09-30-2015 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 09-30-2015

1987 GRAND NATIONAL WITH 49 ACTUAL MILES - FOR SALE -

We first mentioned this last week that we represent this Grand National with only 49 miles for sale. We are showing this this unique find in our Photo 1 and Photo 2 in this week’s Inner Circle. There can’t be many left that were NOT dealer prepped in the U.S.

Check out the interior. It is still covered in plastic, including the steering wheel. Also check out the labels on the windshield. You could sit behind the wheel, shut your eyes, breathe in that 1987 air, and take delivery of a new 1987 Grand National. This car is being offered at $69,990.

PHOTOS 1 AND 2 - These eight photos show this brand new 1987 Grand National with 49 actual miles that currently resides in Texas. As you can see from the various photos, it has never been dealer prepped. It also has a light film of dust on it from sitting. You would be hard pressed to find another one that has never been dealer prepped.



1987 GRAND NATIONAL WITH 22 ACTUAL MILES - FOR SALE -

This is not a misprint. I just received word of another Grand National with ONLY 22 miles on it that we will be representing for sale.

This is a 1987 Grand National hardtop. This is a one-owner car. Car has been started up frequently. The car has never ever been washed. Car has always been stored indoors.

Much to the owner’s dismay, the dealer did prep this car, undercoated it, and threw out the Window Sticker! I do not have any photos as of this writing. The car resides in South Dakota, not exactly a booming area of the country for Turbo Regals. Again, the actual miles - 00022. This car is being offered at $59,990.

What are the chances of having two virtually new 1987 Grand Nationals for sale at the same time and knowing about a 16-mile GNX! Email me personally for more information and photos - [email protected]



LOW-MILEAGE TURBO REGALS -

With all this recent activity of hearing about these low-mileage Turbo Regals, I decided to check out my chart where I have listed all the Turbo Regals we have sold over the years. It goes back to 1993 when I started to buy and sell Turbo Regals.

In those early years, I did not seek out the low-mileage cars.

In 1994 I did buy my first low-mileage Grand National with 6,500 mile out of Ohio and sold it for $15,900. Just a few a bucks shy of what it had sold for new. If I recall, the owner had major health issues and contacted me about buying his car.

By the year 1999 I sold 44 Turbo Regals, of which 5 had less than 14,000 miles. The lowest had just 5,300 miles on it.

In the year 2000 I duplicated my sales with 44 cars. We sold 5 with less than 13,000 miles. The lowest mileage was a mere 2,900. That car sold in one hour for $17,500.

It was during these years that I had buyers calling me, asking to get on a list to be called when I got a car in to sell. They knew we were selling some very nice cars.

In 2001 we only sold 16 cars, however 3 of them had less than 12,000 miles.

In 2002 we sold 19 with 6 having less than 10,000 miles. One had just 2,300 miles on it.

In 2003 again we sold 19 cars and 4 had less than15,000 miles.

In 2004 we sold 16 with 3 having less than 15,000 miles. One had just 3,400 miles.

In 2005 we sold 13 and 1 was a GNX with 2,100 miles.

In 2006 we sold 13 with 3 having less than 15,000 miles. 1 was a GNX with 589 miles on it for $81 grand.

In 2007 we sold 13 and 4 had fewer than 15,000 miles, including a Grand National with 2,100 miles. Car sat in an open barn that was shared by several cats. This car was known as the “cat car.”

In 2008 we sold just 3 cars, of which 2 had less than 8,000 miles.

We sold almost every car through our Grand News newsletter or website. I think we only listed 2 or 3 at the most on ebay towards the end of buying and selling them.

There is little doubt in any one’s mind that low mileage trumps everything else. We all look for low mileage vehicles when shopping for a good used car or truck. Like anything else, exceptions do exist but as any car sales person will tell you, the value lies in lowest miles driven. Of course, other factors also matter.



1932 BUICK CONVERTIBLE PHAETON -

At the recent 16th Annual Pontiac, Buick, Oldsmobile Car Show I saw a gorgeous 1932 Buick Convertible Phaeton.

There is only one word to describe this Buick and that word is “Elegant.” According to the information on the sign, this car was 1 of just 16 produced in 1932. Today, it is just 1 of 6 that are known to exist!

The restoration was absolutely top notch from any angle. Perhaps the one unique feature I spotted was one I never knew existed back in the 1930s. Although it was an aftermarket option, it looked factory on this Buick. I am referring to the “Pilot Ray Headlight System.” This option was comprised of a pair of glass headlights that were controlled by the steering linkage. When the driver would turn the steering wheel, these headlights would turn that same direction lighting the way.

I never realized an option like that existed during the 1930s. I thought the 1947 Tucker was the first to offer this feature. Today it can be found on some of the new foreign cars. I believe the Lexus has it available on certain models.

PHOTO 3 - The top left photo shows this 1932 Buick Convertible Phaeton. The top right photo shows the dash. The lower left photo shows a close up of the Pilot Ray Headlight system mounted on a chrome bar. The lower right shows the linkage to this headlight system attached to the steering rods. From what I have read, the Pilot Ray headlight kit has been reproduced and sells for almost $3,000 today.

It can run another $400 or more to get the proper brackets for your particular 1930s automobile. It was an aftermarket option that would have appeared on the more expensive cars back then.



THE DEFINITION OF “POCKET ROCKET” -

Over the years, several cars have been called pocket rockets. “Pocket Rocket” refers to a very light-weight car packing a lot of power.

A friend of ours that owns the restaurant where my wife and I have breakfast just bought a car that defines that “Pocket Rocket” definition. It is a Alfa Romeo 4C, 1 of just 500 produced in the color red, powered by a 237 HP turbo 4 cylinder and weighing a mere 2,504 pounds!

This is not like the Alfas I remember from the 1960s and 1970s! Zero-to-sixty is accomplished in 4.2 seconds and a quarter mile goes by in 12.9 seconds. Alfa Romeo is owned by Fiat-Chrysler, makers of the Hellcat, which gives them two extraordinary performance cars in their arsenal.

PHOTO 4 - The left photo shows the cool front end of the new Alfa Romeo 4C. The right photo shows the back end. The lower left photo shows the open scoop on the driver’s side. You can clearly see the turbo intercooler. The lower right photo shows the interior. With just 500 being produced in this red color, you can be sure it will be a collectible at some point in the future.



NEW MINI CONTEST UP-DATE -

This contest has generated the most responses I have ever had for any contest. The 16-mile GNX even made the Yahoo news on the internet. The heading reads, “1987 Buick GNX with 16 miles Aims for Ferrari Money At Mecum.” Hard to believe that the Ferrari marquee would be mentioned in the same sentence as a Buick!

We already have guesses ranging from a low of $70 grand to as much as a quarter million dollars. We will have a full report once the auction is over. Hopefully Jason will provide photos as well. A lot depends on the time of day or night when the car comes up for bid and how many serious buyers are after this car.

This particular GNX seems to hit all the right notes, one owner, GNX jacket, numbered GNX book, and Window Sticker.

We did hear from one of our customers that said this car was sitting in a dealer show room for many years when he lived in Lincoln, Nebraska.

If you have not yet submitted your one single guess, below are the rules as there is still a little time left.

This new mini contest is based on the upcoming Mecum Auction being held October 8th thru 10th, 2015 in Chicago.

There is a GNX listed with just 16 actual miles at this auction. It’s been stored in a heated garage. It’s a one-owner car, and includes the numbered GNX book and matching GNX jacket. It also includes a copy of the MSO and the ASC Window Sticker is still attached to the window.

In other words, a reportedly perfect example of a brand new 1987 GNX in the year 2015 with the jacket, Window Sticker, and numbered book.

Here is the link for the GNX on Mecums website:
https://www.mecum.com/lot-detail/CH1015-229466/0/1987-Buick-GNX/Automatic/

I want to hear your guess as to what you think this 16-mile original GNX sells for at the auction.

Here are the rules:

You must email me personally - [email protected]

You only get one guess.

You can’t work or own any Buick-related company.

The guess must be the closest UNDER the actual posted selling price.

If the GNX has a reserve and fails to meet the reserve, our contest would be based on the highest noted bid.

In the case of a tie, the earliest email is the first place winner and second one becomes the second place winner.

We have a very unique gift for the winners of this contest that I had custom made. You will also get our GNX license plate… If you go view the 16-mile GNX for sale, you’ll notice it also has the same license plate on the back of the car. Our company was the first company to make this license plate many years ago.

The same two prizes will be awarded for both first and second place.

The deadline to submit your single guess by email to me is this Friday, October 2nd, 2015, 12 midnight eastern time. No entries will be accepted after that time.

The winners will be announced in the following week’s Inner Circle.

One of our good friends, Jason from Canada plans to attend this auction and give me a full report on this 16-mile original GNX. Maybe he can package up some of that 1987 air and ship it to me so we can market it!



REBUILT POWERMASTER BRAKE UNITS -

We are now at the point where many of the powermaster cores we are getting back from customers have burned out motors. This has become a real issue in the last several years.

We have cores piling up at Cardone that need to have new windings done for the electric motors.

Unfortunately, this has to be done by another company, so Cardone can then reassemble them. The bottom line is this is going to increase our costs. We will raise our price very shortly on the rebuilt powermaster brake units.

As of this writing, we have no new word from the company that is working on a brand new reproduction powermaster brake unit, or when it will be available for sale.



RIP JACK LARSON -

While his real name - Jack Larson - may not be familiar to many of you, his name in the TV series will bring back memories for those of you that are my age. His TV name was Jimmy Olsen, and he played an eager cub reporter on the first “Superman” TV show. He died last week at age 87.

Superman debuted in February1953 and was an instant hit. Jack Larsen appeared in 6 seasons of the program.



THOUGHTS TO PONDER -

Here go some more sayings:

When you travel, avoid any restaurant that only has a few cars in the parking lot at dinnertime. That is your first clue that the food can’t be any good! Nothing is worst than getting food poison on the road! I know from experience!

Be care if you’re driving down a highway where the yellow line was just freshly painted. That gritty yellow stuff will be next to impossible to get off your car!



SPECIAL LIMITED SALE -

Currently we are overstocked with our fiberglass front and rear bumpers. Part #1507 is the front bumper and #1532 is the rear bumper. The retail is normally $190 each. However, if you purchase both the front and rear at the same time, your cost would be $365. You would save $15 by purchasing both. These are for off road use only.



LIGHTED REARVIEW MIRRORS -

Be sure to see the Rare Parts listing as I have been able to find more of these desirable LED lighted rearview mirrors. I hope to bring some of these to Bowling Green in a few weeks with some of the parts we have had powder-coated glossy black.



FOURTH GENERATION CAMAROS & FIREBIRDS -

If you own a fourth generation Camaro or Firebird (1993-2002), we have a few used parts for those cars.

Some of the glove box manual items, speaker grilles for the door panels and side panels, center console lids, and radio control buttons for the steering wheel. We also have several sets of the secondary hood latches and brackets that hold the hood struts done in high gloss black powder coating, complete with matching original hardware.

If you are interested, email me [email protected]



2000-2005 IMPALA PARTS -

While I was getting some parts for my personal 2004 Impala, I got some extra parts for these Impalas. I have several sets of the steering wheel radio controls, the optional main strut bar under the hood, rear spoilers, radio buttons, and the optional trunk trim guard.

If you are interested, email me [email protected]



REPRODUCTION GNX-STYLE DASH FOR SALE -

Complete pre-mounted GNX dash for sale. All of the cutting, fitting and alignment work is complete, just wire the dash and install the entire unit.

Kit Includes:
Applique with correct color indicators
Metal mounting plate
Plastic gauge bezel
Stock pre-cut cluster harness
Stock dash bezel (pre-cut with plastic gauge bezel attached)
New Stewart Warner speedometer with upper speedometer cable
New Stewart Warner tachometer
New Stewart Warner oil pressure gauge with sending unit
New Stewart Warner water temperature gauge with sending unit
New Stewart Warner fuel gauge
New Stewart Warner vacuum/ boost gauge
Plug-and-play harness

$2,250 plus shipping

This one was hand built by a good friend of ours who owns three Grand Nationals and has built several of these.

It comes with stock bezel already pre-cut so you do not have to cut your dash bezel. This kit eliminates any possible issues of trial and error since they have built several of these.

Buyer would have to inform us which dash is currently in the car - either digital or analog.

If interested, email me direct - [email protected] - I can provide photos.



CORES NEEDED -

We have an urgent need for powermaster cores, steering wheel cores, and turbo cores.

Here is the information on our credits for cores.

POWERMASTER CORES must be complete with brake bowl and brake switch. You get $100 Letter of Credit or we will trade our complete headlight kit #7530 a $129.95 value for each acceptable core. Powermaster units must be nice and not look like they been in a river for the last 10 years.

TURBO CORES must be the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal stock ones. They must be complete. We will issue you a $100 Letter of Credit for each acceptable core. WE HAVE AN URGENT NEED FOR THESE.

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
MAIL - Ship to Address -

ATTN - DENNIS
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
PO BOX 1199
PLUMSTEADSVILLE, PA 18949-1199



TECH CALLS -

If you need technical information, it’s best to email - [email protected] rather than call us.

We will do our best to answer any technical questions within 24 hours.

ORIGINAL GM AC DELCO HEATER WATER VALVE -

Our supplier was able to locate a few more of these original brand new AC Delco heater water valves. You must call our office to order one - 215-766-1611 x 0. The price is $60 plus shipping. It appears this AC Delco heater water valve will be discontinued from GM and AC Delco. It doesn’t appear that we will be getting any more of these. We were able to get a few more and now have 3 of them!



VEHICLES FOR SALE -

From time to time, whenever we spot an unusual or an exceptional car or truck for sale, or one we have for sale, we will put a blurb in our weekly Inner Circle. Also, any cars that our customers have for sale will be featured here and you can see their car with photos on our website. In this category, we will run the descriptions for two-to-three weeks and, if there is no interest in that particular vehicle, it will be deleted the following week. Any new vehicles that we add will appear first, so the oldest listing would be at the end of this section.

If any of these vehicles perk your interest, email me personally - [email protected] - for more information and photos.



TIPS AND IDEAS YOU HAVE TRIED -

If you have a tip or a discovery that you found that works on your Turbo Regal, drop us an email giving us the details so we can pass the info on to our readers. Remember, even with my knowledge, I don’t know it all. Simply email me at - [email protected]



NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -

1984-1987 Buick Regal -
Regal Hardtop Reproduction
GREY HEADLINER & SUN VISORS MATERIAL - 3 YARDS

Over time, the headliner deteriorates or may start to sag.

We offer a reproduction grey headliner material for the 1984-1987 Buick Regals hardtop models. It will also be correct for the T-Tops models, but you’ll have extra material left over.

If you are having the interior restored, this is the time to replace the headliner.

The only sure way to get a positive color match with the sun visors is to use the same material from the same roll for the hardtop headliner and sun visors at the same time.

We only offer the correct factory grey headliner material for the Grand National and T-Type Regal hardtops.

This is the same material that our local supplier has been using for years when he does Grand National headliners.

NOTE - Colors may not appear correctly on the website due to computer monitor differences. If you would like us to send you a small piece of the material, contact our office - 215-766-1611 x 0.

According to the reference books that companies use, this is the only grey GM used during the 1980s, except for the Cadillac models.

We offer it in a 3 yard length only, which is ample material to do a hardtop headliner as well as both sun visors.

If the factory headliner board is still in good shape and not cracked or ruined, this is the best method to redo the headliner. Also plan to have the sun visors redone at the same time.

NOTE - We no longer offer the ABS pre-covered headliner shell, part #7418, as shown in the second photo.

NOTE - We recommend this headliner material be installed by an upholstery shop. You will need to have a hole cut out for the interior light.

NOTE - We recommend you also purchase Part #7362, Headliner Molding Clips (8) Set. Since the original clips are old, they may break when you remove them to install the new headliner.

Another great restoration item.

7690 - 1984-1987 Buick Regal -
Regal Hardtop Reproduction Grey Headliner & Sun Visors Material - 3 yards - $59.95

Here is a link to this Headliner material on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44272/Regal+Hardtop+Reproduction+GREY+HEADLINER+%26+SUN+VISORS+MATERIAL+-+3+YARDS+%237690.html



1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
UPPER DASH DUAL CONE SPEAKERS (2) SET

One of the toughest replacement speakers to find are the small ones that go in the upper dash corners. The speaker size is 3-1/2 inches.

Because of the age of these cars, the original speakers may be cracked from the heat or age.
We offer these new 3-1/2" diameter replacement dual cone speakers.

They have been tested by Richard Clark and are an excellent replacement speaker. These are a 2-way Performance Series Dual Cone Coaxial Car Speaker. You will have to modify one or both connectors on the plug end to attach the factory plug harness properly to these speakers. The plug end is basically the same, but the width is different from the original factory speakers.

If you have the Concert Sound II option in the doors, you need to order part #7689.

NOTE - You may also be interested in these related items - #7386 Reproduction Upper Dash Trim Panel, #7065 Late-Model Radio Plug-in Harness Kit 21 Pin to 12 Pin Harness with Antenna Lead and Antenna Lead Adapter, or #7684 & #7685 Radio/Cassette Buttons Reproduction Aluminum ID Inserts (3) Set
Another nice interior restoration item.

Here are the two options for these switches. We have highlighted in RED the one you are ordering if you order through this particular page.

7688 - 1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Upper Dash Dual Cone Speakers (2) Set - $49.95 / set

7689 - 1984-1987 Buick Regal (with Concert Sound II) -
Upper Dash Dual Cone Speakers (2) Set - $54.95 / set Call for Availability

Here is a link to these speakers on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7688&submit_button=



1978-1987 Buick Regal with 200, 200R, 350 and 700 Transmission -
REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION REAR SEAL
for 200, 200R, 350 and 700 Transmission

This transmission rear seal fits all the 200, 2004R, 350 and 700 transmissions. This seal is a factory replacement part and is made in the U.S.A.

If you find the transmission is leaking out the tail shaft area, this is the seal you need. It can be installed without removing the transmission from the car.

NOTE - You may also be interested in these related items - #7208 Replacement Transmission TCC Solenoid, or #7486 Electrical Solenoid Pass-through Connector with O-ring for 200-4R Transmission.

NOTE - We recommend this seal be installed by a qualified mechanic.

Another excellent replacement part for transmission restoration.

7686 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal with 200, 200R, 350 and 700 Transmission-
Replacement Transmission Rear Seal for 200, 200R, 350 and 700 Transmission - $6.50

Here is a link to this transmission rear seal on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44268/REPLACEMENT+TRANSMISSION+REAR+SEAL+for+200%2C+200R%2C+350+and+700+Transmission+%237686.html



1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
REPLACEMENT STAINLESS STEEL FUEL VAPOR LINE

This is the fuel vapor line that runs from the gas tank to the rubber hose that connects to the fuel vapor canister.

Line is formed to match the original formation, is made from stainless steel, and is pre-bent for shipping. You will have to unbend it to install it in the car.

NOTE - You may also be interested in these related items - #6957 Both Fuel Feed Line and Fuel Return Line, #6955 Reproduction Stainless Steel Fuel Return Line, or #6954 Reproduction Stainless Steel Fuel Feed Line.

Another excellent replacement for any restoration.

7687 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Replacement Stainless Steel Fuel Vapor Line - $115

Here is a link to this stainless steel fuel vapor line on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44267/REPLACEMENT+STAINLESS+STEEL+FUEL+VAPOR+LINE+%237687.html



1984-1987 All G-Body Models (Including Buick Turbo Regal)
RADIO/CASSETTE BUTTONS
REPRODUCTION ALUMINUM ID INSERTS (3) SET -

If you have the optional factory Delco am/fm radio with cassette, as pictured, you may be missing one of the ID inserts on one or more of the 3 buttons that control the cassette operation.

The original inserts can be totally missing or, in some cases, the words “STOP-EJECT” may be worn off.

We have reproduced the set of 3 button ID inserts in aluminum (like the originals,) each with a self-adhesive backing.

Inserts are easy to install. You simply clean and dry the button, peal back the protective paper, and affix the insert onto the button.

An excellent finishing touch for any interior restoration.

SHIPPING NOTE - If this is the only item you are purchasing, we can ship it by U.S. Mail FREE. If you are purchasing this set with other items in your cart, there will be no additional shipping for this item.

NOTE - You may also be interested in these related items - #7113 Reproduction Outer Radio Knobs (2) Set or #7156 Reproduction Heater / Radio Applique.

7684 - 1984-1987 All G-Body Models (Including Buick Turbo Regal) -
Radio/Cassette Buttons Reproduction Aluminum ID Inserts (3) Set - $8.95

7685 - 1984-1987 All G-Body Models (Including Buick Turbo Regal) -
TWO - Radio/Cassette Buttons Reproduction Aluminum ID Inserts (3) Sets $14.95 / 2 Sets (Save $2.95)

Here is a link to these Inserts on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7684&submit_button=



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

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



ABOUT OUR EMAILS -

Any inquiries concerning used parts, you must email me direct - [email protected] - I will answer you. However, if I fail to answer you within 24 hours, please email us again. Since expanding into used parts, I get a lot of emails and sometimes I may forget your request or may not remember who requested the item.



2015 CALENDAR OF EVENTS -

35th Annual GS NATIONALS 2015
October 14-17, 2015
Beech Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, Kentucky

We will be set up at this event as a vendor. We have gone every year since 1988!

Be sure to bring any cores you wish to cash in for a Letters of Credit! Stock 1986-1987 turbos and complete powermaster brake units are the 2 items we really need. Help us keep other owner’s cars on the road.

Here is a link to the event on their website:
http://www.gsnationals.com



IN CLOSING -

There is still time to enter the GNX contest with your guess. Everyone has an equal chance to win! I hope everyone has had a great summer.

The next big Buick event is the GS Nationals in a few weeks to close out the year.

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