Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 09-08-2021 -
EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS -
Hope to see many of our local customers this coming weekend at the East Coast Buick Regionals. Remember to bring us the various cores we are seeking. The 1986-1987 Turbo Regal mass air sensors, power master cores, pm brake pedals, and stock 1986-1987 turbos. We want them all. Got any good used and NOS parts you want to sell? I am a buyer. Will have checks with me. Also have over a dozen trays of some super deals and items too big to ship all priced to sell.
LATE BREAKING NEWS 1987 GRAND NATIONAL HARDTOP FOR SALE -
Just got word earlier today from one of my long-time customers (1989?) is going to sell his 1987 Grand National hardtop. Purchased used way back in 1988 and always garaged. Car has been to many of our open house events when he resided in our area. Car is now located in NC. Richard Clark performed some maintenance work on this Grand National 2 years ago and Pete Hoffman also installed the window rattle kits. Richard drove the car every day to lunch and got many compliments about the car. At that time Richard Clark put the real value of this car based on condition north of 30 grand! Plus the SPID trunk label was signed by Molly not once but twice! This is rare as he was at two of our Open House events with the last one in 2007.
He has the original window sticker and some of the paint is original. Car has had extremely great care. Mileage is 175,000. Runs strong. Transmission was rebuilt. New Cold Case radiator was installed.
The price is $27,900 OBO. For more info and photos email me directly [email protected] Remember one owner since 1988!!!!
MORE PARTS FROM THIS RECENT STASH OF TURBO REGAL PARTS -
Be sure to check out the Rare Parts section as soon as possible as most of the parts we list sell quickly. You must email me and include the part number for the part you are interested in.
Remember this Inner Circle goes out every Wednesday at 3pm eastern time. Set your smartphone or smart watch to avoid disappointments! You must email me calling the office is not an option on the rare parts listed at the end of this Inner Circle and only subscribers can see this section! Do not call the office to reserve a part strictly by email to [email protected] Demand for many of our parts is high because customers know I only sell real nice parts. We have been very fortunate the last several months finding a good amount of not only NOS parts but good used parts that have not seen the light of day for years.
FROM OUR RECENT PURCHASE -
PHOTO 1 - The photo to the left shows a polished stainless 10 inches mass air pipe with the hose connectors and clamps. Although used it is in very nice shape. The photo to the right is extremely rare; it is from our Kirban Reunion and Birthday Bash from 2007. This was the last time Molly attended any of our events. This Hot Wheels Grand National was given to each person that attended the banquet. Each one was signed on the trunk lid personally by Molly. If I had to guess fewer than 250 were made back in 2007. What I find interesting is on the back of the Hot Wheels package it states “Fun Fact Did you know only 547 of the 1987 Buick Grand Nationals were made and that it was one of the fastest production vehicles ever produced making it very desirable to collectors? There are several mistakes in that statement. The 547 count was for the GNX production not the Grand National. One of the fastest would have been better stated among US produced car models in 1987 the Grand National was the quickest accelerating cars, beating the Corvette. See the Rare Parts section as both items are listed there for sale.
PHOTO 2 - The photo to the left shows the Peach State 1:18 diecast car trailer we have in the original box. The photo to the right shows a 1:18 scale 1986 T-Type Regal. In the original box never displayed with the reproduction of the window sticker. Both of these can be found under the Rare Parts section for sale.
GRAND NATIONAL ORIGINAL PALLEX SEAT MATERIAL -
Years ago we had various sections from different rolls of original grey and black Pallex material. This original seat material even 15 - 20 years ago was difficult to find. Originally, produced by Collins and Aikman which is why their initials are stamped on the back of the original material along with an arrow showing direction and a date. For date they just stamped the last 2 digits, example 87. Another reason this original Pallex material is difficult to find was I believe the company Collins and AIkman went out of business years ago. They were located in Ohio if I recall originally.
I am sure they probably made other material for other GM cars. Seems to me similar material was used in some of the F body models back then and probably some of the low production vehicles such as possibly the Skylark T-Type or Skylark Gran Sport models. Again this is merely a guess on my part and going by memory. Like most materials if you do not secure it all from the same roll it will never match exactly to the same coded material from another roll.
Today various reproductions exist. I will not comment on who sells the best match on the Pallex material. Part of the issue is after a period of time bright sunlight can make some of the various reproduction materials change colors or fade quite quickly.
PHOTO 3 - The photo to the top left shows the one large piece I have for sale under the Rare Parts section. The top right photo shows the C & A stamping on the back. The bottom left photo shows the date 87. The bottom right photo shows this original material laying across a Grand National seat. In this case this car is a T-Top car. You can clearly see how badly faded the original grey bucket seat is compared to my section of original grey Pallex material. The roll I show has been rolled up and properly stored inside for over 25 plus years!
EVIDENCE OF SUN FADE -
Years ago when the turbo cars were not fetching the big money I probably bought for parts and dismantled at least 15 or 20 of them, mostly 1984-1985 models. I would take the engines down to Richard Clark and he would buy the motors from me. In my collection of material I found that I had carefully removed the grey cloth off one of the Turbo Regals passenger door panels.
PHOTO 4 - We show 3 various views of an original grey cloth Turbo Regal door panel. You can clearly see how badly this material has faded. You can see where the plastic chrome molding pieces went and the area around the power window switch. This panel has been in our basement for at least 10 years so the sun damage happened years ago. If you need to see proof first hand if you have a grey interior take a screwdriver and remove either door sill plate and you will see the difference in the color of your carpet that was under the door sill compared to the section exposed to the sun! The last photo shows a real nice used 1986-1987 original complete electric fan setup we purchased. See the Rare Parts section as the factory 1986-1987 Turbo Regal fan is for sale.
GOOD NEWS THE GRAND NATIONAL EMBLEM FOR THE GRILLE IS IN STOCK -
This clever emblem that replaces the Buick grille emblem is fully GM licensed. Part #7928. It is back on our website and is in stock! Buick should have made this emblem for the grille to match the fender emblems!
WHERE WERE YOU WHEN IT HAPPENED -
Perhaps the two most worst occurrences in recent American History is the assination of President JFK in Dallas, Texas and the attack on 9/11 on the Capitol and the UN buildings. If you were alive during either or both of these terrible events you remember exactly where you were. I know I do.
In both instances I was away from home. When JFK was assassinated I had just turned 16 that September. I had a brand new 1963 Ford XL fastback that I was making car payments on. Between the start of school that year and my lack of interest and having a car my grades dropped quickly and the teachers made my parents aware of that fact.
My Dad's answer was I had to turn over my car keys and could no longer drive to school. Unknown to my Dad I had a backup set of car keys. I took the car that fateful morning not having any real game plan other than I was going to try and make it to California. I picked up my girlfriend and drove her to school as I always did and told her not to tell anyone of my plan. She stuck to the plan. My parents thought I would return after school and face the wrath my Dad would surely give me for disobeying him.
By the next day I was already driving through St Louis, Missouri. It was just after lunch time and I remember newspaper delivery trucks shouting out the terrible news that President Kennedy had been shot. I remember this like it was yesterday. The next day I drove through Texas on the road that now is the famous Route 66. Along the way I had picked up a hitchhiker and at some point I decided I needed to part ways with him. That mistake would prove costly as he contacted my parents, told them I had robbed him and he told them where I was headed. They wired him some money and with information as to where I was headed he alerted the police stating I had stolen the car. I was only 16 so the car was in my Dad's name.
That next Saturday morning about 10 miles east of Gallup, New Mexico I was arrested. Put in the small dingy Gallup New Mexico jail until my Dad flew out that following Monday. More on this story next week!
On 9/11 twenty years ago I was with Pete Serio the window rattle guy. I had picked him up the day before in Columbus, Ohio to drive down to Kentucky to pick up a mint 1987 WE4 I had bought. We only listened to CDs so we never had the radio on. Coming back around 1 in the afternoon I remarked to Pete as we passed the one airport by Columbus that it seemed strange that so many aircraft would be parked all over the runways and by the hangers. We stopped just outside Columbus at an Applebee's for lunch. It was then when we walked in and how quiet it was as everyone was glued to the TV sets and was witnessing the catastrophe unfold on TV. It was an eerie experience. After I dropped Pete off my trip took me back on the PA turnpike which is not far from where the passengers overpowered the hi jackers on the 3rd airplane. I had never seen so many police cars on the turnpike at the same time.
Weeks later on my various road trips picking up Turbo Regals I remember every single bridge that went over a major highway had an American Flag attached to each bridge in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. This national attack reminded me of what my father in law witnessed first hand that early Sunday Morning in 1941 when Japan struck Pearl Harbor.
URGENT REQUEST -
We will buy your powermaster brake pedal! We will issue a letter of credit of $40 for every powermaster brake pedal you send us! Simply send to Kirban Performance 529 Haycock Run Road, Kintnersville PA 18930. Include your info with the pedal.
BARRETT-JACKSON SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA AUCTION -
One of the long time leaders in Collectible car auctions. In a recent copy of Hemming Muscle Machines they show a 1988 Monte Carlo SS with a mere 249 miles sold for $35,200. The description said it looked, felt, and still smelled new. So it is safe to say with the Turbo Regals leading the pack in values for G Body models some other makes and models are enjoying good investments. My guess is that the original owner of this Monte Carlo either suffered some sort of health issue shortly after his purchase, or intended all along to not drive it hoping its value would pay off a handsome profit. Or possibly after he purchased it and compared to his buddy who bought a 1987 Grand National simply was disgusted with his choice? Again just my 3 guesses!
1987 TURBO-T LIMITED FOR SALE STILL AVAILABLE -
See earlier Inner Circle for pictures and details. For more photos email me directly [email protected] The price is $8995. Great father son project as long as you have the space, skill, and time.
1993 GMC TYPHOON FOR SALE STILL AVAILABLE -
This Typhoon is white with a black leather interior. Paint is original. Currently it has just 73,000 miles on it. It has the ATR upgraded Intercooler, a $2,000 upgrade. (AC currently unhooked because of the ATR intercooler). The Typhoon is located in the midwest. The price is $18,900. For more info email me direct [email protected]
IN STOCK NO WAITING -
Translators, Pypes Dual Exhaust, Jeep modified brand new lower steering shafts, vacuum brake set ups and the 3-piece baffle sets that surround the radiator. That part number is #7772. Also, got one rebuilt 1986-19087 original AC Delco mass air flow sensor in stock. You must call the office if you want this. Very hard to get good cores in to get these rebuilt.
BRAND NEW VACUUM BRAKE PEDALS -
The supplier for these vacuum brake pedals is having a tough time getting more made and is seeking out another company to make them. The cost factory has skyrocketed. This news is creating issues for the vacuum brake kits we sell #7625 which includes the proper brake pedal. Currently we have several sources getting us used brake pedals. These used brake pedals are getting difficult to find due to the age of the cars. We are also getting powermaster pedals modified with the proper pin and location so it can be used for a vacuum set up. I had not been to any salvage yards in several months, but went this past weekend and did get one brake pedal. Currently we have enough pedals coming to eliminate any issues for the next month or so.
STILL AVAILABLE - A FULL SET OF REAL ORIGINAL GNX WHEELS LIKE NEW -
I am representing this set of real GNX wheels for one of my long-time customers who bought at least one car from me over the years. He resides in the New England area. The price includes all 4 center caps. No lug nuts. The price is $5895 and includes free shipping to the basic 48 states. The wheels have no scratches, and no road rash. Like new in every regard. They are the correct ones with different offset front and rears. For more info or pictures email me direct [email protected]
NEW LOWER PRICES - THREE TURBO REGALS AND ONE SYCLONE -
NEW LOWER PRICES ON ALL FOUR VEHICLES!!!! Prices may even be better if you buy more than one of the four vehicles. All 4 are still available. The 1986 blue T-Type and the 1987 Grand National he purchased were brand new. He is the 3rd owner of the white 1987 Turbo-T. The Syclone he also purchased was brand new. These vehicles are located in Tennessee. The light blue 1986 T-Type is $25,000 now just $19,000. The 1987 Grand National has the rare factory astro roof and has been repainted Corvette red. It is priced at $20,000 now just $17,000. The white 1987 Turbo-T is $25,000 now just $19,000. The Syclone has about 9,500 miles on it. It is priced at $44,900 now just $39,900 See past Inner circle for more details on these vehicles. For more photos and to reach the seller email me direct [email protected]
CAR SHOW DATES FOR 2021 SEASON -
EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS
Saturday September 11th 2021
This annual event is held at Cecil County Dragway in Rising Sun, Maryland this coming weekend.. There is no rain date. I have gone every year for the last 5 or 6 years. Always a good event. Plenty of room and plenty of cars. This event was not held in 2020 so there is a lot of pent up demand for the return. I will be donating items for this event and I will be there as a vendor. I don’t bring many items to shows, but I do a lot of buying. So if you plan to attend, see me if you bring items to sell. Our plan is to award 4 special custom awards for the 4 cars that impress me the most. More details later. Bring us your cores for credit powermaster brake units, turbo cores and stock 1986-1987 mass air sensor cores. We are also a buyer of any good used and NOS Turbo Regal parts.
EBAY LISTINGS -
Be sure to check ebay every week or so as we post parts under both Kirban Performance and Kirban Enterprises. You never know what will be posted from us.
LIST OF MECHANICS FOR THE TURBO REGAL UPDATE -
We will only post any new additions to avoid confusion. Refer to previous inner circle emails to see the entire list.
TIPS AND IDEAS YOU HAVE TRIED -
If you have an idea or tip or a product idea, send it to my email [email protected]
TIP FROM KIRBAN -.
One of the last big Buick events for this season is next month at Cecil County Drag Way. We will be there Friday and Saturday.
IMPORTANT - INFORMATION ABOUT OUR SHIPPING ADDRESS –
If you are returning any cores or products, it is important that you send them to the correct address.
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
529 HAYCOCK RUN ROAD
KINTNERSVILLE, PA 18930
We discovered that FedEx will not forward any packages that are sent to the old PO Box or to our old address in Plumsteadville. Instead they deliver the packages to the old address and leave them outside or send them back to the shipper. They refuse to forward and say that we should notify the shipper. In most cases, we have no idea when we are getting packages shipped back to us.
If you have any cores that are being sent back to us, be sure to use the correct address, especially if you use FedEx. Otherwise, we may not receive your package or it may be sent back to you.
CLICK HERE - For the link to the Kirban Enterprises ebay listings.
IMPORTANT NOTE ON RARE PARTS FOR SALE –
In order for our Inner Circle members to have an equal opportunity on the Rare Parts, no emails regarding orders on rare parts will be honored prior to 3 pm Wednesday. This way Inner Circle members get the opportunity first to purchase any of the rare items that may be pictured in the main body of the Inner Circle which may go on our website earlier in the day each week. Inner Circle members are the ONLY people that get to see the Rare Parts listing and see the prices
CORES NEEDED - URGENT REQUEST –
Here is the information on our credits for cores.
STEERING WHEEL CORES. Currently we need good 1986-1987 Turbo Regal steering cores. They must be straight and not have rusted spokes. We will issue a Letter of Credit of $100 for each acceptable core. You must email me [email protected] a photo first to make sure the steering wheel is acceptable.
POWERMASTER BRAKE UNITS. Currently, we are accepting powermaster brake units. We give a $150 Letter of Credit for each acceptable core. If you include the turbo pedal, add $10. You would receive a $160 Letter of Credit. To avoid having your core not accepted, you MUST first email me a photo of the core you plan to send in - [email protected] - We will NOT accept any cores that have severe rust issues or have been disassembled. Core must have the brake switch and brake bowl reservoir. Too many of the cores we have been getting are in such terrible shape they are worthless to us.
TURBO CORES must be the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal stock turbo. They must be complete. We will issue you a $175 Letter of Credit for each acceptable core. We need cores now.
MASS AIR FLOW SENSORS must be the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal sensors. They can not be cracked or broken. Each acceptable unit is worth a letter of credit of $40 each. We need cores now!
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.
UPS or MAIL - Ship to Address –
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
529 HAYCOCK RUN ROAD
KINTNERSVILLE, PA 18930
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 to 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 3,500 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 3,400 potential buyers.
Ads submitted properly by the previous Sunday would appear 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.
CLASSIFIED AD -
WANTED TO BUY: NOS (New Old Stock) Buick parts for 1986 to 1987 Buick Turbo Regal. Will you be attending the Magna East Coast Buick Regional’s in Maryland on Saturday September 11th and have some NOS parts you are thinking of selling or lying around at home and want to turn them into CASH? Then please contact me ahead of time by phone or e-mail and let me know what you have as I will be attending this event in person and interested in anything NOS. I travel to purchase and am a cash buyer. Please call or e-mail and leave me a message. All calls will be returned. Jason Maxfield (416) 399-7265 or [email protected] Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Thank You! 4 of 4.
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 actual 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 Wednesday Inner Circle email.
Remember the Buick Rare Parts section is only viewed by those that subscribe.
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 through.
If you need to email us, use - [email protected]
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 –
1984-1987 Regal -
LOCK PILLAR REINFORCEMENT PLATES (2)
This 2mm thick spacer is designed to give the door pin more support.
If you look at the area where the striker is attached, more than likely you will see hairline cracks. They are spot welds that hold a cage nut so you can attach the door striker. These spot welds tend to take the place of one of the 2mm spacers and at the same time give the door striker more support.
This lock pillar reinforcement plate is shaped to look as if it came on the car from the factory. The reinforcement plate measures approximately 4″ x 5″, comes powder-coated glossy black for a lasting finish (glossy black will blend with most dark colors doors and all the Grand Nationals), and are sold as a pair. Plates are easy to install.
It’s interesting to note that GM actually had a recall on another Buick model, the Somerset, back in 1985 for having a similar problem. Their solution at the time was similar to these reinforcement plates.
NOTE - You may also be interested in a related item - #6776 GM Door Strikers (2).
Another excellent replacement for any interior restoration.
6774 - 1984-1987 Regal - Lock Pillar Reinforcement Plates (2) - $43.95
CLICK HERE - For the link to these plates on our website.
1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
AFTERMARKET EPA CERTIFIED LOW RESTRICTIVE STOCK CATALYTIC CONVERTER
Many owners may want to replace the original pancake-style restrictive catalytic converter. This is a unique catalytic converter with the proper custom-made 4-bolt flange at the back end. The overall length is 18 inches. This is a direct bolt in replacement and similar to the one we offered over 20 years ago. This only works with the stock 2-1/2 inch diameter downpipe.
It will bolt up to the stock exhaust or to the Pypes Dual Exhaust system, Part #6996, we sell.
Original catalytic converters can easily become clogged over a long period of time. They are also a lot more restrictive due to its pancake style. Some states have very strict laws regarding emissions equipment, even on older cars.
This catalytic converter also can lower any drone sound the current mufflers may make.
We offer this low restrictive catalytic converter, which weighs less than 8 pounds and is EPA certified! It is not a universal converter, but one with the correct 4-bolt flange on the one end that will directly bolt into your Turbo Regal.
With the amount of heat turbo cars develop, the converter can begin to break down internally and clog the exhaust system.
The EPA rules dictate that replacement catalytic converters must go in the same location as the original converter. This unit bolts into that same area and has the same mounting flange.
This catalytic converter comes complete with the 4-bolt exhaust flange. This 4-bolt flange is very unique to these cars as no other G-body application has this style flange. We also offer the 4-bolt flange, Part #7947, by itself for those of you that may want to get a test pipe made for off road use only.
Another excellent replacement for any exhaust restoration.
6567 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal - Aftermarket EPA Certified Low Restrictive Stock Catalytic Converter - $339.95
CLICK HERE - For a link to this catalytic converter 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 used if 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 directly - [email protected] - and 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 the weekly Inner Circle always goes out at 3 pm eastern time so subscribers all have the same equal chance on the Rare Parts. All our parts generally are priced to sell and below what others offer. Also our used items are exactly as described. Emails are acknowledged in the order we receive them regardless of when I respond as I am not always by a computer and I only use a flip phone. It's best to email as soon as possible as many of our items sell within the first hour! Do not call the office on the listed Rare Parts as you could lose out by someone beating you with an email.
EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS -
Hope to see many of our local customers this coming weekend at the East Coast Buick Regionals. Remember to bring us the various cores we are seeking. The 1986-1987 Turbo Regal mass air sensors, power master cores, pm brake pedals, and stock 1986-1987 turbos. We want them all. Got any good used and NOS parts you want to sell? I am a buyer. Will have checks with me. Also have over a dozen trays of some super deals and items too big to ship all priced to sell.
LATE BREAKING NEWS 1987 GRAND NATIONAL HARDTOP FOR SALE -
Just got word earlier today from one of my long-time customers (1989?) is going to sell his 1987 Grand National hardtop. Purchased used way back in 1988 and always garaged. Car has been to many of our open house events when he resided in our area. Car is now located in NC. Richard Clark performed some maintenance work on this Grand National 2 years ago and Pete Hoffman also installed the window rattle kits. Richard drove the car every day to lunch and got many compliments about the car. At that time Richard Clark put the real value of this car based on condition north of 30 grand! Plus the SPID trunk label was signed by Molly not once but twice! This is rare as he was at two of our Open House events with the last one in 2007.
He has the original window sticker and some of the paint is original. Car has had extremely great care. Mileage is 175,000. Runs strong. Transmission was rebuilt. New Cold Case radiator was installed.
The price is $27,900 OBO. For more info and photos email me directly [email protected] Remember one owner since 1988!!!!
MORE PARTS FROM THIS RECENT STASH OF TURBO REGAL PARTS -
Be sure to check out the Rare Parts section as soon as possible as most of the parts we list sell quickly. You must email me and include the part number for the part you are interested in.
Remember this Inner Circle goes out every Wednesday at 3pm eastern time. Set your smartphone or smart watch to avoid disappointments! You must email me calling the office is not an option on the rare parts listed at the end of this Inner Circle and only subscribers can see this section! Do not call the office to reserve a part strictly by email to [email protected] Demand for many of our parts is high because customers know I only sell real nice parts. We have been very fortunate the last several months finding a good amount of not only NOS parts but good used parts that have not seen the light of day for years.
FROM OUR RECENT PURCHASE -
PHOTO 1 - The photo to the left shows a polished stainless 10 inches mass air pipe with the hose connectors and clamps. Although used it is in very nice shape. The photo to the right is extremely rare; it is from our Kirban Reunion and Birthday Bash from 2007. This was the last time Molly attended any of our events. This Hot Wheels Grand National was given to each person that attended the banquet. Each one was signed on the trunk lid personally by Molly. If I had to guess fewer than 250 were made back in 2007. What I find interesting is on the back of the Hot Wheels package it states “Fun Fact Did you know only 547 of the 1987 Buick Grand Nationals were made and that it was one of the fastest production vehicles ever produced making it very desirable to collectors? There are several mistakes in that statement. The 547 count was for the GNX production not the Grand National. One of the fastest would have been better stated among US produced car models in 1987 the Grand National was the quickest accelerating cars, beating the Corvette. See the Rare Parts section as both items are listed there for sale.
PHOTO 2 - The photo to the left shows the Peach State 1:18 diecast car trailer we have in the original box. The photo to the right shows a 1:18 scale 1986 T-Type Regal. In the original box never displayed with the reproduction of the window sticker. Both of these can be found under the Rare Parts section for sale.
GRAND NATIONAL ORIGINAL PALLEX SEAT MATERIAL -
Years ago we had various sections from different rolls of original grey and black Pallex material. This original seat material even 15 - 20 years ago was difficult to find. Originally, produced by Collins and Aikman which is why their initials are stamped on the back of the original material along with an arrow showing direction and a date. For date they just stamped the last 2 digits, example 87. Another reason this original Pallex material is difficult to find was I believe the company Collins and AIkman went out of business years ago. They were located in Ohio if I recall originally.
I am sure they probably made other material for other GM cars. Seems to me similar material was used in some of the F body models back then and probably some of the low production vehicles such as possibly the Skylark T-Type or Skylark Gran Sport models. Again this is merely a guess on my part and going by memory. Like most materials if you do not secure it all from the same roll it will never match exactly to the same coded material from another roll.
Today various reproductions exist. I will not comment on who sells the best match on the Pallex material. Part of the issue is after a period of time bright sunlight can make some of the various reproduction materials change colors or fade quite quickly.
PHOTO 3 - The photo to the top left shows the one large piece I have for sale under the Rare Parts section. The top right photo shows the C & A stamping on the back. The bottom left photo shows the date 87. The bottom right photo shows this original material laying across a Grand National seat. In this case this car is a T-Top car. You can clearly see how badly faded the original grey bucket seat is compared to my section of original grey Pallex material. The roll I show has been rolled up and properly stored inside for over 25 plus years!
EVIDENCE OF SUN FADE -
Years ago when the turbo cars were not fetching the big money I probably bought for parts and dismantled at least 15 or 20 of them, mostly 1984-1985 models. I would take the engines down to Richard Clark and he would buy the motors from me. In my collection of material I found that I had carefully removed the grey cloth off one of the Turbo Regals passenger door panels.
PHOTO 4 - We show 3 various views of an original grey cloth Turbo Regal door panel. You can clearly see how badly this material has faded. You can see where the plastic chrome molding pieces went and the area around the power window switch. This panel has been in our basement for at least 10 years so the sun damage happened years ago. If you need to see proof first hand if you have a grey interior take a screwdriver and remove either door sill plate and you will see the difference in the color of your carpet that was under the door sill compared to the section exposed to the sun! The last photo shows a real nice used 1986-1987 original complete electric fan setup we purchased. See the Rare Parts section as the factory 1986-1987 Turbo Regal fan is for sale.
GOOD NEWS THE GRAND NATIONAL EMBLEM FOR THE GRILLE IS IN STOCK -
This clever emblem that replaces the Buick grille emblem is fully GM licensed. Part #7928. It is back on our website and is in stock! Buick should have made this emblem for the grille to match the fender emblems!
WHERE WERE YOU WHEN IT HAPPENED -
Perhaps the two most worst occurrences in recent American History is the assination of President JFK in Dallas, Texas and the attack on 9/11 on the Capitol and the UN buildings. If you were alive during either or both of these terrible events you remember exactly where you were. I know I do.
In both instances I was away from home. When JFK was assassinated I had just turned 16 that September. I had a brand new 1963 Ford XL fastback that I was making car payments on. Between the start of school that year and my lack of interest and having a car my grades dropped quickly and the teachers made my parents aware of that fact.
My Dad's answer was I had to turn over my car keys and could no longer drive to school. Unknown to my Dad I had a backup set of car keys. I took the car that fateful morning not having any real game plan other than I was going to try and make it to California. I picked up my girlfriend and drove her to school as I always did and told her not to tell anyone of my plan. She stuck to the plan. My parents thought I would return after school and face the wrath my Dad would surely give me for disobeying him.
By the next day I was already driving through St Louis, Missouri. It was just after lunch time and I remember newspaper delivery trucks shouting out the terrible news that President Kennedy had been shot. I remember this like it was yesterday. The next day I drove through Texas on the road that now is the famous Route 66. Along the way I had picked up a hitchhiker and at some point I decided I needed to part ways with him. That mistake would prove costly as he contacted my parents, told them I had robbed him and he told them where I was headed. They wired him some money and with information as to where I was headed he alerted the police stating I had stolen the car. I was only 16 so the car was in my Dad's name.
That next Saturday morning about 10 miles east of Gallup, New Mexico I was arrested. Put in the small dingy Gallup New Mexico jail until my Dad flew out that following Monday. More on this story next week!
On 9/11 twenty years ago I was with Pete Serio the window rattle guy. I had picked him up the day before in Columbus, Ohio to drive down to Kentucky to pick up a mint 1987 WE4 I had bought. We only listened to CDs so we never had the radio on. Coming back around 1 in the afternoon I remarked to Pete as we passed the one airport by Columbus that it seemed strange that so many aircraft would be parked all over the runways and by the hangers. We stopped just outside Columbus at an Applebee's for lunch. It was then when we walked in and how quiet it was as everyone was glued to the TV sets and was witnessing the catastrophe unfold on TV. It was an eerie experience. After I dropped Pete off my trip took me back on the PA turnpike which is not far from where the passengers overpowered the hi jackers on the 3rd airplane. I had never seen so many police cars on the turnpike at the same time.
Weeks later on my various road trips picking up Turbo Regals I remember every single bridge that went over a major highway had an American Flag attached to each bridge in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. This national attack reminded me of what my father in law witnessed first hand that early Sunday Morning in 1941 when Japan struck Pearl Harbor.
URGENT REQUEST -
We will buy your powermaster brake pedal! We will issue a letter of credit of $40 for every powermaster brake pedal you send us! Simply send to Kirban Performance 529 Haycock Run Road, Kintnersville PA 18930. Include your info with the pedal.
BARRETT-JACKSON SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA AUCTION -
One of the long time leaders in Collectible car auctions. In a recent copy of Hemming Muscle Machines they show a 1988 Monte Carlo SS with a mere 249 miles sold for $35,200. The description said it looked, felt, and still smelled new. So it is safe to say with the Turbo Regals leading the pack in values for G Body models some other makes and models are enjoying good investments. My guess is that the original owner of this Monte Carlo either suffered some sort of health issue shortly after his purchase, or intended all along to not drive it hoping its value would pay off a handsome profit. Or possibly after he purchased it and compared to his buddy who bought a 1987 Grand National simply was disgusted with his choice? Again just my 3 guesses!
1987 TURBO-T LIMITED FOR SALE STILL AVAILABLE -
See earlier Inner Circle for pictures and details. For more photos email me directly [email protected] The price is $8995. Great father son project as long as you have the space, skill, and time.
1993 GMC TYPHOON FOR SALE STILL AVAILABLE -
This Typhoon is white with a black leather interior. Paint is original. Currently it has just 73,000 miles on it. It has the ATR upgraded Intercooler, a $2,000 upgrade. (AC currently unhooked because of the ATR intercooler). The Typhoon is located in the midwest. The price is $18,900. For more info email me direct [email protected]
IN STOCK NO WAITING -
Translators, Pypes Dual Exhaust, Jeep modified brand new lower steering shafts, vacuum brake set ups and the 3-piece baffle sets that surround the radiator. That part number is #7772. Also, got one rebuilt 1986-19087 original AC Delco mass air flow sensor in stock. You must call the office if you want this. Very hard to get good cores in to get these rebuilt.
BRAND NEW VACUUM BRAKE PEDALS -
The supplier for these vacuum brake pedals is having a tough time getting more made and is seeking out another company to make them. The cost factory has skyrocketed. This news is creating issues for the vacuum brake kits we sell #7625 which includes the proper brake pedal. Currently we have several sources getting us used brake pedals. These used brake pedals are getting difficult to find due to the age of the cars. We are also getting powermaster pedals modified with the proper pin and location so it can be used for a vacuum set up. I had not been to any salvage yards in several months, but went this past weekend and did get one brake pedal. Currently we have enough pedals coming to eliminate any issues for the next month or so.
STILL AVAILABLE - A FULL SET OF REAL ORIGINAL GNX WHEELS LIKE NEW -
I am representing this set of real GNX wheels for one of my long-time customers who bought at least one car from me over the years. He resides in the New England area. The price includes all 4 center caps. No lug nuts. The price is $5895 and includes free shipping to the basic 48 states. The wheels have no scratches, and no road rash. Like new in every regard. They are the correct ones with different offset front and rears. For more info or pictures email me direct [email protected]
NEW LOWER PRICES - THREE TURBO REGALS AND ONE SYCLONE -
NEW LOWER PRICES ON ALL FOUR VEHICLES!!!! Prices may even be better if you buy more than one of the four vehicles. All 4 are still available. The 1986 blue T-Type and the 1987 Grand National he purchased were brand new. He is the 3rd owner of the white 1987 Turbo-T. The Syclone he also purchased was brand new. These vehicles are located in Tennessee. The light blue 1986 T-Type is $25,000 now just $19,000. The 1987 Grand National has the rare factory astro roof and has been repainted Corvette red. It is priced at $20,000 now just $17,000. The white 1987 Turbo-T is $25,000 now just $19,000. The Syclone has about 9,500 miles on it. It is priced at $44,900 now just $39,900 See past Inner circle for more details on these vehicles. For more photos and to reach the seller email me direct [email protected]
CAR SHOW DATES FOR 2021 SEASON -
EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS
Saturday September 11th 2021
This annual event is held at Cecil County Dragway in Rising Sun, Maryland this coming weekend.. There is no rain date. I have gone every year for the last 5 or 6 years. Always a good event. Plenty of room and plenty of cars. This event was not held in 2020 so there is a lot of pent up demand for the return. I will be donating items for this event and I will be there as a vendor. I don’t bring many items to shows, but I do a lot of buying. So if you plan to attend, see me if you bring items to sell. Our plan is to award 4 special custom awards for the 4 cars that impress me the most. More details later. Bring us your cores for credit powermaster brake units, turbo cores and stock 1986-1987 mass air sensor cores. We are also a buyer of any good used and NOS Turbo Regal parts.
EBAY LISTINGS -
Be sure to check ebay every week or so as we post parts under both Kirban Performance and Kirban Enterprises. You never know what will be posted from us.
LIST OF MECHANICS FOR THE TURBO REGAL UPDATE -
We will only post any new additions to avoid confusion. Refer to previous inner circle emails to see the entire list.
TIPS AND IDEAS YOU HAVE TRIED -
If you have an idea or tip or a product idea, send it to my email [email protected]
TIP FROM KIRBAN -.
One of the last big Buick events for this season is next month at Cecil County Drag Way. We will be there Friday and Saturday.
IMPORTANT - INFORMATION ABOUT OUR SHIPPING ADDRESS –
If you are returning any cores or products, it is important that you send them to the correct address.
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
529 HAYCOCK RUN ROAD
KINTNERSVILLE, PA 18930
We discovered that FedEx will not forward any packages that are sent to the old PO Box or to our old address in Plumsteadville. Instead they deliver the packages to the old address and leave them outside or send them back to the shipper. They refuse to forward and say that we should notify the shipper. In most cases, we have no idea when we are getting packages shipped back to us.
If you have any cores that are being sent back to us, be sure to use the correct address, especially if you use FedEx. Otherwise, we may not receive your package or it may be sent back to you.
CLICK HERE - For the link to the Kirban Enterprises ebay listings.
IMPORTANT NOTE ON RARE PARTS FOR SALE –
In order for our Inner Circle members to have an equal opportunity on the Rare Parts, no emails regarding orders on rare parts will be honored prior to 3 pm Wednesday. This way Inner Circle members get the opportunity first to purchase any of the rare items that may be pictured in the main body of the Inner Circle which may go on our website earlier in the day each week. Inner Circle members are the ONLY people that get to see the Rare Parts listing and see the prices
CORES NEEDED - URGENT REQUEST –
Here is the information on our credits for cores.
STEERING WHEEL CORES. Currently we need good 1986-1987 Turbo Regal steering cores. They must be straight and not have rusted spokes. We will issue a Letter of Credit of $100 for each acceptable core. You must email me [email protected] a photo first to make sure the steering wheel is acceptable.
POWERMASTER BRAKE UNITS. Currently, we are accepting powermaster brake units. We give a $150 Letter of Credit for each acceptable core. If you include the turbo pedal, add $10. You would receive a $160 Letter of Credit. To avoid having your core not accepted, you MUST first email me a photo of the core you plan to send in - [email protected] - We will NOT accept any cores that have severe rust issues or have been disassembled. Core must have the brake switch and brake bowl reservoir. Too many of the cores we have been getting are in such terrible shape they are worthless to us.
TURBO CORES must be the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal stock turbo. They must be complete. We will issue you a $175 Letter of Credit for each acceptable core. We need cores now.
MASS AIR FLOW SENSORS must be the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal sensors. They can not be cracked or broken. Each acceptable unit is worth a letter of credit of $40 each. We need cores now!
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.
UPS or MAIL - Ship to Address –
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
529 HAYCOCK RUN ROAD
KINTNERSVILLE, PA 18930
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 to 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 3,500 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 3,400 potential buyers.
Ads submitted properly by the previous Sunday would appear 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.
CLASSIFIED AD -
WANTED TO BUY: NOS (New Old Stock) Buick parts for 1986 to 1987 Buick Turbo Regal. Will you be attending the Magna East Coast Buick Regional’s in Maryland on Saturday September 11th and have some NOS parts you are thinking of selling or lying around at home and want to turn them into CASH? Then please contact me ahead of time by phone or e-mail and let me know what you have as I will be attending this event in person and interested in anything NOS. I travel to purchase and am a cash buyer. Please call or e-mail and leave me a message. All calls will be returned. Jason Maxfield (416) 399-7265 or [email protected] Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Thank You! 4 of 4.
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 actual 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 Wednesday Inner Circle email.
Remember the Buick Rare Parts section is only viewed by those that subscribe.
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 through.
If you need to email us, use - [email protected]
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 –
1984-1987 Regal -
LOCK PILLAR REINFORCEMENT PLATES (2)
This 2mm thick spacer is designed to give the door pin more support.
If you look at the area where the striker is attached, more than likely you will see hairline cracks. They are spot welds that hold a cage nut so you can attach the door striker. These spot welds tend to take the place of one of the 2mm spacers and at the same time give the door striker more support.
This lock pillar reinforcement plate is shaped to look as if it came on the car from the factory. The reinforcement plate measures approximately 4″ x 5″, comes powder-coated glossy black for a lasting finish (glossy black will blend with most dark colors doors and all the Grand Nationals), and are sold as a pair. Plates are easy to install.
It’s interesting to note that GM actually had a recall on another Buick model, the Somerset, back in 1985 for having a similar problem. Their solution at the time was similar to these reinforcement plates.
NOTE - You may also be interested in a related item - #6776 GM Door Strikers (2).
Another excellent replacement for any interior restoration.
6774 - 1984-1987 Regal - Lock Pillar Reinforcement Plates (2) - $43.95
CLICK HERE - For the link to these plates on our website.
1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
AFTERMARKET EPA CERTIFIED LOW RESTRICTIVE STOCK CATALYTIC CONVERTER
Many owners may want to replace the original pancake-style restrictive catalytic converter. This is a unique catalytic converter with the proper custom-made 4-bolt flange at the back end. The overall length is 18 inches. This is a direct bolt in replacement and similar to the one we offered over 20 years ago. This only works with the stock 2-1/2 inch diameter downpipe.
It will bolt up to the stock exhaust or to the Pypes Dual Exhaust system, Part #6996, we sell.
Original catalytic converters can easily become clogged over a long period of time. They are also a lot more restrictive due to its pancake style. Some states have very strict laws regarding emissions equipment, even on older cars.
This catalytic converter also can lower any drone sound the current mufflers may make.
We offer this low restrictive catalytic converter, which weighs less than 8 pounds and is EPA certified! It is not a universal converter, but one with the correct 4-bolt flange on the one end that will directly bolt into your Turbo Regal.
With the amount of heat turbo cars develop, the converter can begin to break down internally and clog the exhaust system.
The EPA rules dictate that replacement catalytic converters must go in the same location as the original converter. This unit bolts into that same area and has the same mounting flange.
This catalytic converter comes complete with the 4-bolt exhaust flange. This 4-bolt flange is very unique to these cars as no other G-body application has this style flange. We also offer the 4-bolt flange, Part #7947, by itself for those of you that may want to get a test pipe made for off road use only.
Another excellent replacement for any exhaust restoration.
6567 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal - Aftermarket EPA Certified Low Restrictive Stock Catalytic Converter - $339.95
CLICK HERE - For a link to this catalytic converter 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 used if 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 directly - [email protected] - and 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 the weekly Inner Circle always goes out at 3 pm eastern time so subscribers all have the same equal chance on the Rare Parts. All our parts generally are priced to sell and below what others offer. Also our used items are exactly as described. Emails are acknowledged in the order we receive them regardless of when I respond as I am not always by a computer and I only use a flip phone. It's best to email as soon as possible as many of our items sell within the first hour! Do not call the office on the listed Rare Parts as you could lose out by someone beating you with an email.