10-02-2019 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 10-02-2019 –

MINI CONTEST ANSWER AND WINNER –

The winner of last week’s Inner Circle Contest was Mike Pilotti out of West Chester, PA. He was the first to respond after 3 pm last Wednesday with the correct answer. Mike has been a customer since 1990 and attended several of our large Reunion Events at the nearby Johnsville Airbase.

The correct answer is that the Pepsi machine is a bank. What makes this kid’s bank somewhat unusual is, as you deposit coins, it separates the coins so all the pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters get stacked in a cylinder tube. The production date of this clever bank is 1996.

The gas pump in the photo is actually a small transistor radio. I remember quite well that style Sunoco pump as a kid growing up.



FOR SALE GM CARLISLE GNX ORIGINAL BANNER –

This beautiful 3 foot by 5 foot vinyl banner shows an angle front shot of a GNX. This banner has not been exposed to bright sunlight and is in perfect condition. See Photo 1.

PHOTO 1 – We show an angle shot of this GNX banner so the light reflection is not as noticeable, as it hung on my one garage wall. See Rare Parts section for pricing.



MORE RESULTS FROM EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS THE OTHER WEEKEND –

PHOTO 2 - Here are 4 more photos I took at the East Coast Buick Regionals. The top left photo shows the massive RJC front mount intercooler. The car has no grill to hinder the air flow! The top right photo shows our billet-style fuel regulator and a plenum spacer that appears to be a ½ inch thick! The bottom left photo shows what I believe is a DC Tech chrome turbo cover. The bottom right photo shows a cool looking wheel. I believe it was a 16 by 8. I must confess, I have no idea what company made this wheel



ONE-OF-A-KIND POWERMASTER BRAKE DISPLAY ITEMS -

While in the process of moving, I found some of the brake parts we made into unique displays. Each one would make a cool item to display in your trunk at a car show.

PHOTO 3 - The top left and top right photo show both sides of the complete powermaster brake unit as it would appear in 1987. Note the black brake switch. The bottom left photo shows the 3 different possible powermaster brake reservoirs that would be possible to have on a rebuilt unit. The narrowed reservoir, the slanted one, and the correct one are all shown in the photo. The bottom right photo shows the original all-black brake accumulator bowl and the later GM replacement with the yellow wording on it. On the same display is an original black brake switch that was recalled and replaced with the grey brake switch.



OLD CARS REPORT PRICE GUIDE 1925-1969 VALUES - SEPT - OCT 2019 –

This latest edition of Old Cars Report Price Guide covers the older muscle cars and its current values besides cars back to 1925.

It shows the 1970 GSX hardtop in #1 condition at a cool $85 grand and the convertible at $105 grand in #1 condition. Not too far behind is the 1970 GS 455 Gran Sport models at $61 grand for the hardtop and $70 grand for the convertible in #1 condition.

I was curious how the GS in 1970 stacked up against the corresponding 1970 GTOs in value. A 1970 GTO Judge hardtop #1 condition is valued at a cool ½ million dollars. The 1970 hardtop Judge is only at $115 grand in #1 condition. A regular 1970 GTO hardtop comes in at $63 grand and a convertible at $76,500.

But, if any of these models has the optional ram air IV engine, it adds 75% to that value. So, in the car collector world of 1970s muscle cars, the GTO Judge values have really skyrocketed over similar other GM entries. It’s hard to imagine, but in the 1980s we had an all original paint 1970 GTO Judge hardtop 4-speed and had trouble getting $3,500 for it with I think 53,000 original miles on it. All water under the bridge as the saying goes!

PHOTO 4- I show the Old Cars Report Price Guide September/October 2019 edition.



TWO COLLECTIBLES FOR SALE THAT ARE NOT TURBO REGAL RELATED –

I figure this time of the year is perfect with Halloween just a few weeks away. Since I have 3 of the full-size 5-foot store display Maxine figurines, I will sell 2 of them. Maxine is the cartoon figure that the one line of greeting cards Hallmark sells is based on. She is dressed in real clothes and the limbs are totally bendable. Her head is plastic and swivels. Maxine can be made to sit down. I will not ship. Email me [email protected] for price and photos. I also have her dog Floyd available. Both have been in a smoke-free house for over 10 years. These are extremely rare.

I also have a plastic approximately 3-foot high Star Wars character R2 D2cooler rolls on wheels. Pepsi had them made years ago. It is also like brand new. I don’t believe it has ever been used. This is great for a man cave or your garage to hold ice for drinks, etc. I will not ship. You must be local. Email [email protected] for price and photos.

Both of these are still available for sale. I may consider a reasonable offer on any of the above collectibles. I will not ship.



MORE PAST CAR MEMORIES –

The Pepsi machine bank struck a memory for me. Years ago, Pepsi was my favorite drink. In the 1970s, I would travel with my Dad. We would be on the road 10 days to 2 weeks every 4 to 5 weeks. It was a great experience for me as I would travel thru many small towns, especially down south.

I remember stopping at various Coca-Cola bottling companies and buying their out dated metal display signs. In the 1960s they had switched their wording from “Drink Coca-Cola” to the wording “Enjoy Coca-Cola.” Back then vending machines dispersed glass bottles. Georgia was a great source for old Coco-Cola signs.

I was into collecting various advertising signs years before it became popular among collectors.
As long as I was at the Church that my Dad was speaking at night, I was free to roam the various little towns during the day and I would buy different advertising signs. As years passed, I then reached the point where I bought an open car trailer and would try and bring back one rust-free car after each trip. It was a win/win situation as all my expenses were paid.

On one trip, I remember stopping at a pinball machine supplier and buying several pinball machines. Of course, being on the road 10 days or more each month, I could almost recite my word for word Dad’s sermon he would give at various churches. My job, along with my Dad’s right hand man, was to sell his books at the end of each meeting. I had to wear a suit and tie each night to make a favorable impression. Looking back, I marvel how my Dad could give the same sermon night after night and yet stay upbeat for the audience. I have given a few seminars over the years at various club functions and I know it would be difficult for me to give the exact same seminar 2 or more nights in a row.

I still recall some trips that took us to the far west. Some of the books sales in the west were actually paid in silver dollars. I hated lugging the silver dollars around and would cash them in at a bank the next morning. I never realized they would be worth money someday.



CORES NEEDED - URGENT REQUEST –

Here is the information on our credits for cores.

POWERMASTER BRAKE UNITS. Unit must be complete. We will issue you a Letter of Credit for $150 for each acceptable core. We currently will not buy any powermaster units outright, only Letter of Credit towards parts.

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. These are the only 2 items we are currently accepting as cores.

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



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

Turbo V6 enthusiast Steve Safier (who produced “Dennis Kirban” story o You Tube) 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 o 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 –

If you have a fully working powermaster brake unit, you’re one of the lucky ones. At the very least, if the fluid looks like Coca-Cola or Pepsi (dark liquid color), it’s time to flush the brake system. This way you can ward off brake issues when you pull your Turbo Regal out of winter storage next Spring.



2019 GS NATIONALS
October 23-26, 2019
Beech Bend Raceway Bowling Green, KY

This is the annual event for all GS Buicks and Turbo Regals. This is the 39th GS Nationals. For more information, go to their website [email protected]

For vendor space, contact Matt and Sarah Gordon [email protected] For car show info, contact Alan Oldfield at [email protected]



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 3,300 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 –

1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Reproduction REAR DUAL EXTENDED RANGE 10 OHM SPEAKERS (2) Set 

Finally, a company has reproduced the extended range 10 ohm 4" x 10" rear speakers that was an option available on every 1984-1987 Regal, including the Turbo models.

To determine if your car came equipped with the extended range speakers, check for the code “U66” on the trunk ID label (SPID).

These upgraded extended range speakers were included with most of the various upgraded factory radios for an additional cost of $25 for the pair.

NOTE - You must have the factory cages to properly secure this speaker to the back deck.

These have the same matching 3-1/4" diameter magnet. To see if you car has this format check the SPID label for the “U66” code. If the label is missing, measure the magnet on the current rear deck speakers to see if it measures 3-1/4" diameter. 

If it does, these are the speakers you need. 

After more than 30 years, many are blown out due to heat and the age of the speaker.

Each pair comes with an adapter harness so you do not have to cut the factory harness.

Speakers are marked and come with directions so you know which is the plus terminal and which is the minus terminal.

NOTE - You may also be interested in this related part - #7433 Power Antenna Upgraded Steel Cable Repair Kit

Another excellent replacement for any interior restoration.

7877 - 1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) - Reproduction Rear Dual Extended Range 10 OHM Speakers (2) Set - $109.95

Here is a link to these speakers on our website.



GM Licensed –
BUICK GRAND NATIONAL BASEBALL-STYLE EMBROIDERED BLACK HAT

This GM licensed 6-panel structured low crown pre-curved visor black hat is made from moisture wicking polyester. It has a micro-hook/loop closure in the back.

The black hat has the Grand National Turbo-six logo embroidered in red, orange and white on the front and adjustable in the back.

This is another excellent Buick enthusiast gift idea.

7876 - GM Licensed - BUICK GRAND NATIONAL Baseball-style Embroidered Black Hat - $17.95

Here is a link to this Hat 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 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] 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 –

Hot weather still rules out in the Northeast part of the country. Remember, as you read this week’s Inner Circle, any parts orders may experience and 3-4 day delay until we catch up.

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