Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members - 12-12-2012
OUR ANNUAL M & M CHRISTMAS CONTEST -
Here are the rules to our Annual M & Ms Christmas Contest -
You can make 2 guesses. Both guesses MUST be in the same single email, along with your name, address, and phone number.
Your two guesses must be emailed direct to me - [email protected]
Contest is open to anyone except those working for or owning a Buick-related mail-order company. You cannot have won any of our previous contests from last Christmas. Contest is open to all that see this email, either in the Inner Circle and or on our website.
Closest guess UNDER actual count is the winner.
In case of a tie, earliest email is the winner.
Entries must be received by midnight Eastern time, Saturday, December 15th 2012.
Winners will be notified by email Sunday, December 16th or by phone.
Good luck one and all!
PHOTO 1 - This photo shows the two metal containers filled with M&Ms. As a clue to the size of the containers, we have positioned a 12 inch ruler in the photo. The height of the taller container is 2-1/2 inches. Your guesses need to be based on the M&Ms total of BOTH containers.
PHOTO 2 - The top photo shows what the winner receives - the Pep Boys Bobble Head set and the Joyeux Noel DVD (winner also will get the M&M containers and a $25 gift certificate good for any items on our website.) The lower photo is what the second place winner will receive - Yum Yum donut mug and a 12-ounce package of their premium brand coffee (second place winner will also receive a $25 Gift Certificate for any items on our website.) Third place winner will get one of those chrome Tyco HO scale Slot Car (see Photo 3).
As a special bonus all three winners will get a special assortment of cookies in decorative tins prepared by Russ, our local Guru baker who has baked several baked goods in the past for our annual Open House events. Special thanks to Russ for these added treats!
Remember, two guesses only in the same email to me [email protected] - deadline midnight eastern time Saturday, December 15th, 2012.
Good luck to everyone.
SECOND CONTEST - COMING AFTER CHRISTMAS -
I have a clever idea for another contest that we will be explaining after Christmas. It will be based on the upcoming Barrett-Jackson auction held January 13th-20th, 2013.
Watch for information on this contest soon!
QUICK HISTORY ABOUT THE PEP BOYS -
PEP BOYS, the auto store chain, was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania back in 1921. Today they operate over 700 stores in 35 states and Puerto Rico. Their headquarters remains in Philadelphia.
Years ago when we started to have some of the very first fiberglass parts made for the GTOs, the company we used also made the huge Pep Boys figures. These figures would be mounted on top of their stores back in the day.
These caricatures that still serve as the company logo, resemble the original founders Manny, Moe and Jack. They remained unchanged until 1990 when they removed the cigar from Manny's mouth.
BUICK REGAL HO SCALE SLOT CARS -
Back in the late 1980s, the HO scale slot cars were quite popular and several featured the G-body Buick Regal body style.
In my "Kirban’s Guide to 1986 & 1987 Buick Turbo Regals" book, on page 297 we show the various versions.
PHOTO 3 - We recently acquired these two Buick Regal slot cars. A unique slot car is the one still in the package on the left, which is all chrome. I wonder why Tyco made it all chrome instead of black to represent the Grand National. The second HO slot car featured on the right is the STP car. According to the article in my book, Tyco made 5 different HO slot cars based on the Regal body.
CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS -
With Christmas just around the corner, I thought I would picture some of the unique items we have that any muscle car collector would like to have.
Each item only saw very limited production. When Miss Hurst or Bill Campbell autographed the item, very few will ever be available.
PHOTO 4 - In the first photo, at the top we show a metal chrome emblem that Jim Wangers had just 300 made for his 85th birthday last year. We bought the leftovers from his birthday bash.
In the same photo, on the lower left is a dash plaque from our Kirban Reunion event in 2011, which featured Miss Hurst Linda Vaughn. She has signed a few of the actual dash plaques and we show a photo of her signing the Reunion plaque on the Certificate of Authenticity.
Last, but not least, we had a similarstyle metal plaque made that reads, "Bill Campbell Co-founder of Hurst-Campbell Inc." I had Bill autograph the plate above the engraved wording with a gold marker. We show a photograph of him autographing the metal plaque on the Certificate of Authenticity.
In the lower photo, we show some other Hurst related items. We made about 4 dozen 6 inch Hurst shifter handles, complete with a new reproduction white 4-speed ball mounted on a wooden base as a unique collectible.
Each shifter display has that same metal engraved plaque, which Bill Campbell has personally autographed. In the same photo is one of the limited-production Hurst licensed mini wheel cans we had done. This is reproduction Hurst wheel can is the perfect size to hold pens on your desk. The can measures approximately 5 inches tall by 4 inches in diameter. An exact replica of the full-size Hurst wheel cans that today can fetch $500 to $1,000, depending on the condition of the original cans. We also show a photograph of him autographing the metal plaque on the Certificate of Authenticity.
MORE ON LIGHTENING THE WEIGHT OF YOUR TURBO REGAL -
We heard from several customers on this subject. I merely touched on two parts associated with the front of the car.
Another difficult part to find today in useable condition is the optional aluminum rear brake drums. To my knowledge, no one has reproduced this part, which makes it difficult to find useable ones today.
Another reason they are difficult to find is it appears only GM made them originally. I do have a nice pair on our personal car. Several aftermarket companies make tubular front-end parts that can replace the factory front-end parts, which will knock some more weight of your Turbo car.
There are plenty of ideas and products that can reduce the weight of your Turbo Regal while still retaining your body parts.
ANOTHER USE OF FABRIC SOFTENER -
Recently the Philadelphia police discovered a couple that were growing several hundred marijuana plants in their row house. Some of the plants were five feet high. To disguise the smell they used fabric softener.
I am not sure if that is listed as one of the benefits on the container of fabric softener or not!
DID YOU NOTICE THE DATE TODAY – 12-12-12
Today is the last time for at least 88 years before all the numbers are the same - 12-12-12.
So, if you are reading this now, chances are you probably won't be around when the day/month/year are the same again.
NEW PRODUCTS AVAILABLE FROM US -
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 or 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 -
Good luck to everyone on our annual M & Ms Christmas contest.
Remember, the deadline is this Saturday, 12 midnight eastern time, December 15th, 2012.
OUR ANNUAL M & M CHRISTMAS CONTEST -
Here are the rules to our Annual M & Ms Christmas Contest -
You can make 2 guesses. Both guesses MUST be in the same single email, along with your name, address, and phone number.
Your two guesses must be emailed direct to me - [email protected]
Contest is open to anyone except those working for or owning a Buick-related mail-order company. You cannot have won any of our previous contests from last Christmas. Contest is open to all that see this email, either in the Inner Circle and or on our website.
Closest guess UNDER actual count is the winner.
In case of a tie, earliest email is the winner.
Entries must be received by midnight Eastern time, Saturday, December 15th 2012.
Winners will be notified by email Sunday, December 16th or by phone.
Good luck one and all!
PHOTO 1 - This photo shows the two metal containers filled with M&Ms. As a clue to the size of the containers, we have positioned a 12 inch ruler in the photo. The height of the taller container is 2-1/2 inches. Your guesses need to be based on the M&Ms total of BOTH containers.
PHOTO 2 - The top photo shows what the winner receives - the Pep Boys Bobble Head set and the Joyeux Noel DVD (winner also will get the M&M containers and a $25 gift certificate good for any items on our website.) The lower photo is what the second place winner will receive - Yum Yum donut mug and a 12-ounce package of their premium brand coffee (second place winner will also receive a $25 Gift Certificate for any items on our website.) Third place winner will get one of those chrome Tyco HO scale Slot Car (see Photo 3).
As a special bonus all three winners will get a special assortment of cookies in decorative tins prepared by Russ, our local Guru baker who has baked several baked goods in the past for our annual Open House events. Special thanks to Russ for these added treats!
Remember, two guesses only in the same email to me [email protected] - deadline midnight eastern time Saturday, December 15th, 2012.
Good luck to everyone.
SECOND CONTEST - COMING AFTER CHRISTMAS -
I have a clever idea for another contest that we will be explaining after Christmas. It will be based on the upcoming Barrett-Jackson auction held January 13th-20th, 2013.
Watch for information on this contest soon!
QUICK HISTORY ABOUT THE PEP BOYS -
PEP BOYS, the auto store chain, was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania back in 1921. Today they operate over 700 stores in 35 states and Puerto Rico. Their headquarters remains in Philadelphia.
Years ago when we started to have some of the very first fiberglass parts made for the GTOs, the company we used also made the huge Pep Boys figures. These figures would be mounted on top of their stores back in the day.
These caricatures that still serve as the company logo, resemble the original founders Manny, Moe and Jack. They remained unchanged until 1990 when they removed the cigar from Manny's mouth.
BUICK REGAL HO SCALE SLOT CARS -
Back in the late 1980s, the HO scale slot cars were quite popular and several featured the G-body Buick Regal body style.
In my "Kirban’s Guide to 1986 & 1987 Buick Turbo Regals" book, on page 297 we show the various versions.
PHOTO 3 - We recently acquired these two Buick Regal slot cars. A unique slot car is the one still in the package on the left, which is all chrome. I wonder why Tyco made it all chrome instead of black to represent the Grand National. The second HO slot car featured on the right is the STP car. According to the article in my book, Tyco made 5 different HO slot cars based on the Regal body.
CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS -
With Christmas just around the corner, I thought I would picture some of the unique items we have that any muscle car collector would like to have.
Each item only saw very limited production. When Miss Hurst or Bill Campbell autographed the item, very few will ever be available.
PHOTO 4 - In the first photo, at the top we show a metal chrome emblem that Jim Wangers had just 300 made for his 85th birthday last year. We bought the leftovers from his birthday bash.
In the same photo, on the lower left is a dash plaque from our Kirban Reunion event in 2011, which featured Miss Hurst Linda Vaughn. She has signed a few of the actual dash plaques and we show a photo of her signing the Reunion plaque on the Certificate of Authenticity.
Last, but not least, we had a similarstyle metal plaque made that reads, "Bill Campbell Co-founder of Hurst-Campbell Inc." I had Bill autograph the plate above the engraved wording with a gold marker. We show a photograph of him autographing the metal plaque on the Certificate of Authenticity.
In the lower photo, we show some other Hurst related items. We made about 4 dozen 6 inch Hurst shifter handles, complete with a new reproduction white 4-speed ball mounted on a wooden base as a unique collectible.
Each shifter display has that same metal engraved plaque, which Bill Campbell has personally autographed. In the same photo is one of the limited-production Hurst licensed mini wheel cans we had done. This is reproduction Hurst wheel can is the perfect size to hold pens on your desk. The can measures approximately 5 inches tall by 4 inches in diameter. An exact replica of the full-size Hurst wheel cans that today can fetch $500 to $1,000, depending on the condition of the original cans. We also show a photograph of him autographing the metal plaque on the Certificate of Authenticity.
MORE ON LIGHTENING THE WEIGHT OF YOUR TURBO REGAL -
We heard from several customers on this subject. I merely touched on two parts associated with the front of the car.
Another difficult part to find today in useable condition is the optional aluminum rear brake drums. To my knowledge, no one has reproduced this part, which makes it difficult to find useable ones today.
Another reason they are difficult to find is it appears only GM made them originally. I do have a nice pair on our personal car. Several aftermarket companies make tubular front-end parts that can replace the factory front-end parts, which will knock some more weight of your Turbo car.
There are plenty of ideas and products that can reduce the weight of your Turbo Regal while still retaining your body parts.
ANOTHER USE OF FABRIC SOFTENER -
Recently the Philadelphia police discovered a couple that were growing several hundred marijuana plants in their row house. Some of the plants were five feet high. To disguise the smell they used fabric softener.
I am not sure if that is listed as one of the benefits on the container of fabric softener or not!
DID YOU NOTICE THE DATE TODAY – 12-12-12
Today is the last time for at least 88 years before all the numbers are the same - 12-12-12.
So, if you are reading this now, chances are you probably won't be around when the day/month/year are the same again.
NEW PRODUCTS AVAILABLE FROM US -
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 or 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 -
Good luck to everyone on our annual M & Ms Christmas contest.
Remember, the deadline is this Saturday, 12 midnight eastern time, December 15th, 2012.