Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 10-07-2015
FALL CARLISLE -
I attended the recent Fall Carlisle event last Wednesday. The weather was windy and overcast the entire day with spotty showers. Many of the vendors were just setting up.
In the car corral, I did spot one very nice original 1983 Monte Carlo SS with low miles. The car was a hardtop and was reasonably priced at just under $8,000. Car looked like it had a correct repaint and appeared to be 100% stock.
I did not see any Turbo Regals for sale. The only related part I spotted for sale in the swap area was one single weathered T-Type rim. I could have purchased it for $50 but passed on it. As years go by, it’s getting tougher to find parts for our cars unless you attend a specific Buick event and even then parts are not in abundance.
As usual, I try and photograph the unusual or rare things I spot at the Carlisle events. In this first photo we show some of the rare sightings.
PHOTO 1 - The top left photo shows a slightly damaged 2001 Ferrari 360 Spyder with a mere 17,000 miles on it. It runs and drives. It would be ideal for any body shop owner to buy and fix, as I am pretty sure the value of any Ferrari seldom decrease! The top right shows what I think would take a prize for being extremely ugly a 1977 Lincoln Coloma Pickup. It was 1 of just 12 made by Ford and had a price tag of $9,500. El Camino owners need not worry about competition with this entry! The lower left shows a very neat Hudson Matched light display. I assume this was an accessory item, probably in a Hudson dealership back in the early 1950s. The price tag to own this unique item was a mere $2,600. The lower right photo shows the one T-Type wheel I spotted for sale.
PHOTO 2 - The top left shows a very wide display of early iron featuring several complete cabs and a huge array of different fenders. This display had to have taken a lot of time to set up! The top right photo shows what I think was a bargain - a 1990 Ford Conversion van that had been garaged kept and was priced just under $6,000. Inside and out this van was as close to mint as you can find with a realistic price. For a 25-year-old van, it was worth the money, if you were in the market for a reasonable conversion van.
The lower left shows this hand built working cutaway of a car from the 1940s. German made, it was used in a driving school to educate new drivers on the workings of the automobile. You could see the gears turning in the rear and the driveshaft turning. The pistons in the engine can be seen going up and down. This was truly a work of art and priced around $3,000. It measured probably the length of a typical desk. The lower right shows a very rare GMC Jimmy for sale. It was called the Diamond Edition and it was made for just two years. It probably had every possible option and featured a diamond pattern interior, which was kind of gaudy looking. I believe it was priced around $4,995 and had 140,000 miles on it. I had never seen one before, so I can only assume production was very limited.
MY 50TH HIGH SCHOOL REUNION -
Last Friday night my wife Eileen and I attended my 50th High School Reunion. Eileen attended the same high school, only she was two years behind me, so she knew a lot of my classmates. Her older sister was also in my class. It was a great time. My class had 105 that graduated in 1965. Over the years we lost about 10-12 classmates, including one that was killed in Vietnam.
They had several awards and my wife and I won one for the male student that has been married the longest to the same person. We came in first at 47 years!
We got to reminisce with many old friends. Several people remarked how I used to trade and sell things in school. Some of them worked after school for my Dad stuffing envelopes for mailings.
I got to see one of my buddies, Richard Busillo, who actually lived in my parent’s house for about a year because of an argument he had with his Dad. We actually went in the Army together under the “buddy system,” which he still blames me for convincing him to go! We both ended up in Vietnam around the same time period. He was a Crew Chief and door gunner and I was the editor and photographer for the 17th Aviation Group.
When he lived at my parent’s house, I sold him a 1958 Ford for $35, which lacked reverse gear. One day shortly after he came home, my Mom spotted smoke coming up from under the hood! Fortunately damage was minimal! I reminded him that was probably the cheapest car I have sold over the years! I also got to see another old friend of mine, Tom Birchfield. I used to go over his house frequently and read all the various comic books he collected. Later I would hide a car I bought at his house, so my parents would not know I had bought another car!
Perhaps the most unusual thing was what my one classmate brought for display. She recently discovered it in her parent’s house. It was a notebook from 1958 when she suffered a major accident on a bicycle. She ended up with a concussion and missed a period of time in school. Our teacher back then gave us an assignment to write her a “Get Well” letter. I actually got to read the note I wrote her in 1958 when I was just 9 years old that was preserved in a plastic sleeve in her binder. I wrote an entire page and explained in detail a joke to cheer her up.
We had quite a good turn out. Some classmates came from Florida, New Mexico and Colorado. At the end, there was talk about planning one in another five years!
PHOTO 3 - The top left photo shows the actual penciled note I wrote Nancy Simpson, who crashed her bike and was out of school for a period of time. The top right shows Gale Blair and his wife Martha to the left, Richard Busillo in the center (the guy who lived at our house and I went in the Army with,) and Tom Birchfield who I would hang out with back in our school days. Gale Blair worked for GM as an Industrial/Manufacturing Engineer and was granted a patent for easier to assemble hardware on the tailgate of pick-up trucks. His brother Joseph Blair was also a classmate of mine as well. The lower photos show some of the displays Eileen made of photo memories.
AUTOMOTIVE DISPLAYS AND ORIGINAL SIGNS -
Automotive displays and original signs continue to gain in value. The older they are and the better the condition makes them more valuable. This is even if the brand is an obscure brand. This becomes evident at every Carlisle event I have attended in the last several years.
One of the best examples of a very valuable automotive display I saw this past August at Corvettes at Carlisle. According to my information, this is the first time in over 50 years it has been displayed in the USA. I believe it is privately owned.
PHOTO 4 - Both of these displays were shown at the 1965 World’s Fair. The photo to the left shows a cut-away-view of a Corvette engine. The photo to the right shows a complete Corvette Chassis. One can only guess what the value today is in these 50-year-old original GM displays!
GS NATIONALS UPDATE -
35th Annual GS NATIONALS 2015
October 14-17, 2015 - Beech Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, Kentucky
Many of you are making plans to attend the upcoming 2015 GS Nationals held in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Be sure to bring any powermaster and turbo cores to this event. It will save you money on shipping and get you a Letter of Credit of $100 for each acceptable core. Cores must be complete for maximum credit. There is no limit on how many you can bring us!
We will have one table displaying some of our newest parts, several of which we have not mentioned before. Also, we will have several items available we had done in glossy black powder coating. Supplies will be limited on some of these parts, such as the factory hood hinges and various brackets from the engine compartment of the 1986-1987 Turbo Regals. We will also have a good supply of correct bolts, all done in high gloss black powder coating. These include the bolts that secure the hood hinges, both reservoir bottles, and various other under-the-hood parts.
We also will have our usual array of tagged and bagged bargain goodies. We’ll have a limited supply of items from our new parts that will be specially priced for this event. Our plan is to arrive sometime on Wednesday afternoon. Hope for great weather!
SLIGHTLY DAMAGED REAR SPOOL FOOL FILLER -
We just got back a slightly damaged, never used Spool Fool rear filler panel. It has one very small crack at the one edge. The crack is smaller than your little finger. Normal retail is $370 plus shipping. You can own this one for just $335 plus shipping. The damage is so slight it is barely visible in a photo. However, you can email me - [email protected] - if you want to see a photo. Call our office to order this particular damaged rear spool fool filler. This is a real bargain as damage is quite minimal.
MINI CONTEST UP-DATE -
Jason just drove down from Canada to our house this past Saturday to take us to a concert Sunday.
His research shows the GNX is scheduled to go through the Mecum Auction next Saturday between noon and 2 in the afternoon. It is category Star where the seller pays a $1,000 fee on top of the normal 8% of the selling price when there is a reserve. On the Thursday and Friday sale date, the fee is not as much as the Saturday fee. Interesting enough, on the same day also under the Star category there is a 1967 VW Micro bus fully restored to be auctioned off. Recent auctions have seen these split windshield 21-window microbuses bring big money.
Once we get the results and a full report from Jason (who is attending the Mecum Chicago auction,) we will announce our two winners. I have a stack over one inch high of entries for this mini contest.
Also at the Mecum auction will be the very first year 1974 Bricklin SV1. This was one of those cars that never really caught on or had much in the way of sales. Whatever the Bricklin sells for, that GNX better more than triple the amount! It will be interesting to see what this car fetches. Perhaps the very first produced Yugo will show up at some point at one of these auctions someday.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER -
Here go some more sayings:
You can usually tell the basic year of any car or truck on the highway. However, when it comes to passenger airplanes, you have no way of telling if you are boarding a plane that is 2 years old or 10 years old!
Almost without fail any time you approach a toll booth, the person in front of you will be fiddling for what appears to be there last bit of change to pay the toll! The same can be said about checking out at a food store when you are in a hurry.
VOLKSWAGON DIESEL TROUBLES -
Volkswagon Diesel troubles have been in the news because of software that was installed to “trick” their emissions systems to pass emissions tests.
This issue reminds me about our own cars.
In June of 1992 Buick issued a recall because certain (SFI) engines may be emitting pollutants in excess of Federal Emission Standards. To solve the issue, Buick replaced the Electronic Control Module (ECM) at no charge for the car owner. I can remember getting it done and the dealership let me keep the factory PROM. If I recall, the replacement module did have a negative effect on the power of the turbo engine.
The GNX was not subject to this PROM replacement. In that same month, Buick sent a follow-up letter to GNX owners stating those vehicles are not involved in the recall and apologized for any inconvenience this may have caused. (The GNX had a different PROM).
With so much technology becoming available, I would like to see some company develop a simple device that you can plug into your TV so you can get all the cable channels you want without having to pay monthly cable bills and monthly rental fees for a cable box! It should also eliminate the need for 3 or 4 different remotes! It would eliminate all those grey ugly satellite dishes you see on rooftops or on front lawns. The product would be a home run for whatever company brings this product to market.
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 -
These mirrors are extremely difficult to find. It seems this one version that I can easily modify with the LED bulbs and has the set screw to attach to your windshield was not used in many GM cars or trucks.
We will have a few of them available at the GS Nationals.
FOURTH GENERATION CAMAROS & FIREBIRDS -
We are looking for someone that deals in the 4th Generation Camaro parts that wants a deal on a bunch of related 4th Generation Camaro/Firebird parts.
CORES NEEDED -
We have an urgent need for powermaster cores, steering wheel cores, and turbo cores. We are taking cores at GS Nationals!
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 2 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 -
1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction UPPER PLENUM GASKET
This reproduction upper plenum gasket is an exact duplicate of the original gasket. It is made by the same source that makes most of our other reproduction gaskets.
NOTE - You may also be interested in this related gasket - #6839 Reproduction Vacuum Block Gasket
Another excellent placement for the engine compartment!
7692 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction Upper Plenum Gasket - $5.95
Here is a link to the Upper Plenum Gasket on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44273/Reproduction+UPPER+PLENUM+GASKET+%237692.html
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 -
Hope you got your contest entry in.
The next big Buick event is the GS Nationals next week. Hope everyone has a safe and uneventful drive!
We will have one entire table set up at the GS Nats spotlighting all our new products, most of which I have not even mentioned prior to this event! Some of these items will be in limited supply, including the unique custom-made item we used in the GNX contest.
This will be your chance to own one of these items as well.
FALL CARLISLE -
I attended the recent Fall Carlisle event last Wednesday. The weather was windy and overcast the entire day with spotty showers. Many of the vendors were just setting up.
In the car corral, I did spot one very nice original 1983 Monte Carlo SS with low miles. The car was a hardtop and was reasonably priced at just under $8,000. Car looked like it had a correct repaint and appeared to be 100% stock.
I did not see any Turbo Regals for sale. The only related part I spotted for sale in the swap area was one single weathered T-Type rim. I could have purchased it for $50 but passed on it. As years go by, it’s getting tougher to find parts for our cars unless you attend a specific Buick event and even then parts are not in abundance.
As usual, I try and photograph the unusual or rare things I spot at the Carlisle events. In this first photo we show some of the rare sightings.
PHOTO 1 - The top left photo shows a slightly damaged 2001 Ferrari 360 Spyder with a mere 17,000 miles on it. It runs and drives. It would be ideal for any body shop owner to buy and fix, as I am pretty sure the value of any Ferrari seldom decrease! The top right shows what I think would take a prize for being extremely ugly a 1977 Lincoln Coloma Pickup. It was 1 of just 12 made by Ford and had a price tag of $9,500. El Camino owners need not worry about competition with this entry! The lower left shows a very neat Hudson Matched light display. I assume this was an accessory item, probably in a Hudson dealership back in the early 1950s. The price tag to own this unique item was a mere $2,600. The lower right photo shows the one T-Type wheel I spotted for sale.
PHOTO 2 - The top left shows a very wide display of early iron featuring several complete cabs and a huge array of different fenders. This display had to have taken a lot of time to set up! The top right photo shows what I think was a bargain - a 1990 Ford Conversion van that had been garaged kept and was priced just under $6,000. Inside and out this van was as close to mint as you can find with a realistic price. For a 25-year-old van, it was worth the money, if you were in the market for a reasonable conversion van.
The lower left shows this hand built working cutaway of a car from the 1940s. German made, it was used in a driving school to educate new drivers on the workings of the automobile. You could see the gears turning in the rear and the driveshaft turning. The pistons in the engine can be seen going up and down. This was truly a work of art and priced around $3,000. It measured probably the length of a typical desk. The lower right shows a very rare GMC Jimmy for sale. It was called the Diamond Edition and it was made for just two years. It probably had every possible option and featured a diamond pattern interior, which was kind of gaudy looking. I believe it was priced around $4,995 and had 140,000 miles on it. I had never seen one before, so I can only assume production was very limited.
MY 50TH HIGH SCHOOL REUNION -
Last Friday night my wife Eileen and I attended my 50th High School Reunion. Eileen attended the same high school, only she was two years behind me, so she knew a lot of my classmates. Her older sister was also in my class. It was a great time. My class had 105 that graduated in 1965. Over the years we lost about 10-12 classmates, including one that was killed in Vietnam.
They had several awards and my wife and I won one for the male student that has been married the longest to the same person. We came in first at 47 years!
We got to reminisce with many old friends. Several people remarked how I used to trade and sell things in school. Some of them worked after school for my Dad stuffing envelopes for mailings.
I got to see one of my buddies, Richard Busillo, who actually lived in my parent’s house for about a year because of an argument he had with his Dad. We actually went in the Army together under the “buddy system,” which he still blames me for convincing him to go! We both ended up in Vietnam around the same time period. He was a Crew Chief and door gunner and I was the editor and photographer for the 17th Aviation Group.
When he lived at my parent’s house, I sold him a 1958 Ford for $35, which lacked reverse gear. One day shortly after he came home, my Mom spotted smoke coming up from under the hood! Fortunately damage was minimal! I reminded him that was probably the cheapest car I have sold over the years! I also got to see another old friend of mine, Tom Birchfield. I used to go over his house frequently and read all the various comic books he collected. Later I would hide a car I bought at his house, so my parents would not know I had bought another car!
Perhaps the most unusual thing was what my one classmate brought for display. She recently discovered it in her parent’s house. It was a notebook from 1958 when she suffered a major accident on a bicycle. She ended up with a concussion and missed a period of time in school. Our teacher back then gave us an assignment to write her a “Get Well” letter. I actually got to read the note I wrote her in 1958 when I was just 9 years old that was preserved in a plastic sleeve in her binder. I wrote an entire page and explained in detail a joke to cheer her up.
We had quite a good turn out. Some classmates came from Florida, New Mexico and Colorado. At the end, there was talk about planning one in another five years!
PHOTO 3 - The top left photo shows the actual penciled note I wrote Nancy Simpson, who crashed her bike and was out of school for a period of time. The top right shows Gale Blair and his wife Martha to the left, Richard Busillo in the center (the guy who lived at our house and I went in the Army with,) and Tom Birchfield who I would hang out with back in our school days. Gale Blair worked for GM as an Industrial/Manufacturing Engineer and was granted a patent for easier to assemble hardware on the tailgate of pick-up trucks. His brother Joseph Blair was also a classmate of mine as well. The lower photos show some of the displays Eileen made of photo memories.
AUTOMOTIVE DISPLAYS AND ORIGINAL SIGNS -
Automotive displays and original signs continue to gain in value. The older they are and the better the condition makes them more valuable. This is even if the brand is an obscure brand. This becomes evident at every Carlisle event I have attended in the last several years.
One of the best examples of a very valuable automotive display I saw this past August at Corvettes at Carlisle. According to my information, this is the first time in over 50 years it has been displayed in the USA. I believe it is privately owned.
PHOTO 4 - Both of these displays were shown at the 1965 World’s Fair. The photo to the left shows a cut-away-view of a Corvette engine. The photo to the right shows a complete Corvette Chassis. One can only guess what the value today is in these 50-year-old original GM displays!
GS NATIONALS UPDATE -
35th Annual GS NATIONALS 2015
October 14-17, 2015 - Beech Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, Kentucky
Many of you are making plans to attend the upcoming 2015 GS Nationals held in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Be sure to bring any powermaster and turbo cores to this event. It will save you money on shipping and get you a Letter of Credit of $100 for each acceptable core. Cores must be complete for maximum credit. There is no limit on how many you can bring us!
We will have one table displaying some of our newest parts, several of which we have not mentioned before. Also, we will have several items available we had done in glossy black powder coating. Supplies will be limited on some of these parts, such as the factory hood hinges and various brackets from the engine compartment of the 1986-1987 Turbo Regals. We will also have a good supply of correct bolts, all done in high gloss black powder coating. These include the bolts that secure the hood hinges, both reservoir bottles, and various other under-the-hood parts.
We also will have our usual array of tagged and bagged bargain goodies. We’ll have a limited supply of items from our new parts that will be specially priced for this event. Our plan is to arrive sometime on Wednesday afternoon. Hope for great weather!
SLIGHTLY DAMAGED REAR SPOOL FOOL FILLER -
We just got back a slightly damaged, never used Spool Fool rear filler panel. It has one very small crack at the one edge. The crack is smaller than your little finger. Normal retail is $370 plus shipping. You can own this one for just $335 plus shipping. The damage is so slight it is barely visible in a photo. However, you can email me - [email protected] - if you want to see a photo. Call our office to order this particular damaged rear spool fool filler. This is a real bargain as damage is quite minimal.
MINI CONTEST UP-DATE -
Jason just drove down from Canada to our house this past Saturday to take us to a concert Sunday.
His research shows the GNX is scheduled to go through the Mecum Auction next Saturday between noon and 2 in the afternoon. It is category Star where the seller pays a $1,000 fee on top of the normal 8% of the selling price when there is a reserve. On the Thursday and Friday sale date, the fee is not as much as the Saturday fee. Interesting enough, on the same day also under the Star category there is a 1967 VW Micro bus fully restored to be auctioned off. Recent auctions have seen these split windshield 21-window microbuses bring big money.
Once we get the results and a full report from Jason (who is attending the Mecum Chicago auction,) we will announce our two winners. I have a stack over one inch high of entries for this mini contest.
Also at the Mecum auction will be the very first year 1974 Bricklin SV1. This was one of those cars that never really caught on or had much in the way of sales. Whatever the Bricklin sells for, that GNX better more than triple the amount! It will be interesting to see what this car fetches. Perhaps the very first produced Yugo will show up at some point at one of these auctions someday.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER -
Here go some more sayings:
You can usually tell the basic year of any car or truck on the highway. However, when it comes to passenger airplanes, you have no way of telling if you are boarding a plane that is 2 years old or 10 years old!
Almost without fail any time you approach a toll booth, the person in front of you will be fiddling for what appears to be there last bit of change to pay the toll! The same can be said about checking out at a food store when you are in a hurry.
VOLKSWAGON DIESEL TROUBLES -
Volkswagon Diesel troubles have been in the news because of software that was installed to “trick” their emissions systems to pass emissions tests.
This issue reminds me about our own cars.
In June of 1992 Buick issued a recall because certain (SFI) engines may be emitting pollutants in excess of Federal Emission Standards. To solve the issue, Buick replaced the Electronic Control Module (ECM) at no charge for the car owner. I can remember getting it done and the dealership let me keep the factory PROM. If I recall, the replacement module did have a negative effect on the power of the turbo engine.
The GNX was not subject to this PROM replacement. In that same month, Buick sent a follow-up letter to GNX owners stating those vehicles are not involved in the recall and apologized for any inconvenience this may have caused. (The GNX had a different PROM).
With so much technology becoming available, I would like to see some company develop a simple device that you can plug into your TV so you can get all the cable channels you want without having to pay monthly cable bills and monthly rental fees for a cable box! It should also eliminate the need for 3 or 4 different remotes! It would eliminate all those grey ugly satellite dishes you see on rooftops or on front lawns. The product would be a home run for whatever company brings this product to market.
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 -
These mirrors are extremely difficult to find. It seems this one version that I can easily modify with the LED bulbs and has the set screw to attach to your windshield was not used in many GM cars or trucks.
We will have a few of them available at the GS Nationals.
FOURTH GENERATION CAMAROS & FIREBIRDS -
We are looking for someone that deals in the 4th Generation Camaro parts that wants a deal on a bunch of related 4th Generation Camaro/Firebird parts.
CORES NEEDED -
We have an urgent need for powermaster cores, steering wheel cores, and turbo cores. We are taking cores at GS Nationals!
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 2 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 -
1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction UPPER PLENUM GASKET
This reproduction upper plenum gasket is an exact duplicate of the original gasket. It is made by the same source that makes most of our other reproduction gaskets.
NOTE - You may also be interested in this related gasket - #6839 Reproduction Vacuum Block Gasket
Another excellent placement for the engine compartment!
7692 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction Upper Plenum Gasket - $5.95
Here is a link to the Upper Plenum Gasket on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44273/Reproduction+UPPER+PLENUM+GASKET+%237692.html
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 -
Hope you got your contest entry in.
The next big Buick event is the GS Nationals next week. Hope everyone has a safe and uneventful drive!
We will have one entire table set up at the GS Nats spotlighting all our new products, most of which I have not even mentioned prior to this event! Some of these items will be in limited supply, including the unique custom-made item we used in the GNX contest.
This will be your chance to own one of these items as well.