Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members - 12-19-2012
TURBO BUICKS IN CARTOONS -
If you have been a customer of ours since the early 1990s you probably recall the various cartoon illustrations we used over the years. They would appear in our monthly “Grand News” and in our yearly printed catalogs.
We used one local illustrator, Matt Blair, and out of Illinois we also used Paul Vilser. Both of these artists owned Turbo Regals, so the attention to correct detail was excellent. I would simply give them a theme and they did the rest.
We have published a few in this week's Inner Circle that are appropriate for the season and article below.
WINTER PROJECTS -
If you reside in the northern climates, this is a good time of the year to tackle the more involved winter projects, since you probably have taken your Turbo Regal off the road. I am referring to projects related to your Turbo Regal and not the ones around the house. I have already spent several weekends picking up leaves. A job that quite frankly seems endless.
Of course, it helps if you have a proper size working area, is heated, with proper tools, a lift, and most important more mechanical skills than I possess. It's also not a project you should attempt without someone to help you. The project that is somewhat involved, but has great rewards is to tackle the replacement of the body bushings or cushions as they are referred to. It’s also one that the longer you put it off, the tougher it can be since rust never sleeps. Remember, it's patience that will get you through the project, not profanity when removing the body bolts. It can become costly if any of the cage nuts inside the body spins not allowing you to back out the grade 8 bolts. The major area of concern for rust would be the ones from the axle back. Should this happen you then have to go from the inside of the car and cut that area out and re-weld a new cage nut and or metal washer in that area. It that point you may have to turn the project over to a professional shop because welding is involved.
You do have to raise the car off the frame by several inches in the rear, which requires the rear bumper to be removed to avoid the bumper crushing the rear filler panels when you raise the body up.
Another area of concern is protecting the fuel lines. You have to make sure they don’t become taunt and possibly split.
While the rear bumper off, you may want to consider replacing the rear bumper fillers.
Assuming you have an air compressor at your disposal, I would recommend blowing out any debris that has built up in the frame rails. When debris gets moist it contributes to rust issues. You would be amazed how much caked-on dirt can build up in the frame rails over a period of time.
We offer all the correct parts to make this project a success. The special grade 8 bolts is part #6974. The kit includes the two proper size bolts in grade 8, which is what you need. You definitely want to replace all the bolts. We also have the complete 22-piece bushing kit part #7305. This kit includes all the upper and lower bushings, including the optional GNX upper bushing. The only other kit you would need to make it complete, is the radiator core support bushing kit part #7304. This is the bushing kit that secures the radiator support to the frame.
The GNX style bushing, which is included in the 22-piece kit, because of its unique design, helps you center the body back on the frame before you tighten everything up. By installing this kit, it helps restore that new car ride that was probably lacking in your car. Another advantage is your car will now sit level, since all the bushings are new and none are crushed. It will become quite evident to you once you start removing your original 25-plus-year-old bushings, and seeing some of them crumble in your hands. One of our local customers gave us some of his original bushings that he recently replaced.
PHOTO 1 - You can clearly see how bad the original body bushings can be. In severe cases, usually the ones near the rear of the car may require our Part #7308, the larger metal round washers to be welded to the frame. This is because the original hole for the bolt and bushing is enlarged due to rust and prevents the bushing from seating properly.
One method of replacing the complete set of body bushings is shown in the cartoon illustration in the next photo.
PHOTO 2 - This cartoon illustration was done for us by Matt Blair back in 2000. It demonstrates one method, although unorthodox, for tackling the replacement of the body bushings.
PHOTO 3 - This cartoon illustration was published in 1999 and was also done by Matt Blair. Many of you can probably relate to this, if you are married! It is maybe one New Year's resolution that is tough to keep! Especially if your Turbo Regal is in the midst of being restored.
PHOTO 4 - This cartoon illustration was also done by Matt Blair in 1998 for us. In the spirit of Christmas, we have changed the names on the company packages to reflect some of the current Turbo Regal Suppliers, and our staff has signed the lower right area. Here's hoping you find what you wished for under the Christmas tree this year.
OUR ANNUAL M & M CHRISTMAS CONTEST WINNERS-
The actual count of M&Ms was 1,534. The suitcase-style metal tin held 828 M&Ms and the long metal tin held 706 M&Ms.
The first place winner was Matt Gebis from Illinois. He owns a T-Type and a Grand National and has been a customer of ours for about six years. His guess was 1,500, which was the closest under the actual count of 1,537 submitted before the deadline.
Taking second place with a 1,497 guess was John Norton out of North Carolina who owns a GNX. He actually found a website where they took M&Ms and worked out a packing density and from the clues determined the best he could the size of the two tins. He has been a customer of ours since 1996.
Coming in third with a guess of 1,491 was Ron Bollinger from Virginia. He has owned a Grand National and a T-Type and currently drives a Volvo 740 wagon that has just over 470,000 miles on the speedometer.
John Norton who took second place discovered the formula for M & M density on the website below.
Here is the link to the webpage the M&M packing density study that was conducted by a team headed by a Princeton professor who is supported by The National Science Foundation, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Petroleum Research Fund:
http://www.physicsplanet.com/articles/random-packing-density
Here's part of John's email…
"The take-away from the article is as follows:
So, if you want to figure out how many M&Ms fit into a container, here is the formula. Take the volume of the container in cubic centimeters and multiply .68. Then divide the result by .636 (which is the volume of a single M&M).'
I used that formula and estimated the volume of the containers based on the photo.
Thank you for hosting the contest, John"
P.S. This goes to prove that the Space Administration has provided our country with more than just TANG.
We tip our hat to all those that participated and to the three winners. Prizes will be sent UPS this week, in time for Christmas.
NO TURBO REGAL INNER CIRCLE NEXT WEEK -
With Christmas next week, there will be no Inner Circle Wednesday, December 26th, 2012.
The next Inner Circle will be Wednesday, January 2nd, 2013.
In that issue there will be another contest based on the upcoming Barrett-Jackson January 13th-20, 2013 auction. This New Year contest will be based on one of the cars scheduled to be auctioned at the Barrett Jackson Car Auction in Arizona. Stay tuned!
A WORD OF CAUTION ABOUT OTHER BRAKE ACCUMULATOR BOWLS -
We are confident we will soon have our supply of Part #6697 - 1985-1987 Turbo Regal -Reproduction Brake Accumulator Bowls.
Once we do, Cardone will have an ample supply for us at their Philadelphia facility, eliminating delays in the future.
It has come to our attention that some companies may be offering brake accumulator bowls from later-model brake units, specifically ones with the ABS feature.
While other brake accumulators may fit, what we do not know is if the pressure (PSI) is the same and meets the requirements of our 1985-1987 powermaster brake units.
You can be assured that the brake accumulator bowls we offer are correct for your Turbo Regal.
Here is a link to the brake accumulator bowl on our website.
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/318/BRAKE+ACCUMULATOR+BOWL+%236697.html
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 -
Remember, there will NOT be an Inner Circle email next Wednesday, the 26th, the day after Christmas! The Inner Circle will resume again January 2nd, 2013.
Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy Safe New Year!
TURBO BUICKS IN CARTOONS -
If you have been a customer of ours since the early 1990s you probably recall the various cartoon illustrations we used over the years. They would appear in our monthly “Grand News” and in our yearly printed catalogs.
We used one local illustrator, Matt Blair, and out of Illinois we also used Paul Vilser. Both of these artists owned Turbo Regals, so the attention to correct detail was excellent. I would simply give them a theme and they did the rest.
We have published a few in this week's Inner Circle that are appropriate for the season and article below.
WINTER PROJECTS -
If you reside in the northern climates, this is a good time of the year to tackle the more involved winter projects, since you probably have taken your Turbo Regal off the road. I am referring to projects related to your Turbo Regal and not the ones around the house. I have already spent several weekends picking up leaves. A job that quite frankly seems endless.
Of course, it helps if you have a proper size working area, is heated, with proper tools, a lift, and most important more mechanical skills than I possess. It's also not a project you should attempt without someone to help you. The project that is somewhat involved, but has great rewards is to tackle the replacement of the body bushings or cushions as they are referred to. It’s also one that the longer you put it off, the tougher it can be since rust never sleeps. Remember, it's patience that will get you through the project, not profanity when removing the body bolts. It can become costly if any of the cage nuts inside the body spins not allowing you to back out the grade 8 bolts. The major area of concern for rust would be the ones from the axle back. Should this happen you then have to go from the inside of the car and cut that area out and re-weld a new cage nut and or metal washer in that area. It that point you may have to turn the project over to a professional shop because welding is involved.
You do have to raise the car off the frame by several inches in the rear, which requires the rear bumper to be removed to avoid the bumper crushing the rear filler panels when you raise the body up.
Another area of concern is protecting the fuel lines. You have to make sure they don’t become taunt and possibly split.
While the rear bumper off, you may want to consider replacing the rear bumper fillers.
Assuming you have an air compressor at your disposal, I would recommend blowing out any debris that has built up in the frame rails. When debris gets moist it contributes to rust issues. You would be amazed how much caked-on dirt can build up in the frame rails over a period of time.
We offer all the correct parts to make this project a success. The special grade 8 bolts is part #6974. The kit includes the two proper size bolts in grade 8, which is what you need. You definitely want to replace all the bolts. We also have the complete 22-piece bushing kit part #7305. This kit includes all the upper and lower bushings, including the optional GNX upper bushing. The only other kit you would need to make it complete, is the radiator core support bushing kit part #7304. This is the bushing kit that secures the radiator support to the frame.
The GNX style bushing, which is included in the 22-piece kit, because of its unique design, helps you center the body back on the frame before you tighten everything up. By installing this kit, it helps restore that new car ride that was probably lacking in your car. Another advantage is your car will now sit level, since all the bushings are new and none are crushed. It will become quite evident to you once you start removing your original 25-plus-year-old bushings, and seeing some of them crumble in your hands. One of our local customers gave us some of his original bushings that he recently replaced.
PHOTO 1 - You can clearly see how bad the original body bushings can be. In severe cases, usually the ones near the rear of the car may require our Part #7308, the larger metal round washers to be welded to the frame. This is because the original hole for the bolt and bushing is enlarged due to rust and prevents the bushing from seating properly.
One method of replacing the complete set of body bushings is shown in the cartoon illustration in the next photo.
PHOTO 2 - This cartoon illustration was done for us by Matt Blair back in 2000. It demonstrates one method, although unorthodox, for tackling the replacement of the body bushings.
PHOTO 3 - This cartoon illustration was published in 1999 and was also done by Matt Blair. Many of you can probably relate to this, if you are married! It is maybe one New Year's resolution that is tough to keep! Especially if your Turbo Regal is in the midst of being restored.
PHOTO 4 - This cartoon illustration was also done by Matt Blair in 1998 for us. In the spirit of Christmas, we have changed the names on the company packages to reflect some of the current Turbo Regal Suppliers, and our staff has signed the lower right area. Here's hoping you find what you wished for under the Christmas tree this year.
OUR ANNUAL M & M CHRISTMAS CONTEST WINNERS-
The actual count of M&Ms was 1,534. The suitcase-style metal tin held 828 M&Ms and the long metal tin held 706 M&Ms.
The first place winner was Matt Gebis from Illinois. He owns a T-Type and a Grand National and has been a customer of ours for about six years. His guess was 1,500, which was the closest under the actual count of 1,537 submitted before the deadline.
Taking second place with a 1,497 guess was John Norton out of North Carolina who owns a GNX. He actually found a website where they took M&Ms and worked out a packing density and from the clues determined the best he could the size of the two tins. He has been a customer of ours since 1996.
Coming in third with a guess of 1,491 was Ron Bollinger from Virginia. He has owned a Grand National and a T-Type and currently drives a Volvo 740 wagon that has just over 470,000 miles on the speedometer.
John Norton who took second place discovered the formula for M & M density on the website below.
Here is the link to the webpage the M&M packing density study that was conducted by a team headed by a Princeton professor who is supported by The National Science Foundation, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Petroleum Research Fund:
http://www.physicsplanet.com/articles/random-packing-density
Here's part of John's email…
"The take-away from the article is as follows:
So, if you want to figure out how many M&Ms fit into a container, here is the formula. Take the volume of the container in cubic centimeters and multiply .68. Then divide the result by .636 (which is the volume of a single M&M).'
I used that formula and estimated the volume of the containers based on the photo.
Thank you for hosting the contest, John"
P.S. This goes to prove that the Space Administration has provided our country with more than just TANG.
We tip our hat to all those that participated and to the three winners. Prizes will be sent UPS this week, in time for Christmas.
NO TURBO REGAL INNER CIRCLE NEXT WEEK -
With Christmas next week, there will be no Inner Circle Wednesday, December 26th, 2012.
The next Inner Circle will be Wednesday, January 2nd, 2013.
In that issue there will be another contest based on the upcoming Barrett-Jackson January 13th-20, 2013 auction. This New Year contest will be based on one of the cars scheduled to be auctioned at the Barrett Jackson Car Auction in Arizona. Stay tuned!
A WORD OF CAUTION ABOUT OTHER BRAKE ACCUMULATOR BOWLS -
We are confident we will soon have our supply of Part #6697 - 1985-1987 Turbo Regal -Reproduction Brake Accumulator Bowls.
Once we do, Cardone will have an ample supply for us at their Philadelphia facility, eliminating delays in the future.
It has come to our attention that some companies may be offering brake accumulator bowls from later-model brake units, specifically ones with the ABS feature.
While other brake accumulators may fit, what we do not know is if the pressure (PSI) is the same and meets the requirements of our 1985-1987 powermaster brake units.
You can be assured that the brake accumulator bowls we offer are correct for your Turbo Regal.
Here is a link to the brake accumulator bowl on our website.
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/318/BRAKE+ACCUMULATOR+BOWL+%236697.html
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 -
Remember, there will NOT be an Inner Circle email next Wednesday, the 26th, the day after Christmas! The Inner Circle will resume again January 2nd, 2013.
Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy Safe New Year!