Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members - 09-05-2012
NEW REPRODUCTION REAR BUMPER IMPACT CUSHION -
We now have in stock the new 1982-1987 Buick Regal reproduction Rear Bumper Impact Cushion. The quality of this part is the same as when it was available from GM. The reason is, the supplier not only got this GM licensed, but was able to use the original tooling GM used. It is also made in the USA! The suggested retail price is $189. However, you can save $30 if you purchase BEFORE Monday October 8th, 2012. The introductory sale price now is $159.
Since it's oversized, you can also save shipping, if you buy it now and pick it up at our Open House Saturday October 6th, 2012. You must pay for it now so it will be put aside with your name.
This reproduction rear bumper Impact cushion is all black. We include a pack of the 25 special thread cutting nuts that GM used to attach the impact cushion to your bumper.
PHOTO 1 - Our first photo shows this new reproduction all black rear impact cushion at the top, our Part #7450. We've noted the placement on the rear bumper with a red arrow in the middle photo. The inset photo shows the 25 thread cutting nuts that comes with it.
We are one of the first companies to offer this reproduction. Remember, if you plan to pick it up at our Open House, it's best to call our office and place your order since you would save shipping.
1982-1987 Buick Regal -
GM LICENSED, REPRODUCTION “REAR” BUMPER IMPACT CUSHION &
THREAD CUTTING NUTS (25) PACK
This reproduction rear bumper impact cushion is GM licensed and was actually produced on the same mold in the U.S.A. that GM used during the original production. This is 100% identical to an original GM rear bumper cushion.
This is the cushion piece that extends across the entire length of the rear bumper. It's the first part to get dinged, if the car is hit.
These are all black, which would be correct for all Grand Nationals and GNXs. For other Turbo models, you may want to add the painted white strip in the indention to be original.
Each reproduction rear bumper impact cushion comes with a pack of 25 thread cutting nuts. These are the unique nuts needed to secure the bumper cushion to the metal bumper. We also offer this pack of nuts separately, Part #7451.
NOTE - We also offer the 1982-1987 Regal - GM FRONT Bumper Impact Cushion, Part #6918.
Another great exterior restoration item.
7450 - 1982-1987 Buick Regal -
Reproduction REAR Bumper Impact Cushion & Thread Cutting Nuts (25) Pack – regular price $189*
*SALE PRICE $159 (save $30) - *Our sale price ends 4 pm, Monday, October 8, 2012
1982-1987 Buick Regal -
BUMPER IMPACT CUSHION THREAD CUTTING NUTS (25) PACK
This pack of 25 thread cutting nuts are the unique nuts needed to secure the bumper cushion to the metal bumper. The pack of 25 is enough to do both bumper cushions.
NOTE - These come automatically with the purchase of the reproduction rear bumper impact cushion, Part #7450. We are also offering this pack of 25 nuts separately in case you need them when you change the front bumper cushion or if you need them for another car.
NOTE - We also offer the 1982-1987 Regal - GM FRONT Bumper Impact Cushion, Part #6918.
Another great exterior restoration item.
7451 - 1982-1987 Buick Regal -
Bumper Impact Cushion Thread Cutting Nuts (25) Pack - $4.99
Here is the link to view the Bumper Impact Cushion and Tread Cutting Nuts on our website.
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7450&submit_button=
SEMI METALLIC REAR BRAKE SHOES -
For over a dozen years we have offered these semi metallic rear brake shoes for the Turbo Buick. Our supplier is no longer able to package custom sets for us where we were getting four of the larger shoes instead of the standard small and large shoe for the rear drum brakes.
Our supplier gave us a new deal, which allows us to only raise the price by just under $2. Plus you get two full sets of semi metallic brake shoes. This gives you the option of having regular size brake shoes for two sets of rear drums or, taking the larger shoes from both sets and creating the one better set. This version has a new part number on our website it is #7447.
They also fit all the G-body cars not just Buick Regals from 1978 through 1987. Semi metallic linings have tremendous stopping power. These are also quiet and asbestos free. These are in stock. Here is our complete description.
1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
SEMI METALLIC REAR BRAKE SHOES
We are one of the few sources that can offer the semi-metallic brake shoes for drum brakes. These offer unequalled stopping power across the temperature range.
For years among muscle car owners, it is a well-known fact that semi metallic brakes offer the best stopping power. These are heavy duty and designed for extreme duty, such as racing.
For Turbo Buicks, it is one of the best brake shoes to hold and build boost at the drag strip.
Kit #7447 gives you two full sets, so you have an option of having two regular sets. Or you can use the larger pair of shoes in each kit to make one better set.
Kit #7448 gives you one full regular set.
They have a manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty against them coming apart. They are asbestos free. These are professional grade, have superb stopping power, and are quiet.
We also offer Semi Metallic Front Disc Brake Pads, Part #7449.
NOTE - We recommend these be installed by a reputable mechanic.
7447 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Semi Metallic REAR Brake Shoes (8 pieces) Set $39.95 / 2 full sets
This kit allows the option to use 4 large brake shoes, or 2 regular sets.
7448 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Semi Metallic REAR Brake Shoes (4 pieces) Set $29.95 / 1 full set
Here is the link to view this on our website.
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7447&submit_button=
PHOTO 2 - Pictured shows the two full sets of semi metallic brake shoes that you will get if you purchase #7447. This part number replaces the old #6722 which is no longer on our website. If you want one single set of these semi metallic brake shoes for your Turbo Regal part number #7448 is that part number. The price is just $29.95 for the set. Remember these are the top grade semi metallic brake shoes. It's very difficult to find any auto store that offers semi metallic brake shoes for drum brakes.
We will soon have from the same supplier a matching grade of front disc brake pads for the Turbo Regals. We should have that information in about a week.
Back in the day when we were selling Pontiac GTO parts we used to sell semi metallic brake shoes as the were a factory option for many years on the GTO. Plus, disc brakes on the GTO did not appear until the 1967 model and then it was for the fronts only. As a Turbo Regal owner, anything you can do to improve stopping is worth doing on these cars!
MORE COVERAGE FROM CORVETTES AT CARLISLE -
Corvette owners were probably one of the first to go to extreme measures to gather up any information pertaining to the history of their cars. Even the source that produces our reproduction Buick window stickers first started doing Corvette window stickers back in the late 1970s.
PHOTO 3 - In one of the buildings at Corvettes at Carlisle was this huge poster hanging up showing copies of all the paperwork associated with a certain 1971 Corvette convertible. This first photo shows the entire poster board. It was probably 34" tall by 24" wide. The line of interest is in the third line of copy, which we highlighted with a red arrow. It reads, “1 of 12 Produced, 1 of 1 Special Paint (primer)."
I don’t know the history of this car, but it's interesting that this car was produced in primer. What some of our readers may not realize is GM offered special paint for a number of years. I don’t know if the option still exists, but it did back during the production of the Pontiac GTOs and it was also offered during the production each year on the Regals (not just Turbo Regals, according to my books.) In looking in my GM price directory booklets, it does not appear that special paint was offered on most of the other Buick models.
Special paint was limited to any current color in the GM line up. In other words, it had to be a currently used color. For example, going by memory on the GTOs, some clever owners back then went with a color that was offered on a Cadillac.
The code for Special Paint option was "D83." It had to be a solid GM color and the price during the years 1984-1987 was $200 extra. This probably increased delivery time and I would imagine the car had to be paid in full in advance. Again, that would be my guess.
Going back to the 1971 Corvette, having the car simply finished in primer had to be quite unusual.
So, do any of our readers have the trunk ID code D83 on their Turbo Regal? If you do, you definitely have a very rare Turbo Regal and the trunk ID label would prove it!
BACK TRACKING TO THE VOLVO STORY -
A few issues back we wrote about Irvin Gordon closing in on three million miles behind the wheel of his 1966 P1800 Volvo. In that article we mentioned that both my wife and I back in 1971-1972 time frame had two Volvos. She drove a 122 model sedan that I had restored, and I had one of the neat looking 544 models that featured a Judson Supercharger on the engine. I dug up two photos showing our Volvos.
PHOTO 4 - This top photo was taken at our house in Willow Grove around 1971-1972 which is where we lived prior to moving to Sugarbottom Road in Furlong. The Volvo to the far left was my wifes, and I had 2 of the 544 models and eventually made one good one. You can barely see our son Darrell in this photo who was probably about 2-3 years old at the time. This house we rented in Willow Grove had four or five-bay garage and a huge driveway. The bottom photo is a close up of the 544 Volvo after I had it completely restored. This bottom photo was taken at our new house on Sugarbottom Road before any of the shrubbery beds were even planted.
MORE INFORMATION ON THE GM CARPET SAVERS -
As we mentioned in that last week's issue, we recently talked to Lloyd Tarter about the GM carpet savers he was buying back in the late 1980s and then embroidering them. It occurred to me to ask him how he did it because the rubber backing with the metal in them would make it virtually impossible to get a needle through the mats without breaking the needle.
He told me he had a branding iron made of the imprint of the Power Six logo and a branding iron made of the GNX logo. He only did two logos. He would carefully heat up the branding iron and burn the actual carpet in that area on each floor mat. He had to be real careful to only burn that portion of the carpet and not the backing. He then had the embroidery done separately with a edge of black carpet around it. He would then glue it into position on the GM mats! With the black carpet edge around each logo, you couldn't tell that it was not embroidered into the factory floor mat!
The weird thing is just a few weeks prior to my phone call, he had just thrown out the branding iron he had used to do this 20 plus years ago! It would have been neat to have it.
I am interested to know if anyone reading this has original GM floor mats with the molded in metal and the Power Six logo or the GNX logo. If you do, you have an original set of Bowling Green floor mats that are almost as old as the car! True story. I would be interested in buying a set, regardless of condition, for a future artlcle.
It was probably about a dozen or more years ago that I ended up with Lloyd Tarter's personal Grand National. Going by memory, I bought it from a customer I believe in Michigan. This car had several of Lloyd's products on it, as he would show his car at the GS Nationals back then under his company name "Bowling Green Customs." Lloyd Tartar was the original owner of Bowling Green Customs. The name refers to the fact he lived in Bowling Green, Kentucky. At the time he worked at the Corvette plant and retired several years ago. He later sold it to another person who kept the company name and operated out of Georgia for a number of years.
I am sure almost all carpet floor mats today, no matter what company is making them, is having the custom embroidery work done prior to affixing the backing.
Next week, more information on GM carpet savers/floor mats.
SALE PENDING - 1987 GRAND NATIONAL FOR SALE -
One of our customers, who resides in New Jersey, has decide to part with his 1987 Grand National that he purchased brand new in 1987. It was one of the later GNs built that year. It has T-Tops. Car is all original. Very clean with a few minor issues, such as a bad powermaster brake unit, and a non-working power antenna. Car has been garaged since new and only has 20,100 actual miles on it! The price is a very reasonable $15,900.
I have more details and photos for serious inquiries only. If you are interested, email me - [email protected]
VERY URGENT REQUEST - WE NEED POWERMASTER BRAKE CORES ! ! !
Once again we find ourselves needing complete powermaster brake cores. By complete we mean they must have a brake bowl, switch, and reservoir with lid. They can't look like they have been sitting 6 months in the local river.
You must email me direct - [email protected] - if you can help us help others.
For a limited time, we will issue a $125 Letter of Credit towards any of our website parts. Shipping by mail is the cheapest method to send it to us. If you are sending it by mail, you must use our PO Box in the address - Kirban Performance Products, P.O. Box 1199, Plumsteadville, PA 18949-1199. You MUST include your name, full address and a note explaining this is a core for the $125 Letter of Credit in the box. Do not send anything until you first email me, so we have a record of what units to expect.
This $125 Letter of Credit deal expires once we get ample cores. We still need more complete cores! We still need more cores.
WE HAVE ANOTHER GNX DASH AVAILABLE -
This dash is just like the GNX. It has all new Stewart Warner gauges with sending units as needed. It includes a new upper speedometer cable, directions with a copy of the original AS blueprints, a good used original gauge bezel, new applique, most important a pre-cut stock dash bezel. In other words, this is a complete kit ready to install. You do not have to cut any part of your dash, you simply remove your dash and drop this one in. All the gauges are all pre-fit properly.
The only item you will have to buy to complete it is the proper plug-and-play harness, which is available from World of Motorworks. You have to specify if you have an analog dash or a digital dash when you order the harness.
The price for this complete GNX-style dash is $1,995 plus shipping.
REPRODUCTION GNX SUSPENSION - NOW AVAILABLE -
Pete Hoffman has a limited number of the reproduction GNX Suspension Systems available. These are the Richard Clark systems that he has had made locally.
They are nearly exact to the originals, down to the welds and material used. They come with complete detailed instructions.
Limited availability!
Call or email Pete 215-778-1036
[email protected]
ALWAYS IN A BUYING POSITION WORKS -
Got any turbo parts you are not using? Why not cash them in for parts you need with a Letter of Credit. Simply email me a list - [email protected].
Also, we are still buying dead or partially dead 1984-1987 Turbo Regals under $4,000 that are within 250 to 350 miles of our location.
NOTE ABOUT PHOTOS ON THE WEBSITE - We have heard from a couple people that have viewed the photos on the website. Because these have to be low-resolution photos to work on the Inner Circle segments on the website, any photos of text don't appear clear when enlarged. This is a problem when you are trying to see numbers, such as those on the VIN labels or pages from Options booklet. Also, because of photo reproduction and computer screen variations, the colors may not be true to the actual product or photo.
If you would like to have us email you any photo at the higher resolution for viewing, just email us and we will email them to you. Be sure to be specific on which pictures you want to see - Reference Inner Circle date and photo number 1, 2, 3 or 4 - [email protected].
2012 CALENDAR OF EVENTS -
2012 EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS and FAST EVENT -
SEPTEMBER 21st and 22nd, 2012 - Friday & Saturday
Cecil County Dragway, Maryland
Event is open to all models of Buicks
Featuring the 2nd Annual MAGNA (Mid-Atlantic Grand National Association) All Buick-powered judged Car Show! All Buick's! All years! All makes!
Goodie bags for the first 50 Buicks in the show. Door prizes all day and 50/50 to win some cash. The ONLY ALL-Buick car show on the east coast!
For more information, contact Doug Dougherty - 302-653-2201 or John Csordas - 914-447-6068 or email questions to - [email protected] - or - [email protected]
Visit their website - http://tristategsclub.com
I plan to attend the East Coast Buick Regionals as a vendor on Saturday only. If you have any powermaster cores, or mass air flow sensor cores, you can bring them to give to me and save the cost of shipping it to us. Also, if you purchase the new reproduction Rear Bumper Impact Cushion ahead of time, I can bring it to this event and save you shipping!
2012 GS NATIONALS -
OCTOBER 17-20, 2012 - Wednesday - Saturday
Beach Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, Kentucky
Racing is FREE on Wednesday, October 17th. The correct dates are October 17-20, 2012. Because of the reschedule, they have negotiated FREE racing on Wednesday, October 17th. This includes "everyone" who comes thru the gate and pays the usual nominal entrance fee. There is NO usual additional charge to race your Buick powered cars on Wednesday.
The BCA (Buick Club of America) will be joining the GSCA event. This combination will make for a well-rounded event featuring all kinds of Buicks. This is one fall event you do not want to miss!
In addition to having representatives from Reynolds Buick of Wes Covina CA in attendance, it appears we also may have Jim Bell of Kenne-Bell fame also in the house. Don Reynolds Buick sponsored Pop Kennedy's unbeatable Buick's starting in '59 thru the early 60's.
Also scheduled to be in attendance & possibly racing is famed CA Buick racer Fred Caitlin. Reynolds Buick will be celebrating their 100th anniversary as a Buick dealer and will be highlighted & honored during the event. Add to this, the presence of BCA members attending, should offer additional interest & fun at the event.
Once again we will be attending this national event as we have every year since 1988. Pete Hoffman and of course Richard Clark will be there also.
EBAY LISTINGS -
If you would like to see any of the Kirban Performance Products items listed on eBay, here is a link to our store and auctions - http://stores.ebay.com/Kirban-Performance-Products-Inc_W0QQssPageNameZl2QQtZ km
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 mark your calendar - Saturday, October 6th, 2012 for our Fall Open House!
Also, I plan to attend the East Coast Buick Regionals in Maryland, but only on Saturday, September 22nd as a vendor. If you have any powermaster or mass air flow sensor cores, please bring them to this event for Letter of Credit. This will save you shipping them.
Also, if you purchase the new reproduction rear bumper impact cushion in advance, I can save you shipping and deliver it to this event. We will have a small array of new parts and used parts available at this event. Hope to see many of you there.
NEW REPRODUCTION REAR BUMPER IMPACT CUSHION -
We now have in stock the new 1982-1987 Buick Regal reproduction Rear Bumper Impact Cushion. The quality of this part is the same as when it was available from GM. The reason is, the supplier not only got this GM licensed, but was able to use the original tooling GM used. It is also made in the USA! The suggested retail price is $189. However, you can save $30 if you purchase BEFORE Monday October 8th, 2012. The introductory sale price now is $159.
Since it's oversized, you can also save shipping, if you buy it now and pick it up at our Open House Saturday October 6th, 2012. You must pay for it now so it will be put aside with your name.
This reproduction rear bumper Impact cushion is all black. We include a pack of the 25 special thread cutting nuts that GM used to attach the impact cushion to your bumper.
PHOTO 1 - Our first photo shows this new reproduction all black rear impact cushion at the top, our Part #7450. We've noted the placement on the rear bumper with a red arrow in the middle photo. The inset photo shows the 25 thread cutting nuts that comes with it.
We are one of the first companies to offer this reproduction. Remember, if you plan to pick it up at our Open House, it's best to call our office and place your order since you would save shipping.
1982-1987 Buick Regal -
GM LICENSED, REPRODUCTION “REAR” BUMPER IMPACT CUSHION &
THREAD CUTTING NUTS (25) PACK
This reproduction rear bumper impact cushion is GM licensed and was actually produced on the same mold in the U.S.A. that GM used during the original production. This is 100% identical to an original GM rear bumper cushion.
This is the cushion piece that extends across the entire length of the rear bumper. It's the first part to get dinged, if the car is hit.
These are all black, which would be correct for all Grand Nationals and GNXs. For other Turbo models, you may want to add the painted white strip in the indention to be original.
Each reproduction rear bumper impact cushion comes with a pack of 25 thread cutting nuts. These are the unique nuts needed to secure the bumper cushion to the metal bumper. We also offer this pack of nuts separately, Part #7451.
NOTE - We also offer the 1982-1987 Regal - GM FRONT Bumper Impact Cushion, Part #6918.
Another great exterior restoration item.
7450 - 1982-1987 Buick Regal -
Reproduction REAR Bumper Impact Cushion & Thread Cutting Nuts (25) Pack – regular price $189*
*SALE PRICE $159 (save $30) - *Our sale price ends 4 pm, Monday, October 8, 2012
1982-1987 Buick Regal -
BUMPER IMPACT CUSHION THREAD CUTTING NUTS (25) PACK
This pack of 25 thread cutting nuts are the unique nuts needed to secure the bumper cushion to the metal bumper. The pack of 25 is enough to do both bumper cushions.
NOTE - These come automatically with the purchase of the reproduction rear bumper impact cushion, Part #7450. We are also offering this pack of 25 nuts separately in case you need them when you change the front bumper cushion or if you need them for another car.
NOTE - We also offer the 1982-1987 Regal - GM FRONT Bumper Impact Cushion, Part #6918.
Another great exterior restoration item.
7451 - 1982-1987 Buick Regal -
Bumper Impact Cushion Thread Cutting Nuts (25) Pack - $4.99
Here is the link to view the Bumper Impact Cushion and Tread Cutting Nuts on our website.
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7450&submit_button=
SEMI METALLIC REAR BRAKE SHOES -
For over a dozen years we have offered these semi metallic rear brake shoes for the Turbo Buick. Our supplier is no longer able to package custom sets for us where we were getting four of the larger shoes instead of the standard small and large shoe for the rear drum brakes.
Our supplier gave us a new deal, which allows us to only raise the price by just under $2. Plus you get two full sets of semi metallic brake shoes. This gives you the option of having regular size brake shoes for two sets of rear drums or, taking the larger shoes from both sets and creating the one better set. This version has a new part number on our website it is #7447.
They also fit all the G-body cars not just Buick Regals from 1978 through 1987. Semi metallic linings have tremendous stopping power. These are also quiet and asbestos free. These are in stock. Here is our complete description.
1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
SEMI METALLIC REAR BRAKE SHOES
We are one of the few sources that can offer the semi-metallic brake shoes for drum brakes. These offer unequalled stopping power across the temperature range.
For years among muscle car owners, it is a well-known fact that semi metallic brakes offer the best stopping power. These are heavy duty and designed for extreme duty, such as racing.
For Turbo Buicks, it is one of the best brake shoes to hold and build boost at the drag strip.
Kit #7447 gives you two full sets, so you have an option of having two regular sets. Or you can use the larger pair of shoes in each kit to make one better set.
Kit #7448 gives you one full regular set.
They have a manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty against them coming apart. They are asbestos free. These are professional grade, have superb stopping power, and are quiet.
We also offer Semi Metallic Front Disc Brake Pads, Part #7449.
NOTE - We recommend these be installed by a reputable mechanic.
7447 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Semi Metallic REAR Brake Shoes (8 pieces) Set $39.95 / 2 full sets
This kit allows the option to use 4 large brake shoes, or 2 regular sets.
7448 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Semi Metallic REAR Brake Shoes (4 pieces) Set $29.95 / 1 full set
Here is the link to view this on our website.
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7447&submit_button=
PHOTO 2 - Pictured shows the two full sets of semi metallic brake shoes that you will get if you purchase #7447. This part number replaces the old #6722 which is no longer on our website. If you want one single set of these semi metallic brake shoes for your Turbo Regal part number #7448 is that part number. The price is just $29.95 for the set. Remember these are the top grade semi metallic brake shoes. It's very difficult to find any auto store that offers semi metallic brake shoes for drum brakes.
We will soon have from the same supplier a matching grade of front disc brake pads for the Turbo Regals. We should have that information in about a week.
Back in the day when we were selling Pontiac GTO parts we used to sell semi metallic brake shoes as the were a factory option for many years on the GTO. Plus, disc brakes on the GTO did not appear until the 1967 model and then it was for the fronts only. As a Turbo Regal owner, anything you can do to improve stopping is worth doing on these cars!
MORE COVERAGE FROM CORVETTES AT CARLISLE -
Corvette owners were probably one of the first to go to extreme measures to gather up any information pertaining to the history of their cars. Even the source that produces our reproduction Buick window stickers first started doing Corvette window stickers back in the late 1970s.
PHOTO 3 - In one of the buildings at Corvettes at Carlisle was this huge poster hanging up showing copies of all the paperwork associated with a certain 1971 Corvette convertible. This first photo shows the entire poster board. It was probably 34" tall by 24" wide. The line of interest is in the third line of copy, which we highlighted with a red arrow. It reads, “1 of 12 Produced, 1 of 1 Special Paint (primer)."
I don’t know the history of this car, but it's interesting that this car was produced in primer. What some of our readers may not realize is GM offered special paint for a number of years. I don’t know if the option still exists, but it did back during the production of the Pontiac GTOs and it was also offered during the production each year on the Regals (not just Turbo Regals, according to my books.) In looking in my GM price directory booklets, it does not appear that special paint was offered on most of the other Buick models.
Special paint was limited to any current color in the GM line up. In other words, it had to be a currently used color. For example, going by memory on the GTOs, some clever owners back then went with a color that was offered on a Cadillac.
The code for Special Paint option was "D83." It had to be a solid GM color and the price during the years 1984-1987 was $200 extra. This probably increased delivery time and I would imagine the car had to be paid in full in advance. Again, that would be my guess.
Going back to the 1971 Corvette, having the car simply finished in primer had to be quite unusual.
So, do any of our readers have the trunk ID code D83 on their Turbo Regal? If you do, you definitely have a very rare Turbo Regal and the trunk ID label would prove it!
BACK TRACKING TO THE VOLVO STORY -
A few issues back we wrote about Irvin Gordon closing in on three million miles behind the wheel of his 1966 P1800 Volvo. In that article we mentioned that both my wife and I back in 1971-1972 time frame had two Volvos. She drove a 122 model sedan that I had restored, and I had one of the neat looking 544 models that featured a Judson Supercharger on the engine. I dug up two photos showing our Volvos.
PHOTO 4 - This top photo was taken at our house in Willow Grove around 1971-1972 which is where we lived prior to moving to Sugarbottom Road in Furlong. The Volvo to the far left was my wifes, and I had 2 of the 544 models and eventually made one good one. You can barely see our son Darrell in this photo who was probably about 2-3 years old at the time. This house we rented in Willow Grove had four or five-bay garage and a huge driveway. The bottom photo is a close up of the 544 Volvo after I had it completely restored. This bottom photo was taken at our new house on Sugarbottom Road before any of the shrubbery beds were even planted.
MORE INFORMATION ON THE GM CARPET SAVERS -
As we mentioned in that last week's issue, we recently talked to Lloyd Tarter about the GM carpet savers he was buying back in the late 1980s and then embroidering them. It occurred to me to ask him how he did it because the rubber backing with the metal in them would make it virtually impossible to get a needle through the mats without breaking the needle.
He told me he had a branding iron made of the imprint of the Power Six logo and a branding iron made of the GNX logo. He only did two logos. He would carefully heat up the branding iron and burn the actual carpet in that area on each floor mat. He had to be real careful to only burn that portion of the carpet and not the backing. He then had the embroidery done separately with a edge of black carpet around it. He would then glue it into position on the GM mats! With the black carpet edge around each logo, you couldn't tell that it was not embroidered into the factory floor mat!
The weird thing is just a few weeks prior to my phone call, he had just thrown out the branding iron he had used to do this 20 plus years ago! It would have been neat to have it.
I am interested to know if anyone reading this has original GM floor mats with the molded in metal and the Power Six logo or the GNX logo. If you do, you have an original set of Bowling Green floor mats that are almost as old as the car! True story. I would be interested in buying a set, regardless of condition, for a future artlcle.
It was probably about a dozen or more years ago that I ended up with Lloyd Tarter's personal Grand National. Going by memory, I bought it from a customer I believe in Michigan. This car had several of Lloyd's products on it, as he would show his car at the GS Nationals back then under his company name "Bowling Green Customs." Lloyd Tartar was the original owner of Bowling Green Customs. The name refers to the fact he lived in Bowling Green, Kentucky. At the time he worked at the Corvette plant and retired several years ago. He later sold it to another person who kept the company name and operated out of Georgia for a number of years.
I am sure almost all carpet floor mats today, no matter what company is making them, is having the custom embroidery work done prior to affixing the backing.
Next week, more information on GM carpet savers/floor mats.
SALE PENDING - 1987 GRAND NATIONAL FOR SALE -
One of our customers, who resides in New Jersey, has decide to part with his 1987 Grand National that he purchased brand new in 1987. It was one of the later GNs built that year. It has T-Tops. Car is all original. Very clean with a few minor issues, such as a bad powermaster brake unit, and a non-working power antenna. Car has been garaged since new and only has 20,100 actual miles on it! The price is a very reasonable $15,900.
I have more details and photos for serious inquiries only. If you are interested, email me - [email protected]
VERY URGENT REQUEST - WE NEED POWERMASTER BRAKE CORES ! ! !
Once again we find ourselves needing complete powermaster brake cores. By complete we mean they must have a brake bowl, switch, and reservoir with lid. They can't look like they have been sitting 6 months in the local river.
You must email me direct - [email protected] - if you can help us help others.
For a limited time, we will issue a $125 Letter of Credit towards any of our website parts. Shipping by mail is the cheapest method to send it to us. If you are sending it by mail, you must use our PO Box in the address - Kirban Performance Products, P.O. Box 1199, Plumsteadville, PA 18949-1199. You MUST include your name, full address and a note explaining this is a core for the $125 Letter of Credit in the box. Do not send anything until you first email me, so we have a record of what units to expect.
This $125 Letter of Credit deal expires once we get ample cores. We still need more complete cores! We still need more cores.
WE HAVE ANOTHER GNX DASH AVAILABLE -
This dash is just like the GNX. It has all new Stewart Warner gauges with sending units as needed. It includes a new upper speedometer cable, directions with a copy of the original AS blueprints, a good used original gauge bezel, new applique, most important a pre-cut stock dash bezel. In other words, this is a complete kit ready to install. You do not have to cut any part of your dash, you simply remove your dash and drop this one in. All the gauges are all pre-fit properly.
The only item you will have to buy to complete it is the proper plug-and-play harness, which is available from World of Motorworks. You have to specify if you have an analog dash or a digital dash when you order the harness.
The price for this complete GNX-style dash is $1,995 plus shipping.
REPRODUCTION GNX SUSPENSION - NOW AVAILABLE -
Pete Hoffman has a limited number of the reproduction GNX Suspension Systems available. These are the Richard Clark systems that he has had made locally.
They are nearly exact to the originals, down to the welds and material used. They come with complete detailed instructions.
Limited availability!
Call or email Pete 215-778-1036
[email protected]
ALWAYS IN A BUYING POSITION WORKS -
Got any turbo parts you are not using? Why not cash them in for parts you need with a Letter of Credit. Simply email me a list - [email protected].
Also, we are still buying dead or partially dead 1984-1987 Turbo Regals under $4,000 that are within 250 to 350 miles of our location.
NOTE ABOUT PHOTOS ON THE WEBSITE - We have heard from a couple people that have viewed the photos on the website. Because these have to be low-resolution photos to work on the Inner Circle segments on the website, any photos of text don't appear clear when enlarged. This is a problem when you are trying to see numbers, such as those on the VIN labels or pages from Options booklet. Also, because of photo reproduction and computer screen variations, the colors may not be true to the actual product or photo.
If you would like to have us email you any photo at the higher resolution for viewing, just email us and we will email them to you. Be sure to be specific on which pictures you want to see - Reference Inner Circle date and photo number 1, 2, 3 or 4 - [email protected].
2012 CALENDAR OF EVENTS -
2012 EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS and FAST EVENT -
SEPTEMBER 21st and 22nd, 2012 - Friday & Saturday
Cecil County Dragway, Maryland
Event is open to all models of Buicks
Featuring the 2nd Annual MAGNA (Mid-Atlantic Grand National Association) All Buick-powered judged Car Show! All Buick's! All years! All makes!
Goodie bags for the first 50 Buicks in the show. Door prizes all day and 50/50 to win some cash. The ONLY ALL-Buick car show on the east coast!
For more information, contact Doug Dougherty - 302-653-2201 or John Csordas - 914-447-6068 or email questions to - [email protected] - or - [email protected]
Visit their website - http://tristategsclub.com
I plan to attend the East Coast Buick Regionals as a vendor on Saturday only. If you have any powermaster cores, or mass air flow sensor cores, you can bring them to give to me and save the cost of shipping it to us. Also, if you purchase the new reproduction Rear Bumper Impact Cushion ahead of time, I can bring it to this event and save you shipping!
2012 GS NATIONALS -
OCTOBER 17-20, 2012 - Wednesday - Saturday
Beach Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, Kentucky
Racing is FREE on Wednesday, October 17th. The correct dates are October 17-20, 2012. Because of the reschedule, they have negotiated FREE racing on Wednesday, October 17th. This includes "everyone" who comes thru the gate and pays the usual nominal entrance fee. There is NO usual additional charge to race your Buick powered cars on Wednesday.
The BCA (Buick Club of America) will be joining the GSCA event. This combination will make for a well-rounded event featuring all kinds of Buicks. This is one fall event you do not want to miss!
In addition to having representatives from Reynolds Buick of Wes Covina CA in attendance, it appears we also may have Jim Bell of Kenne-Bell fame also in the house. Don Reynolds Buick sponsored Pop Kennedy's unbeatable Buick's starting in '59 thru the early 60's.
Also scheduled to be in attendance & possibly racing is famed CA Buick racer Fred Caitlin. Reynolds Buick will be celebrating their 100th anniversary as a Buick dealer and will be highlighted & honored during the event. Add to this, the presence of BCA members attending, should offer additional interest & fun at the event.
Once again we will be attending this national event as we have every year since 1988. Pete Hoffman and of course Richard Clark will be there also.
EBAY LISTINGS -
If you would like to see any of the Kirban Performance Products items listed on eBay, here is a link to our store and auctions - http://stores.ebay.com/Kirban-Performance-Products-Inc_W0QQssPageNameZl2QQtZ km
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 mark your calendar - Saturday, October 6th, 2012 for our Fall Open House!
Also, I plan to attend the East Coast Buick Regionals in Maryland, but only on Saturday, September 22nd as a vendor. If you have any powermaster or mass air flow sensor cores, please bring them to this event for Letter of Credit. This will save you shipping them.
Also, if you purchase the new reproduction rear bumper impact cushion in advance, I can save you shipping and deliver it to this event. We will have a small array of new parts and used parts available at this event. Hope to see many of you there.