Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 09-04-2019 –
CONTEST TIME –
We are doing two different contests this week. One is Turbo Regal related and the other contest is not. So, all subscribers have an equal chance of winning. No answers submitted to my email will be considered until after 3 pm today, Wednesday, September 4, 2019. This is because the Inner Circle (minus the Rare Parts section) gets posted on our website prior to 3 pm today. This gives everyone an equal chance at winning.
The first contest involves a part that has just been reproduced. I just got word of this part a few days ago. I actually gave an original part to this company maybe 6-7 years ago to see if he could find some old inventory, never thinking he would eventually get it reproduced. However, in the last year or so, he has had requests for this part and that prompted him to get it made. Perhaps more remarkable is the fact that this part was just made in the USA.
He had a limited run made of about 150 pieces. I have locked in with another Buick Turbo source to buy all the parts he will wholesale of this initial run. I have a few currently on order to check the accuracy of the part against an original that I have. I expect to have my samples within 10 days. The winners of this contest would not be announced until I have my samples. That way we can show the actual part against an original part. So, winners may not be announced for 2 weeks, depending on when I get my actual samples of this part.
HERE ARE THE CLUES FOR THE TURBO REGAL PART OF THE CONTEST -
In the original Buick Price Directories that I have it shows this part was available each year - 1984 through 1987 - on all the Regal models, not just the Turbo models. The original part was discontinued from GM around 2010, from what I have read. This part was actually an option, but not a well-known option.
Name the part.
You get one guess per person. No answer will be considered until after 3 pm today, Wednesday, September 4th. You must email me personally [email protected] The first correct answer submitted after 3 pm Wednesday will be the winner and awarded a prize.
HERE ARE THE CLUES WITH PHOTO FOR THE NON-TURBO REGAL CONTEST -
Simply tell me what the 1957 Bel Air Chevrolet model (shown in Photo 1) is used for. In other words, what is its purpose or function?
PHOTO 1 – We show a 1957 Bel Air Chevrolet. It is made in plastic and measures approximately 10 inches long. It actually has a unique function. What does it do? You get one guess per person. No answer will be considered until after 3 pm today, Wednesday, September 4th. You must email me personally [email protected] The first correct answer submitted after 3 pm Wednesday will be the winner and awarded a prize. NOTE - The car is not for sale.
A VERY UNUSUAL AC DELCO PART –
I recently attended the Wheels of Time Car show that featured over 1,200 cars. Besides the 1957 Bel Air Chevrolet I picked up shown in Photo 1, I also bought the AC Delco Detail Kit shown in Photo 2. I have been to more car events than I can possibly count in the last 25-plus years and have never seen this AC Delco Detail Kit before now. It must not have been a popular product.
It seems strange to me that AC Delco would venture into the car detail market. The kit is comprised of three 4-ounce bottles - car wash shampoo, cleaner wax, and tire dressing. The seller at the show was actually a local GM car dealer and he had about 20 of these kits. I made a deal for all 20 sealed packs of them. All of the kits, except the one in the photo, is still factory sealed, brand new. The 20 kits appear under the Rare Parts section for sale. It would make a great car show item, that would probably be the only one at the car show. Plus, it’s an AC Delco Detail Kit to go with your GM show car!
This AC Delco detail kit reminded me of a similar product that Hurst considered making in the late 1960s. I have never seen an actual jar or container or even one piece of literature on any Hurst polish that they thought about making.
What I do have is the proof Hurst, at some point, had some sort of polish under consideration. This original one-of-a-kind artwork proves it. It even has a cutout for what appears would have held the photo jar of polish. Years ago, I was offered $500 for just this single piece of Hurst artwork from another serious Hurst collector. Today, it would bring more than double that price.
PHOTO 2 – We show the three different bottles of 4-ounce AC Delco Detail Kit items (unsealed) and also the framed original hand done artwork for the polish Hurst was considering making. Judging from the front end of the Camaro on the Hurst artwork, this would have been around 1968 or 1969 timeframe. Actually, my wife worked at Hurst during that time. So, this week you got to see two things you probably have never seen before or even knew existed.
TURBO-T LIMITED MODELS –
Most Turbo Regal owners are fully aware of the two limited production 1987 Buick Regal Turbo models produced in the 1987 model year. They are the Turbo-T WE4 and the Turbo-T Limited. Both models are extremely desirable today. The Turbo-T Limited can best be described as the one model that had an added touch of class regarding the interior, either with the cloth-like pillow-style seats or the upgraded tan or grey leather pillow seats. What some Turbo-T Limited owners may not be aware of is, if you have the leather interior, only the top seat surfaces are leather, and the sides are a matching vinyl.
Another nice touch was that the dash trim plate had a soft glow outline that lit up when the headlights were on at night. One of the biggest changes in the Limited interior was that the fancy door panels complimented the deep plush style carpets. The entire interior was, by far, its best feature. Had the internet existed back then Buick would have enjoyed far greater sales for the Turbo-T Limited models than it did. Again, this is strictly my opinion.
My second test car after the 1987 Grand National was a 1987 Turbo-T Limited with a silver exterior with a matching grey leather interior. The Limited had the desirable blackout package.
At the time I bought the Limited, I knew very little about the Limited version of the Turbo-T. I got the car from a customer in New York on a partial trade and money. For whatever reason, the Turbo-T Limited felt very solid on the road compared to the Grand National. We developed a number of products back then using this Turbo-T Limited as the test bed.
One thing that I always thought was unusual (or something Buick forgot) was regarding the carpet savers for the Turbo-T Limited models. The term “carpet saver” is the wording Buick used to describe the floor mats that you would buy to put over the factory rugs. The Limiteds all got the plush carpets if they had the leather interior, which was probably standard in all the Cadillac models. Why didn’t Buick go the extra step and make carpet savers for their Turbo-T Limiteds using the same plush carpet material? Every Cadillac I have come across in the junkyard with the original carpet savers in the car had the plush matching carpet savers that matched the factory carpet.
This past week I came across a late-1980s Cadillac that still had the factory carpet savers in the car. The interior was grey. I removed the grey plush carpet savers from the back floor as they were in very good condition. I can’t say for sure if the grey color on these is a dead match to the grey plush carpets found in the 1987 Turbo-T Limited, but I’d be willing to bet it is very close.
PHOTO 3 – We show the used pair of factory Cadillac grey plush rear carpet savers. I think the color grey is a close match to the Turbo-T Limited’s grey plush carpets. This makes for a nice novelty item, if you are one of the lucky ones that own a 1987 Turbo-T Limited with the grey leather interior. These carpet savers, although not formatted the same, would make a nice addition to the rear floor area. Note - This pair of carpet savers is for sale under the Rare Parts section.
WHEELS OF TIME CAR SHOW –
As we have mentioned earlier, we attended the recent Wheels of Time car show in nearby Macungie, PA. This is a 3-day event that features over 1,200 cars each day. Some of the most impressive modified and custom cars can be seen at this annual year event. Simply stated, many of these cars are a work of art and driven by passion.
Every year I am amazed at some of the vehicles that show up at this event. To create a custom or modified car, there are no plans that exist. These custom and modified car owners are taking an idea from their head and transferring it to an actual finished project.
One of the most detailed and unusual vehicles I saw took this owner 15 years to complete. That may not seem that long, but he did not start the project until he was 70 years old and is now 85.
Most people would have no idea of what car he started with - It was a 1947 Austin A40. I knew because I had a 1950s Austin A40 sedan years ago in high school. It never ran. I removed the engine and carted it to school as a science fair project. I set it up so the fan would spin. I got one of my few better grades displaying the engine!
This car at the Wheels of Time show was a 1947 Austin A40 when he started his project. The Austin A40 was an English car and, as you probably realize, foreign cars of that vintage are extremely rare to find stateside today or even 15-20 years ago.
I like the fact that besides the extreme detail he did on the car, he also paid homage to the Austin A40 on the valve cover. The valve covers have a similar A40 logo on them. The pictures do not do the car justice. He had a crowd around the car constantly. Having seen his workmanship, anyone would hire him in a second, regardless of his age.
The detail and quality of workmanship from any angle was clearly evident. What I don’t know is if the Austin A40 he built started out as a 4-door sedan or a panel truck. The model year, 1947, was the year I was born.
PHOTO 4 – We show 4 views if this impeccable 1947 Austin A40 delivery van. From any angle, you can clearly see a well-detailed and engineered creation. From what I understand, he did most of his own work on this project starting at age 70. The end result is nothing short of remarkable, even more so when you realize he did not start the project until the age of 70.
PAST CAR MEMORIES –
Last week we touched on the very first GTO we bought to resell back in the mid-1970s time frame. As we noted last week, the buyer that flew out and drove it home said he would buy any other 1964-1967 GTOs that I could find. This partnership lasted several years. Although I don’t remember the exact count, he probably bought over 15 GTOs over that time frame. Initially back then I only bought 1964-1967 GTOs. I saw very little value in the later GTOs. A mistake I would later correct! I do recall every GTO he bought made the trip back to Chicago. He and his wife did attend one of our big Reunion events at the Johnsville Airbase in the early 1990s.
I even stopped and visited with him and his wife years later when I was buying a Turbo Regal near where they lived outside of Chicago.
Fast forward to just a few years ago at a Buick event. I had a young Turbo Regal owner come up to me and tell me an interesting story. His Mom grew up with my long-time GTO buyer’s wife in Ohio. Somehow in one of the conversations he realized that his Mom’s long-time friend and her husband actually knew me.
This is just one of many coincidences that I have witnessed firsthand over the years. Here is another example that happened just the other day
I went to a nearby junkyard the other day, one that I had not been to in over 6 months. It’s a rather small yard, so I seldom score many parts there. I was checking out and the guy remarked in looking at the parts I was purchasing, “I see you are into G-body cars?” I said, “Yes.” He then remarked about some of the cars he had, including a show-quality 1965 GTO that he restored years ago. I said, Really? Have you ever heard the name Dennis Kirban?” He said, “Yes and I bought redone taillight bezels and other parts from him years ago at his house in Furlong.” I then said, “I am him.” Once I said that, he about fell out of the chair he was sitting in behind the counter.
He could not believe it. He remarked he thought I looked familiar, but was not sure until I said I said my name. Obviously, I did get a very good deal on the few items I did find! True story.
SUMMER SIZZLER SALE –
In each case, we put the current count we have on hand. Because they are special pricing, you must contact [email protected] or call our office between 9 am and 4 pm –215-766-1611x0. The below items will include the 2 bonus DVDs as well.
7051 – The magnet for the transmission pan or oil filter. We have 3 left. The special price is just $8.95 each. Add $5 for shipping by USPS. The retail price was $13.95.
7590 - These are the 3-inch stainless metal exhaust clamps. - 2 available. Sale price $10Pair. Retail was $19.95pair.
7671 - The Top Ten Reason T-shirts - We have 5 large, and 4 XXL available. Sale price is $10 each. Retail was $15.95. Buy any 2 for $16.
7821 - The grey and black Grand National seat covers - 4 available. Sale price $12 each. Retail was $18.95. Note -Each cover does only 1 seat.
NOTE – Buy any black Grand National seat cover and any above Top Ten Reasons T-shirt for just $18 plus $10 shipping.
7555 - The T-Type fender covers. - 18 available. Sale price $20 each or 2 for $38. Retail was $28.95
7751 - The Buick Motorsport Seat Armor. - 5 available. Sale price is $28 each or 2 for $48 Retail was $36.95 each.
7755 - GNX Seat Armor - 12 available. Sale price $28 each or 2 for $48. Retail was $36.95 each.
7757 - Grand National Seat Armor - 2 available. Sale price $28 each or 2 for $48. Retail was $36.95 each.
7846 – The Grand National T-shirt white ONLY - 4 large, 2 extra large, 2 XXL, and 3 XXXL available. Sale price is $14 each. Retail $18.00. Only the WHITE Grand National T-shirt is on special.
All the above Summer Sizzler parts will get the free 2 pack bonus GS DVD set.
Be sure to call or email as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. [email protected] or call our office between 9 am and 4 pm - 215-766-1611x0.
NOTE – On any of the above Summer Sizzler Sale items what has not been sold I will be taking to the East Coast Regional Nationals in September.
CLASSIFIED AD –
WANTED TO BUY: NOS (new old stock) Buick parts for 1986 to 1987 Buick Turbo Regal. Will you be attending the Magna 23rd East Coast Buick Regional’s in Maryland on Saturday, September 21st and have some NOS parts you are thinking of selling or lying around at home and want to turn in to CASH? Then please contact me ahead of time by phone or email and let me know what you have as I will be attending this event in person and I am interested in anything NOS. I travel to purchase and I am a cash buyer. Please call or e-mail and leave message. All calls returned. Jason Maxfield (416) 399-7265 or [email protected] Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Thank You. 1 of 4.
AD FOR CAR FOR SALE ON THE WEBSITE -
FOR SALE – 1987 GRAND NATIONAL
1987 Grand National – Show quality re-paint – 9 out of 10. Factory steel wheels, 3.8 L LC2 V6 Turbo, 200-4R OD transmission, 2800 stall converter, 8.5: 3.42 rear. Stock engine (80,000 miles) with bolt ons, including new TE61 Turbo. Turbo Tweak chip with fresh injectors, fuel pump, new MAF translator with LT1 MAF sensor, Terry Houston 3” downpipe, new Pypes Performance exhaust system, Cotton Performance front mount intercooler, speedometer/odometer changed to 145 mph overlay. New filler panels, LED headlights, 1000 HP motor mounts – (eliminates engine tie-down) Kenwood Blue-Tooth radio with Mosfet 300w Amplifier. Fully dressed trunk. Scanmaster. Fully guaged. A high-performance trophy winning show car. Offered at $29,800. Email Ron Griffin at [email protected] for full description and photos. Or see in Hemming Ad #2279170 Week 3 of 4.
CORES NEEDED - URGENT REQUEST –
Here is the information on our credits for cores.
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
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.
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 –
With cool Fall weather approaching, this is the best time to enjoy your Turbo Regal. If you reside in the northeastern part of the country, take some great pictures with the Fall colors.
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.
EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS -
FRIDAY & SATURDAY – SEPTEMBER 20 & 21, 2019
Cecil County Dragway, 1916 Theodore Road, Rising Sun, Maryland
This will be the 23rd year. We plan to be at this Buick event as a vendor so bring any cores or parts you want to cash in! Host hotel Information - Comfort Inn located just off exit 100 on I95. 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]
NOTE - We will be at the East Coast Regionals event as a vendor. Bring any cores you wish to cash in for Letter of Credit. Plus, any parts you want to sell. We are a buyer for both new and used parts. We will only be there on Saturday.
2019 GS NATIONALS
October 23-26, 2019
Beech Bend Raceway Bowling Green, KY
This is the annual event for all GS Buicks and Turbo Regals. This is the 39th GS Nationals. For more information, go to their website [email protected]
For vendor space, contact Matt and Sarah Gordon [email protected] For car show info, contact Alan Oldfield at [email protected]
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.
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. To subscribe simply email- [email protected] to get our free 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]
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.
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 –
GM Licensed –
BUICK GRAND NATIONAL BASEBALL-STYLE EMBROIDERED BLACK HAT
This GM licensed 6-panel structured low crown pre-curved visor black hat is made from moisture wicking polyester. It has a micro-hook/loop closure in the back.
The black hat has the Grand National Turbo-six logo embroidered in red, orange and white on the front and adjustable in the back.
This is another excellent Buick enthusiast gift idea.
7876 - GM Licensed - BUICK GRAND NATIONAL Baseball-style Embroidered Black Hat - $17.95
Here is a link to this Hat on our website.
ALWAYS LOOKING FOR IDEAS -
If you have any product ideas that would fit our Turbo Buick market that you would like to see available, email me direct - [email protected]
ALWAYS IN A BUYING POSITION FOR TURBO REGAL PARTS -
Got any Turbo Buick parts you are not using? Why not cash them in for parts you need with a Letter of Credit. 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 – It’s hard to believe it’s September and another summer is in the history books.
CONTEST TIME –
We are doing two different contests this week. One is Turbo Regal related and the other contest is not. So, all subscribers have an equal chance of winning. No answers submitted to my email will be considered until after 3 pm today, Wednesday, September 4, 2019. This is because the Inner Circle (minus the Rare Parts section) gets posted on our website prior to 3 pm today. This gives everyone an equal chance at winning.
The first contest involves a part that has just been reproduced. I just got word of this part a few days ago. I actually gave an original part to this company maybe 6-7 years ago to see if he could find some old inventory, never thinking he would eventually get it reproduced. However, in the last year or so, he has had requests for this part and that prompted him to get it made. Perhaps more remarkable is the fact that this part was just made in the USA.
He had a limited run made of about 150 pieces. I have locked in with another Buick Turbo source to buy all the parts he will wholesale of this initial run. I have a few currently on order to check the accuracy of the part against an original that I have. I expect to have my samples within 10 days. The winners of this contest would not be announced until I have my samples. That way we can show the actual part against an original part. So, winners may not be announced for 2 weeks, depending on when I get my actual samples of this part.
HERE ARE THE CLUES FOR THE TURBO REGAL PART OF THE CONTEST -
In the original Buick Price Directories that I have it shows this part was available each year - 1984 through 1987 - on all the Regal models, not just the Turbo models. The original part was discontinued from GM around 2010, from what I have read. This part was actually an option, but not a well-known option.
Name the part.
You get one guess per person. No answer will be considered until after 3 pm today, Wednesday, September 4th. You must email me personally [email protected] The first correct answer submitted after 3 pm Wednesday will be the winner and awarded a prize.
HERE ARE THE CLUES WITH PHOTO FOR THE NON-TURBO REGAL CONTEST -
Simply tell me what the 1957 Bel Air Chevrolet model (shown in Photo 1) is used for. In other words, what is its purpose or function?
PHOTO 1 – We show a 1957 Bel Air Chevrolet. It is made in plastic and measures approximately 10 inches long. It actually has a unique function. What does it do? You get one guess per person. No answer will be considered until after 3 pm today, Wednesday, September 4th. You must email me personally [email protected] The first correct answer submitted after 3 pm Wednesday will be the winner and awarded a prize. NOTE - The car is not for sale.
A VERY UNUSUAL AC DELCO PART –
I recently attended the Wheels of Time Car show that featured over 1,200 cars. Besides the 1957 Bel Air Chevrolet I picked up shown in Photo 1, I also bought the AC Delco Detail Kit shown in Photo 2. I have been to more car events than I can possibly count in the last 25-plus years and have never seen this AC Delco Detail Kit before now. It must not have been a popular product.
It seems strange to me that AC Delco would venture into the car detail market. The kit is comprised of three 4-ounce bottles - car wash shampoo, cleaner wax, and tire dressing. The seller at the show was actually a local GM car dealer and he had about 20 of these kits. I made a deal for all 20 sealed packs of them. All of the kits, except the one in the photo, is still factory sealed, brand new. The 20 kits appear under the Rare Parts section for sale. It would make a great car show item, that would probably be the only one at the car show. Plus, it’s an AC Delco Detail Kit to go with your GM show car!
This AC Delco detail kit reminded me of a similar product that Hurst considered making in the late 1960s. I have never seen an actual jar or container or even one piece of literature on any Hurst polish that they thought about making.
What I do have is the proof Hurst, at some point, had some sort of polish under consideration. This original one-of-a-kind artwork proves it. It even has a cutout for what appears would have held the photo jar of polish. Years ago, I was offered $500 for just this single piece of Hurst artwork from another serious Hurst collector. Today, it would bring more than double that price.
PHOTO 2 – We show the three different bottles of 4-ounce AC Delco Detail Kit items (unsealed) and also the framed original hand done artwork for the polish Hurst was considering making. Judging from the front end of the Camaro on the Hurst artwork, this would have been around 1968 or 1969 timeframe. Actually, my wife worked at Hurst during that time. So, this week you got to see two things you probably have never seen before or even knew existed.
TURBO-T LIMITED MODELS –
Most Turbo Regal owners are fully aware of the two limited production 1987 Buick Regal Turbo models produced in the 1987 model year. They are the Turbo-T WE4 and the Turbo-T Limited. Both models are extremely desirable today. The Turbo-T Limited can best be described as the one model that had an added touch of class regarding the interior, either with the cloth-like pillow-style seats or the upgraded tan or grey leather pillow seats. What some Turbo-T Limited owners may not be aware of is, if you have the leather interior, only the top seat surfaces are leather, and the sides are a matching vinyl.
Another nice touch was that the dash trim plate had a soft glow outline that lit up when the headlights were on at night. One of the biggest changes in the Limited interior was that the fancy door panels complimented the deep plush style carpets. The entire interior was, by far, its best feature. Had the internet existed back then Buick would have enjoyed far greater sales for the Turbo-T Limited models than it did. Again, this is strictly my opinion.
My second test car after the 1987 Grand National was a 1987 Turbo-T Limited with a silver exterior with a matching grey leather interior. The Limited had the desirable blackout package.
At the time I bought the Limited, I knew very little about the Limited version of the Turbo-T. I got the car from a customer in New York on a partial trade and money. For whatever reason, the Turbo-T Limited felt very solid on the road compared to the Grand National. We developed a number of products back then using this Turbo-T Limited as the test bed.
One thing that I always thought was unusual (or something Buick forgot) was regarding the carpet savers for the Turbo-T Limited models. The term “carpet saver” is the wording Buick used to describe the floor mats that you would buy to put over the factory rugs. The Limiteds all got the plush carpets if they had the leather interior, which was probably standard in all the Cadillac models. Why didn’t Buick go the extra step and make carpet savers for their Turbo-T Limiteds using the same plush carpet material? Every Cadillac I have come across in the junkyard with the original carpet savers in the car had the plush matching carpet savers that matched the factory carpet.
This past week I came across a late-1980s Cadillac that still had the factory carpet savers in the car. The interior was grey. I removed the grey plush carpet savers from the back floor as they were in very good condition. I can’t say for sure if the grey color on these is a dead match to the grey plush carpets found in the 1987 Turbo-T Limited, but I’d be willing to bet it is very close.
PHOTO 3 – We show the used pair of factory Cadillac grey plush rear carpet savers. I think the color grey is a close match to the Turbo-T Limited’s grey plush carpets. This makes for a nice novelty item, if you are one of the lucky ones that own a 1987 Turbo-T Limited with the grey leather interior. These carpet savers, although not formatted the same, would make a nice addition to the rear floor area. Note - This pair of carpet savers is for sale under the Rare Parts section.
WHEELS OF TIME CAR SHOW –
As we have mentioned earlier, we attended the recent Wheels of Time car show in nearby Macungie, PA. This is a 3-day event that features over 1,200 cars each day. Some of the most impressive modified and custom cars can be seen at this annual year event. Simply stated, many of these cars are a work of art and driven by passion.
Every year I am amazed at some of the vehicles that show up at this event. To create a custom or modified car, there are no plans that exist. These custom and modified car owners are taking an idea from their head and transferring it to an actual finished project.
One of the most detailed and unusual vehicles I saw took this owner 15 years to complete. That may not seem that long, but he did not start the project until he was 70 years old and is now 85.
Most people would have no idea of what car he started with - It was a 1947 Austin A40. I knew because I had a 1950s Austin A40 sedan years ago in high school. It never ran. I removed the engine and carted it to school as a science fair project. I set it up so the fan would spin. I got one of my few better grades displaying the engine!
This car at the Wheels of Time show was a 1947 Austin A40 when he started his project. The Austin A40 was an English car and, as you probably realize, foreign cars of that vintage are extremely rare to find stateside today or even 15-20 years ago.
I like the fact that besides the extreme detail he did on the car, he also paid homage to the Austin A40 on the valve cover. The valve covers have a similar A40 logo on them. The pictures do not do the car justice. He had a crowd around the car constantly. Having seen his workmanship, anyone would hire him in a second, regardless of his age.
The detail and quality of workmanship from any angle was clearly evident. What I don’t know is if the Austin A40 he built started out as a 4-door sedan or a panel truck. The model year, 1947, was the year I was born.
PHOTO 4 – We show 4 views if this impeccable 1947 Austin A40 delivery van. From any angle, you can clearly see a well-detailed and engineered creation. From what I understand, he did most of his own work on this project starting at age 70. The end result is nothing short of remarkable, even more so when you realize he did not start the project until the age of 70.
PAST CAR MEMORIES –
Last week we touched on the very first GTO we bought to resell back in the mid-1970s time frame. As we noted last week, the buyer that flew out and drove it home said he would buy any other 1964-1967 GTOs that I could find. This partnership lasted several years. Although I don’t remember the exact count, he probably bought over 15 GTOs over that time frame. Initially back then I only bought 1964-1967 GTOs. I saw very little value in the later GTOs. A mistake I would later correct! I do recall every GTO he bought made the trip back to Chicago. He and his wife did attend one of our big Reunion events at the Johnsville Airbase in the early 1990s.
I even stopped and visited with him and his wife years later when I was buying a Turbo Regal near where they lived outside of Chicago.
Fast forward to just a few years ago at a Buick event. I had a young Turbo Regal owner come up to me and tell me an interesting story. His Mom grew up with my long-time GTO buyer’s wife in Ohio. Somehow in one of the conversations he realized that his Mom’s long-time friend and her husband actually knew me.
This is just one of many coincidences that I have witnessed firsthand over the years. Here is another example that happened just the other day
I went to a nearby junkyard the other day, one that I had not been to in over 6 months. It’s a rather small yard, so I seldom score many parts there. I was checking out and the guy remarked in looking at the parts I was purchasing, “I see you are into G-body cars?” I said, “Yes.” He then remarked about some of the cars he had, including a show-quality 1965 GTO that he restored years ago. I said, Really? Have you ever heard the name Dennis Kirban?” He said, “Yes and I bought redone taillight bezels and other parts from him years ago at his house in Furlong.” I then said, “I am him.” Once I said that, he about fell out of the chair he was sitting in behind the counter.
He could not believe it. He remarked he thought I looked familiar, but was not sure until I said I said my name. Obviously, I did get a very good deal on the few items I did find! True story.
SUMMER SIZZLER SALE –
In each case, we put the current count we have on hand. Because they are special pricing, you must contact [email protected] or call our office between 9 am and 4 pm –215-766-1611x0. The below items will include the 2 bonus DVDs as well.
7051 – The magnet for the transmission pan or oil filter. We have 3 left. The special price is just $8.95 each. Add $5 for shipping by USPS. The retail price was $13.95.
7590 - These are the 3-inch stainless metal exhaust clamps. - 2 available. Sale price $10Pair. Retail was $19.95pair.
7671 - The Top Ten Reason T-shirts - We have 5 large, and 4 XXL available. Sale price is $10 each. Retail was $15.95. Buy any 2 for $16.
7821 - The grey and black Grand National seat covers - 4 available. Sale price $12 each. Retail was $18.95. Note -Each cover does only 1 seat.
NOTE – Buy any black Grand National seat cover and any above Top Ten Reasons T-shirt for just $18 plus $10 shipping.
7555 - The T-Type fender covers. - 18 available. Sale price $20 each or 2 for $38. Retail was $28.95
7751 - The Buick Motorsport Seat Armor. - 5 available. Sale price is $28 each or 2 for $48 Retail was $36.95 each.
7755 - GNX Seat Armor - 12 available. Sale price $28 each or 2 for $48. Retail was $36.95 each.
7757 - Grand National Seat Armor - 2 available. Sale price $28 each or 2 for $48. Retail was $36.95 each.
7846 – The Grand National T-shirt white ONLY - 4 large, 2 extra large, 2 XXL, and 3 XXXL available. Sale price is $14 each. Retail $18.00. Only the WHITE Grand National T-shirt is on special.
All the above Summer Sizzler parts will get the free 2 pack bonus GS DVD set.
Be sure to call or email as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. [email protected] or call our office between 9 am and 4 pm - 215-766-1611x0.
NOTE – On any of the above Summer Sizzler Sale items what has not been sold I will be taking to the East Coast Regional Nationals in September.
CLASSIFIED AD –
WANTED TO BUY: NOS (new old stock) Buick parts for 1986 to 1987 Buick Turbo Regal. Will you be attending the Magna 23rd East Coast Buick Regional’s in Maryland on Saturday, September 21st and have some NOS parts you are thinking of selling or lying around at home and want to turn in to CASH? Then please contact me ahead of time by phone or email and let me know what you have as I will be attending this event in person and I am interested in anything NOS. I travel to purchase and I am a cash buyer. Please call or e-mail and leave message. All calls returned. Jason Maxfield (416) 399-7265 or [email protected] Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Thank You. 1 of 4.
AD FOR CAR FOR SALE ON THE WEBSITE -
FOR SALE – 1987 GRAND NATIONAL
1987 Grand National – Show quality re-paint – 9 out of 10. Factory steel wheels, 3.8 L LC2 V6 Turbo, 200-4R OD transmission, 2800 stall converter, 8.5: 3.42 rear. Stock engine (80,000 miles) with bolt ons, including new TE61 Turbo. Turbo Tweak chip with fresh injectors, fuel pump, new MAF translator with LT1 MAF sensor, Terry Houston 3” downpipe, new Pypes Performance exhaust system, Cotton Performance front mount intercooler, speedometer/odometer changed to 145 mph overlay. New filler panels, LED headlights, 1000 HP motor mounts – (eliminates engine tie-down) Kenwood Blue-Tooth radio with Mosfet 300w Amplifier. Fully dressed trunk. Scanmaster. Fully guaged. A high-performance trophy winning show car. Offered at $29,800. Email Ron Griffin at [email protected] for full description and photos. Or see in Hemming Ad #2279170 Week 3 of 4.
CORES NEEDED - URGENT REQUEST –
Here is the information on our credits for cores.
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
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.
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 –
With cool Fall weather approaching, this is the best time to enjoy your Turbo Regal. If you reside in the northeastern part of the country, take some great pictures with the Fall colors.
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.
EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS -
FRIDAY & SATURDAY – SEPTEMBER 20 & 21, 2019
Cecil County Dragway, 1916 Theodore Road, Rising Sun, Maryland
This will be the 23rd year. We plan to be at this Buick event as a vendor so bring any cores or parts you want to cash in! Host hotel Information - Comfort Inn located just off exit 100 on I95. 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]
NOTE - We will be at the East Coast Regionals event as a vendor. Bring any cores you wish to cash in for Letter of Credit. Plus, any parts you want to sell. We are a buyer for both new and used parts. We will only be there on Saturday.
2019 GS NATIONALS
October 23-26, 2019
Beech Bend Raceway Bowling Green, KY
This is the annual event for all GS Buicks and Turbo Regals. This is the 39th GS Nationals. For more information, go to their website [email protected]
For vendor space, contact Matt and Sarah Gordon [email protected] For car show info, contact Alan Oldfield at [email protected]
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.
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. To subscribe simply email- [email protected] to get our free 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]
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.
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 –
GM Licensed –
BUICK GRAND NATIONAL BASEBALL-STYLE EMBROIDERED BLACK HAT
This GM licensed 6-panel structured low crown pre-curved visor black hat is made from moisture wicking polyester. It has a micro-hook/loop closure in the back.
The black hat has the Grand National Turbo-six logo embroidered in red, orange and white on the front and adjustable in the back.
This is another excellent Buick enthusiast gift idea.
7876 - GM Licensed - BUICK GRAND NATIONAL Baseball-style Embroidered Black Hat - $17.95
Here is a link to this Hat on our website.
ALWAYS LOOKING FOR IDEAS -
If you have any product ideas that would fit our Turbo Buick market that you would like to see available, email me direct - [email protected]
ALWAYS IN A BUYING POSITION FOR TURBO REGAL PARTS -
Got any Turbo Buick parts you are not using? Why not cash them in for parts you need with a Letter of Credit. 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 – It’s hard to believe it’s September and another summer is in the history books.