Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 11-06-2013
NOVEMBER CARTOON -
PHOTO 1 - Shows this month's "Adventures of Tommy Turbo" cartoon - "Adding over-sized wheels is simple and gives your car that custom look." It depicts one method of fitting a larger set of rear tires and wheels on your Grand National. Of course, this method is not one I would recommend.
CHRISTMAS BONUS ITEM -
On Friday we sent out our 2013 CHRISTMAS SPECIALS as an Inner Circle email.
We recently purchased a carton of brand new 1987 Buick Buyer's Guide brochures from Vince Procaccio in Illinois, one of our customers. These brochures were never used. This is a 48-page, full-color brochure that shows all the 1987 Buick models, as well as the specifications for each Buick model. This is the Bonus Item (as long as supplies last) when you place your order from any of the Christmas Specials.
PHOTO 2 – Our top photo shows the back and front cover spread of this 1987 Buick Buyer's Guide. In the lower photo we show a 2-page spread of two the main pages that highlights the various Buick Regals for 1987, including the Grand National. This brochure also shows the new 1987 LeSabre T-Type (it was the first year for that limited model.)
MORE COVERAGE FROM THE 2013 GS NATIONALS -
One of the most rare and well-optioned cars at the GS Nationals was a grey 1987 Turbo-T Limited owned by David Newton out of Memphis, Tennessee. The car was all-original and still had the first design brake bowl on the powermaster brake unit. (The original brake bowl was all black and smaller than the reproduction Cardone brake bowl).
With a Window Sticker just under $19,000 dollars, it makes it one of the high-dollar examples. In looking over the car, I did clear up some questions for the owner. For example, it had a power passenger seat and a power driver's seat. However, the power driver's seat was not on the trunk ID label or the Window Sticker. Also, I knew they never made a power passenger seat, but it could have been be done by a dealer using the parts from a driver's power seat.
In further talking to Dave, he informed me the first owner was handicapped and so was his one friend who would go out with him in his Turbo Limited.
This probably explains why a power seat was put in both front seats, so not only the driver could adjust the seat to place their wheelchair behind the seat and the passenger could also easily adjust the seat so they could also place their wheelchair behind the seat. That was my theory. I had bought at least two Turbo Regals in the past that were owned by handicap drivers.
PHOTO 3 - The top left photo shows a close up of the power seat switch on the driver's seat. Note the rounded corners on the switch bezel. The top right photo shows the switch on the passenger seat. Note the square corners on the bezel around the switch. The bottom left photo shows the leather interior with the half console. The bottom right shows a view of the exterior. The red pinstripe is factory and the car also is equipped with a factory astroroof.
Even though it is a Limited, it also had the WO2 black-out package feature. Whoever ordered this car new paid particular attention to ordering almost all the proper options to combine luxury with power, yet keeping it low keyed in appearance.
PHOTO 4 - This is a photo showing the GNX rear end cover without the ear for the suspension on our personal 1987 white Turbo-T. Our car still has a cross flow muffler and this cover clears it with no problem. See used Part P-1985 in this issue. Probably the most rare rear end cover you could put on your Turbo Regal, since only a few of these exist.
CHRISTMAS SPECIALS -
You should have received a special email last Friday that shows all 10 of the 2013 Christmas Specials. Keep in mind, the bonus item - the 1987 Buick Sales Brochure - is in limited supply, so the sooner you place any order from that listing the better chance you have of getting one.
ON THE NEWSFRONT -
Classic Car Magazine, December 2013 issue, has a 3-page article on the GMC Syclone.
While the GMC Syclone has a cult following, the values have not really shown much increase over the last several years. I think, as a whole, as most performance trucks get older, their values have a tendency to stay soft.
UPDATE ON POWERMASTER BRAKE UNITS -
We are now getting the rebuilt Powermaster Brake Units in almost daily. Over the next several weeks, we hope to have all our back orders filled by the end of November. We fully expect to have all the back orders filled to the other Buick Turbo vendors as well. We still have no update as to when we can expect the Cardone brake bowls.
BREAKING NEWS - FENDER COVERS -
We should have a sample of the Buick Motorsports fender cover later this week. Also we will have available the "HURST EQUIPPED" fender cover, which is licensed by Hurst.
Several other Turbo Buick designs should go into production later this fall. These would be based on the ones we had designed several years ago, and will all be in full color. Produced in the U.S.A. by Fender Gripper®, a division of Ssnake-Oyl™, these fender covers will keep the tools from slipping off and have a foam backing to protect your fenders. Also the material is impervious to brake fluid, anti freeze, etc.
NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -
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
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 -
On Sunday I attended a local last big car show and swap meet for the season. Unlike those that reside on the west coast or in the south, the car show and swap meet season has ended for our area, as cold weather is fast approaching
NOVEMBER CARTOON -
PHOTO 1 - Shows this month's "Adventures of Tommy Turbo" cartoon - "Adding over-sized wheels is simple and gives your car that custom look." It depicts one method of fitting a larger set of rear tires and wheels on your Grand National. Of course, this method is not one I would recommend.
CHRISTMAS BONUS ITEM -
On Friday we sent out our 2013 CHRISTMAS SPECIALS as an Inner Circle email.
We recently purchased a carton of brand new 1987 Buick Buyer's Guide brochures from Vince Procaccio in Illinois, one of our customers. These brochures were never used. This is a 48-page, full-color brochure that shows all the 1987 Buick models, as well as the specifications for each Buick model. This is the Bonus Item (as long as supplies last) when you place your order from any of the Christmas Specials.
PHOTO 2 – Our top photo shows the back and front cover spread of this 1987 Buick Buyer's Guide. In the lower photo we show a 2-page spread of two the main pages that highlights the various Buick Regals for 1987, including the Grand National. This brochure also shows the new 1987 LeSabre T-Type (it was the first year for that limited model.)
MORE COVERAGE FROM THE 2013 GS NATIONALS -
One of the most rare and well-optioned cars at the GS Nationals was a grey 1987 Turbo-T Limited owned by David Newton out of Memphis, Tennessee. The car was all-original and still had the first design brake bowl on the powermaster brake unit. (The original brake bowl was all black and smaller than the reproduction Cardone brake bowl).
With a Window Sticker just under $19,000 dollars, it makes it one of the high-dollar examples. In looking over the car, I did clear up some questions for the owner. For example, it had a power passenger seat and a power driver's seat. However, the power driver's seat was not on the trunk ID label or the Window Sticker. Also, I knew they never made a power passenger seat, but it could have been be done by a dealer using the parts from a driver's power seat.
In further talking to Dave, he informed me the first owner was handicapped and so was his one friend who would go out with him in his Turbo Limited.
This probably explains why a power seat was put in both front seats, so not only the driver could adjust the seat to place their wheelchair behind the seat and the passenger could also easily adjust the seat so they could also place their wheelchair behind the seat. That was my theory. I had bought at least two Turbo Regals in the past that were owned by handicap drivers.
PHOTO 3 - The top left photo shows a close up of the power seat switch on the driver's seat. Note the rounded corners on the switch bezel. The top right photo shows the switch on the passenger seat. Note the square corners on the bezel around the switch. The bottom left photo shows the leather interior with the half console. The bottom right shows a view of the exterior. The red pinstripe is factory and the car also is equipped with a factory astroroof.
Even though it is a Limited, it also had the WO2 black-out package feature. Whoever ordered this car new paid particular attention to ordering almost all the proper options to combine luxury with power, yet keeping it low keyed in appearance.
PHOTO 4 - This is a photo showing the GNX rear end cover without the ear for the suspension on our personal 1987 white Turbo-T. Our car still has a cross flow muffler and this cover clears it with no problem. See used Part P-1985 in this issue. Probably the most rare rear end cover you could put on your Turbo Regal, since only a few of these exist.
CHRISTMAS SPECIALS -
You should have received a special email last Friday that shows all 10 of the 2013 Christmas Specials. Keep in mind, the bonus item - the 1987 Buick Sales Brochure - is in limited supply, so the sooner you place any order from that listing the better chance you have of getting one.
ON THE NEWSFRONT -
Classic Car Magazine, December 2013 issue, has a 3-page article on the GMC Syclone.
While the GMC Syclone has a cult following, the values have not really shown much increase over the last several years. I think, as a whole, as most performance trucks get older, their values have a tendency to stay soft.
UPDATE ON POWERMASTER BRAKE UNITS -
We are now getting the rebuilt Powermaster Brake Units in almost daily. Over the next several weeks, we hope to have all our back orders filled by the end of November. We fully expect to have all the back orders filled to the other Buick Turbo vendors as well. We still have no update as to when we can expect the Cardone brake bowls.
BREAKING NEWS - FENDER COVERS -
We should have a sample of the Buick Motorsports fender cover later this week. Also we will have available the "HURST EQUIPPED" fender cover, which is licensed by Hurst.
Several other Turbo Buick designs should go into production later this fall. These would be based on the ones we had designed several years ago, and will all be in full color. Produced in the U.S.A. by Fender Gripper®, a division of Ssnake-Oyl™, these fender covers will keep the tools from slipping off and have a foam backing to protect your fenders. Also the material is impervious to brake fluid, anti freeze, etc.
NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -
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
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 -
On Sunday I attended a local last big car show and swap meet for the season. Unlike those that reside on the west coast or in the south, the car show and swap meet season has ended for our area, as cold weather is fast approaching