01-22-2020 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 01-22-2020 –

COMING SOON - M&Ms CONTEST –

This past Christmas was probably the first Christmas in several years that I completely forgot about our annual M&Ms contest until Christina reminded me. We even had a few members ask us about it.

We will be running our M&Ms contest just prior to Valentine’s Day, February 14th. I figure that is the perfect time to do a contest with candy. Watch for details soon.



TIRE PRESSURES –

I am not sure what year all the car companies started to go with the sensors in the wheels that denotes low tire pressures. Personally, I find them annoying when I see the yellow light come on. On the early years, you could not track which of the 4 tires was low. On most or maybe all of the later cars and trucks you can dial up which tire has the lower tire pressure. Most of my cars, except for the one my wife drives, lack that feature.

Since it is triggered by some sort of battery in the wheel, they eventually fail and need replacing. This makes for another expense.

I recently found a GM product that probably pre-dates the sensor-style low tire warning - Tire Air Gauges. It consists of what looks like 4 extended valve caps that indicate the pressure that the tire currently is holding. I had never seen this before. I think it must not have been a popular accessory when it was introduced.

Interesting, the safety precautions on this product account for half the written information on the back of the packaging. Nowhere on the packaging does a date appear to determine the year this was marketed.

I also have a Buick Power Six logo letter opener knife that is shown in Photo 1. It says, “Indianapolis 500” with the checkered flags in the center of the Power Six logo. There is no date. This can also be found under the Rare Parts section for sale. It is a nice desktop option and pretty rare to find today. Very few items were made highlighting the Turbo Power Six influence and the Grand Nationals. Had it been Corvette related, the amount of merchandising would have been overwhelming.

PHOTO 1 - The top photo shows the front and back of this sealed packaged of the Tire Air Gauges. The lower photo shows a Power six logo letter opener. Both items are for sale under the Rare Parts section.



POWERMASTER UPDATE GOOD NEWS -

This past Monday morning we just got word from the Cardone Brakes Division that they do have a supply of new brake bowls on hand. We expect to start getting rebuilt units very soon. We should be getting several a week for as long as they have a supply of good motors. Motors are becoming a big issue as many of the cores we get back have burnt out motors. We may not be able to get brake bowls due to a limited supply and the fact they are not a solution as some customers have discovered.

We recommend you call Christina direct if you want to get a rebuilt complete powermaster unit – 215-766-1611.



MORE COLLECTABLE ITEMS FOR SALE -

If you are into the HO scale slot cars, you know that several companies back in the day made various versions of the Regal body. Four of the more popular ones models be seen in the next photo that shows cars #25, #27, #33 and #43. These are made by Tyco and they are also pictured on page 297 in my book, “Kirban’s Guide to 1986 and 1987 Buick Turbo Regals.”

PHOTO 2 – Photos show the four Tyco HO slot cars from my private collection. These can be seen for sale under the Rare Parts section. The detail on them is amazing.

In Photo 3 we show 4 various coffee mugs that we had made many years ago. Mugs make great pen holders for your desk or use for their intended purpose.

PHOTO 3 – The photo to the left shows the T-Type mug with the quote, “A Boost of Buick Performance” and the Grand National mug with the quote, “Bad to the Bone.” The photo to the right shows the GNX mug with the quote, “A High-Performance Investment for the Fortunate 547.” It also shows a different version of the Grand National mug, with the actual car and the quote, “Bad to the Bone.” What many of you may not realize, is that I am the person that came up with the quote, “A Boost of Buick Performance.” We would put the word “BOOST” in yellow. These 4 mugs can be seen for sale under Rare Parts.



FEW MORE COLLECTIBLES FOR SALE -

Dodge Demon light-up logo sign is a factory Dodge dealership item. I know this may not be the right market but I am sure a buyer exists for this rare item. It appears that this lighted Dodge Dealer Demon sign is hard to get. The only one I found for sale was priced at over $450. Based on that, I am putting mine up for sale under Rare Parts.

PHOTO 4 – We show this original Dodge dealership Demon light-up sign. Photo on the left shows it turned on and the photo on the right shows it turned off. It measures 23 inches by 9 inches. It plugs in and has an on/off toggle switch for turning on the light. For those of us that can’t put the actual car in our garage, here is an alternative.



HOOD LATCH CAR SHOW DISPLAY STAND UPDATE –

We got our final prototypes last week for our new project and we approved the design for both versions. Production will start in the next 2 weeks. All the hardware will be stainless. The actual clamp portion will have a rubber coating on the claw part, so it will not scratch the hood latch assembly. By making the display panel so it can be reversed, it can be vertical or horizontal depending on the display board. Also, it is not limited by size as long as the copy is on a poster board. The actual clamp can also go in either direction allowing easy access to the bolt to secure it to the hood latch. It is made in lightweight aluminum and the actual clamp is powder-coated glossy black. The idea was to design a high-quality sign display to compliment your pride and joy. Once you see it in person I think you will agree.

There will be two versions. One version has a polished stainless 6 inch angled handle. The other version uses a brand new Hurst 6 inch angled handle. Using an actual Hurst handle compliments many of the older performance cars, many of which have Hurst shifters. Our design allows customer to simply switch handles if they desire to buy the Hurst handle later. The modified clamp is designed for both style handles.

By making it attach to the car itself, it eliminates any issues with the wind knocking the display over or someone stepping on it. The aluminum panel allows the sign to be 8-½" by 11" or 11" by 17" when mounted to a poster board either vertical or horizontal. The end result is a display stand that is the ideal height and angle so spectators can read it and it’s also centered in front of the show car. The stand only requires one bolt to install and release the clamp, which makes it easy to set up and take down. It is probably the first car show display of its kind that offers so many options instead of dictating one specific size and what direction the display needs to be. Pricing to come soon.



IMPORTANT SHIPPING ADDRESS NOTICE –

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT OUR 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 just discovered that Fed Ex will not forward any packages that are sent to the PO Box or to our old address in Plumsteadville. Instead they deliver the packages to the old address and leave them outside. 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 Fed Ex. Otherwise, we may not receive your package or it may be sent back to you.



EBAY SALES –

We have been placing some of our special items on ebay. We post under two company names - Kirban Performance for new parts. Kirban Enterprises for used and rare items. If you search for sellers – kirbanperformance – kirbanenterprises (Do not put a space between kirban and second word.) Or bookmark the links below. Be sure to check it out.

Here is a link to the Kirban Performance ebay listings –
https://www.ebay.com/sch/kirbanperformance/m.html?item=333406745159&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562

Here is a link to the Kirban Enterprises ebay listings –
https://www.ebay.com/sch/kirbanenterprises/m.html?item=264511012420&ssPageName=STRK%3AMESELX%3AIT&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562



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 get to see the Rare Parts listing and see the prices first.



WELL-OPTIONED LOW-MILEAGE 1987 GRAND NATIONAL - FOR SALE –

This Grand National is still available. This extremely well-optioned, low-mileage 1987 Grand National that is for sale. The owner wants me to sell it for him. He has had it 6 years. The miles on this Grand National is a mere 48,200. Options include factory moon roof, power windows, power locks, tilt, cruise, delay wipers, concert sound, power trunk, digital dash, power seat, working power antenna, and posi rear. The Grand National is located in Maryland.

It has a beautiful repaint done prior to his owning it. He had paint correction done and ceramic coating this past Spring. The car really shines, probably 100%, better than original. Everything functions 100%, even the original AC.

Additional features include embroidered floor mats, few chrome goodies under the hood, Kirban adjustable fuel regulator, hot wire kit, 60lb injectors, adjustable wastegate, TT chip, new bumper fillers, new fuel tank, and has dual a-pillar gauges and console gauge package. He checked the car with a magnet and shows no putty or filler anywhere. It has the factory chip guard along bottom of the car.

According to the owner Mike, the Grand National has had 4 previous owners. The car shows no accidents or any indication that mileage is not accurate.

The price is $26,900. This Grand National is priced to sell. You would be hard pressed to find a better example of a well-optioned 1987 Grand National that would measure up to the quality of this one at this price. A factory moon roof with a power seat option is extremely rare. This car next Spring would easily bring several grand more than it is priced at this fall.

This car is show quality from any angle. For more information and photos, email me direct [email protected]

Pass the word along to your friends who may be looking for a great-looking well-optioned Grand National.



1987 GRAND NATIONAL WITH T-TOPS FOR SALE –

Located in Virginia, this1987 Grand National has had the same owner for 22 years. He has been a long-time customer of ours. He had his Grand National at the Kirban Reunion and Birthday Bash in 2007. The trunk ID label has been autographed by Molly. Richard Clark has rebuilt the transmission. It has 76,000 original miles on it and has been garage kept. The motor internally is all stock except for new valve springs and timing chain. It has the rear seat brace kit, HR rear suspension, 3” down pipe, 60lb injectors with turbo tweak chip, vacuum brakes, and it also has the Jason Cramer front mount intercooler. Owner is Tom Jones. The price tag is $27,900. For more info and pictures, email Tom direct - [email protected]



CORES NEEDED - URGENT REQUEST –

Here is the information on our credits for cores.

POWERMASTER BRAKE UNITS. Currently, due to issues getting brake bowls we are not accepting any additional powermaster cores until I get word that that Cardone has brake bowls again.

TURBO CORES must be the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal stock turbo. They must be complete. We will issue you a $150 Letter of Credit for each acceptable core.

If you ship to us, the post office is the cheapest method. Pack the item(s) with a note with your name, address and phone number. This is the only item we are currently accepting as cores.

MAIL - Ship to Address –
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
PO BOX 1199
PLUMSTEADVILLE, PA 18949


UPS Ship to Address –
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE
529 HAYCOCK RUN ROAD
KINTNERSVILLE, PA 18930



CARSMARTS RADIO IS ON THE AIR AND ON THE WEB! –

Turbo V6 enthusiast Steve Saffier (who produced “Dennis Kirban” story on YouTube) is producer and host of CarSmarts Radio which is in its third season! The show is heard in eastern PA on 610 ESPN Radio every Saturday from 11 am – 12 noon and on WOND 1400 in southern New Jersey, Sundays from 10am – 11am. You can also listen to the live stream at that time - download the podcast on http://www.610 espn.com (Live and Local)

Past guests have included me (Dennis Kirban) Brock Yates Jr, Steve Magnante, as well as car photographers, car museum staff, tech students, car clubs, and much more. Tune up and Tune in! More info at http://www.carsmartsradio.com



TIPS AND IDEAS YOU HAVE TRIED -

If there are any tips or ideas you want to share with our readers, email me –[email protected]



TIP FROM KIRBAN –

With the cars aging, if you own a 1986 or 1987 Turbo Regal, be sure to check the two test leads behind the alternator. Buick taped these leads up originally. Make sure they remain taped up and out of the way of the hot exhaust manifolds. Do not plug them into each other.



GOOD NEWS - WE ARE ACCEPTING CLASSIFIED ADS -

Good news - We now accept Classified Ads in our weekly Inner Circle emails. Over the years several customers have asked about placing an ad in our weekly Inner Circle.

Here are the options and the costs.

Ads can be from any individual or company. It needs to be automotive related, meaning it does not need be specifically Turbo Regal related. It can be for something for sale or something wanted.

Maximum number of words is 125 words, which is about 7 to 9 lines of copy. No photos. You can list a website. We recommend you state your name, phone number or email, a price, and your location in your ad.

The cost for 2 consecutive weeks is $25. The cost for 4 consecutive weeks is $40. You save $10 with the 4-week plan. No changes can be made to your existing running ad. You can only run one ad at any given time. We will have a code system at the end of your ad, so we will know what week number your ad is to run - 2 or 4 weeks.

It can be an ad for something for sale or an ad for something you are looking for.

We have never missed a single week since we started the Inner Circle email format in 2009. It’s something I enjoy doing and I just always seem to have enough material to write about.

Our weekly Inner Circle reaches over 3,400 members every Wednesday direct to their inbox. The Inner Circle also appears every Wednesday on our website with the related photos. Your ad would be visible to both groups of readers. So, the exposure to your ad is well over 3,200 potential buyers.

Ads submitted properly by the previous Sunday would appear that next Wednesday in the weekly Inner Circle. Ads must be submitted by email to - [email protected]

Payment by credit card must be done by phone to our office 215-766-1611 x 0.



NOTE - IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO SEE THE BUICK RARE PARTS SECTION -

If you are not able to see the Buick Rare Parts section at the end of this Inner Circle, it is because you are not an Inner Circle member, but instead are reading this on the website. You must subscribe to see the Rare Parts section each week. It would go directly to your inbox every Wednesday afternoon. It is FREE, probably one reason why nobody complains about what I write about. To subscribe simply email – [email protected] - to get our free weekly Inner Circle email.

The Buick Rare Parts section is only viewed by those that subscribe. Subscription is free, so complaints on what I write are nonexistent!



EMAILS TO KIRBAN PERFORMANCE -

NOTE- If you email us and do NOT get a timely reply, be sure to check your “SPAM” folder. Some emails do not go thru.

If you need to email us, use - [email protected]



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 –

This new part may not yet be on our website. Our supplier who had them made has them in stock and will drop ship direct for us. Display stands are available in powder-coated glossy silver or powder-coated matte black finish.

To order now in time for, call Christina at 215-766-1611 during normal work hours. Refer to the part number listed below for either the powder-coated glossy silver display stand or the powder-coated matte black display stand.

This new car display stand solves the issue of having a display sign for your show car or truck being blown over by the wind or having someone trip over it if it’s leaning against your show vehicle. This stays secure by either of the front tires. The area you put your actual information on has 3 different positons so it can face in 3 different directions.

SPECIFICATIONS - This plate is angled at the perfect height for easy reading. It is made in steel. Each part is then powder coated. The display stand is comprised of 3 parts and no tools are needed to assemble. Each end of the stand locks into the base and the top display plate. Once assembled, its overall height is 45 inches high. It weighs 12 lbs. The pole length 41 inches. The pole angles out from the fender. The top plate that the information goes on is an 8-inch square surface. The base plate secured by either front tire is 10-½ inches by 18 inches.

#7878 - Car Show Steel Display Stand – Powered-Coated Gloss Silver - $169.95 plus $18 shipping*

#7879 - Car Show Steel Display Stand – Powered-Coated Matte - $169.95 plus $18 shipping*

*Shipping rate noted above is for the 48 states only.
PA residents add 6% sales tax.



MAGIC GUARD®

MAGIC GUARD® is a new patented multi-use product that protects wheels, prevents rust and repels rain. It is used as a wheel sealant that works on all wheels (chrome, mag, aluminum, etc.) by providing a hydrophobic barrier that decreases brake dust contamination and decreases wheel cleaning time by up to 50% post-application, 

Another use for Magic Guard® is to protect plated and coated metals from rust and corrosion,

Because of Magic Guard’s hydrophobic nature, customers also apply it to their window glass to enhance visibility due to its superior water beading. 

WHEEL SEALANT - Protect chrome, aluminum and all other wheels from brake dust, road grime, saltwater and more.

RUST PREVENTION - Protects all bare, coated and plated metal from mother nature with its durable barrier.

RAIN REPELLENT - Enhances visibility with superior water beading technology, and prevents water spots.

These two products - Magic Guard® #8002 and Rust Prevention Magic® #8003 - were created and patented by Dave Walden, who is the founder of ECS Automotive Concepts. He is also a three-time Mopar Nationals OE Gold and Best of Show winner (2005, 2008 & 2010). A rare accomplishment and Dave did it with 3 different Mopars!

Dave invented these two products out of necessity because what was available for protecting metals was not effective, and his hard work began to flash rust soon after completion.

When applied to bare metal it creates a durable barrier and prevents rust.

Comes in an easy-to-use 4-ounce container, complete with soft application cloth and easy-to-follow directions.

*NOTE - Price includes the USPS shipping and handling in the U.S.

NOTE - Because of a problem with the website, we note the final cost of this product which INCLUDES a predetermined shipping rate. The “FREE SHIPPING” box that shows on this page is there in error

8002 - MAGIC GUARD®, 4 oz jar - $14.99 + $5 shipping = $19.99

Here is a link to this Magic Guard on our website.
https://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44455/MAGIC+GUARD®+%238002.html



RUST PREVENTION MAGIC®

Rust Prevention Magic® is a patented and lab certified rust/corrosion prevention product. RPM provides a near impenetrable barrier on bare metals such as alloys, aluminum, copper, iron, brass, cast iron, stainless steel and many other metals to protect them from the harmful effects of acids, corrosion, moisture, salt water, rust and more!

US Patented Product, winner of the Top New Product Award at SEMA show, 100% Lab Certified by Dale Institute LLC, featured on My Classic Car with Dennis Gage, and over 25 articles in various automotive publications.

Comes in an easy-to-use 4-ounce container, complete with brush and easy-to-follow directions. There is no better way to maintain a 100% correct automotive restoration project.

These two products - Magic Guard® #8002 and Rust Prevention Magic® #8003 - were created and patented by Dave Walden, who is the founder of ECS Automotive Concepts. He is also a three-time Mopar Nationals OE Gold and Best of Show winner (2005, 2008 & 2010). A rare accomplishment and Dave did it with 3 different Mopars!

Dave invented these two products out of necessity because what was available for protecting metals was not effective, and his hard work began to flash rust soon after completion 

*NOTE - Price includes the USPS shipping and handling in the U.S.

NOTE - Because of a problem with the website, we note the final cost of this product which INCLUDES a predetermined shipping rate. The “FREE SHIPPING” box that shows on this page is there in error

8003 - RUST PREVENTION MAGIC®, 4 oz jar - $19.99 + $5 shipping = $24.99

Here is a link to this Rust Prevention Magic on our website.
https://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44454/RUST+PREVENTION+MAGIC®+%238003.html




ALWAYS LOOKING FOR IDEAS -

If you have any product ideas that would fit our Turbo Buick market that you would like to see available, email me direct - [email protected]



ALWAYS IN A BUYING POSITION FOR TURBO REGAL PARTS -

Got any Turbo Buick parts you are not using? Why not cash them in for parts you need with a Letter of Credit. We also may buy your new or used parts. Simply email me a list [email protected]

Also, we are still buying dead or partially dead 1984-1987 Turbo Regals under $4,000 that are within 250 to 350 miles of our location.



NOTE - ABOUT LINKS IN THE INNER CIRCLE -

We have heard from a couple people that have had problems with the links in our Inner Circle.

When we check the links, they work fine. However, if you are not able to be directed to the exact website page or internet site, you can "copy" and "paste" the link into the URL in your browser (such as Safari, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, etc.) If it doesn't link in one browser, it may work in another.

Most people having problems are using Internet Explorer. If you are having issues with links, try another browser to see if it works.
 
You may need to "UPDATE" your browser to be use you are using the current version.



NOTE ABOUT PHOTOS ON THE WEBSITE -

We have heard from a couple people that have viewed the photos on the website. Because these must be low-resolution photos to work on the Inner Circle segments on the website, any photos of text don't appear clear when enlarged. This is a problem when you are trying to see numbers, such as those on the VIN labels or pages from Options booklet. Also, because of photo reproduction and computer screen variations, the colors may not be true to the actual product or photo.

If you would like to have us email you any photo at the higher resolution for viewing, just email us and we will email them to you. Be sure to be specific on which pictures you want to see - Reference Inner Circle date and photo number 1, 2, 3 or 4 - [email protected]



ABOUT OUR EMAILS -

Any inquiries concerning used parts, you must email me direct - [email protected] - 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 –

We got our first taste of snow this past weekend. The older I get, the more I dislike the cold weather.

I wish I had 5 of those Buick Turbo dealer displays. The one featured last week sold within minutes.

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