Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 10-30-2013
MORE COVERAGE FROM THE 2013 GS NATIONALS -
PHOTO 1 - The top left photo shows a neat array of Turbo Parts that one vendor had on display. The top right photo shows a close up of the ashtray switch plate that Kenne Bell used to sell many years ago. The bottom left photo shows an early-style Regal 14" alloy wheel. The bottom right photo is looking down the main road where the vendors were set up.
PHOTO 2 - The top left photo shows a brand new GM air conditioner drier. What makes it unusual is the sticker clearly states, “Made in China.” The top right photo shows another vendor's spread of parts for sale. The bottom left shows one super mint, modified GSX. The bottom right photo shows the engine compartment of the same car.
PHOTO 3 - This top left photo shows one of the most rare Regals, the 1981 Regal Pace Car. It is owned by Alan Oldfield from Iowa. The top right photo shows the markings on the firewall, which says, "PACE CAR." The bottom left photo shows one of the alloy wheels on the Pace Car, which is quite unique. The bottom right photo shows the unique horn center on the steering wheel.
We will show more photos for the 2013 GS Nationals next week.
THE THOUSAND DOLLAR HALLOWEEN COSTUMES -
A unique Halloween costume based on the recent Geico Money Man Boater TV commercial for insurance.
PHOTO 4 - Our son and his wife Carrie had a unique idea for Halloween costumes for a party this past weekend. They went online and purchased a big batch of crisp fake $1,000 dollar bills, shown in the top left photo. From a distance these are realistic, but the serial numbers are all the same. He then wrinkled them up to make them look real. He took some of his white paint suits and sprayed them satin black in his paint booth. He they spray glued the thousand dollar bills all over the suits, as shown in the middle and right top photos.
The bottom left photo shows them and their friends in the money suits at the Chesapeake Inn in Maryland. The bottom right photo shows a close up of Carrie in the costume. They won the top prize for a group.
CHRISTMAS SPECIALS -
You will receive a special email sometime this coming Monday that will announce our Christmas Specials for 2013. Be sure to watch for it.
This year will be slightly different from previous years.
CHINA BANS CARS ON THE ROAD OVER 15 YEARS OLD -
The government of China, which is not known for its user-friendly policies for its people, doesn’t allow vehicles on their highways that are over 15 years old. You can imagine how that sits with the wealthy car collectors in China, not to mention how it affects used cars values. If you have a vehicle coming up on its 15th birthday, its value has shrunk to nothing.
Personally we would have two vehicles that would not be allowed on the roads in China.
HAL NEEDHAM DIED LAST WEEK -
Besides being a highly-respected stuntman, Hal Needham was director of the Smokie and the Bandit movies, which has contributed to the collectibility of the late 1970s Pontiac Trans Ams. He was 82 years old. Those movies also highlighted CB radios, which were big at the time. At one time during the late 1980s, Burt Reynolds did own a GNX, as we sold him some parts years ago.
GOOD MOVIE TO GO SEE -
"The Great Escape," starring Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger is a good movie to see. They are two aging stars that still got it. I liked the movie. One of Eileen's friends actually went to school with Stallone in Philadelphia.
BREAKING NEWS - POWERMASTERS BRAKE UNITS -
We are still waiting on positive word as to when Cardone will have brake bowls in Philadelphia for our individual orders for brake bowls. I suspect this problem will be solved soon.
On the bright side our first rebuilt powermasters are due to starting arriving the end of this week. Several a day should start to come in, as we have plenty of cores in their system. Orders will be filled in the order they were received. Again, these delays are beyond our control.
BREAKING NEWS - FENDER COVERS -
Many of our long-time customers may remember the various Buick related fender covers we used to sell.
We have a deal in place with Fender Gripper, one of the best-known fender cover producers in the U.S. They are fully GM licensed and are made in the U.S.A. They have several fender cover designs in the works once again.
The first one they are doing is "BUICK MOTORSPORTS" in color. They will also be doing some of the designs we offered with special quotes. The fender gripper uses special gripper material, which offers protection to your car fender and help to keep your tools from falling off. We also hope to have a "HURST EQUIPPED" design available.
We hope to have at least the Buick Motorsport fender cover available prior to Christmas. These will be available from all the other major wholesalers as well.
Working with this company has been a summer long project.
NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -
1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal and 1989 Turbo Trans Am -
Reproduction ALTERNATOR PULLEY
The alternator pulley that GM used for the 1986-987 Turbo Regals and the 1989 Turbo Trans Am is a unique diameter that is not available in the aftermarket.
Many of the rebuilt and new GM alternators sold as replacements may not have the correct size alternator pulley. The incorrect size pulley may put the belt tensioner in the wrong position, which would effect charging of the stock 120 amp or upgraded 200 amp alternators. The serpentine belt may also slip at high rpms.
All the new and rebuilt alternators we offer now have this new reproduction correct-size pulley installed to eliminate any possible charging issues. We are making it available by itself, so you can put it on the alternator, if you have the incorrect one.
This new reproduction pulley is billet aluminum. For added strength, the center area is slightly thicker. It has been prepped and painted satin black.
Our photo on the left shows an original alternator pulley, and the photo on the right shows the reproduction.
A necessary part to have the correct size pulley on the stock alternator.
7542 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal and 1989 Turbo Trans Am -
Reproduction Alternator Pulley - $26.95
Here is a link to this Reproduction Alternator Pulley on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44120/Reproduction+ALTERNATOR+PULLEY+%237542.html
1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
TOOL MAT
After a long absence, we once again have the unique tool mat available made specifically for our cars. The original supplier, who made them years ago, has had them produced once again.
This is a practical item to hold your tools and protect the car while you're working in the engine compartment.
It is form fitted to sit on the front core support and hood latch. The mat keeps everything at your fingertips; your tools and the parts you might drop in the engine area. It positions in the center of the front of the car, over the radiator support.
It has a matt finish, and the material has both the characteristics of rubber and plastic and is softer than the typical ABS plastic.
It's a great way to prevent your tools from scratching your car, rolling away or getting lost, while keeping any tools and parts within your reach.
This is another must-have item for your garage. It also makes a great gift idea for any Buick enthusiast or for your mechanic.
7541 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Tool Mat - $54.95
Here is the link for this tool mat on the website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44118/TOOL+MAT+%237541.html
1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
BAER SS4+ FRONT BRAKES AND SPINDLES UPGRADE SYSTEM
We offer Baer Brakes new front brake system upgrade, complete with modified front spindles included. No cores are required, making this an easy bolt-on upgrade.
Works with all 1986 and 1987 stock T-Type wheels and Grand National wheels.
The new calipers are aluminum, compared to stock cast iron, which has better heat sink to dissipate heat. Rotors are specific left and right 11" curved-vane design which, when they rotate, act as a pump to cool the brakes down. Stock rotors are not left and right specific and are straight vane.
Aluminum hub, unlike the stock, which was cast iron and was part of the rotor. This is built like a modern brake where the rotor slides over the hub. Timken/SKF bearings are installed in the hubs.
Common brake pads (Hawk HB100) pads are available in a wide variety of compounds, and are readily available from Summit or Jegs.
Calipers have dust seals just like the OE calipers. Includes stainless braided front brake hoses and billet aluminum dust caps. The calipers are available in three powder-coated colors - red (#7537), silver (#7538), or black (#7539). Be sure to order the correct part # for the color you want when ordering.
Rotors come fully dressed with a slot, drilled, and a zinc-plated finish.
Each comes pre-assembled on modified stock G-body spindles, ready to install on the vehicle.
Years ago we used to offer an earlier version of this Baer system, which required the stock spindles be sent in as cores. This is a superior brake system to the system we used to sell. This system was specifically designed for heavy fast cars, making stopping distances far quicker than factory. It works well with the original powermaster brake system.
The stock brake system is no different than what Buick installed on a regular aspirated V6 during those years.
NOTE - Allow two weeks for shipping.
NOTE - We recommend these be installed by a qualified mechanic.
You MUST call our office to order and to calculate shipping charges - 215-766-1611. Specify brake calipers color by ordering correct part number.
7537 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Baer SS4+ Front Brakes and Spindles Upgrade System with RED Calipers - $1,295
7538 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Baer SS4+ Front Brakes and Spindles Upgrade System with SILVER Calipers - $1,295
7539 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Baer SS4+ Front Brakes and Spindles Upgrade System with BLACK Calipers - $1,295
Here is a link to this Baer Brakes System on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44119/BAER+SS4%2B+FRONT+BRAKES+AND+SPINDLES+UPGRADE+SYSTEM+%237537+%237538+%237539.html
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS FOR 2013 -
BOPAPALOOZA 2013 - November 2, 2013 - Atco Raceway, New Jersey -
Buick-Olds-Pontiac Show and Go, Saturday, November 2nd, 2013. Gates open 9:00 AM. Show registration until 12 noon. Day of event rain info - 856-768-2167. Location is Atco Raceway, Jackson Road, Atco, New Jersey.
For more show info, call Tom at 856-524-2588 or email [email protected]
Race Information - call 856-768-2167 - www.atcoraceway.com
I know Tom personally, as he is the editor of the GTO THE LEGEND, which is the GTO National club monthly publication. I often contribute articles for their publication.
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 WORKS -
Got any turbo 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 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.
IN CLOSING -
Won’t be long now before winter sets in. Make sure your car is prepared for the winter hibernation.
MORE COVERAGE FROM THE 2013 GS NATIONALS -
PHOTO 1 - The top left photo shows a neat array of Turbo Parts that one vendor had on display. The top right photo shows a close up of the ashtray switch plate that Kenne Bell used to sell many years ago. The bottom left photo shows an early-style Regal 14" alloy wheel. The bottom right photo is looking down the main road where the vendors were set up.
PHOTO 2 - The top left photo shows a brand new GM air conditioner drier. What makes it unusual is the sticker clearly states, “Made in China.” The top right photo shows another vendor's spread of parts for sale. The bottom left shows one super mint, modified GSX. The bottom right photo shows the engine compartment of the same car.
PHOTO 3 - This top left photo shows one of the most rare Regals, the 1981 Regal Pace Car. It is owned by Alan Oldfield from Iowa. The top right photo shows the markings on the firewall, which says, "PACE CAR." The bottom left photo shows one of the alloy wheels on the Pace Car, which is quite unique. The bottom right photo shows the unique horn center on the steering wheel.
We will show more photos for the 2013 GS Nationals next week.
THE THOUSAND DOLLAR HALLOWEEN COSTUMES -
A unique Halloween costume based on the recent Geico Money Man Boater TV commercial for insurance.
PHOTO 4 - Our son and his wife Carrie had a unique idea for Halloween costumes for a party this past weekend. They went online and purchased a big batch of crisp fake $1,000 dollar bills, shown in the top left photo. From a distance these are realistic, but the serial numbers are all the same. He then wrinkled them up to make them look real. He took some of his white paint suits and sprayed them satin black in his paint booth. He they spray glued the thousand dollar bills all over the suits, as shown in the middle and right top photos.
The bottom left photo shows them and their friends in the money suits at the Chesapeake Inn in Maryland. The bottom right photo shows a close up of Carrie in the costume. They won the top prize for a group.
CHRISTMAS SPECIALS -
You will receive a special email sometime this coming Monday that will announce our Christmas Specials for 2013. Be sure to watch for it.
This year will be slightly different from previous years.
CHINA BANS CARS ON THE ROAD OVER 15 YEARS OLD -
The government of China, which is not known for its user-friendly policies for its people, doesn’t allow vehicles on their highways that are over 15 years old. You can imagine how that sits with the wealthy car collectors in China, not to mention how it affects used cars values. If you have a vehicle coming up on its 15th birthday, its value has shrunk to nothing.
Personally we would have two vehicles that would not be allowed on the roads in China.
HAL NEEDHAM DIED LAST WEEK -
Besides being a highly-respected stuntman, Hal Needham was director of the Smokie and the Bandit movies, which has contributed to the collectibility of the late 1970s Pontiac Trans Ams. He was 82 years old. Those movies also highlighted CB radios, which were big at the time. At one time during the late 1980s, Burt Reynolds did own a GNX, as we sold him some parts years ago.
GOOD MOVIE TO GO SEE -
"The Great Escape," starring Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger is a good movie to see. They are two aging stars that still got it. I liked the movie. One of Eileen's friends actually went to school with Stallone in Philadelphia.
BREAKING NEWS - POWERMASTERS BRAKE UNITS -
We are still waiting on positive word as to when Cardone will have brake bowls in Philadelphia for our individual orders for brake bowls. I suspect this problem will be solved soon.
On the bright side our first rebuilt powermasters are due to starting arriving the end of this week. Several a day should start to come in, as we have plenty of cores in their system. Orders will be filled in the order they were received. Again, these delays are beyond our control.
BREAKING NEWS - FENDER COVERS -
Many of our long-time customers may remember the various Buick related fender covers we used to sell.
We have a deal in place with Fender Gripper, one of the best-known fender cover producers in the U.S. They are fully GM licensed and are made in the U.S.A. They have several fender cover designs in the works once again.
The first one they are doing is "BUICK MOTORSPORTS" in color. They will also be doing some of the designs we offered with special quotes. The fender gripper uses special gripper material, which offers protection to your car fender and help to keep your tools from falling off. We also hope to have a "HURST EQUIPPED" design available.
We hope to have at least the Buick Motorsport fender cover available prior to Christmas. These will be available from all the other major wholesalers as well.
Working with this company has been a summer long project.
NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -
1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal and 1989 Turbo Trans Am -
Reproduction ALTERNATOR PULLEY
The alternator pulley that GM used for the 1986-987 Turbo Regals and the 1989 Turbo Trans Am is a unique diameter that is not available in the aftermarket.
Many of the rebuilt and new GM alternators sold as replacements may not have the correct size alternator pulley. The incorrect size pulley may put the belt tensioner in the wrong position, which would effect charging of the stock 120 amp or upgraded 200 amp alternators. The serpentine belt may also slip at high rpms.
All the new and rebuilt alternators we offer now have this new reproduction correct-size pulley installed to eliminate any possible charging issues. We are making it available by itself, so you can put it on the alternator, if you have the incorrect one.
This new reproduction pulley is billet aluminum. For added strength, the center area is slightly thicker. It has been prepped and painted satin black.
Our photo on the left shows an original alternator pulley, and the photo on the right shows the reproduction.
A necessary part to have the correct size pulley on the stock alternator.
7542 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal and 1989 Turbo Trans Am -
Reproduction Alternator Pulley - $26.95
Here is a link to this Reproduction Alternator Pulley on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44120/Reproduction+ALTERNATOR+PULLEY+%237542.html
1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
TOOL MAT
After a long absence, we once again have the unique tool mat available made specifically for our cars. The original supplier, who made them years ago, has had them produced once again.
This is a practical item to hold your tools and protect the car while you're working in the engine compartment.
It is form fitted to sit on the front core support and hood latch. The mat keeps everything at your fingertips; your tools and the parts you might drop in the engine area. It positions in the center of the front of the car, over the radiator support.
It has a matt finish, and the material has both the characteristics of rubber and plastic and is softer than the typical ABS plastic.
It's a great way to prevent your tools from scratching your car, rolling away or getting lost, while keeping any tools and parts within your reach.
This is another must-have item for your garage. It also makes a great gift idea for any Buick enthusiast or for your mechanic.
7541 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Tool Mat - $54.95
Here is the link for this tool mat on the website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44118/TOOL+MAT+%237541.html
1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
BAER SS4+ FRONT BRAKES AND SPINDLES UPGRADE SYSTEM
We offer Baer Brakes new front brake system upgrade, complete with modified front spindles included. No cores are required, making this an easy bolt-on upgrade.
Works with all 1986 and 1987 stock T-Type wheels and Grand National wheels.
The new calipers are aluminum, compared to stock cast iron, which has better heat sink to dissipate heat. Rotors are specific left and right 11" curved-vane design which, when they rotate, act as a pump to cool the brakes down. Stock rotors are not left and right specific and are straight vane.
Aluminum hub, unlike the stock, which was cast iron and was part of the rotor. This is built like a modern brake where the rotor slides over the hub. Timken/SKF bearings are installed in the hubs.
Common brake pads (Hawk HB100) pads are available in a wide variety of compounds, and are readily available from Summit or Jegs.
Calipers have dust seals just like the OE calipers. Includes stainless braided front brake hoses and billet aluminum dust caps. The calipers are available in three powder-coated colors - red (#7537), silver (#7538), or black (#7539). Be sure to order the correct part # for the color you want when ordering.
Rotors come fully dressed with a slot, drilled, and a zinc-plated finish.
Each comes pre-assembled on modified stock G-body spindles, ready to install on the vehicle.
Years ago we used to offer an earlier version of this Baer system, which required the stock spindles be sent in as cores. This is a superior brake system to the system we used to sell. This system was specifically designed for heavy fast cars, making stopping distances far quicker than factory. It works well with the original powermaster brake system.
The stock brake system is no different than what Buick installed on a regular aspirated V6 during those years.
NOTE - Allow two weeks for shipping.
NOTE - We recommend these be installed by a qualified mechanic.
You MUST call our office to order and to calculate shipping charges - 215-766-1611. Specify brake calipers color by ordering correct part number.
7537 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Baer SS4+ Front Brakes and Spindles Upgrade System with RED Calipers - $1,295
7538 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Baer SS4+ Front Brakes and Spindles Upgrade System with SILVER Calipers - $1,295
7539 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Baer SS4+ Front Brakes and Spindles Upgrade System with BLACK Calipers - $1,295
Here is a link to this Baer Brakes System on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44119/BAER+SS4%2B+FRONT+BRAKES+AND+SPINDLES+UPGRADE+SYSTEM+%237537+%237538+%237539.html
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS FOR 2013 -
BOPAPALOOZA 2013 - November 2, 2013 - Atco Raceway, New Jersey -
Buick-Olds-Pontiac Show and Go, Saturday, November 2nd, 2013. Gates open 9:00 AM. Show registration until 12 noon. Day of event rain info - 856-768-2167. Location is Atco Raceway, Jackson Road, Atco, New Jersey.
For more show info, call Tom at 856-524-2588 or email [email protected]
Race Information - call 856-768-2167 - www.atcoraceway.com
I know Tom personally, as he is the editor of the GTO THE LEGEND, which is the GTO National club monthly publication. I often contribute articles for their publication.
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 WORKS -
Got any turbo 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 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.
IN CLOSING -
Won’t be long now before winter sets in. Make sure your car is prepared for the winter hibernation.