifter light bulbs.
Your car has to have the floor mounted console. This upgrade will now give you a crisp white light for the heater control and the shifter indicator. Unfortunately on the heater/AC control GM only had a single light socket towards the one side.
Both LEDs are easy to install.
LEDS draw less amperage and they do not get hot. LED lights greatly increase the amount of light over the stock glass bulbs, draws far less amperage, and does not generate the extreme heat like the original glass bulbs.
Our first photo shows the LED bulbs.
Our second photo shows the Heater/AC control dash cluster.
Our third photo shows the Shifter Indicator.
NOTE - The round LED bulb may look slightly different than the bulb shown in the photos, depending on our supplier.
NOTE - You may also be interested in these related items - #7660 Third Brake Light LED Panel, #7661 Aftermarket LED Interior Light Panel, #7662 TWO Aftermarket LED Interior Light Panels (2), #7663 Aftermarket LED Under-the-Dash Interior Lights Bulbs (3) Set, and #7664 SINGLE Aftermarket LED Trunk or Under-the-Hood Light Bulb. This would give you a complete kit of LED interior lights.
Excellent replacement items for any interior restoration.
7670 - 1984-1988 GM G-Body - All Models (Including Buick Turbo Regal) -
Heater/AC Control Cluster Light and Shifter Indicator Light Aftermarket LED Light Bulbs (2) Set - $8.95
Here is a link to these LED bulbs on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44244/HEATER+AC+CONTROL+CLUSTER+LIGHT+AND+SHIFTER+INDICATOR+LIGHT+AFTERMARKET+LED+LIGHT+BULBS+%282%29+SET+%237570.html
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 WORKS -
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 -
25TH ANNUAL BUICK RACE DAY 2015 -
May 29-31, 2015 - Norwalk, Ohio
Time trials start Friday, May 29th and Buick Car Show is Saturday, May 30th, and Race Day is Sunday May 31st, 2015. Summit Motorsports Park, 1300 State Route 18 Norwalk, Ohio 44857. Quick 16 - Turbo Heads Up - Renegade, Cash and Trophies.
For more details, contact Roberta Vasilow 810-655-8277 - email - [email protected]
OR Bill Wills 330-747-1029 - email [email protected]
This is the last time Roberta and Bill will be promoting this event as they plan to retire.
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 -
The other week I was at one of the You Pull It Yards and I actually found a good hood for my Ford Ranger. It was even the correct color and was not even faded! I couldn’t believe my luck. The price was just $35. My granddaughter Devyn and I were able to put it on my Ranger that same afternoon. It only took us 4 tries to get it lined up perfectly.
My original hood had multiple hail damage on it and was badly marked up from having some sort of bug shield on the front edge.
MAY CARTOON -
PHOTO 1 - Our first photo is this month’s “Adventures of Tommy Turbo” cartoon. In honor of May and the start of car show season, the caption reads, “YES TOMMY, THE CAR LOOKS GREAT-- NOW CLEAN-UP THAT MESS YOU MADE IN THE DRIVEWAY!”
We usually run each month’s cartoon the first week of the month. This month I completely forgot about it!
LED LIGHTING FOR THE INTERIORS -
Recently we have come up with various LED light kits for the interiors of the 1984-1987 Turbo Regals. Most will fit all the other G-Body applications as well.
One of the latest kits we did was part #7670, which is comprised of two LED lights. One LED light is for the shifter indicator and one is for the heater/AC control panel.
In an earlier Inner Circle, we remarked about how crude the factory GM heater/AC control panel is when it comes to how GM chose to illuminate the heater/AC panel at night. I also think the heater/AC control panel was probably the same for 1978 through 1987 on our cars and probably the same in the Monte Carlos though the 1988 models.
PHOTO 2 - I removed the heater/AC control panel from a Regal I have at the house. In this photo you can clearly see that only one single light socket exists and it’s way over to the right side of the panel. You can see how this is a poor method to shine light evenly across the width of the control panel. While our LED light is brighter, it is also limited as to what it can accomplish!
POWERMASTER BRAKE SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPAIR GUIDE -
This new book, “POWERMASTER BRAKE SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPAIR GUIDE” appears below under new products and is also on our website.
Both Richard Clark and John Norton have put a lot of effort into making this repair guide easy for the novice to understand. The repair guide is highly detailed with photos.
They also have made a kit that consists of all the O-rings you need for a powermaster unit. The book shows you also where each of the 14 different seals or O-rings go.
PHOTO 3 - Shows two of the pages showing the power piston sub-assembly and the various o-rings that are used on this part.
Here is a link to this book #7675 on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44242/POWERMASTER+BRAKE+SYSTEM+TROUBLESHOOTING+AND+REPAIR+GUIDE+By+Richard+Clark+and+John+Norton+%237675.html
GNX #331 - FOR SALE - UPDATE -
The GNX #331 has been paid for in full and if all goes according to the buyers plan, he will be driving it home to Texas shortly. This would be about a 1,500-mile trip.
MINI-MULTI FUNCTION JUMPER MODULE, Part #7640 -
We just received our initial shipment of these mini mult-function jumper modules last week. It is the identical size of a typical smart phone. It weighs less than 9 ounces! It even has a tinted clear plastic face on it. It has 4 blue lights to indicate available power. It has a 3-function LED flashlight. A 4-IN-1 harness to charge various electronic devices, and a set of jumper cables for jumping any 12-volt vehicle comes with it. It also comes with both a wall charger and a car charger. This unit is rated at 200 cranking amps and 400 peak amps. It is capable of starting about 8-10 vehicles on a single charge, 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder engine as well as any 12-volt motorcycle, snowmobile, or tractor, etc.
This mini unit is the perfect size for a woman to carry in their purse or for a motorcyclist to carry. It’s the perfect electronic device companion to charge most electronic devices without being tied to a wall charger or a car charger. It is also perfect to jumpstart most 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder vehicles.
We have a special introductory price on this new mini multi-function Jumper module of just $69.95 and free UPS ground shipping! This price is only good until Friday, May 20, 2015. The suggested retail price will be higher. We would not charge your credit card until we ship it.
PHOTO 4 - The photo to the left shows the entire kit. The front of it looks like most of the smart phones. The photo to the right shows it under the hood on our neighbors 1999 Subaru. Her car has been sitting since January with a blown head gasket. The battery was completely dead, not even the interior lights would go on with the door open. I jumped here car over 15 times with the new mini multi-function module. You can see it resting by the battery under the hood of her Subaru wagon.
CUSTOM-MADE BATTERY JUMPER WIRE HARNESS -
Now that we have a mini multi-function jumper harness it becomes more practical for a motorcyclist to have if they also buy this harness for their bike. We now have a custom-made battery jumper wire harness that will fit on virtually every motorcycle, ATV, or snowmobile. We made it the correct length so it can be hardwired to the 12-volt battery and be able to get to the male connector if you need to jump start your bike. On some late-model motorcycles you can be almost one-hour removing parts just to get to the battery. You also need to have the proper tools with you, if your battery was to fail. All the various hand-held battery jumper modules have the same one-way blue male and female connectors. This custom-made wire harness takes the worry out of ever being stranded on a motorcycle with a dead battery.
It’s one of those products that you will be glad you have, yet hope you never have to use it! It has a one-way circuit breaker in the positive wire so the power can only go to your battery. No power can come from your battery when it is not in use. This clever product now makes those hand-held battery jumper modules useful for motorcycle owners.
If you own a motorcycle shop or ATV shop, we are looking for dealers.
Our part #7643. These are in stock. The retail price is just under $25 each. Email me - [email protected] for more details.
PRICE TO REBUILD POWERMASTER BRAKE UNITS IS GOING UP -
We have held off as long as possible on raising the price of our rebuilt powermaster brake units. These units carry a Limited Lifetime Warranty from Cardone.
Because we are having issues with some of the cores we get back, it has caused problems during the rebuilding process. Unfortunately, we are getting more cores now that have burnt electric motors. This requires a new armature winding to be installed, which increases the labor time to rebuild the units and our cost to have them rebuilt. Unfortunately, we are seeing smore and more with burnt motors, so we have had to increase our price slightly to spread out the costs involved. Currently we have several rebuilt powermaster brake units in stock for immediate delivery. The new price $639.95 + $100 core charge.
POPULARITY OF BRAKE OPTIONS -
As many of you know we offer various brake solutions besides the stock rebuilt powermaster brake unit.
In addition to the rebuilt powermaster brake unit, the next most popular choice buyers are going with is the vacuum kit we sell for $379.95, our part #7625. This kit is extremely popular as it includes the original vacuum brake pedal that would be in a regular G-body application.
For the hydroboost options, the most popular one is part #7618 the Hydratech unit. Most of our sales are between these three versions for the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal.
We still do not have any update on the completely new powermaster brake unit. Once we get more information, we will keep you informed.
Many of our customers have responded to our requests for powermaster cores, which enables us to continue to offer rebuilt units. Cardone has one person that does the rebuild on these for us. Making your Turbo Regal stop is perhaps more important than making it go faster!
One upgrade we highly recommend, no matter what brake format you go with, is to upgrade the front rubber brake hoses to the new stainless ones. Our part #7218 and the cost is just $83.95. These are in stock. The time to do it is when you are changing out the brake unit because you are already spending the time and in many cases the money to flush your brake system. So it pays to change these hoses as well.
The stainless ones won’t swell up, which means the pressure is directed quicker to the front calipers when you apply the brakes.
QUITE AN HONOR -
A recent article on the internet caught my attention entitled, “The 10 Best Vehicles General Motors Has Ever Built.” The article states that the week of May 5th GM will have passed the 500 millionth vehicle sold. To narrow it down to the ten best, puts any of the ten chosen in some pretty rare company. All ten combine technology, style, and forward thinking into memorable rides.
The Chevrolet division had the most cars in the top ten. Including the 1963 Corvette, 2009 ZR1, 1969 Z28 Camaro and, of course, the 1955 Bel Air. Cadillac scored a few as well with the 1959 model and several of the 1930s models featuring the V16 engines. Pontiac was represented with the 1966 GTO, which also marked the highest year of product for the GTO. Pontiac really had it together during the 1960s. Oldsmobile scored with the 1966 Tornado. GMC makes the list with the Suburban model, which has been in production every year since the mid-1930s.
Buick had one entry in the top 10 and the car noted is the GNX. It was noted as one of the very few collectible cars from that era of the 1980s. To think it was not that many years ago that new and fairly new GNXs were selling in the $30,000 to 35,000 range. You add the trickle down effect and you can see that the Grand National is also a very good investment.
TWO NEW PARTS ARE CURRENTLY IN THE WORKS -
We have played a major part in getting both of these parts produced by providing samples. The company that owns Pypes exhaust (who has been a friend of mine for over 30 years) has started to make aluminum radiators for many of the various Pontiac models. We gave him an original 1986-1987 Turbo Regal radiator to see what that will cost to make. He fully understands that the factory fittings must fit both the engine cooler and the transmission cooler. We should have a very good price structure on these radiators plus the fact we can simply drive over to their facility and pick them up like we do the Pypes exhaust systems.
They should have a prototype to test sometime in the next 3 to 4 weeks. We already have lined up a local owner to trial fit the unit.
The other project is a major undertaking although originally I thought it would be rather simple to make. The market for this item is huge, not just limited to our cars. I am referring to the aluminum rear brake drums. You seldom ever see a set for sale. Also, when you do, you have no idea if they have enough material on them and if they are warped. I approached Cardone Industries about two years ago about this project figuring they have the vast connections to make it happen.
I also figured I had a good track record with them since I pushed them hard to go ahead and make the powermaster brake accumulator bowl. (Somewhere there is a WE4 running around with the very first Cardone brake bowl on it!) I wish now I had put some sort of code on it!
The sales of the bowl alone have been very good besides being the one part they needed to continue to rebuilt powermaster cores for us. As a company in the replacement business and rebuilding business, they just didn’t see why aluminum brake drums would be needed since steel ones are readily available.
I thought they decided not to pursue it and it was a dead end. I recently found out they are currently waiting on samples. Hopefully this project pans out and we will have aluminum brake drums. I have an original set on our Turbo Regal and of course they came stock on GNXs. They look nice behind the mesh alloy wheels, not to mention the weight factor.
Like many of our items we will be making them available to the other major dealers as well.
IN STOCK - BOB BAILEY’S TR-6 HIGH TECH IGNITION SYSTEM -
We have several units now in stock. Bob only builds these a few times a year.
#7442 - TR-6 High Tech Ignition System
#7443 - TR-6 High Tech Ignition System and Custom-Cut High-Performance Grey Plug Wires Set
Here is a link to these to options on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7442&submit_button=
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 or $75 cash for each acceptable core. Powermaster units must be nice and not look like they been in a river for the last 10 years.
STEERING WHEEL CORES must be the 1986-1987 style. They can’t have any bent spokes and spokes, and can’t be rusty. We will issue you a $75 Letter of Credit for each acceptable core.
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.
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.
1985 GRAND NATIONAL AND 1987 BUICK REGAL TURBO-T FOR SALE -
1985 BUICK GRAND NATIONAL - FOR SALE - CFS025 -
1985 Grand National is almost all factory stock. The only upgrades are a Big Mouth air intake and I upgraded the brakes to vacuum with a Kirban Performance brake conversion kit last fall.
Rear main seal was replaced at the same time. This car also has beautiful original paint and is laser straight down the sides. Car is super clean under the hood and you can eat off the under body. New Goodyear Eagle tires. New springs and shocks. Car is show quality. 56,000 original miles but it shows like a car with half the miles. Originally female adult owned before I bought it. Non-smoker.
Asking Price - $15,000 - NEW LOWER PRICE
I also have another car for sale
1987 Buick Regal Turbo T - FOR SALE- CFS024
This 1987 Regal is a bone stock, unmolested car with excellent original paint. The car has only 38,000 original miles. Interior is mint condition. New tires with less than 2000 miles on them. Car runs and drives like it’s new. Show-quality car. Adult owned. Non-smoker.
Asking Price - $19,900
Any questions, please call me at - 315-879-7602
My email is - [email protected]
My name is Justin Paliotti
I live in Lyons, NY. 14489
Here is a link to these two cars - CFS024 & CFS025 - for sale on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products/14/CARS+FOR+SALE.html
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 -
1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACEMENT HANGER LOOP
Over time, the factory catalytic converter rubber hanger loop can break away from the original metal catalytic converter bracket.
This rubber exhaust loop can easily be modified to replace the original worn out rubber hanger part on the original rear catalytic converter hanger.
As long as the original metal hanger is still in good shape, you can install this part to replace the rubber loop part on the original hanger. We include mounting hardware, if needed.
The entire factory hanger is no longer available from GM.
NOTE - You may also be interested in these related parts - #6996 PYPES PERFORMANCE Dual Exhaust System and #6567 EPA Certified Low Restrictive Stock Catalytic Converter.
Another excellent restoration item.
7659 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal - Catalytic Converter Replacement Hanger Loop - $14.95
Here is the link to this Hanger Loop on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44247/CATALYTIC+CONVERTER+REPLACEMENT+HANGER+LOOP+%237659.html
“POWERMASTER BRAKE SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPAIR GUIDE - For 1985 thru 1987 Buick Turbo Regal, Grand National, GNX, T-Type, and Turbo-T” Book by Richard Clark and John Norton
“POWERMASTER BRAKE SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPAIR GUIDE - For 1985 thru 1987 Buick Turbo Regal, Grand National, GNX, T-Type, and Turbo-T” Book by Richard Clark and John Norton is an excellent reference Guide to have in your reference library.
It would also be a great gift for your mechanic.
This very detailed manual took over three years to do. Even if you lack mechanical skills, this Guide is worth having to share with your mechanic. It is full of highly-detailed photos and charts, showing all of the possible problems and solutions for diagnosing a powermaster brake unit. Everything can be done using basic hand tools. The Guide runs 90 pages in length.
Here are some of the chapters: Major Component Descriptions and Nomenclature, Powermaster Characteristics During Normal Operation, Common Problems and Which Tests to Run to Address Each One, Flowcharts to Help Diagnose Problems Correctly, The Major Components and How to Test Each One, Maintenance, Tools and Accessories, and Vendor List and Contact Information.
It is spiral bound for easy reading when you are working on the powermaster. As long as the electric motor is not burned out, everything else is available for you to repair a powermaster on your own with this handy Guide.
They also have made all the various O-rings that you need to rebuild a powermaster brake unit. In some cases, they had to have parts reproduced. For example, GM sold just one of the O-rings in the kit for over $30 each. This Powermaster Reproduction O-rings (14) kit is only $39.95, part #7676.
I don't think anyone has more experience with powermaster brake units than Richard Clark. Over the years, he has even made special testing equipment for not only the powermaster brake units but also for other electronic parts found in the Turbo Regals.
He worked with John Norton to compile this easy-to-follow and informative powermaster repair Guide, so you can become better educated on powermasters and not be stressed out the first time the brake light comes on!
Our photos show the cover and a two-page spread in the book.
NOTE - You may also be interested in a related item - #6697 Reproduction Brake Accumulator Bowl, #7175 Original GM Powermaster Brake Switch, #7018 Reproduction Powermaster Brake Reservoir, and #7676 Powermaster Reproduction O-Rings (14) Kits.
A great book to keep in your Turbo Buick reference library.
7675 - “POWERMASTER BRAKE SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPAIR GUIDE - For 1985 thru 1987 Buick Turbo Regal, Grand National, GNX, T-Type, and Turbo-T” Book by Richard Clark and John Norton - $29.95
Here is a link to this book #7675 on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44242/POWERMASTER+BRAKE+SYSTEM+TROUBLESHOOTING+AND+REPAIR+GUIDE+By+Richard+Clark+and+John+Norton+%237675.html
1985-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
POWERMASTER REPRODUCTION O-RINGS (14) KITS
Richard Clark has painstakingly put together this kit of reproduction O-rings specifically for the Turbo Regal power master.
Each kit consists of 14 O-rings, some of which Richard has reproduced to make this a complete kit for the entire powermaster brake unit. It includes not only the O-rings for the brake switch and accumulator bowl, but also the very important power piston sleeve, check valve body master cylinder, etc.
Each package includes a real-size drawing to ensure that the correct O-rings can be easily identified for the proper application. The O-rings should match the drawings exactly.
Since GM has discontinued many of the Buick O-rings, Richard has had to have some of the O-rings reproduced. In one particular case, the O-ring listed for over $30 from GM, making this kit a bargain.
NOTE - You may also be interested in these related items - #7675 “POWERMASTER BRAKE SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPAIR GUIDE - For 1985 thru 1987 Buick Turbo Regal, Grand National, GNX, T-Type, and Turbo-T” Book by Richard Clark and John Norton, #6697 Reproduction Brake Accumulator Bowl, #7175 Original GM Powermaster Brake Switch, and #7018 Reproduction Powermaster Brake Reservoir.
A must have item for any 1986-1987 Turbo Regal owner. You should have this kit on hand in case you have issues with the powermaster.
NOTE - We recommend these O-rings be installed by a qualified mechanic.
Great powermaster restoration items.
7676 - 1985-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Powermaster Reproduction O-Rings (14) Kit - $39.95 / kit
Here is a link to this O-ring Kit on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44243/POWERMASTER+REPRODUCTION+O-RINGS%E2%80%88%2814%29+KITS+%237676.html
1984-1988 GM G-Body - All Models (Including Buick Turbo Regal) -
HEATER/AC CONTROL CLUSTER LIGHT AND SHIFTER INDICATOR LIGHT AFTERMARKET LED LIGHT BULBS (2) SET
These aftermarket LED bulbs will replace the heater and shifter light bulbs.
Your car has to have the floor mounted console. This upgrade will now give you a crisp white light for the heater control and the shifter indicator. Unfortunately on the heater/AC control GM only had a single light socket towards the one side.
Both LEDs are easy to install.
LEDS draw less amperage and they do not get hot. LED lights greatly increase the amount of light over the stock glass bulbs, draws far less amperage, and does not generate the extreme heat like the original glass bulbs.
Our first photo shows the LED bulbs.
Our second photo shows the Heater/AC control dash cluster.
Our third photo shows the Shifter Indicator.
NOTE - The round LED bulb may look slightly different than the bulb shown in the photos, depending on our supplier.
NOTE - You may also be interested in these related items - #7660 Third Brake Light LED Panel, #7661 Aftermarket LED Interior Light Panel, #7662 TWO Aftermarket LED Interior Light Panels (2), #7663 Aftermarket LED Under-the-Dash Interior Lights Bulbs (3) Set, and #7664 SINGLE Aftermarket LED Trunk or Under-the-Hood Light Bulb. This would give you a complete kit of LED interior lights.
Excellent replacement items for any interior restoration.
7670 - 1984-1988 GM G-Body - All Models (Including Buick Turbo Regal) -
Heater/AC Control Cluster Light and Shifter Indicator Light Aftermarket LED Light Bulbs (2) Set - $8.95
Here is a link to these LED bulbs on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44244/HEATER+AC+CONTROL+CLUSTER+LIGHT+AND+SHIFTER+INDICATOR+LIGHT+AFTERMARKET+LED+LIGHT+BULBS+%282%29+SET+%237570.html
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 WORKS -
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 -
25TH ANNUAL BUICK RACE DAY 2015 -
May 29-31, 2015 - Norwalk, Ohio
Time trials start Friday, May 29th and Buick Car Show is Saturday, May 30th, and Race Day is Sunday May 31st, 2015. Summit Motorsports Park, 1300 State Route 18 Norwalk, Ohio 44857. Quick 16 - Turbo Heads Up - Renegade, Cash and Trophies.
For more details, contact Roberta Vasilow 810-655-8277 - email - [email protected]
OR Bill Wills 330-747-1029 - email [email protected]
This is the last time Roberta and Bill will be promoting this event as they plan to retire.
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 -
The other week I was at one of the You Pull It Yards and I actually found a good hood for my Ford Ranger. It was even the correct color and was not even faded! I couldn’t believe my luck. The price was just $35. My granddaughter Devyn and I were able to put it on my Ranger that same afternoon. It only took us 4 tries to get it lined up perfectly.
My original hood had multiple hail damage on it and was badly marked up from having some sort of bug shield on the front edge.