Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members - 11-28-2012
MORE ON THE SALESPERSONS HANDY POCKET GUIDE -
Over the last several inner Circle emails we have been covering the various brochures that Buick sales people had at their fingertips during the years 1984-1987.
I was fortunate to have acquired a lot of the Turbo Buick related literature back in those early days while attending the various swap meets. I mainly did it so I would be able to have research material for the books we wrote and, of course, to share with Turbo owners.
Even though these cars remain popular today among collectors and many items are being reproduced, it seems to be the original literature that is difficult to find.
In the first photo of our previous 11-14-2012 Turbo Regal Inner Circle we showed the Buick Price Directories for each year 1984 through 1987. These little handy booklets not only gave you each price for each available option, but also the code for each option for every Buick model in that given year.
An aftermarket company also published a similar Buick Price directory for those same years. I have in my collection one for 1985, 1986, and 1987. (I am missing 1984).
These booklets are the same basic size as the Buick produced versions. These do include some additional information that the Buick versions do not have. On being a payment chart broken down for thirty months up to and including 60 months. This version also shows the EPA mileage chart, fuel tank capacities and curb weight for each Buick model.
PHOTO 1 - In the top photo we show the three Buick Price directories (1985, 1986, and 1987) that I have in my collection. I am missing the one for 1984. I have never seen any of this size directories for sale at any swap meet or Buick event. In the lower photo we show the 1987 directory opened to two of the Regal pages.
I welcome comments, since I would be interested to hear from any one else that has any of these price guides in their collection.
In last week's 11-22-2012 Inner Circle we mentioned various Turbo Regal replica models and showed some of the mini ones that were made during the early 1990s.
In 2010 Revell re-issued the 1/24 scale 1987 Buick Grand National with a completely redesigned box.
PHOTO 2 - We show the latest Revell 1987 Buick Grand National model, in their MONOGRAM MUSCLE series produced in 2010. The company name on the front reads "MONOGRAM" and on the back it says "Revell." My guess is, the Buick Grand National model must have had good sales and that was probably one consideration for bringing it back again.
RACING CHAMPIONS - STREET WHEELS -
Another Buick Grand National diecast HO scale features the Grand National with the 1969 GTO Judge. It is the Racing Champions "Street Wheels" series produced in 2000 by Dollar Tree Distributors. While the cars are fairly accurate the wheels on both cars are not correct.
PHOTO 3 - We show the Racing Champions twin pack featuring the Buick Grand National (top) and a red 1969 GTO Judge (bottom.)
I don’t foresee any big gains in value in these models and diecasts. But it keeps the car in front of the public, which in turn helps the value of our cars.
Models are always a good addition to your personal collection of related memorabilia and literature.
STEWART-WARNER GAUGES -
When you think today of Stewart-Warner gauges, you think of the gauges that ASC assembled and put in all the 547 GNXs for Buick.
Stewart-Warner gauges go way back starting in 1905, and was first used on the Model T Fords. The military used them, as did Indian and Harley-Davidson Motorcycles. Today, it is one of the most popular gauges sought after by the Street Rod crowd that wants to build a nostalgic Hot Rod.
I am familiar with them from the Studebakers we owned back in the mid 1970s. Studebaker used Stewart Warner gauges in many of their performance cars beginning with the Speedster models and also in the Hawk models that we owned years ago.
Today the aftermarket gauge market is very crowded, which gives owners many choices.
Recently I spotted an unusual Stewart-Warner gauge that I had never seen before. It is attractively packaged in a metal tin.
PHOTO 4 - In this photo we show the actual metal tin that the Stewart-Warner portable hand tachometer came in (center). The metal can measures 4-1/2" tall by 3-1/2" diameter. The actual hand held Stewart-Warner tachometer with the r.p.m. shown in hundreds is on the right. The gauge looks brand new. The actual directions are shown on the left. It appears to be dated 1957 and in the address it shows zone16 for Chicago, Illinois. Zip codes did not appear in the postal system until around 1967. This hand held tachometer has a 2-1/2" diameter face. According to the directions, it was designed for checking speeds on saws, pulleys, shafts, and engines. I had never seen one of these before, so I bought it. I also liked the fact it was in mint condition and came with the original metal tin can.
CLEVER IDEA FOR PROTECTING YOUR CELL PHONE -
It is reported that 82 million phones a year are destroyed by moisture. I know, I have dropped one in a toilet!
A company in California now offers an invisible waterproofing shield. The phone or similar electronic device is placed in a vacuumed-sealed chamber and injected with a carbon-based hydrophobic gas.
The gas particles bond to the phone in a layer one thousandth the thickness of a human hair. Because of this, the particles are so small they also slip through the seams to coat internal components such as the processor and battery. The process takes less than 30 minutes and has no noticeable effect on the phone’s look or feel.
The company is called Liquipel located in California. They offer a two-day turn around and charge $59 plus shipping!
BREAKING NEWS FROM BUICK -
We heard from one of our Inner Circle members… indications are that Buick is going to bring back the famous trio of nameplates that we all have come to love - T-Type, Grand National, and the GNX.
Word is, it won't be simply an appearance package.
Here is the link to that page on the EDMUNDS INSIDE LINE website.
http://www.insideline.com/buick/grand-national-gnx-and-t-type-are-returning-to-buick.html
The same site also shows a video of the Grand National Track Test.
Here is the link.
http://www.insideline.com/buick/grand-national/1987-buick-regal-grand-national-track-test.html
Also check out the additional "Related Content" on the right sidebar on that page.
NEW PRODUCTS AVAILABLE FROM US -
1986-1987 Turbo Regal -
INTERCOOLER and TURBO HEAVY-DUTY HOSES SET
The only weak links in the intercooler turbo system are the three factory connecting hoses that GM used (#1, #2 & #3 in the illustration.)
The smallest hose connects the intercooler to the turbo and the other two connect the tube to the throttle body. The hose is cut rather short leaving very little to clamp against and the material is quite flimsy. When subjected to heat and flex, they could split or come off. If this happens, the car will sputter and choke.
Our replacement set is twice as thick as the original GM equipment and slightly longer for a better fit. Our hoses are ALL black except for printed striping that can be positioned on the bottom and out of sight.
A MUST improvement for your Buick... it's a good idea to keep a spare set on hand.
7458 - 1986-1987 Turbo Regal -
Intercooler and Turbo Heavy-Duty Hoses (3) Set - $29.95 / set
Here is a link to this Heavy-Duty Hoses kit on our website.
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44024/INTERCOOLER+and+TURBO+HEAVY+DUTY+HOSES+SET+%237458.html
1985-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
REPRODUCTION COMPLETE BRAKE LINES (7) KIT
This is the entire kit to replace all the hard metal brake lines from the powermaster brake unit to each wheel. You must have the powermaster brake system on your 1985-1987 Turbo Regal for the front two lines to attach properly.
The kit consists of 7 pliable pre-bent lines with stainless fittings, reproduced to match the factory bends.
You may also want to update the brake hoses to the front brake calipers, our Part #7218, 1979-1987 Buick Regal (Including Turbo Models) - Stainless Braided Brake Hoses (3) Kit. These are the upgraded stainless braided brake hoses to replace the original old rubber hoses.
You may also want to update the brake proportioning valve to the brass proportioning valve, Part #7189, 1982-1987 Regal V6 (Including Turbo Regal) - Reproduction Brake Proportioning Valve.
NOTE - If you only need a portion of this kit, call us (215-766-1611) and we can work out a price for whatever lines you require.
NOTE - Because you need a lift, we recommend these brake lines be installed by a qualified mechanic.
Another excellent restoration item done in stainless, so it will not rust.
7459 - 1985-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction Complete Brake Lines (7) Kit - $149.95 / 7-piece Kit
Here is a link to this Brake Lines Kit on our website.
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44025/REPRODUCTION+COMPLETE+BRAKE+LINES+%287%29+KIT+%237459.html
1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models ) -
REPRODUCTION DRIVER'S & PASSENGER'S SIDE
UPPER & LOWER DOOR HINGES
Because of the age of these cars, some may have sagging door hinges, which need to be replaced.
These reproductions are case-hardened steel, identical to the original GM door hinges.
On high-mileage cars this is one of the issues that can easily be eliminated by replacing the door hinges. We recommend you replace both the upper and lower hinges on whatever side(s) you plan to restore. The longer you put it off, the more wear and tear can occur on the door striker and pillar post.
NOTE - We offer the hinges separately and as a 4-piece kit. The same lower door hinge fits both the driver’s and passenger’s side doors.
Another nice body restoration item.
7460 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Reproduction Driver’s Side Upper Door Hinge (1) - $79.95
7461 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Reproduction Passenger’s Side Upper Door Hinge (1) - $79.95
7462 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Reproduction Driver’s & Passenger’s Side Lower Door Hinge (1) - $59.95
7463 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Reproduction Driver’s & Passenger’s Side
Upper & Lower Door Hinges (4) Set - $249 (Save $30.80)
Here's a link to these Door Hinges on our website.
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7460&submit_button=
REPRODUCTION GNX SUSPENSION - NOW AVAILABLE -
Pete Hoffman has a limited number of the reproduction GNX Suspension Systems available. These are the Richard Clark systems that he has had made locally.
They are nearly exact to the originals, down to the welds and material used. They come with complete detailed instructions.
Limited availability!
Call or email Pete 215-778-1036
[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].
EBAY LISTINGS -
If you would like to see any of the Kirban Performance Products items listed on eBay, here is a link to our store and auctions - http://stores.ebay.com/Kirban-Performance-Products-Inc_
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 -
We will have our annual M & M contest with prizes in time for Christmas. Watch for it.
There is still time to get in on our Christmas Specials. These are all items that enhance the ownership of having a Turbo Regal. Our Christmas Specials run until December 7th.
Check out the Christmas Special at this link.
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/inner_circle.php?nak=213
MORE ON THE SALESPERSONS HANDY POCKET GUIDE -
Over the last several inner Circle emails we have been covering the various brochures that Buick sales people had at their fingertips during the years 1984-1987.
I was fortunate to have acquired a lot of the Turbo Buick related literature back in those early days while attending the various swap meets. I mainly did it so I would be able to have research material for the books we wrote and, of course, to share with Turbo owners.
Even though these cars remain popular today among collectors and many items are being reproduced, it seems to be the original literature that is difficult to find.
In the first photo of our previous 11-14-2012 Turbo Regal Inner Circle we showed the Buick Price Directories for each year 1984 through 1987. These little handy booklets not only gave you each price for each available option, but also the code for each option for every Buick model in that given year.
An aftermarket company also published a similar Buick Price directory for those same years. I have in my collection one for 1985, 1986, and 1987. (I am missing 1984).
These booklets are the same basic size as the Buick produced versions. These do include some additional information that the Buick versions do not have. On being a payment chart broken down for thirty months up to and including 60 months. This version also shows the EPA mileage chart, fuel tank capacities and curb weight for each Buick model.
PHOTO 1 - In the top photo we show the three Buick Price directories (1985, 1986, and 1987) that I have in my collection. I am missing the one for 1984. I have never seen any of this size directories for sale at any swap meet or Buick event. In the lower photo we show the 1987 directory opened to two of the Regal pages.
I welcome comments, since I would be interested to hear from any one else that has any of these price guides in their collection.
In last week's 11-22-2012 Inner Circle we mentioned various Turbo Regal replica models and showed some of the mini ones that were made during the early 1990s.
In 2010 Revell re-issued the 1/24 scale 1987 Buick Grand National with a completely redesigned box.
PHOTO 2 - We show the latest Revell 1987 Buick Grand National model, in their MONOGRAM MUSCLE series produced in 2010. The company name on the front reads "MONOGRAM" and on the back it says "Revell." My guess is, the Buick Grand National model must have had good sales and that was probably one consideration for bringing it back again.
RACING CHAMPIONS - STREET WHEELS -
Another Buick Grand National diecast HO scale features the Grand National with the 1969 GTO Judge. It is the Racing Champions "Street Wheels" series produced in 2000 by Dollar Tree Distributors. While the cars are fairly accurate the wheels on both cars are not correct.
PHOTO 3 - We show the Racing Champions twin pack featuring the Buick Grand National (top) and a red 1969 GTO Judge (bottom.)
I don’t foresee any big gains in value in these models and diecasts. But it keeps the car in front of the public, which in turn helps the value of our cars.
Models are always a good addition to your personal collection of related memorabilia and literature.
STEWART-WARNER GAUGES -
When you think today of Stewart-Warner gauges, you think of the gauges that ASC assembled and put in all the 547 GNXs for Buick.
Stewart-Warner gauges go way back starting in 1905, and was first used on the Model T Fords. The military used them, as did Indian and Harley-Davidson Motorcycles. Today, it is one of the most popular gauges sought after by the Street Rod crowd that wants to build a nostalgic Hot Rod.
I am familiar with them from the Studebakers we owned back in the mid 1970s. Studebaker used Stewart Warner gauges in many of their performance cars beginning with the Speedster models and also in the Hawk models that we owned years ago.
Today the aftermarket gauge market is very crowded, which gives owners many choices.
Recently I spotted an unusual Stewart-Warner gauge that I had never seen before. It is attractively packaged in a metal tin.
PHOTO 4 - In this photo we show the actual metal tin that the Stewart-Warner portable hand tachometer came in (center). The metal can measures 4-1/2" tall by 3-1/2" diameter. The actual hand held Stewart-Warner tachometer with the r.p.m. shown in hundreds is on the right. The gauge looks brand new. The actual directions are shown on the left. It appears to be dated 1957 and in the address it shows zone16 for Chicago, Illinois. Zip codes did not appear in the postal system until around 1967. This hand held tachometer has a 2-1/2" diameter face. According to the directions, it was designed for checking speeds on saws, pulleys, shafts, and engines. I had never seen one of these before, so I bought it. I also liked the fact it was in mint condition and came with the original metal tin can.
CLEVER IDEA FOR PROTECTING YOUR CELL PHONE -
It is reported that 82 million phones a year are destroyed by moisture. I know, I have dropped one in a toilet!
A company in California now offers an invisible waterproofing shield. The phone or similar electronic device is placed in a vacuumed-sealed chamber and injected with a carbon-based hydrophobic gas.
The gas particles bond to the phone in a layer one thousandth the thickness of a human hair. Because of this, the particles are so small they also slip through the seams to coat internal components such as the processor and battery. The process takes less than 30 minutes and has no noticeable effect on the phone’s look or feel.
The company is called Liquipel located in California. They offer a two-day turn around and charge $59 plus shipping!
BREAKING NEWS FROM BUICK -
We heard from one of our Inner Circle members… indications are that Buick is going to bring back the famous trio of nameplates that we all have come to love - T-Type, Grand National, and the GNX.
Word is, it won't be simply an appearance package.
Here is the link to that page on the EDMUNDS INSIDE LINE website.
http://www.insideline.com/buick/grand-national-gnx-and-t-type-are-returning-to-buick.html
The same site also shows a video of the Grand National Track Test.
Here is the link.
http://www.insideline.com/buick/grand-national/1987-buick-regal-grand-national-track-test.html
Also check out the additional "Related Content" on the right sidebar on that page.
NEW PRODUCTS AVAILABLE FROM US -
1986-1987 Turbo Regal -
INTERCOOLER and TURBO HEAVY-DUTY HOSES SET
The only weak links in the intercooler turbo system are the three factory connecting hoses that GM used (#1, #2 & #3 in the illustration.)
The smallest hose connects the intercooler to the turbo and the other two connect the tube to the throttle body. The hose is cut rather short leaving very little to clamp against and the material is quite flimsy. When subjected to heat and flex, they could split or come off. If this happens, the car will sputter and choke.
Our replacement set is twice as thick as the original GM equipment and slightly longer for a better fit. Our hoses are ALL black except for printed striping that can be positioned on the bottom and out of sight.
A MUST improvement for your Buick... it's a good idea to keep a spare set on hand.
7458 - 1986-1987 Turbo Regal -
Intercooler and Turbo Heavy-Duty Hoses (3) Set - $29.95 / set
Here is a link to this Heavy-Duty Hoses kit on our website.
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44024/INTERCOOLER+and+TURBO+HEAVY+DUTY+HOSES+SET+%237458.html
1985-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
REPRODUCTION COMPLETE BRAKE LINES (7) KIT
This is the entire kit to replace all the hard metal brake lines from the powermaster brake unit to each wheel. You must have the powermaster brake system on your 1985-1987 Turbo Regal for the front two lines to attach properly.
The kit consists of 7 pliable pre-bent lines with stainless fittings, reproduced to match the factory bends.
You may also want to update the brake hoses to the front brake calipers, our Part #7218, 1979-1987 Buick Regal (Including Turbo Models) - Stainless Braided Brake Hoses (3) Kit. These are the upgraded stainless braided brake hoses to replace the original old rubber hoses.
You may also want to update the brake proportioning valve to the brass proportioning valve, Part #7189, 1982-1987 Regal V6 (Including Turbo Regal) - Reproduction Brake Proportioning Valve.
NOTE - If you only need a portion of this kit, call us (215-766-1611) and we can work out a price for whatever lines you require.
NOTE - Because you need a lift, we recommend these brake lines be installed by a qualified mechanic.
Another excellent restoration item done in stainless, so it will not rust.
7459 - 1985-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction Complete Brake Lines (7) Kit - $149.95 / 7-piece Kit
Here is a link to this Brake Lines Kit on our website.
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44025/REPRODUCTION+COMPLETE+BRAKE+LINES+%287%29+KIT+%237459.html
1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models ) -
REPRODUCTION DRIVER'S & PASSENGER'S SIDE
UPPER & LOWER DOOR HINGES
Because of the age of these cars, some may have sagging door hinges, which need to be replaced.
These reproductions are case-hardened steel, identical to the original GM door hinges.
On high-mileage cars this is one of the issues that can easily be eliminated by replacing the door hinges. We recommend you replace both the upper and lower hinges on whatever side(s) you plan to restore. The longer you put it off, the more wear and tear can occur on the door striker and pillar post.
NOTE - We offer the hinges separately and as a 4-piece kit. The same lower door hinge fits both the driver’s and passenger’s side doors.
Another nice body restoration item.
7460 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Reproduction Driver’s Side Upper Door Hinge (1) - $79.95
7461 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Reproduction Passenger’s Side Upper Door Hinge (1) - $79.95
7462 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Reproduction Driver’s & Passenger’s Side Lower Door Hinge (1) - $59.95
7463 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Reproduction Driver’s & Passenger’s Side
Upper & Lower Door Hinges (4) Set - $249 (Save $30.80)
Here's a link to these Door Hinges on our website.
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7460&submit_button=
REPRODUCTION GNX SUSPENSION - NOW AVAILABLE -
Pete Hoffman has a limited number of the reproduction GNX Suspension Systems available. These are the Richard Clark systems that he has had made locally.
They are nearly exact to the originals, down to the welds and material used. They come with complete detailed instructions.
Limited availability!
Call or email Pete 215-778-1036
[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].
EBAY LISTINGS -
If you would like to see any of the Kirban Performance Products items listed on eBay, here is a link to our store and auctions - http://stores.ebay.com/Kirban-Performance-Products-Inc_
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 -
We will have our annual M & M contest with prizes in time for Christmas. Watch for it.
There is still time to get in on our Christmas Specials. These are all items that enhance the ownership of having a Turbo Regal. Our Christmas Specials run until December 7th.
Check out the Christmas Special at this link.
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/inner_circle.php?nak=213