Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 02-27-2019 –
LAST WEEK’S TURBO REGAL TRIVIA QUESTION ANSWERED –
The answer to last week’s Turbo Regal trivia question is the 1986-1987 Grand National wheel center caps.
The design of power six logo on the center caps is a different design when compared to the other power six badges on the exterior, the headrests, dash trim plate, and the visor decal - all of which the design of the power six logo is the same.
If you check our Photo 1, you will see that the horizontal line of the power six logo goes UNDER the other lines on the center caps emblem. It goes OVER the other lines on the other 6 emblems (not shown.)
I wish I had researched this possible mistake back when I wrote my first book as I am sure people back then at Buick would have been be able to tell me the answer. My guess is the center caps were already made and they did not want to make the change. I don’t think this different design on the wheel center caps was planned. It is highly unlikely that the power six logo would appear in two different designs on the car! It would be like BMW using two different formats for their logo that appears on every single BMW grille, trunk lid, or hood.
Most of the answers I did get had the right answer. Others thought it may be the power size decal that appears on the coil pack. A different design for sure, but not the format I was referring to.
Whatever the reason, the wheel center caps look wrong to me, especially since the power six logo appears in so many other places on a typical 1986-1987 Grand National.
THE POWER SIX LOGO IS EVEN MORE CONFUSING –
On the 1984-1985 Turbo Regal fenders the power six logo matches the 1986-1987 Grand National center caps in the way the arrow loops BEHIND the power six. The Turbocharged Riviera emblems also match the 1986-1987 Grand National center cap format. In other words, this format did get used elsewhere in the Buick line up.
What I do have from Molly is the prototype Riviera Turbocharged emblem and it is different as it copies the format that appears on all the other 1986-1987 Grand National power six logos. It does not match the power six logo on the 1986-1987 Grand National wheel center cap.
Are you confused yet? If I did not have these various emblems in my personal collection there would be no way to verify these minor differences found in such a simple logo known as the Power Six.
PHOTO 1 – We show the 1986-1987 Grand National wheel center cap on the left. Matching that same Power Six design is the 1984-1985 Turbo Regal fender emblem, the dash, and also the fender emblem from the turbocharged Riviera. The smaller Turbocharged emblem pictured on the right on the first photo is a prototype that Molly made for the Turbocharged Riviera project. Notice the arrow laps OVER the power six unlike the others in this photo. The photo on the right shows a GM Licensed - Reproduction Instruction Visor Decal, Part #7472. The power six design is clear going OVER the power six.
Again, this is more information to file under useless Turbo Regal trivia. If you are ever given a written test, you can clearly say that Buick was not consistent with the popular power six logo.
The most unusual power six logo can be found on the decal that Buick original put on the 1987 coil packs. They also had a date decal on the original coil module. If you have an original coil module still on your car, it will have the date decal and the turbo decal as well.
I have about 4 rolls of these original 1987 Turbo Regal decals. The older Turbo Regals coil pack decal was slightly different. I bought these years ago at a Buick event. Each decal has a 6-digit number on it that is different on each decal. I have no idea what these six digits mean since the six digits are far greater than the number of 1987 Turbo Regals produced.
PHOTO 2 – We show one of the smaller rolls I have of original 1987 Turbo Regal coil pack decals. These are on our website as part #6705 priced at $4 each.
HERE IS THE NEXT TRIVIA QUESTION –
This week’s trivia question has nothing to do with Turbo Regals. As many of you now we go to two bid lots every week working with this small country used car dealership. I do the test driving and check overall condition of the vehicles she considers buying. Once decided she places the bids and if she has the top bid, we get the car or truck. Once in a great while we see a car that has had exceptional care… in other words a Kirban quality car. Usually these are 1 or 2 owner cars with original paint and no accidents. I got one maybe 6 months ago that I keep and found another one that our son and daughter-in-law bought for Devyn to use at Penn State.
The other week in that blinding snow storm I spotted a very unusual car and did a quick inspection and test drove in the blizzard. We had the winning bid, so I got the car back home to detail it. The car turned out to be in exceptional condition. The car has near perfect interior showing no evidence of paint work, no accidents and runs out 100%. You need to guess the car make and model!
So here are the clues - Car is a 2 door, 2003 model, foreign made. Black interior and exterior and a manual 6 speed! Nationwide I have only seen a handful for sale at any one time. Even on eBay I’ve only seen 2 for sale last week and both were automatics.
Email me your guess as to the car make and exact model that I picked up. Again, it is not a very valuable car, but was a real bargain since it is fairly rare and the condition is “Kirban” quality.
Remember, your answer must match mine. Email me your guess - [email protected]
We will post the answer next week and probably show a photo of the car.
THEN THERE WERE TWO LEFT –
This past week I read that Peter Tork passed away at age 77. He was one of the four original Monkees. Davy Jones was the first Monkee to die in 2012 and we were very fortunate to have him come as our guest to one of our big Reunion events in 1992 at the Naval Air Warfare Center Johnsville Airbase. Davy Jones was the cute one that the girls had a crush on. We had Davy Jones at that event for our GTO customers and Molly for our Turbo Regal customers. Both gentlemen had lines of people lined up for autographs all day long.
At the time, Davy Jones actually lived in central Pennsylvania and had just returned from a trip, so his appearance at our event worked out perfectly. The Monkees TV show only had a two-year run, but its popularity stayed strong, even after their TV show ended.
We actually did two GTO and Buick Regal Reunion events at the Naval Air Warfare Center Johnsville Airbase. The first one was in June of 1990 and featured John Buc Wilkins of Ronnie and the Daytonas. They had the hit record “GTO.” The big draw that year was GMC bringing their new Syclone for display.
At both these Reunion events we had the very last GNX - #547 - on display. Vendors included companies like Year One, Conley’s Performance, and Bowling Green Customs, just to name a few.
These 2 events at the Johnsville Airbase were made entirely possible because we were good friends with the Police Chief of Warminster and he saw this as a great fundraising opportunity for the Boy Scouts, which he was involved with at the time. They collected all the gate money from people that came to the events. They said it was the largest fundraiser they had ever done. Today the base is long gone and it’s now an industrial park.
PHOTO 3 – This shows both posters from the two Reunion events. These two Reunion events were perhaps the largest gathering of Turbo Regals ever. I remember counting 98 Grand Nationals parked bumper to bumper on the runway at the one Reunion event. If you were lucky to attend either of these events or both, you witnessed history firsthand the popularity of the Turbo Regals. The values have skyrocketed since then, while the number of cars has shrunk.
MADE IN ENGLAND OIL FILTER UPDATE –
We recently heard from John Follweiler who sent us photos of the early Made in England AC oil filter versus the later U.S. versions of the AC filter. Both are identical with the two ribs at the one end. The big difference is the Made in England AC oil filter has a very small paper decal on the exterior whereas as the later U.S. version, the paper decal is a lot larger and contains more information. John believes only oil filters on production cars received the painted black oil filters.
Like 30-year-old original tires, I don’t think it’s a smart move to use a 30-year-old original oil filter.
Simply use a blue AC one over any of the various aftermarket ones.
PHOTO 4 – The photo on the left shows the Made in England AC oil filter. The photo on the right shows the later AC oil filter. Notice the difference in the decals. The arrangement of the 6 holes is slightly different between the early Made in England version and the U.S. version. The part number is the same on both oil filters.
Another bit of useless Turbo Regal trivia in case someone conducts a test and you were in the class!
2008 FORD FUSION FOR SALE -
The country dealership I have a sales license for just acquired this extremely nice 2008 Ford Fusion. I detailed this super straight car with nice interior. Quiet engine, smooth ride, non-smoker non-odor interior. A great buy for the money and a good color combination – burgundy with tan cloth interior. Email me - [email protected] if you want photos. See below info to contact Don direct.
2008 Ford Fusion sedan, 3.0 V6 automatic with all power options and a 6-disc cd changer, very clean condition, non-smoker, no rust, 2 owners, 179k miles, inspected 7/19, and includes a 30-day warranty. Tires almost new as well. $3500 at 611 Auto Sales, Ottsville, PA 18942. Don - 215-801-1859
TURBO REGAL DOCUMENTATION –
We have touched on this subject in the past. I recently heard from a customer who has a 15,000-mile Grand National. He bought it I think out of Texas or Arizona and that buyer claimed the person he bought it from advertised it as being one of our cars. I have a huge box of records many with copies of titles, paperwork, and photos. In some cases, I even have the Broadcast Sheet from the inside door panel or back seat. My point is most of the 325+ Turbo Regals we sold were extremely nice examples and I imagine many are still in good hands today. Some of which have probably traded owners several times over the last dozen years or more and the current owner may not realize it was one of our cars.
Had I been smarter back then, I would have stuck my business card up under the glove box or something, but in all those years of buying them, I never did that. There is no question, the more documentation you have, it adds to the value of your car. I have seen several ads in the past were a Grand National has been advertised as being one of our cars.
If you email me just the last 6 digits of the VIN, I may have some documentation on your car - [email protected] The price of this material will be based on what exactly I do have. In some cases, I may even have a copy of the Window Sticker. Depending on my memory, I may even remember when I picked up the car and exactly where it was located.
Remember, I did most of the buying back in the 1990s and early 2000 timeframe. For example, on one Grand National I have photos of Molly signing the inside trunk lid as the car was at our house for sale the one year at the same time he was at one of our Reunion events. I am sure whoever owns that Grand National today would love to have proof of that. The Grand National I am referring to only had 13,000 miles on it.
You just never know. I do have records on almost every car. My files are just not in any particular VIN order. If you are on any of the various websites and Facebook, feel free to put the word out that we may have documentation on their Turbo Regal, if it’s one that passed thru my hands over the last 30 years. This may prove better than playing your state lottery as I may have info on your 1986-1987 Turbo regal or GNX!
WE HAVE MORE JEEP STEERING SHAFTS IN ROUTE TO US –
See the Rare Parts section for pricing. This is the upgraded lower steering shaft that eliminates the fiber steering coupler at the steering box. The Jeep shaft has steel universal joints at both ends and is more streamlined over the stock bulky lower steering shaft that the Regals came with.
CARSMARTS RADIO INTERVIEW –
This past Saturday I did a live radio interview for CARSMARTS RADIO. It was a 30-minute interview covering Turbo Buicks and how values have skyrocketed in the last several years, especially the GNX models.
Here is the link so you can hear the radio show I did last Saturday for carsmartsradio.
A 27-MILE ORIGINAL GRAND NATIONAL IS CURRENTLY UP FOR AUCTION
Customer Ron Palmer sent us this information on a 27-mile Grand National currently up for auction. The bidding ends Friday March 1st. As I write this week’s Inner Circle bidding is almost at $50 grand.
Here is a link to this car auction.
ARE YOU READY FOR A $TWO GRAND SMART PHONE? –
Are you ready for the new $ two grand smart phone or are you smart enough to avoid the temptation? Samsung is banking there is a market for their new phone. For a select few, I am sure they will buy it to have the latest and greatest new smart phone.
CONGRATS TO THE MOVIE GREEN BOOK –
The movie Green Book took 3 Oscars, including the top prize as the best movie for 2018. Devyn and I actually saw it twice. It’s a movie that I urge you to see. I can’t recall ever seeing the same movie twice in the theatres!
CARSMARTS RADIO IS ON THE AIR AND ON THE WEB! –
Turbo V6 enthusiast Steve Saffier (who produced “The Dennis Kirban Story” on YouTube last year) is producer and host of a new automotive radio program broadcasting live every Saturday from 11am – 12 noon on 610 ESPN radio (the old WIP 610 am for those in the area.) The show talks about different aspects of the car world and Steve’s affinity for Turbo Regals and Syclone/Typhoons often is expressed in nearly every show.
You can tune in live or livestream the show at http://www.610espn.com from anywhere in the world.
2019 TURBO BUICK RELATED CAR SHOWS EVENTS -
To get your Turbo Regal event for 2019 listed here, you must email me direct [email protected] Also send me a copy of the flyer promoting the event.
KIRBAN SPRING OPEN HOUSE –
We expect to announce the date next week for our annual Spring Open House.
BATES NUT FARM BUICK SHOW - JUNE 2, 2019 - 9 am until 3 pm –
Bates Nut Farm, Valley Center, CA
According to Mike Bernard (Spoolfool fame), this event is the second largest gathering of Turbo Buicks in the Nation. Eric Brown and Mike Bernard deserve a lot of credit for putting this west coast event on every year. The event runs from 9 am until 3 pm. Vendors will be on hand and they will have many items for their raffles. They will update the info shortly for 2019 on the link shown below.
Here is a link to their website.
EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS
FRIDAY & SATURDAY - SEPTEMBER 20TH & 21ST, 2019
This will be the 23rd year. Held at Cecil County Dragway in Rising Sun, Maryland. Host hotel Information Comfort Inn located just off exit 100 on I-95. Call 410-287-7100 and mention Northeast GS/GN Club for special pricing. For more info, contact John Csordas 914-447-6068 [email protected] or Jim Chaudrue 215-266-1052 [email protected]
RELATED NON-BUICK PARTS - FOR SALE –
I have several items for sale. In each case the price includes shipping to the basic 48 states. Perhaps you have a relative or a good friend with one of these cars. All these items are extremely nice and priced to sell. Again, PayPal is the preferred method of payment. You must email me direct - [email protected] to purchase or check if item(s) are still available. All these items are bargain priced and extremely nice otherwise I would not bother hauling them out of the junkyard.
C-2 – See photo 4 in 11-07-2018 issue. I have 4 of these Cadillac accessory trunk mats. I have them in the trunk of all our cars and use them in the pole building to keep any leaks from getting on the concrete floor. These trunk mats were a Cadillac option around the late 1980s. The mat is reversible rubber on the one side with the Caddy crest logo and grey cloth material on the other side. The trunk mat measures 33 inches by 36 inches, almost a perfect square. Mat is the perfect size for most trunks to protect your original trunk carpet. They are charcoal grey in color. Each one is almost like new with no stains. The price is just $34.95, which includes shipping to the basic 48 states. These mats are very high quality.
GOOD NEWS - WE ARE ACCEPTING CLASSIFIED ADS -
Good news - We now accept Classified Ads in our weekly Inner Circle emails. Over the years several customers have asked about placing an ad in our weekly Inner Circle.
Here are the options and the costs.
Ads can be from any individual or company. It needs to be automotive related, meaning it does not need be specifically Turbo Regal related. It can be for something for sale or something wanted.
Maximum number of words is 125 words, which is about 7 to 9 lines of copy. No photos. You can list a website. We recommend you state your name, phone number or email, a price, and your location in your ad.
The cost for 2 consecutive weeks is $25. The cost for 4 consecutive weeks is $40. You save $10 with the 4-week plan. No changes can be made to your existing running ad. You can only run one ad at any given time. We will have a code system at the end of your ad, so we will know what week number your ad is to run - 2 or 4 weeks.
It can be an ad for something for sale or an ad for something you are looking for.
We have never missed a single week since we started the Inner Circle email format in 2009. It’s something I enjoy doing and I just always seem to have enough material to write about.
Our weekly Inner Circle reaches over 3,300 members every Wednesday direct to their inbox. The Inner Circle also appears every Wednesday on our website with the related photos. Your ad would be visible to both groups of readers. So, the exposure to your ad is well over 3,200 potential buyers.
Ads submitted properly by the previous Sunday would appear that next Wednesday in the weekly Inner Circle. Ads must be submitted by email to - [email protected]
Payment by credit card must be done by phone to our office 215-766-1611 x 0.
FOR SALE - 1986 Buick Grand National HARDTOP
1986 Buick Grand National HARDTOP - 1 owner with 72k original NOTARIZED miles. very rare car… didn’t make that many 86s... needs light restoration and some components put back on… interior in great shape and car looks awfully straight mostly original paint… all there except fact rims THIS CAR DESERVES TO BE RESTORED. Priced right at $6900 firm. Car located PA… I have a set of GN rims that can be purchased separately from my brother for $500 either put back together and drive as is... or restore to former glory… or turn into a heck of a race car you decide…Mr Dennis Kirban can assist with the sale… call GREGG GLENN 732-406-6285 or talk DIRECTLY to Dennis, email - [email protected]
NOTE - IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO SEE THE BUICK RARE PARTS SECTION -
If you are not able to see the Buick 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.
The Buick Rare Parts section is only viewed by those that subscribe. Subscription is free, so complaints on what I write are nonexistent!
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]
TIPS AND IDEAS YOU HAVE TRIED -
If there are any tips or ideas you want to share with our readers, email me –[email protected]
TIP FROM KIRBAN –
Used parts continue to be difficult to find for these 30-year-old cars. Don’t hesitate if you see something you need, it’s best to buy it rather than put it off.
CORES NEEDED -
Here is the information on our credits for cores.
URGENT NEED –
POWERMASTER BRAKE UNITS. Unit must be complete. We will issue you a Letter of Credit for $150 for each acceptable core. We currently will not buy any powermaster units outright, only Letter of Credit towards parts.
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. These are the only 2 items we are currently accepting as cores.
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 –
REPRODUCTION GM LICENSED - 1987 BUICK OWNER’S MANUAL
A must-have reference booklet for any 1987 Turbo Regal owner. This is a high-quality GM Licensed reproduction of the original Owner’s Manual.
This is a great addition to your reference material.
7843 - Reproduction GM Licensed 1987 Buick Owner’s Manual - $19.95
1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
POWER ANTENNA HARDWARE (4 Nuts & 4 Bolts) KIT
NOTE - This kit is included if you purchase the Power Antenna Upgraded Steel Cable Repair Kit, part #7433.
You only need this kit if you do NOT purchase the upgraded steel cable repair kit and plan to replace the cable not using our kit, part #7433.
This kit comes with directions and the proper hardware to reassemble the power antenna housing.
It eliminates the need to hunt down the hardware to reassemble the power antenna motor assembly.
Step-by-step directions are included to make it easy to install.
We also recommend you purchase the "1984-1987 Turbo Regal Power Antenna Removal and Installation Guide" Book by Pete Serio, part #6976. The location of the original power antenna on the passenger fender makes removal a more difficult project than most locations. Or purchase the 1984-1987 Buck Turbo Regal Power Antenna Upgraded Steel Cable Repair Kit, part #7433, which includes this hardware kit.
NOTE - You may also be interested in these related parts - #7702 Rebuild Service for Original Power Antenna.
NOTE - We recommend you also purchase our Part #6976 - “1984-1987 Turbo Regal - Power Antenna Removal and Installation Guide” Book by Pete Serio
7433-Kit - 1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Power Antenna Hardware (4 Nuts & 4 Bolts) Kit - $4.95 / kit
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. We also may buy your new or used parts. 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 – Remember we have several of the highly desireable Jeep lower steering shafts in route to us. This replaces the fiber rag joint that Buick used on your stock lower steering shaft to your steering box. The Jeep shaft has metal swivel joints at both ends and is more streamline than the factory Regal lower steering shaft. You must email me direct [email protected]
LAST WEEK’S TURBO REGAL TRIVIA QUESTION ANSWERED –
The answer to last week’s Turbo Regal trivia question is the 1986-1987 Grand National wheel center caps.
The design of power six logo on the center caps is a different design when compared to the other power six badges on the exterior, the headrests, dash trim plate, and the visor decal - all of which the design of the power six logo is the same.
If you check our Photo 1, you will see that the horizontal line of the power six logo goes UNDER the other lines on the center caps emblem. It goes OVER the other lines on the other 6 emblems (not shown.)
I wish I had researched this possible mistake back when I wrote my first book as I am sure people back then at Buick would have been be able to tell me the answer. My guess is the center caps were already made and they did not want to make the change. I don’t think this different design on the wheel center caps was planned. It is highly unlikely that the power six logo would appear in two different designs on the car! It would be like BMW using two different formats for their logo that appears on every single BMW grille, trunk lid, or hood.
Most of the answers I did get had the right answer. Others thought it may be the power size decal that appears on the coil pack. A different design for sure, but not the format I was referring to.
Whatever the reason, the wheel center caps look wrong to me, especially since the power six logo appears in so many other places on a typical 1986-1987 Grand National.
THE POWER SIX LOGO IS EVEN MORE CONFUSING –
On the 1984-1985 Turbo Regal fenders the power six logo matches the 1986-1987 Grand National center caps in the way the arrow loops BEHIND the power six. The Turbocharged Riviera emblems also match the 1986-1987 Grand National center cap format. In other words, this format did get used elsewhere in the Buick line up.
What I do have from Molly is the prototype Riviera Turbocharged emblem and it is different as it copies the format that appears on all the other 1986-1987 Grand National power six logos. It does not match the power six logo on the 1986-1987 Grand National wheel center cap.
Are you confused yet? If I did not have these various emblems in my personal collection there would be no way to verify these minor differences found in such a simple logo known as the Power Six.
PHOTO 1 – We show the 1986-1987 Grand National wheel center cap on the left. Matching that same Power Six design is the 1984-1985 Turbo Regal fender emblem, the dash, and also the fender emblem from the turbocharged Riviera. The smaller Turbocharged emblem pictured on the right on the first photo is a prototype that Molly made for the Turbocharged Riviera project. Notice the arrow laps OVER the power six unlike the others in this photo. The photo on the right shows a GM Licensed - Reproduction Instruction Visor Decal, Part #7472. The power six design is clear going OVER the power six.
Again, this is more information to file under useless Turbo Regal trivia. If you are ever given a written test, you can clearly say that Buick was not consistent with the popular power six logo.
The most unusual power six logo can be found on the decal that Buick original put on the 1987 coil packs. They also had a date decal on the original coil module. If you have an original coil module still on your car, it will have the date decal and the turbo decal as well.
I have about 4 rolls of these original 1987 Turbo Regal decals. The older Turbo Regals coil pack decal was slightly different. I bought these years ago at a Buick event. Each decal has a 6-digit number on it that is different on each decal. I have no idea what these six digits mean since the six digits are far greater than the number of 1987 Turbo Regals produced.
PHOTO 2 – We show one of the smaller rolls I have of original 1987 Turbo Regal coil pack decals. These are on our website as part #6705 priced at $4 each.
HERE IS THE NEXT TRIVIA QUESTION –
This week’s trivia question has nothing to do with Turbo Regals. As many of you now we go to two bid lots every week working with this small country used car dealership. I do the test driving and check overall condition of the vehicles she considers buying. Once decided she places the bids and if she has the top bid, we get the car or truck. Once in a great while we see a car that has had exceptional care… in other words a Kirban quality car. Usually these are 1 or 2 owner cars with original paint and no accidents. I got one maybe 6 months ago that I keep and found another one that our son and daughter-in-law bought for Devyn to use at Penn State.
The other week in that blinding snow storm I spotted a very unusual car and did a quick inspection and test drove in the blizzard. We had the winning bid, so I got the car back home to detail it. The car turned out to be in exceptional condition. The car has near perfect interior showing no evidence of paint work, no accidents and runs out 100%. You need to guess the car make and model!
So here are the clues - Car is a 2 door, 2003 model, foreign made. Black interior and exterior and a manual 6 speed! Nationwide I have only seen a handful for sale at any one time. Even on eBay I’ve only seen 2 for sale last week and both were automatics.
Email me your guess as to the car make and exact model that I picked up. Again, it is not a very valuable car, but was a real bargain since it is fairly rare and the condition is “Kirban” quality.
Remember, your answer must match mine. Email me your guess - [email protected]
We will post the answer next week and probably show a photo of the car.
THEN THERE WERE TWO LEFT –
This past week I read that Peter Tork passed away at age 77. He was one of the four original Monkees. Davy Jones was the first Monkee to die in 2012 and we were very fortunate to have him come as our guest to one of our big Reunion events in 1992 at the Naval Air Warfare Center Johnsville Airbase. Davy Jones was the cute one that the girls had a crush on. We had Davy Jones at that event for our GTO customers and Molly for our Turbo Regal customers. Both gentlemen had lines of people lined up for autographs all day long.
At the time, Davy Jones actually lived in central Pennsylvania and had just returned from a trip, so his appearance at our event worked out perfectly. The Monkees TV show only had a two-year run, but its popularity stayed strong, even after their TV show ended.
We actually did two GTO and Buick Regal Reunion events at the Naval Air Warfare Center Johnsville Airbase. The first one was in June of 1990 and featured John Buc Wilkins of Ronnie and the Daytonas. They had the hit record “GTO.” The big draw that year was GMC bringing their new Syclone for display.
At both these Reunion events we had the very last GNX - #547 - on display. Vendors included companies like Year One, Conley’s Performance, and Bowling Green Customs, just to name a few.
These 2 events at the Johnsville Airbase were made entirely possible because we were good friends with the Police Chief of Warminster and he saw this as a great fundraising opportunity for the Boy Scouts, which he was involved with at the time. They collected all the gate money from people that came to the events. They said it was the largest fundraiser they had ever done. Today the base is long gone and it’s now an industrial park.
PHOTO 3 – This shows both posters from the two Reunion events. These two Reunion events were perhaps the largest gathering of Turbo Regals ever. I remember counting 98 Grand Nationals parked bumper to bumper on the runway at the one Reunion event. If you were lucky to attend either of these events or both, you witnessed history firsthand the popularity of the Turbo Regals. The values have skyrocketed since then, while the number of cars has shrunk.
MADE IN ENGLAND OIL FILTER UPDATE –
We recently heard from John Follweiler who sent us photos of the early Made in England AC oil filter versus the later U.S. versions of the AC filter. Both are identical with the two ribs at the one end. The big difference is the Made in England AC oil filter has a very small paper decal on the exterior whereas as the later U.S. version, the paper decal is a lot larger and contains more information. John believes only oil filters on production cars received the painted black oil filters.
Like 30-year-old original tires, I don’t think it’s a smart move to use a 30-year-old original oil filter.
Simply use a blue AC one over any of the various aftermarket ones.
PHOTO 4 – The photo on the left shows the Made in England AC oil filter. The photo on the right shows the later AC oil filter. Notice the difference in the decals. The arrangement of the 6 holes is slightly different between the early Made in England version and the U.S. version. The part number is the same on both oil filters.
Another bit of useless Turbo Regal trivia in case someone conducts a test and you were in the class!
2008 FORD FUSION FOR SALE -
The country dealership I have a sales license for just acquired this extremely nice 2008 Ford Fusion. I detailed this super straight car with nice interior. Quiet engine, smooth ride, non-smoker non-odor interior. A great buy for the money and a good color combination – burgundy with tan cloth interior. Email me - [email protected] if you want photos. See below info to contact Don direct.
2008 Ford Fusion sedan, 3.0 V6 automatic with all power options and a 6-disc cd changer, very clean condition, non-smoker, no rust, 2 owners, 179k miles, inspected 7/19, and includes a 30-day warranty. Tires almost new as well. $3500 at 611 Auto Sales, Ottsville, PA 18942. Don - 215-801-1859
TURBO REGAL DOCUMENTATION –
We have touched on this subject in the past. I recently heard from a customer who has a 15,000-mile Grand National. He bought it I think out of Texas or Arizona and that buyer claimed the person he bought it from advertised it as being one of our cars. I have a huge box of records many with copies of titles, paperwork, and photos. In some cases, I even have the Broadcast Sheet from the inside door panel or back seat. My point is most of the 325+ Turbo Regals we sold were extremely nice examples and I imagine many are still in good hands today. Some of which have probably traded owners several times over the last dozen years or more and the current owner may not realize it was one of our cars.
Had I been smarter back then, I would have stuck my business card up under the glove box or something, but in all those years of buying them, I never did that. There is no question, the more documentation you have, it adds to the value of your car. I have seen several ads in the past were a Grand National has been advertised as being one of our cars.
If you email me just the last 6 digits of the VIN, I may have some documentation on your car - [email protected] The price of this material will be based on what exactly I do have. In some cases, I may even have a copy of the Window Sticker. Depending on my memory, I may even remember when I picked up the car and exactly where it was located.
Remember, I did most of the buying back in the 1990s and early 2000 timeframe. For example, on one Grand National I have photos of Molly signing the inside trunk lid as the car was at our house for sale the one year at the same time he was at one of our Reunion events. I am sure whoever owns that Grand National today would love to have proof of that. The Grand National I am referring to only had 13,000 miles on it.
You just never know. I do have records on almost every car. My files are just not in any particular VIN order. If you are on any of the various websites and Facebook, feel free to put the word out that we may have documentation on their Turbo Regal, if it’s one that passed thru my hands over the last 30 years. This may prove better than playing your state lottery as I may have info on your 1986-1987 Turbo regal or GNX!
WE HAVE MORE JEEP STEERING SHAFTS IN ROUTE TO US –
See the Rare Parts section for pricing. This is the upgraded lower steering shaft that eliminates the fiber steering coupler at the steering box. The Jeep shaft has steel universal joints at both ends and is more streamlined over the stock bulky lower steering shaft that the Regals came with.
CARSMARTS RADIO INTERVIEW –
This past Saturday I did a live radio interview for CARSMARTS RADIO. It was a 30-minute interview covering Turbo Buicks and how values have skyrocketed in the last several years, especially the GNX models.
Here is the link so you can hear the radio show I did last Saturday for carsmartsradio.
A 27-MILE ORIGINAL GRAND NATIONAL IS CURRENTLY UP FOR AUCTION
Customer Ron Palmer sent us this information on a 27-mile Grand National currently up for auction. The bidding ends Friday March 1st. As I write this week’s Inner Circle bidding is almost at $50 grand.
Here is a link to this car auction.
ARE YOU READY FOR A $TWO GRAND SMART PHONE? –
Are you ready for the new $ two grand smart phone or are you smart enough to avoid the temptation? Samsung is banking there is a market for their new phone. For a select few, I am sure they will buy it to have the latest and greatest new smart phone.
CONGRATS TO THE MOVIE GREEN BOOK –
The movie Green Book took 3 Oscars, including the top prize as the best movie for 2018. Devyn and I actually saw it twice. It’s a movie that I urge you to see. I can’t recall ever seeing the same movie twice in the theatres!
CARSMARTS RADIO IS ON THE AIR AND ON THE WEB! –
Turbo V6 enthusiast Steve Saffier (who produced “The Dennis Kirban Story” on YouTube last year) is producer and host of a new automotive radio program broadcasting live every Saturday from 11am – 12 noon on 610 ESPN radio (the old WIP 610 am for those in the area.) The show talks about different aspects of the car world and Steve’s affinity for Turbo Regals and Syclone/Typhoons often is expressed in nearly every show.
You can tune in live or livestream the show at http://www.610espn.com from anywhere in the world.
2019 TURBO BUICK RELATED CAR SHOWS EVENTS -
To get your Turbo Regal event for 2019 listed here, you must email me direct [email protected] Also send me a copy of the flyer promoting the event.
KIRBAN SPRING OPEN HOUSE –
We expect to announce the date next week for our annual Spring Open House.
BATES NUT FARM BUICK SHOW - JUNE 2, 2019 - 9 am until 3 pm –
Bates Nut Farm, Valley Center, CA
According to Mike Bernard (Spoolfool fame), this event is the second largest gathering of Turbo Buicks in the Nation. Eric Brown and Mike Bernard deserve a lot of credit for putting this west coast event on every year. The event runs from 9 am until 3 pm. Vendors will be on hand and they will have many items for their raffles. They will update the info shortly for 2019 on the link shown below.
Here is a link to their website.
EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS
FRIDAY & SATURDAY - SEPTEMBER 20TH & 21ST, 2019
This will be the 23rd year. Held at Cecil County Dragway in Rising Sun, Maryland. Host hotel Information Comfort Inn located just off exit 100 on I-95. Call 410-287-7100 and mention Northeast GS/GN Club for special pricing. For more info, contact John Csordas 914-447-6068 [email protected] or Jim Chaudrue 215-266-1052 [email protected]
RELATED NON-BUICK PARTS - FOR SALE –
I have several items for sale. In each case the price includes shipping to the basic 48 states. Perhaps you have a relative or a good friend with one of these cars. All these items are extremely nice and priced to sell. Again, PayPal is the preferred method of payment. You must email me direct - [email protected] to purchase or check if item(s) are still available. All these items are bargain priced and extremely nice otherwise I would not bother hauling them out of the junkyard.
C-2 – See photo 4 in 11-07-2018 issue. I have 4 of these Cadillac accessory trunk mats. I have them in the trunk of all our cars and use them in the pole building to keep any leaks from getting on the concrete floor. These trunk mats were a Cadillac option around the late 1980s. The mat is reversible rubber on the one side with the Caddy crest logo and grey cloth material on the other side. The trunk mat measures 33 inches by 36 inches, almost a perfect square. Mat is the perfect size for most trunks to protect your original trunk carpet. They are charcoal grey in color. Each one is almost like new with no stains. The price is just $34.95, which includes shipping to the basic 48 states. These mats are very high quality.
GOOD NEWS - WE ARE ACCEPTING CLASSIFIED ADS -
Good news - We now accept Classified Ads in our weekly Inner Circle emails. Over the years several customers have asked about placing an ad in our weekly Inner Circle.
Here are the options and the costs.
Ads can be from any individual or company. It needs to be automotive related, meaning it does not need be specifically Turbo Regal related. It can be for something for sale or something wanted.
Maximum number of words is 125 words, which is about 7 to 9 lines of copy. No photos. You can list a website. We recommend you state your name, phone number or email, a price, and your location in your ad.
The cost for 2 consecutive weeks is $25. The cost for 4 consecutive weeks is $40. You save $10 with the 4-week plan. No changes can be made to your existing running ad. You can only run one ad at any given time. We will have a code system at the end of your ad, so we will know what week number your ad is to run - 2 or 4 weeks.
It can be an ad for something for sale or an ad for something you are looking for.
We have never missed a single week since we started the Inner Circle email format in 2009. It’s something I enjoy doing and I just always seem to have enough material to write about.
Our weekly Inner Circle reaches over 3,300 members every Wednesday direct to their inbox. The Inner Circle also appears every Wednesday on our website with the related photos. Your ad would be visible to both groups of readers. So, the exposure to your ad is well over 3,200 potential buyers.
Ads submitted properly by the previous Sunday would appear that next Wednesday in the weekly Inner Circle. Ads must be submitted by email to - [email protected]
Payment by credit card must be done by phone to our office 215-766-1611 x 0.
FOR SALE - 1986 Buick Grand National HARDTOP
1986 Buick Grand National HARDTOP - 1 owner with 72k original NOTARIZED miles. very rare car… didn’t make that many 86s... needs light restoration and some components put back on… interior in great shape and car looks awfully straight mostly original paint… all there except fact rims THIS CAR DESERVES TO BE RESTORED. Priced right at $6900 firm. Car located PA… I have a set of GN rims that can be purchased separately from my brother for $500 either put back together and drive as is... or restore to former glory… or turn into a heck of a race car you decide…Mr Dennis Kirban can assist with the sale… call GREGG GLENN 732-406-6285 or talk DIRECTLY to Dennis, email - [email protected]
NOTE - IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO SEE THE BUICK RARE PARTS SECTION -
If you are not able to see the Buick 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.
The Buick Rare Parts section is only viewed by those that subscribe. Subscription is free, so complaints on what I write are nonexistent!
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]
TIPS AND IDEAS YOU HAVE TRIED -
If there are any tips or ideas you want to share with our readers, email me –[email protected]
TIP FROM KIRBAN –
Used parts continue to be difficult to find for these 30-year-old cars. Don’t hesitate if you see something you need, it’s best to buy it rather than put it off.
CORES NEEDED -
Here is the information on our credits for cores.
URGENT NEED –
POWERMASTER BRAKE UNITS. Unit must be complete. We will issue you a Letter of Credit for $150 for each acceptable core. We currently will not buy any powermaster units outright, only Letter of Credit towards parts.
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. These are the only 2 items we are currently accepting as cores.
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 –
REPRODUCTION GM LICENSED - 1987 BUICK OWNER’S MANUAL
A must-have reference booklet for any 1987 Turbo Regal owner. This is a high-quality GM Licensed reproduction of the original Owner’s Manual.
This is a great addition to your reference material.
7843 - Reproduction GM Licensed 1987 Buick Owner’s Manual - $19.95
1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
POWER ANTENNA HARDWARE (4 Nuts & 4 Bolts) KIT
NOTE - This kit is included if you purchase the Power Antenna Upgraded Steel Cable Repair Kit, part #7433.
You only need this kit if you do NOT purchase the upgraded steel cable repair kit and plan to replace the cable not using our kit, part #7433.
This kit comes with directions and the proper hardware to reassemble the power antenna housing.
It eliminates the need to hunt down the hardware to reassemble the power antenna motor assembly.
Step-by-step directions are included to make it easy to install.
We also recommend you purchase the "1984-1987 Turbo Regal Power Antenna Removal and Installation Guide" Book by Pete Serio, part #6976. The location of the original power antenna on the passenger fender makes removal a more difficult project than most locations. Or purchase the 1984-1987 Buck Turbo Regal Power Antenna Upgraded Steel Cable Repair Kit, part #7433, which includes this hardware kit.
NOTE - You may also be interested in these related parts - #7702 Rebuild Service for Original Power Antenna.
NOTE - We recommend you also purchase our Part #6976 - “1984-1987 Turbo Regal - Power Antenna Removal and Installation Guide” Book by Pete Serio
7433-Kit - 1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Power Antenna Hardware (4 Nuts & 4 Bolts) Kit - $4.95 / kit
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. We also may buy your new or used parts. 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 – Remember we have several of the highly desireable Jeep lower steering shafts in route to us. This replaces the fiber rag joint that Buick used on your stock lower steering shaft to your steering box. The Jeep shaft has metal swivel joints at both ends and is more streamline than the factory Regal lower steering shaft. You must email me direct [email protected]