Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members - 02-04-09
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH LAWRENCE CONLEY TODAY
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lawrence Conley, Conley's Performance Plus, as he undergoes heart surgery today in Houston, Texas. Many of our members will remember Lawrence and his wife Janace since they have been well known in the Turbo Buick circles. We all remember their teal green "Tweaked" racecar.
Our very best wishes for his speedy recovery. If you would like to send him a Get Well email, he's his email address - [email protected]
UPDATE ON GNX/TRANS AM STYLE 16" x 8" WHEELS
1984-1987 Regal - GNX / TRANS AM STYLE 16" x 8" WHEELS SET
Because of requests, we now offer another option for the popular GNX-style wheels. These GNX / TRANS AM style wheels have the black mesh center and are 16" x 8" with the proper offset to fit the 1984-1987 Regals. These resemble the popular original GNX wheels. Do not confuse this with the version we have sold in the past, known as "Kirban-Style" GNX wheels.
These wheels are manufactured with brand new tooling and are clear coated. Wheels have the proper offset to fit under your fenders. We sell these as a complete set of 4 wheels, 20 correct lug nuts, 20 lug nut black caps, 4 chrome-plated valve stems, 4 black center caps, and "TURBOCHARGED" center cap decals.
The original center caps on the original GNX were actually the existing Trans Am caps. GM simply affixed the "GNX" paper decal over the Trans Am medallion. This set includes the "TURBOCHARGED" Decals (4) Set, Part #7113.
If you own a 1984, 1985, or 1986 Turbo Regal the GM front springs on these years were a different spring rate. You will need to change the front springs to avoid having the tires rub when you go over bumps. We recommend our front springs, Part #6566. If you plan on carrying heavy items in the trunk or four friends, we recommend you upgrade the rear springs to our variable rate rear springs, Part #1520 on any 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987 Regal.
For shocks the best ones you can buy are the Bilsteins to further improve the ride quality of your Turbo Regal. The overall height is actually slightly less than what is currently on the car. The speedometer is not affected.
Originally the GNX used 245/50s by 16s up front and 255/50s by 16 in the rear. For best results, we recommend going with 245/50s on the fronts and the backs. Depending on the year Turbo Regal and what suspension upgrades you have made, we do not recommend the larger 255/50s for the rear. However, if you want to go with 255/50s in the rear, trial fit these wheels first to be sure you have enough clearance.
The good news is these wheels will look pretty much dead on with the mesh black center that matches the original GNX mesh center. They are 100% brand new and weigh about 18 lbs each. Of all the available optional wheels, these are the most desirable and can really enhance your pride and joy.
Keep in mind, we will take good used original Grand National wheels in partial trade. This can help save you some money, since you also need to buy new tires.
Wheels are in stock, no waiting.
Wheels are dropped shipped from California. We would send your receipt, 20 lug nuts, 4 center caps, 4 wheel decals, and 4 valve stems direct from our Pennsylvania location. Shipping is calculated from California, generally costs about $65-$125.
7219 - 1984-1987 Regal - GNX / TRANS AM STYLE 16" x 8" Wheels Set $995*/set
*PLUS Shipping from California
NOTE - Set includes 4 wheels, 20 correct lug nuts, 20 lug nut black caps, 4 chrome-plated valve stems, 4 black center caps, and 4 "TURBOCHARGED" center cap decals.
NOTE - Shipping costs generally run $65 to $125, depending on your location.
You can actually see photos of this wheel on our new website. You can search Part #7219.
Click Here to see these GNX/Trans Am wheels product page
FOLLOW-UP ON RESTORATIONS
Over the years, I have been involved with two restorations on cars that I have owned. My first venture was a failure. It was the mid 1970s. At the time, we had a beautiful 1963 Corvette split window coupe, and a 1968 Corvette coupe. Both cars were four speeds. One day I saw an ad for a 1956 Corvette for sale. Car was advertised as complete, but in pieces. The "in pieces" part was correct, but since the parts were scattered in the building, it was hard to tell if I was lucky enough to get ALL the parts.
It's one thing to tackle a restoration project that starts out as a complete car, then you take it apart. You can document the process by taking pictures and tagging various parts. It's a whole other ball game when you buy something that someone else took apart, then lost interest in at some phase of the project. I think I paid $800 for the body shell and all the parts I could box up to go with the car.
I then took it to my buddy who had a body shop and had built some neat cars. Every week or so I would buy some parts for the car and take them to him. Progress was slow and after about a year, he was losing interest in the project, and I was tired of putting money out and not seeing any results. I knew it was something I could not do on my own, so I sold the car. Basically I sold it in the same condition as when I bought it. A lesson learned!
My next venture into restoration was in the late 1970s. Being in the GTO business, I always wanted a 1964 GTO. I also had a lot more experience since I had been isassembling GTOs for parts. What's nice about GTOS is almost all the later performance goodies will bolt on the older engines. Unlike the Turbo Buick's, it was the first year GTO that brings the big money. The last year of the original GTOs was 1974. This was not a banner year for GTO
values.
Being in the GTO business, I knew it would be just a matter of time before I would stumble onto a body shell or one with a blown engine. I knew I wanted a solid body, as rust becomes a major project. As luck would have it, I found a 1969 GTO Judge Ram Air IV. This person had that car needing restoration and he also had a 1964 GTO hardtop body shell. I bought the pair. I quickly sold the 1969 Ram Air IV Judge (which since then has been totally restored by the new owner).
On this project I did it right. I took my time and started to lay parts aside for the car before any work was done. I got an entire blue interior out of a 1964 LeMans. I had a 1969 block, put 1967 heads on it, 1966 tri-power, and 1967 Ram Air HO exhaust manifolds. The rear came out of the same 1969 GTO with 3.55 posi.
I bought some real nice diecast chrome-plated taillights out of Arizona. Once I had accumulated 90% of the parts, I then had my mechanic start to assemble the car. Once that was done, I sent it to a body shop to have it put in primer. I drove it for years in primer. We even put a Grand National steering box in the car. Which, by the way, I highly recommend for any A-body project. Better road feel and lock-to-lock steering is under 3 turns, instead of over 4 turns. You do need certain bushings for the two power steering hoses to retain the stock hoses since the steering box is metric. Check with any of the major Pontiac suppliers, as most of them sell the better steering boxes.
My 1964 GTO was the very first car fitted with the new reproduction Ralley I wheels. We had these wheel made, not only in the original 14" X 6" size but 15" X 7" and 15" by 8". We even did some chrome-plated sets. So, you can see, I had practice fitting wheels way before the GNX-style wheels came along we had done in the late 1980s.
It was several years later that my son surprised me. While I was away on a trip, he and a friend painted my primered GTO in black lacquer. The car was stunning in black. This restoration project was finally a success. It wasn't a frame off, but very close. Having done this, I can fully appreciate the work that goes into a frame off restoration. The last I heard, the car resides somewhere in New York.
SPECIAL SELL OUT
We have been told that the GM black passenger's side marker light is no longer available from GM, Part #0919874.
This is the side marker light that was used on all the 1984-1986 T-Types and 1987 Turbo-Ts with black-out package, WE4, Grand Nationals and GNX. This is the right hand side only (passenger's side) marker light that attaches to the headlight bezel.
We have a few left. Remember, these are brand new, still in the GM wrapper. Price is $69.95 and shipping. Fewer than 12 on hand.
To order, call our office - 215-766-1611 x 2. Order while supplies last, to avoid disappointment.
POWERMASTER BRAKE NEWS
We now are getting a steady supply of rebuilt powermaster brake units. Some customers are telling us that in parts of the midwest and the west coast, auto stores are getting $600 and more for rebuilt units. Our price remains at $529.95 plus $100 core charge, which is refunded once we receive your core. We have several in stock, no waiting!
Keep in mind, these are REBUILT not restored. Each unit has been refurbished, but not to "show" standard.
AND THEN THERE WAS JUST ONE
The one I am referring to is Frank Buckles out of West Virginia. As of last week, Frank is still alive and quite healthy at age 108. According to the military records, he is the last surviving veteran from World War I. Interesting enough; he lied about his age when he enlisted at age 16. Also the ship he sailed to Europe on was the Carpathia that was converted in a troop ship. The Carpathia 5-1/2 years earlier had rescued survivors of the Titanic. Frank has seen amazing progress in the 108 years on earth. He did not quit driving until age 102.
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH LAWRENCE CONLEY TODAY
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lawrence Conley, Conley's Performance Plus, as he undergoes heart surgery today in Houston, Texas. Many of our members will remember Lawrence and his wife Janace since they have been well known in the Turbo Buick circles. We all remember their teal green "Tweaked" racecar.
Our very best wishes for his speedy recovery. If you would like to send him a Get Well email, he's his email address - [email protected]
UPDATE ON GNX/TRANS AM STYLE 16" x 8" WHEELS
1984-1987 Regal - GNX / TRANS AM STYLE 16" x 8" WHEELS SET
Because of requests, we now offer another option for the popular GNX-style wheels. These GNX / TRANS AM style wheels have the black mesh center and are 16" x 8" with the proper offset to fit the 1984-1987 Regals. These resemble the popular original GNX wheels. Do not confuse this with the version we have sold in the past, known as "Kirban-Style" GNX wheels.
These wheels are manufactured with brand new tooling and are clear coated. Wheels have the proper offset to fit under your fenders. We sell these as a complete set of 4 wheels, 20 correct lug nuts, 20 lug nut black caps, 4 chrome-plated valve stems, 4 black center caps, and "TURBOCHARGED" center cap decals.
The original center caps on the original GNX were actually the existing Trans Am caps. GM simply affixed the "GNX" paper decal over the Trans Am medallion. This set includes the "TURBOCHARGED" Decals (4) Set, Part #7113.
If you own a 1984, 1985, or 1986 Turbo Regal the GM front springs on these years were a different spring rate. You will need to change the front springs to avoid having the tires rub when you go over bumps. We recommend our front springs, Part #6566. If you plan on carrying heavy items in the trunk or four friends, we recommend you upgrade the rear springs to our variable rate rear springs, Part #1520 on any 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987 Regal.
For shocks the best ones you can buy are the Bilsteins to further improve the ride quality of your Turbo Regal. The overall height is actually slightly less than what is currently on the car. The speedometer is not affected.
Originally the GNX used 245/50s by 16s up front and 255/50s by 16 in the rear. For best results, we recommend going with 245/50s on the fronts and the backs. Depending on the year Turbo Regal and what suspension upgrades you have made, we do not recommend the larger 255/50s for the rear. However, if you want to go with 255/50s in the rear, trial fit these wheels first to be sure you have enough clearance.
The good news is these wheels will look pretty much dead on with the mesh black center that matches the original GNX mesh center. They are 100% brand new and weigh about 18 lbs each. Of all the available optional wheels, these are the most desirable and can really enhance your pride and joy.
Keep in mind, we will take good used original Grand National wheels in partial trade. This can help save you some money, since you also need to buy new tires.
Wheels are in stock, no waiting.
Wheels are dropped shipped from California. We would send your receipt, 20 lug nuts, 4 center caps, 4 wheel decals, and 4 valve stems direct from our Pennsylvania location. Shipping is calculated from California, generally costs about $65-$125.
7219 - 1984-1987 Regal - GNX / TRANS AM STYLE 16" x 8" Wheels Set $995*/set
*PLUS Shipping from California
NOTE - Set includes 4 wheels, 20 correct lug nuts, 20 lug nut black caps, 4 chrome-plated valve stems, 4 black center caps, and 4 "TURBOCHARGED" center cap decals.
NOTE - Shipping costs generally run $65 to $125, depending on your location.
You can actually see photos of this wheel on our new website. You can search Part #7219.
Click Here to see these GNX/Trans Am wheels product page
FOLLOW-UP ON RESTORATIONS
Over the years, I have been involved with two restorations on cars that I have owned. My first venture was a failure. It was the mid 1970s. At the time, we had a beautiful 1963 Corvette split window coupe, and a 1968 Corvette coupe. Both cars were four speeds. One day I saw an ad for a 1956 Corvette for sale. Car was advertised as complete, but in pieces. The "in pieces" part was correct, but since the parts were scattered in the building, it was hard to tell if I was lucky enough to get ALL the parts.
It's one thing to tackle a restoration project that starts out as a complete car, then you take it apart. You can document the process by taking pictures and tagging various parts. It's a whole other ball game when you buy something that someone else took apart, then lost interest in at some phase of the project. I think I paid $800 for the body shell and all the parts I could box up to go with the car.
I then took it to my buddy who had a body shop and had built some neat cars. Every week or so I would buy some parts for the car and take them to him. Progress was slow and after about a year, he was losing interest in the project, and I was tired of putting money out and not seeing any results. I knew it was something I could not do on my own, so I sold the car. Basically I sold it in the same condition as when I bought it. A lesson learned!
My next venture into restoration was in the late 1970s. Being in the GTO business, I always wanted a 1964 GTO. I also had a lot more experience since I had been isassembling GTOs for parts. What's nice about GTOS is almost all the later performance goodies will bolt on the older engines. Unlike the Turbo Buick's, it was the first year GTO that brings the big money. The last year of the original GTOs was 1974. This was not a banner year for GTO
values.
Being in the GTO business, I knew it would be just a matter of time before I would stumble onto a body shell or one with a blown engine. I knew I wanted a solid body, as rust becomes a major project. As luck would have it, I found a 1969 GTO Judge Ram Air IV. This person had that car needing restoration and he also had a 1964 GTO hardtop body shell. I bought the pair. I quickly sold the 1969 Ram Air IV Judge (which since then has been totally restored by the new owner).
On this project I did it right. I took my time and started to lay parts aside for the car before any work was done. I got an entire blue interior out of a 1964 LeMans. I had a 1969 block, put 1967 heads on it, 1966 tri-power, and 1967 Ram Air HO exhaust manifolds. The rear came out of the same 1969 GTO with 3.55 posi.
I bought some real nice diecast chrome-plated taillights out of Arizona. Once I had accumulated 90% of the parts, I then had my mechanic start to assemble the car. Once that was done, I sent it to a body shop to have it put in primer. I drove it for years in primer. We even put a Grand National steering box in the car. Which, by the way, I highly recommend for any A-body project. Better road feel and lock-to-lock steering is under 3 turns, instead of over 4 turns. You do need certain bushings for the two power steering hoses to retain the stock hoses since the steering box is metric. Check with any of the major Pontiac suppliers, as most of them sell the better steering boxes.
My 1964 GTO was the very first car fitted with the new reproduction Ralley I wheels. We had these wheel made, not only in the original 14" X 6" size but 15" X 7" and 15" by 8". We even did some chrome-plated sets. So, you can see, I had practice fitting wheels way before the GNX-style wheels came along we had done in the late 1980s.
It was several years later that my son surprised me. While I was away on a trip, he and a friend painted my primered GTO in black lacquer. The car was stunning in black. This restoration project was finally a success. It wasn't a frame off, but very close. Having done this, I can fully appreciate the work that goes into a frame off restoration. The last I heard, the car resides somewhere in New York.
SPECIAL SELL OUT
We have been told that the GM black passenger's side marker light is no longer available from GM, Part #0919874.
This is the side marker light that was used on all the 1984-1986 T-Types and 1987 Turbo-Ts with black-out package, WE4, Grand Nationals and GNX. This is the right hand side only (passenger's side) marker light that attaches to the headlight bezel.
We have a few left. Remember, these are brand new, still in the GM wrapper. Price is $69.95 and shipping. Fewer than 12 on hand.
To order, call our office - 215-766-1611 x 2. Order while supplies last, to avoid disappointment.
POWERMASTER BRAKE NEWS
We now are getting a steady supply of rebuilt powermaster brake units. Some customers are telling us that in parts of the midwest and the west coast, auto stores are getting $600 and more for rebuilt units. Our price remains at $529.95 plus $100 core charge, which is refunded once we receive your core. We have several in stock, no waiting!
Keep in mind, these are REBUILT not restored. Each unit has been refurbished, but not to "show" standard.
AND THEN THERE WAS JUST ONE
The one I am referring to is Frank Buckles out of West Virginia. As of last week, Frank is still alive and quite healthy at age 108. According to the military records, he is the last surviving veteran from World War I. Interesting enough; he lied about his age when he enlisted at age 16. Also the ship he sailed to Europe on was the Carpathia that was converted in a troop ship. The Carpathia 5-1/2 years earlier had rescued survivors of the Titanic. Frank has seen amazing progress in the 108 years on earth. He did not quit driving until age 102.