Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 11-18-2020 -
THANKSGIVING SCHEDULE -
We will be closed next Thursday, November 26th and Friday, November 27th, 2020. Orders can be placed online through our website and will be filled the following Monday, November 29th, 2020.
Wishing all our customers a safe and Healthy Thanksgiving!
CHRISTMAS SPECIALS -
Our annual Christmas Specials will be listed in the December 2, 2020 Inner Circle. Watch for the list.
TURBO REGAL, GSX, AND GS BLACK POWDER COATED STAINLESS LICENSE PLATE FRAMES WITH TAG LINE DECAL UPDATE -
These are now available for ordering. These will soon be on our website with a full description for each of these first 9 taglines we have. We are working on other taglines related to other popular cars. If you want to order any, call our office - 215-766-1611.
PHOTO 1 - We show each of the new taglines related to the Turbo Regal, GSX, and the GS. We have 9 different ones to choose from. We have noted which ones are in 2 colors. Also the actual font style varies as well. Example the font style for the High Output V6 matches the 3.8 SFI hood emblems font style.
HALLMARK KEEPSAKE DIECAST 1/43RD SCALE DIECAST CARS -
Every year Hallmark comes out with a few new cars and trucks in their series of 1/43 scale diecast. I was in one of their stores the other day picking up some of their 2020 additions to add to my collection.
I have about 20 different Hallmark 1/43rd diecast cars including some Buicks and Pontiacs. What struck me funny is that on the box it says “Made in Vietnam”. I doubt any of the workers in Vietnam have ever even laid eyes on the iconic cars they are making in 1:43 scale diecast! Too bad they didn’t see the economic values of this back in the 1960s we could have avoided the Vietnam war! My Dad would always say back then if they had introduced McDonalds to Vietnam the entire war could have been avoided! So true!
PHOTO 2 - In the photos we show the three Hallmark diecasts I bought. The Superbird is quite well done; you can even read the decals on the spoiler. You can even make out the dash cluster and steering wheel. The early Monte Carlo SS model did not get the roofline correct. It looks out of proportion to the angle of the door. The Chevrolet C-10 truck is well done. I did not realize I already have the C-10 truck so it is listed for sale under Rare Parts. Hallmark will have the Hellcat diecast available next month. I am hoping someday they do the Grand National.
TWO OPTIONS TURBO REGAL OWNERS MISSED OUT ON -
Two options that did not come until after 1987 that Buick would later offer are the am/fm CD player and the lighted rear view mirror option. In years past we have sold a number of the later factory am/fm CD players, which once installed look factory. They had 2 versions one with EQ feature and one without. This was similar to the am/fm cassette options. They are extremely rare as most Buick owners were an older clientele and did not immediately embrace that option. Plus the cost factor was over $500. Adding to the problem is that the version that works in the Regal was only used for a few years. I think the same am/fm CD player can be found in early S-10 trucks including the Syclone. Again I am going by memory. In my Tips, Trivia & Sources for 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regals Volume 1 we give all the critical part numbers so you can hunt down the proper CD player for your Turbo Regal. The part number for my book is #7027 on our website. We also did a Volume 2 which is part number #7088. Both these books are packed with a lot of tips and photos to improve your Turbo Regal based on the turbo cars we have owned.
Even if you want to retain a bone stock Turbo Regal dropping in this later model factory am/fm CD player will not hurt the value one bit. Another option that falls into that same category is the dual lighted rear view mirror. GM used several different versions of the dual lighted rear view mirror in the 1990s. Only one version looks very similar to the stock regular rear mirror. It is secured with the same set screw to the windshield. It is a slim design and most important the actual mirror is identical in size and shape to the factory one. These are hard to find as once again they were only used a few years. Other dual lighted mirrors exist, but only one looks like the non lighted mirror.
We recently found a few of these rare dual lighted rear view mirrors which are listed in the Rare Parts section. If you have a T-Top car it's a nice option to have. You will have to figure out how to wire it. Or, if you have a hardtop and are planning to replace the headliner that is the perfect time to install the lighted rear view mirror so you can wire it into the other interior light without disturbing a perfect headliner. The dual lighted rear view mirrors have a simple 2 or 3 wire hookup. One would be ground, the other would be a power source. If a 3-wire you need not use the 3rd wire.
Like the am/fm CD player installing the lighted rear view mirror version we offer by no means hurts the value of a stock original Turbo Regal in my opinion. Unfortunately I do not have Buick Price Guide directories after 1987 to see when the CD player and the lighted rear view mirrors became an available option in the Buick models. . My guess is probably around 1989 or 1990. Interesting enough my 1987 Buick Price Directory lists the cell phone hookup in the Electra, Park Avenue, T-Type prices. The SPI code is UV8 with a price tag of $215.00.
However, I do have the 1989 Pontiac Price Guide and both those options appear in the 1989 Pontiac Price Guide. The dual lighted rear mirror was $23.00. The am/fm CD player was $526.00. Unfortunately, like the 1980s Regals these cars are virtually non-existent in the junk yards.
This reminds me of a similar situation with the Pontiac GTO. The am/fm factory radio for the GTO was not offered until the 1965 GTO. Fortunately the radio bezel surround was the same in the 1964 so the 1965 GTO am/fm radio fit perfectly. Again going by memory. Today that radio is quite a few dollars. I remember when I was selling them they would fetch several hundred dollars as the fm again was something new in the mid 1960s.
PHOTO 3 - We show several angles of the dual lighted rear view mirror. It has two switches so you can switch each light on separately. You can probably wire it so both lights come on when you open the door. We have 4 lighted rear view mirrors available for sale under Rare Parts. The other two photos show a slightly used TA49 Turbo Inlet bell that is also listed for sale under Rare Parts.
TURBO REGAL ALTERNATORS -
Over the last several months we have seen a sharp increase in sales of both our 120 amp and 200 amp alternator. It appears that most of the alternator industry has switched from the silver cad plated fan and pulley to a gaudy gold cad color. In other words most new alternators are going to come with a god cad fan and pulley. Also parts suppliers to alternator rebuilders have also discontinued the silver cad fan blades and only offer gold cad plated fans or grey painted fan blades.
The alternator is very visible under the hood so having a gold cad fan blade looks very much out of place on a 30 plus year old car! We do offer a silver cad fan blade if you have a gold cad fan blade. Also our 2 year warranty on our alternators is tough to beat. Each alternator is built by one individual and tested before we pick them up.
While I was at my buddies shop the other day he showed me a Corvair alternator he had. Turns out it has something in something in common with the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal. On the 1986-1987 Turbo Regals the power steering pump spins in reverse. Turns out the same holds true in the Corvair with the alternator spinning in reverse. What is really unique and rare is the fan blade on the Corvair alternator is actually backwards because it spins backwards. Corvairs also share a common problem with the Turbo Regal. Both had the turbo option and also would leak oil.
PHOTO 4 - The photo to the left shows the original Corvair alternator alongside a 1986-1987 Turbo Regal alternator. You can clearly see the difference in the fan blades. In the photo to the right we show a typical used fan blade and one that has been redone in silvar cad which is correct for the 1986-1987 Turbo Regals.
SPI/SPID/TRUNK ID LABEL UPDATE -
We heard from a Canadian customer who purchased a 1985 Grand National in 1997. Originally it was a lease car. He sent me a picture of his SPI label. His 1985 Grand National has 92 codes! It is very well optioned. He says he hopes to get it completely restored one day,but with 4 children that are almost in their teens it may be awhile! Canadians have it really tough restoring a Turbo Regal. The money exchange rate, shipping charges are two frequent obstacles they face.
So, my next question is, does any of my subscribers have a 1984-1987 Grand National with more than 92 SPI codes? I have always been curious if triple digits was possible to obtain for the high end. On the low end dipping below 50 SPI codes would be a challenge for anyone owning a Grand National.
We also heard from a customer in the New England area who has a 1987 Turbo-T Limited. He has owned it for about 8 years. All original and has the desirable moonroof. His Limited has 83 codes which is quite high for a Turbo-T. He says the night before he was supposed to pick the car up his seller wanted to take it for one more last ride. The end result was the seller hit a deer which wrecked the fender and header panel. Needless to say Bob was upset and made the seller take $1,000 off the price!
So, drop us an email if you have an interesting Turbo Regal or have a low number of codes or a very high number of codes on the SPI label.
HAVE YOU NOTICED THE LACK OF CAR MAGAZINES -
This past weekend I went to the Q-Mart which is one huge building where various vendors each have a section of the space. They are only open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. One of the shops features nothing but magazines covering virtually every category. They are all like in brand new condition, but most are from several years ago.
As I viewed the automotive section I quickly realized how many magazine titles have gone out of print. It’s a real shame as I like printed car magazines. If I had to take a guess I would say there were at least 25 or more car magazine titles that are no longer in print on a monthly basis. There was a time I would go to a local news agency that had several racks of magazines, a sit down soda fountain, and enough different brands of cigarettes and cigars to shorten anyone's life! It's still open, but the soda fountain is shut down and the magazine racks sit empty. The owners are getting up in years and the building is well over 100 years old. The writing is on the wall. I have known the owners for over 40 years.
NINE PIECE TRUNK KITS IN STOCK -
Great winter project is to install the optional factory 9 piece trunk kit. Every time we order them it takes the company 8 to 10 weeks to get them made and shipped to us. We just got a small shipment of both the grey and black kits this week. Contact our office 2315-766-1611 if you want one of these kits. The grey is factory correct. However, the black kit is just as popular. Keep in mind the factory kits never included a cover for the inside trunk lid which would hide the SPI decal. This 9 piece kit is far superior over the $30 trunk carpet Buick put on the trunk floor.
I remember on all the cars I was buying I would always trim the factory carpet so it fit better around the spare tire well. Again if you want one of these kits in either black or grey call the office now otherwise it can be 8 to 10 weeks before we get our next shipment.
REBUILT WIPER MOTOR UPDATE -
As of this writing I am not sure if we still have any available. Call our office 215-766-1611 as Christina has the actual count.
LIST OF MECHANICS FOR THE TURBO REGAL UPDATE -
We will only post any new additions to avoid confusion. Refer to previous inner circle emails to see the entire list.
URGENT REQUEST -
We need good used 1986-1987 Turbo Regal steering wheel cores! To see if your core is acceptable email me [email protected] a photo prior to sending it for $100 credit. Help us help others restore their cars. We have an urgent need for good steering wheel cores.
TIPS AND IDEAS YOU HAVE TRIED -
If you have an idea you tried and it worked be sure to let us know so we can tell our readers.
TIP FROM KIRBAN –
Remember if you got an idea for a tagline for any car make or model send it to me. If we use it we will send you two license plates as a gift.
IMPORTANT - INFORMATION ABOUT OUR SHIPPING ADDRESS –
If you are returning any cores or products, it is important that you send them to the correct address.
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
529 HAYCOCK RUN ROAD
KINTNERSVILLE, PA 18930
We discovered that FedEx will not forward any packages that are sent to the PO Box or to our old address in Plumsteadville. Instead they deliver the packages to the old address and leave them outside. They refuse to forward and say that we should notify the shipper. In most cases, we have no idea when we are getting packages shipped back to us.
If you have any cores that are being sent back to us, be sure to use the correct address, especially if you use FedEx. Otherwise, we may not receive your package or it may be sent back to you.
EBAY SALES –
We have been placing some of our special items on ebay. Be sure to check it out.
CLICK HERE - For the link to the Kirban Enterprises ebay listings.
IMPORTANT NOTE ON RARE PARTS FOR SALE –
In order for our Inner Circle members to have an equal opportunity on the Rare Parts, no emails regarding orders on rare parts will be honored prior to 3 pm Wednesday. This way Inner Circle members get the opportunity first to purchase any of the rare items that may be pictured in the main body of the Inner Circle which may go on our website earlier in the day each week. Inner Circle members are the ONLY people that get to see the Rare Parts listing and see the prices.
CORES NEEDED - URGENT REQUEST –
Here is the information on our credits for cores.
STEERING WHEEL CORES. Currently we need good 1986-1987 Turbo Regal steering cores. They must be straight and not have rusted spokes. We will issue a Letter of Credit of $100 for each acceptable core. You must email me [email protected] a photo first to make sure the steering wheel is acceptable.
POWERMASTER BRAKE UNITS. Currently, we are accepting powermaster brake units. We give a $150 Letter-of-Credit for each acceptable core. If you include the turbo pedal add $10. You would receive $160 Letter-of-Credit. To avoid having your core not accepted, you MUST first email me a photo of the core you plan to send in - [email protected] - We will NOT accept any cores that have severe rust issues or have been disassembled. Core must have the
brake switch and brake bowl reservoir. Too many of the cores we have been getting are in such terrible shape they are worthless to us.
TURBO CORES must be the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal stock turbo. They must be complete. We will issue you a $150 Letter-of-Credit for each acceptable core. We urgently need these cores!
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.
UPS or MAIL - Ship to Address –
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE
529 HAYCOCK RUN ROAD
KINTNERSVILLE, PA 18930
GOOD NEWS - WE ARE ACCEPTING CLASSIFIED ADS -
Good news - We now accept Classified Ads in our weekly Inner Circle emails. Over the years several customers have asked about placing an ad in our weekly Inner Circle.
Here are the options and the costs.
Ads can be from any individual or company. It needs to be automotive related, meaning it does not need to be specifically Turbo Regal related. It can be for something for sale or something wanted.
Maximum number of words is 125 words, which is about 7 to 9 lines of copy. No photos. You can list a website. We recommend you state your name, phone number or email, a price, and your location in your ad.
The cost for 2 consecutive weeks is $25. The cost for 4 consecutive weeks is $40. You save $10 with the 4-week plan. No changes can be made to your existing running ad. You can only run one ad at any given time. We will have a code system at the end of your ad, so we will know what week number your ad is to run - 2 or 4 weeks.
It can be an ad for something for sale or an ad for something you are looking for.
We have never missed a single week since we started the Inner Circle email format in 2009. It’s something I enjoy doing and I just always seem to have enough material to write about.
Our weekly Inner Circle reaches over 3,400 members every Wednesday direct to their inbox. The Inner Circle also appears every Wednesday on our website with the related photos. Your ad would be visible to both groups of readers. So, the exposure to your ad is well over 3,400 potential buyers.
Ads submitted properly by the previous Sunday would appear that next Wednesday in the weekly Inner Circle. Ads must be submitted by email to - [email protected]
Payment by credit card must be done by phone to our office 215-766-1611.
NOTE - IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO SEE THE BUICK RARE PARTS SECTION -
If you are not able to see the Buick Rare Parts section at the end of this Inner Circle, it is because you are not an Inner Circle member, but instead are reading this on the website. You must subscribe to see the Rare Parts section each week. It would go directly to your inbox every Wednesday afternoon. It is FREE, probably one reason why nobody complains about what I write about. To subscribe simply email – [email protected] - to get our free weekly Inner Circle email.
The Buick Rare Parts section is only viewed by those that subscribe. Subscription is free, so complaints on what I write are nonexistent!
EMAILS TO KIRBAN PERFORMANCE -
NOTE - If you email us and do NOT get a timely reply, be sure to check your “SPAM” folder. Some emails do not go through.
If you need to email us, use - [email protected]
TECH CALLS -
If you need technical information, it’s best to email - [email protected] - rather than call us. We will do our best to answer any technical questions within 24 hours. Please remember I have very little knowledge of the mechanical workings of the engine.
NEW PRODUCTS FROM US –
“A BOOST OF BUICK PERFORMANCE”
OWNER’S MANUAL HOLDER
Usually the more expensive GM cars have a nice holder for their Owner’s Manual.
Originally Buick put all the documents in a plain clear plastic bag. Since these turbo cars didn’t come with a holder in the car, we’ve designed one.
Our black vinyl Owner’s Manual holder measures 6-3/4" x 10" and fits perfectly in your glove box.
The words “A BOOST OF BUICK PERFORMANCE” appear in silver below the flap.
There are two business card holders on the flap. You can insert your insurance company agent’s business card or your mechanic’s business card.
This holder is great for storing the Owner’s Manual, Warranty cards, insurance papers, service records, etc.
It also makes a great gift item for any car enthusiast.
An excellent protection for your Owner’s Manual and documents.
7918 - “A BOOST OF BUICK PERFORMANCE” Owner’s Manual Holder - $14.95
CLICK HERE - For the link to the option to order one or two fender covers.
GM LICENSED -
“BUICK MOTORSPORTS” FENDER COVER
The “BUICK MOTORSPORTS” logo is silk screened in white, red and tan on a 34″ x 22″ black fender cover and is GM licensed.
It is made from a non-slip PVC foam cushioned material, so it won’t slide off the fender. Because the surface is non-slip, it holds your tools in place and minimizes potential chips and scratches. It resists most automotive fluids, such as motor oil, brake fluid, coolant, etc.
This recognizable logo is sure to appeal to any Buick owner. We offer it individually as Part #7547 or as a pair Part #7548.
These fender covers are a must-have addition to your garage items, and can also be stored in the trunk in case you need to protect the fenders while away from the garage.
Our photos show the fender cover flat and as it appears folded.
This fender cover also makes a unique gift for any Buick enthusiast or mechanic.
7547 - GM Licensed -
“BUICK MOTORSPORTS” Fender Cover - $29.95
7548 - GM Licensed -
TWO “BUICK MOTORSPORTS” Fender Covers (2) - $54.95
CLICK HERE - For the link to the option to order one or two fender covers.
BUTYL TAPE - 5/16” DIAMETER 10-FOOT ROLL -
This butyl tape is black, 5/16" diameter, and comes in a 10-foot roll.
The list of uses for this product is endless. Butyl tape has a strong adhesive and excellent sealing effect. It has very good waterproof performance. It is a "tape type" sealer used by glass shops to seal windshields and rear window glass.
It is not available in most auto stores, which is why we now carry it. Its unique feature of controlled compressibility allows easy installation and yet will not squeeze out when pressed. I have been using it for a variety of projects for many years.
We include it with several of the parts we sell, such as the LED Third Brake Light and the foam filter for the wastegate solenoid. In both cases, it is used to hold the part in place. It’s ideal to fill small holes in the trunk. Buick used it to seal the quarter windows.
If you have a section of wind noise on the weatherstrip seal to the door glass, simply put a section of butyl tape between the molding and the weatherstrip to "puff" out that section of the weatherstrip. The problem is solved. If you have T-Tops and are replacing the metal T section, it’s ideal to use this between the T metal bar and the roof area.
It’s ideal to help seal any moldings in place or lose trim.
Every owner should have a roll of butyl tape in their garage or workshop.
#7919 - Butyl Tape - 5/16” Diameter 10-Foot Roll
CLICK HERE - For the link to this Butyl Tape on our website.
ALWAYS LOOKING FOR IDEAS -
If you have any product ideas that would fit our Turbo Buick market that you would like to see available, email me direct - [email protected]
ALWAYS IN A BUYING POSITION FOR TURBO REGAL PARTS -
Got any Turbo Buick parts you are not using? Why not cash them in for parts you need with a Letter of Credit. We also may buy your new or used parts. Simply email me a list - [email protected]
Also, we are still buying dead or partially dead 1984-1987 Turbo Regals under $4,000 that are within 250 to 350 miles of our location.
NOTE - ABOUT LINKS IN THE INNER CIRCLE -
We have heard from a couple people that have had problems with the links in our Inner Circle.
When we check the links, they work fine. However, if you are not able to be directed to the exact website page or internet site, you can "copy" and "paste" the link into the URL in your browser (such as Safari, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, etc.) If it doesn't link in one browser, it may work in another.
Most people having problems are using Internet Explorer. If you are having issues with links, try another browser to see if it works.
You may need to "UPDATE" your browser to be used if you are using the current version.
NOTE ABOUT PHOTOS ON THE WEBSITE -
We have heard from a couple people that have viewed the photos on the website. Because these must be low-resolution photos to work on the Inner Circle segments on the website, any photos of text don't appear clear when enlarged. This is a problem when you are trying to see numbers, such as those on the VIN labels or pages from Options booklet. Also, because of photo reproduction and computer screen variations, the colors may not be true to the actual product or photo.
If you would like to have us email you any photo at the higher resolution for viewing, just email us and we will email them to you. Be sure to be specific on which pictures you want to see - Reference Inner Circle date and photo number 1, 2, 3 or 4 - [email protected]
ABOUT OUR EMAILS -
Any inquiries concerning used parts, you must email me directly - [email protected] - and 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 -
Your Health is Your Wealth. A quote that carries a lot of meaning during these times where the virus seems to be gaining more momentum.