Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members - 11-11-2009
VETERANS DAY - SALUTE TO MY FELLOW VETERANS -
Let's not forget the meaning of Veterans Day, especially on the heels of the recent tragedy at Fort Hood, Texas.
BACKTRACKING SLIGHTLY ON THE HISTORY OF RADIOS -
While researching the various radios on ebay, I was amazed to discover how valuable some of the early muscle car am/fm radios have become.
Back in the old days when I was selling GTO am/fm radios, they would fetch $200 or so. Today you can expect to pay $400 to $600 for an early GTO AM/FM radio. These were not stereo units and they didn't have any tape features.
I did see one for a 1965 Chevelle priced at over $1500. By comparison, any of the original correct radios for the 1984-1987 Turbo Regals seem like a bargain. I realize other factors may affect the prices, such as rarity and value of the cars they fit.
RADIO OPTIONS IN THE TURBO REGALS - Part 4
In an earlier Inner Circle, we mentioned that for the most part, the radio opening for the radio in the GM dash was pretty much standard for most years.
While researching this continuing series of articles on various radios, I just happened to get in a fairly original 1984 Grand National to dismantle. In a previous Inner Circle, we stated the total number of different radios Buick offered each year. In 1984 there was a total of 6 different radios. The most radio options offered was in 1985 with 7 different radios.
In 1984 and 1985 one radio code was UU9 on the trunk ID label. The radio that corresponds to that code was only offered those 2 years. The price was $238 in 1984 and in 1985 it dropped to $138.
The description for that radio was "ETR AM-FM Stereo Radio without Clock." My guess is it was probably dropped from the list of options due to lack of sales or confusion with the next upgraded radio, which was identical except it had the clock option. Remember, this radio did not have a cassette option.
Photo 1 - We show the factory radio in my personal 1994 Chevrolet Blazer Sport truck. Because GM went to this radio, it made it difficult for the aftermarket companies to compete with a radio that would fit in its place. In this case, the cassette option was a separate unit that also contained the EQ option.
Photo 2 - Shows the unusual code UU9 radio on the bottom. That radio was only offered for 2 years, in the 1984-1985 Turbo Regal. The radio with the code UM7 radio is the one on top. In Part 2 Inner Circle on the radios (10/28/2009) we covered the UM7 code radios. The UU9 does not have "the Seek and Scan" buttons to the left of the four radio set buttons. The Delco GM logo appears where the cassette cartridge would normally go if it had that feature. Also, there is no separate power button. To turn the radio on you turn the top left dial. Also silk screened on the radio face it says "FM STEREO" in the top right corner and "ELECTRONIC TUNING" above the four radio set buttons. The two things that always remain constant - the radio knobs and all the Buick Regal radios (with the exception of the AM) have a glossy black face.
Photo 3 - Shows what Buick calls the "Cassette with ETR AM-FM Stereo Radio with Seek and Scan, Auto Reverse and Clock." This was an option in the 1985, 1986 and 1987 Turbo Regal. The trunk ID code for this radio was UM6. In 1985 it was $344, in 1986 and 1987 the price jumped to $354. For those years (1985-1987) only one radio was more expensive - the radio that also had the Graphic Equalizer, option UX1 better known as "EQ" feature. It was priced considerably higher than the one shown here as UM6 option. The radio pictured here as Photo 3 is probably the most common one you would find in an original Turbo Regal, since it featured the cassette which was a fairly popular option in the mid 1980s.
Photo 4 - Since we are dismantling a 1984 Grand National, we noticed this yellow 2 inch diameter decal on the inside of the trunk lid on the driver's side. It seems to be fairly common on the 1984 inside trunk lid. It simply reads "DECK LID FIT BY" followed by a circle. I'm assuming that an assembly worker would have put their initial it that circle once they checked the fit. Based on experience, it's obvious that there was a problem with the trunk lid fit with the 3-piece spoiler to the quarter panel back corners. It seemed to be a common problem trying to get the gaps to be even all around.
Watch for Part 5 on the various radios available in the Turbo Regals next week.
ALWAYS IN A BUYING POSITION
Got any Turbo parts you are not using?
Why not cash them in for parts you need with a Letter of Credit or cash for the upcoming holidays? 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.
DISCONTINUED PART
PART #6927 - 1984-1987 Turbo Regal - GM Front Bumper Filler Panels (2) - DISCONTINUED
GM PARTS UPDATE
It appears that the GM supply of the factory 1986-1987 molded boost line kits are dwindling and may already have disappeared from GM's warehouses inventory. We currently have a decent supply of them.
This is a very critical part, for any 1986-1987 Turbo Regal since it is needed to control boost. They have 3 specifically formed hoses with a special size diameter T in between two of the molded hoses. These also have the GM wording on them. Over a period of time, heat can cause the hoses to swell and crack. While they last, we have them available for $44.95, Part # 6644. Supplies are limited.
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE CLOSE-OUT PARTS
We have the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal - GM Air Flow Duct (from turbo to MAF sensor), Part #6536 in stock for $61.95. Just a few left now.
If you are interested in this part, you must call our office to purchase it.
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR CHRISTMAS SPECIALS
We have a total of 22 different Christmas specials available until December 18th 2009. They can be found on our website home page.
TRIP TO FLORIDA AND GREAT NEWS ON THE GNX EXHAUST SYSTEM
I just returned from a trip to Florida for Don Garlits' 22nd Annual Mopar event.
On the way down, I stopped at Richard Clark's facility in North Carolina to see him and pick up ZDDPlus™.
We are happy to announce the GNX exhaust system is in the final stages of production. Richard has made a jig to check each system prior to shipping. He has recently bought some equipment so he can expand the pipes, so each system is a slip fit when the end consumer gets its.
The system is all mandrel bent using 304 stainless, and will include the center-to-center mufflers and clamps. This system is all 2-1/2 inch and will outflow the factory GM system.
Each system will come with easy-to-follow directions and be drop shipped directly from North Carolina.
Final costs and pricing is almost ready, and we will be offering a special introductory price will be set if purchased prior to Christmas. We will be making it available to other wholesale suppliers as well.
My trip to Florida and meeting with Don Garlits was one of the best automotive experiences I have had. Don was a great host allowing Richard's film crew to film us as we walked through his old car museum and also some important video on ZDDPlus™.
We even assisted Don as he went through his personal garage. He was taking items off his shelves and putting some of his rare Hemi items out for sale.
We spent several thousand dollars and will be making some very unique items available to our Inner Circle members next week. All items we sell will be authenticated with a Certificate and photo showing Don personally signing some of the items.
Don has been #1 in top fuel dragsters racing for 50 years with 144 national wins. This makes anything related to his career a nice piece of history to own. We bought some very, very rare items.
Watch for more information next week.
CALENDER OF EVENTS
2010 UPCOMING BUICK RELATED EVENTS
NOTE - If you know of a GM or Buick Turbo event for next year, let us know and we can post it in our weekly Turbo Regal Inner Circle so our members are aware of the event.
The best way to stay informed with the show season is to check out the various Turbo Buick forums.
2010 UPCOMING BUICK RELATED EVENTS
Looking ahead into next Spring 2010, the first Turbo Buick event of the season will be the first ever "turbobuick.com Nationals." The dates are March 15-20, 2010 in Burlington, NC area.
For more information on this March event, click on the thread - http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/national-racing-events-info/292319-2010-turbobuick-com-nationals.html - Or, you can email Clint Adkins at - [email protected]
"Light Your Fire" - 2010 Buick Performance Group Nationals - July 30 - August 1, 2010 at the National Trail Raceway in Hebron OH (near Columbus). They want to gather together the largest number of 1969-1974 factory Stage1 cars anyone has ever seen since the Buick muscle car days of Flint.
This is a special event that may never come to pass again, so don't miss the factory "Stage1 Convention" at the 2010 Buick Performance Group National Event. For more info, go to - http://www.buickperformancegroup.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8754
NOTE - If you know of a GM or Buick Turbo event, let us know and we can post it in our weekly Turbo Regal Inner Circle so our members are aware of the event.
EBAY LISTINGS
If you would like to see any Kirban Performance Products items listed on eBay, here is a link to our store and auctions -
http://stores.ebay.com/Kirban-Performance-Products-Inc_W0QQssPageNameZl2QQtZ km
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 not remember who requested the item.
IN CLOSING
Our sincere thanks and appreciation to all those currently serving in the military as well as our veterans.
VETERANS DAY - SALUTE TO MY FELLOW VETERANS -
Let's not forget the meaning of Veterans Day, especially on the heels of the recent tragedy at Fort Hood, Texas.
BACKTRACKING SLIGHTLY ON THE HISTORY OF RADIOS -
While researching the various radios on ebay, I was amazed to discover how valuable some of the early muscle car am/fm radios have become.
Back in the old days when I was selling GTO am/fm radios, they would fetch $200 or so. Today you can expect to pay $400 to $600 for an early GTO AM/FM radio. These were not stereo units and they didn't have any tape features.
I did see one for a 1965 Chevelle priced at over $1500. By comparison, any of the original correct radios for the 1984-1987 Turbo Regals seem like a bargain. I realize other factors may affect the prices, such as rarity and value of the cars they fit.
RADIO OPTIONS IN THE TURBO REGALS - Part 4
In an earlier Inner Circle, we mentioned that for the most part, the radio opening for the radio in the GM dash was pretty much standard for most years.
While researching this continuing series of articles on various radios, I just happened to get in a fairly original 1984 Grand National to dismantle. In a previous Inner Circle, we stated the total number of different radios Buick offered each year. In 1984 there was a total of 6 different radios. The most radio options offered was in 1985 with 7 different radios.
In 1984 and 1985 one radio code was UU9 on the trunk ID label. The radio that corresponds to that code was only offered those 2 years. The price was $238 in 1984 and in 1985 it dropped to $138.
The description for that radio was "ETR AM-FM Stereo Radio without Clock." My guess is it was probably dropped from the list of options due to lack of sales or confusion with the next upgraded radio, which was identical except it had the clock option. Remember, this radio did not have a cassette option.
Photo 1 - We show the factory radio in my personal 1994 Chevrolet Blazer Sport truck. Because GM went to this radio, it made it difficult for the aftermarket companies to compete with a radio that would fit in its place. In this case, the cassette option was a separate unit that also contained the EQ option.
Photo 2 - Shows the unusual code UU9 radio on the bottom. That radio was only offered for 2 years, in the 1984-1985 Turbo Regal. The radio with the code UM7 radio is the one on top. In Part 2 Inner Circle on the radios (10/28/2009) we covered the UM7 code radios. The UU9 does not have "the Seek and Scan" buttons to the left of the four radio set buttons. The Delco GM logo appears where the cassette cartridge would normally go if it had that feature. Also, there is no separate power button. To turn the radio on you turn the top left dial. Also silk screened on the radio face it says "FM STEREO" in the top right corner and "ELECTRONIC TUNING" above the four radio set buttons. The two things that always remain constant - the radio knobs and all the Buick Regal radios (with the exception of the AM) have a glossy black face.
Photo 3 - Shows what Buick calls the "Cassette with ETR AM-FM Stereo Radio with Seek and Scan, Auto Reverse and Clock." This was an option in the 1985, 1986 and 1987 Turbo Regal. The trunk ID code for this radio was UM6. In 1985 it was $344, in 1986 and 1987 the price jumped to $354. For those years (1985-1987) only one radio was more expensive - the radio that also had the Graphic Equalizer, option UX1 better known as "EQ" feature. It was priced considerably higher than the one shown here as UM6 option. The radio pictured here as Photo 3 is probably the most common one you would find in an original Turbo Regal, since it featured the cassette which was a fairly popular option in the mid 1980s.
Photo 4 - Since we are dismantling a 1984 Grand National, we noticed this yellow 2 inch diameter decal on the inside of the trunk lid on the driver's side. It seems to be fairly common on the 1984 inside trunk lid. It simply reads "DECK LID FIT BY" followed by a circle. I'm assuming that an assembly worker would have put their initial it that circle once they checked the fit. Based on experience, it's obvious that there was a problem with the trunk lid fit with the 3-piece spoiler to the quarter panel back corners. It seemed to be a common problem trying to get the gaps to be even all around.
Watch for Part 5 on the various radios available in the Turbo Regals next week.
ALWAYS IN A BUYING POSITION
Got any Turbo parts you are not using?
Why not cash them in for parts you need with a Letter of Credit or cash for the upcoming holidays? 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.
DISCONTINUED PART
PART #6927 - 1984-1987 Turbo Regal - GM Front Bumper Filler Panels (2) - DISCONTINUED
GM PARTS UPDATE
It appears that the GM supply of the factory 1986-1987 molded boost line kits are dwindling and may already have disappeared from GM's warehouses inventory. We currently have a decent supply of them.
This is a very critical part, for any 1986-1987 Turbo Regal since it is needed to control boost. They have 3 specifically formed hoses with a special size diameter T in between two of the molded hoses. These also have the GM wording on them. Over a period of time, heat can cause the hoses to swell and crack. While they last, we have them available for $44.95, Part # 6644. Supplies are limited.
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE CLOSE-OUT PARTS
We have the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal - GM Air Flow Duct (from turbo to MAF sensor), Part #6536 in stock for $61.95. Just a few left now.
If you are interested in this part, you must call our office to purchase it.
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR CHRISTMAS SPECIALS
We have a total of 22 different Christmas specials available until December 18th 2009. They can be found on our website home page.
TRIP TO FLORIDA AND GREAT NEWS ON THE GNX EXHAUST SYSTEM
I just returned from a trip to Florida for Don Garlits' 22nd Annual Mopar event.
On the way down, I stopped at Richard Clark's facility in North Carolina to see him and pick up ZDDPlus™.
We are happy to announce the GNX exhaust system is in the final stages of production. Richard has made a jig to check each system prior to shipping. He has recently bought some equipment so he can expand the pipes, so each system is a slip fit when the end consumer gets its.
The system is all mandrel bent using 304 stainless, and will include the center-to-center mufflers and clamps. This system is all 2-1/2 inch and will outflow the factory GM system.
Each system will come with easy-to-follow directions and be drop shipped directly from North Carolina.
Final costs and pricing is almost ready, and we will be offering a special introductory price will be set if purchased prior to Christmas. We will be making it available to other wholesale suppliers as well.
My trip to Florida and meeting with Don Garlits was one of the best automotive experiences I have had. Don was a great host allowing Richard's film crew to film us as we walked through his old car museum and also some important video on ZDDPlus™.
We even assisted Don as he went through his personal garage. He was taking items off his shelves and putting some of his rare Hemi items out for sale.
We spent several thousand dollars and will be making some very unique items available to our Inner Circle members next week. All items we sell will be authenticated with a Certificate and photo showing Don personally signing some of the items.
Don has been #1 in top fuel dragsters racing for 50 years with 144 national wins. This makes anything related to his career a nice piece of history to own. We bought some very, very rare items.
Watch for more information next week.
CALENDER OF EVENTS
2010 UPCOMING BUICK RELATED EVENTS
NOTE - If you know of a GM or Buick Turbo event for next year, let us know and we can post it in our weekly Turbo Regal Inner Circle so our members are aware of the event.
The best way to stay informed with the show season is to check out the various Turbo Buick forums.
2010 UPCOMING BUICK RELATED EVENTS
Looking ahead into next Spring 2010, the first Turbo Buick event of the season will be the first ever "turbobuick.com Nationals." The dates are March 15-20, 2010 in Burlington, NC area.
For more information on this March event, click on the thread - http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/national-racing-events-info/292319-2010-turbobuick-com-nationals.html - Or, you can email Clint Adkins at - [email protected]
"Light Your Fire" - 2010 Buick Performance Group Nationals - July 30 - August 1, 2010 at the National Trail Raceway in Hebron OH (near Columbus). They want to gather together the largest number of 1969-1974 factory Stage1 cars anyone has ever seen since the Buick muscle car days of Flint.
This is a special event that may never come to pass again, so don't miss the factory "Stage1 Convention" at the 2010 Buick Performance Group National Event. For more info, go to - http://www.buickperformancegroup.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8754
NOTE - If you know of a GM or Buick Turbo event, let us know and we can post it in our weekly Turbo Regal Inner Circle so our members are aware of the event.
EBAY LISTINGS
If you would like to see any Kirban Performance Products items listed on eBay, here is a link to our store and auctions -
http://stores.ebay.com/Kirban-Performance-Products-Inc_W0QQssPageNameZl2QQtZ km
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 not remember who requested the item.
IN CLOSING
Our sincere thanks and appreciation to all those currently serving in the military as well as our veterans.