01-10-2018 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 01-10-2018 -

A CHRISTMAS GIFT -

I recently received an unusual Christmas gift from a long-time friend, Greg Davidian. Greg and I have done several Turbo car deals over the years. What makes this gift very unusual is that it is not only Turbo Regal related, but it is also something I had never seen before.

He got it years ago with one of the Grand Nationals he purchased to resell, and saved it. What is very interesting about this item is that it is dated 1992. It was when the Turbo Regals (specifically the Grand Nationals) were not that old and were still basically considered a used car. It reminds me of the GTOs that initially were simply used cars.

Yet this “Show Car Statistics” display says in the very last line of copy, “It’s a highly desirable collectible car.”

This organization was ahead of the times back in 1992 in their opinion that the 1987 Grand National would become very collectible. The chart was made by the American Picture Vehicle Registry located in Hauppauge, NY. Unfortunately, I could not find any current information on this company on the internet.

This chart has a Registry number and a file number for this 1987 Grand National. I can only imagine that the car owner back then sent away to have this made to display with their Grand National at car shows.

What I find strange is the fact in all my years of attending car shows and buying these cars, I have never seen one of these before Greg sent me this as a Christmas gift. Judging by the name of the company, I assume they offered this for any American collector car.

If you have any other info on this company, please email me [email protected] In the meantime, I have added it to my personal collection.

PHOTO 1 - We show this American Picture Vehicle Owner’s Association “Show-Car Statistics” sheet that the Grand National owner must have had framed. It shows the basic specs for the 1987 Grand National along with a listing of some options and footnotes. The format makes it look like a certificate with the decorative border around it.



LATEST UPDATE ON THE SHIFTER HANDLE PROJECT -

We now have production samples of the two parts needed to adapt these later GM shifter handles to the 1984-1987 Regal shifter shafts. We expect to have actual parts by the end of this month. In the meantime, I have been buying up all the used ones I can find. I modify the internals and carefully clean each handle. I then pre-test each handle on an actual shifter, making sure it engages each gear.

What may make these used handles scarce is the fact I am already selling them to other companies that cover the Monte Carlo, Firebird, and Camaro markets. I do not need to modify them to work in those applications. Basically, none of those original GM handles for those GM models are available new from GM anymore! As you can imagine, that market is huge.

So, at this point it appears that we will have 4 different used handles available. Two of the four are very hard to find, so those two will be quite limited.

The two handles that are hard to find would be the handle with the chrome plastic thumb button and the tear drop design that has the release button on the top.

The easiest to find one also is the beefiest one with the longer shaft. That is the most common one I find. The shorter version of that format is also the one I can still get brand new from GM. GM has a limited number of them available.

The new GM handle that I modify is $59.95 and includes the locking ring and trigger spacer. The used handles with the modification done, cleaned, and includes the new locking collar and trigger spacer retail for $29.95.

This is a real bargain to finally have a beefier handle that not only fits nicely in your hand, but you can angle it for a better position. The new handle from GM by itself sells on ebay sells for $55 to $75. Also, since they are all black, they match the interior colors in a Grand National or any Turbo car with a grey interior.

PHOTO 2 - We show all 4 of the used original GM handles that have been cleaned and modified internally. These handles will fit perfectly on any 1978-1987 Regal with a floor shifter and lock securely in place with the aluminum collar included in each kit. The handle on the far left is also identical to the GM handle that I can get brand new. The second from the left is the most popular handle I come across. The tear drop handle is extremely rare to find. The handle on the far right with the chrome thumb button is the rarest one to find. So, currently we have a total of 5 handle options available - the new GM handle and 4 used handles.

In the same photo we show the aluminum ring that slips on the base of the handles and has an allen head set screw that is not visible in the photo. That set screw is designed to screw in from the front of the shifter so it is not visible. Not shown is the trigger spacer that also comes in the kit. That part may or may not be needed depending on the travel distance of your shifter.

The beauty of this is the fact that for under $30, you have a GM shifter handle that looks like it belongs in these cars rather than the wimpy one that Buick used. The new GM handle would be slightly more at $59.95. Either choice, gives you a better handle while letting you keep your original handle in good shape simply using it for car shows.

PHOTO 3 - These 2 photos show the differences between the stock Regal shifter handle and the popular used GM handle that we offer. You can clearly see the vast size difference in these photos. Even the thumb button is bigger and the handle feels more secure in your hand. Plus, there is no locking clip to try to line up blindly to secure the handle to the shifter shaft.

I expect to have actual parts for this project later this month. Next week we will have part numbers in the Inner Circle so you will be able to place an advance order if you want. No payment would be required to reserve the handle of your choice.



1987 BUICK BROCHURES -

Among my collection I found a few extra 1987 Buick brochures. The thick brochure to the left is actually called, “The Buick Book 1987.” It runs 96 pages and covers the entire 1987 Buick model lineup. It shows the Grand National, the new WE4 model and the rare Regal T-Type. The T-Type had the look but lacked the turbo engine, and had a flat hood. It was a marketing ploy to avoid high insurance costs for those wanting the appearance package only.

The Buick brochure in the middle is entitled “How to Buy a Hot Buick (A Simple Matter of Exercising Your Options).” It runs 20 pages in length. It shows the Grand National, various Turbo-T models, as well as the other Buick models that had the T package. On those models, it was mostly an appearance and suspension upgrade. Most of them were produced in such small numbers, they have long disappeared from the highways!

The last brochure is a 4-page brochure put out by Gentex Corporation advertising their new Automatic Glare Control Mirrors. Obviously, from a marketing standpoint they were clever enough to show the Grand National reflection in their new mirror on the cover of their brochure.

PHOTO 4 - We show all 3 original Buick 1987 brochures. The one on the left shows all the various 1987 Buick models. The center Buick brochure shows only the performance Buick models for 1987, which includes the LeSabre T-Type and other T-Type models besides the Turbo Regals. The one on the far right shows the new rear view mirror. Interesting, it shows a Grand National in the reflection. See the Rare Parts section as all 3 of these original Buick brochures are for sale.



GOOD NEWS - PRO-GARD STEERING COLLAR LOCK IS AVAILABLE AGAIN -

Once again, we are able to offer the popular Pro-Gard Steering Collar Lock, part #7007. It will fit all the 1978-1987 Buick Regal models and it does not matter if your car is a column shift or has the floor shift format. The price remains the same at $89.95 plus shipping. This is a must-have item to discourage theft, especially now that our cars keep increasing in value.

Here is a link to this Pro-Gard Steering Collar Lock on our website.



CUSTOM-MADE VINYL BANNERS UPDATE -

Currently we are working with a company that is fully GM licensed for GM banners. They have agreements for all the GM models except Chevrolet and Corvette. They have submitted Turbo Regal Grand National banner samples to GM license department. Watch for word on these custom-made vinyl banners later this month.



GOOD NEWS - WE ARE ACCEPTING CLASSIFIED ADS -

Good news - We now accept Classified Ads in our weekly Inner Circle emails. Over the years several customers have asked about placing an ad in our weekly Inner Circle.

Here are the options and the costs.

Ads can be from any individual or company. It needs to be automotive related, meaning it does not need be specifically Turbo Regal related. It can be for something for sale or something wanted.

Maximum number of words is 125 words, which is about 7 to 9 lines of copy. No photos. You can list a website. We recommend you state your name, phone number or email, a price, and your location in your ad.

The cost for 2 consecutive weeks is $25. The cost for 4 consecutive weeks is $40. You save $10 with the 4-week plan. No changes can be made to your existing running ad. You can only run one ad at any given time. We will have a code system at the end of your ad, so we will know what week number your ad is to run - 2 or 4 weeks.

It can be an ad for something for sale or an ad for something you are looking for.

We have never missed a single week since we started the Inner Circle email format in 2009. It’s something I enjoy doing and I just always seem to have enough material to write about.

Our weekly Inner Circle reaches over 3,200 members every Wednesday direct to their inbox. The Inner Circle also appears every Wednesday on our website with the related photos. Your ad would be visible to both groups of readers. So, the exposure to your ad is well over 3,200 potential buyers.

My Rare Parts section is only viewed by those that subscribe. Subscription is free, so complaints on what I write are nonexistent!

Ads submitted properly by the previous Sunday would appear that next Wednesday in the weekly Inner Circle. Ads must be submitted by email to - [email protected] 

Payment by credit card must be done by phone to our office 215-766-1611 x 0.



THIS WEEK’S CLASSIFIED ADS -

WANTED TO BUY - 1965 or 1967 Buick Skylark GranSport/GS400, will discuss any condition, but it must be a real GranSport/GS, no clones. Possible trade involved. I am in the Cleveland, Ohio area. Call Ken at 440-655-8731. Okay to leave a voice mail, if I don’t pick up. Or email me at [email protected] Week 3 of 4.



FOR SALE - GNX 270 with 31,000 miles on it. All the records, GNX jacket and GNX book are with the car. This is one you can drive and enjoy for just $70 grand. Email me [email protected] and we will forward your info to the seller. GNX is located about 75 miles from us.



FOR SALE - 1994 Pontiac Trans Am Anniversary model, white with blue stripe. Garaged in mint condition and comes with all the documents, etc. Car has a mere 34,000 actual miles. Owner is selling it due to health issues. Price tag is $15,900. Contact me direct [email protected]



FOR SALE - 1978 Corvette Coupe. It has the L82 engine 4-speed format. Car has one repaint with 52,000 original miles. The price tag is $11,900. Health issues forces sale. Contact me direct [email protected]



FOR SALE - Remember, if you are local to us check out the inventory of used vehicles 611 Auto Sales. They are located near us at 8307 Easton Road in Ottsville, PA. Their website is - 611autosalespa.com Most of their cars are priced under $3,995. Mention my name and it may save you a few bucks! They have several one-owner cars to choose from. Their office number is 610-847-0100. Currently they have the 1987 Bronco II for $6,495. A new arrival is a one-owner, no accidents 2005 Passat TDI diesel with 168,000 miles. This is a mint example for $4,000.



NOTE - IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO SEE THE RARE PARTS SECTION -

If you are not able to see the Rare Parts section at the end of this Inner Circle, it is because you are not an Inner Circle member, but instead are reading this on the website. You must subscribe to see the Rare Parts section each week. It would go directly to your inbox every Wednesday afternoon. It is FREE, probably one reason why nobody complains about what I write about. Simply email - [email protected] - to get on our weekly Inner Circle email.



EMAILS TO KIRBAN PERFORMANCE -

NOTE- If you email us and do NOT get a timely reply, be sure to check your “SPAM” folder. Some emails do not go thru.

If you need to email us, use - [email protected]



TIPS AND IDEAS YOU HAVE TRIED -

If you have a tip or a discovery that you found that works on your Turbo Regal, drop us an email giving us the details so we can pass the info on to our readers. Remember, even with my knowledge, I don’t know it all. Simply email me at - [email protected]



TIP FROM KIRBAN -

It’s always best to buy any original NOS GM item when you can, since anything from GM is now quite scarce for our 30-plus-year-old cars. It’s amazing that anything is still available from GM for these cars.



CORES NEEDED -

Here is the information on our credits for cores.

NEED - Stock original AC Delco 1986-1987 Turbo Regal mass air flow sensor cores. Units can’t be cracked or broken. Currently we will issue a Letter of Credit for $40 for each acceptable core.

NEED - Powermaster brake units. The must be complete. We will issue you a Letter of Credit for $125 for each acceptable core. Currently we will also buy them outright.

NEED - 1986-1987 Turbo Regal steering wheels. They must not be bent or rusted. We will issue a $75 Letter of Credit for each acceptable core.

NEED - TURBO CORES must be the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal stock turbo. They must be complete. We will issue you a $150 Letter of Credit for each acceptable core.

If you ship to us, the post office is the cheapest method. Pack the item(s) with a note with your name, address and phone number.

MAIL - Ship to Address -
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
PO BOX 1199
PLUMSTEADVILLE, PA 18949

UPS - Ship to Address -
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
6201 Kellers Church Road
PLUMSTEADVILLE, PA 18949-1199



TECH CALLS -

If you need technical information, it’s best to email - [email protected] - rather than call us. We will do our best to answer any technical questions within 24 hours. Please remember I have very little knowledge of the mechanical workings of the engine.



NEW PRODUCTS FROM US –

1978-1987 REGAL ALL MODELS COLUMN PRO-GARD STEERING COLLAR LOCK –

This part may not be back on our website. The part number is 7007. It has a price of $89.95. Simply call the office direct to order.

SEATBELT RELEASE BLOCK-OFF STAINLESS PLATES (2) KIT

In many cases, the factory plastic seatbelt release mechanism may be broken. It is the plastic lever that triggers the seat belt, which is located in each door jamb.

That seat belt mechanism is no longer available from GM or in the aftermarket.

You can easily remove that mechanism and install this block-off plate. It is made in stainless. If you want, you can polish the plate or paint it to match your car. Since it’s stainless steel, it will not rust.

Each kit comes with new screws and gaskets.

This is another excellent replacement for any interior restoration.

7813 - 1978-1988 Buick Regal (All Models) - Seatbelt Release Block-off Stainless Plates (2) Kit - $17.95

Here is a link to this block-off plates kit on our website.



1978-1988 G-BODY WITH T-TOPS (Including Buick Regal T-Tops Models) -
T-TOPS REPAIR BUSHINGS (2)

Over time, the factory bushing that surrounds the locking pin on the T-Top is probably badly worn or may be totally missing.

This is a new bushing to replace the factory bushing. It’s one improvement to help eliminate possible rattles and water leaks.

Bushings are packaged as a pair.

This is another excellent replacement for any exterior restoration.

7814 - 1978-1988 G-Body with T-Tops (Including Buick Regal T-Tops Models) - T-Tops Repair Bushings (2) - $15.95

Here is a link to these T-Tops repair bushings on our website.



1978-1988 Buick Regal (All Models) -
HOOD LATCH SAFETY CATCH

Over time, the hood latch safety catch may become rusted or bent. This is a steel replacement catch. You will need to paint it.

This is another excellent replacement for any exterior restoration.

7815 - 1978-1988 Buick Regal (All Models) - Hood Latch Safety Catch - $35.95

Here is a link to this hood latch safety catch on our website.



ALWAYS LOOKING FOR IDEAS -

If you have any product ideas that would fit our Turbo Buick market that you would like to see available, email me direct - [email protected]



ALWAYS IN A BUYING POSITION FOR TURBO REGAL PARTS -

Got any Turbo Buick parts you are not using? Why not cash them in for parts you need with a Letter of Credit. Simply email me a list - [email protected]. Also, we are still buying dead or partially dead 1984-1987 Turbo Regals under $4,000 that are within 250 to 350 miles of our location.



NOTE - ABOUT LINKS IN THE INNER CIRCLE -

We have heard from a couple people that have had problems with the links in our Inner Circle.

When we check the links, they work fine. However, if you are not able to be directed to the exact website page or internet site, you can "copy" and "paste" the link into the URL in your browser (such as Safari, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, etc.) If it doesn't link in one browser, it may work in another.

Most people having problems are using Internet Explorer. If you are having issues with links, try another browser to see if it works.

You may need to "UPDATE" your browser to be use you are using the current version.



NOTE ABOUT PHOTOS ON THE WEBSITE -

We have heard from a couple people that have viewed the photos on the website. Because these must be low-resolution photos to work on the Inner Circle segments on the website, any photos of text don't appear clear when enlarged. This is a problem when you are trying to see numbers, such as those on the VIN labels or pages from Options booklet. Also, because of photo reproduction and computer screen variations, the colors may not be true to the actual product or photo.

If you would like to have us email you any photo at the higher resolution for viewing, just email us and we will email them to you. Be sure to be specific on which pictures you want to see - Reference Inner Circle date and photo number 1, 2, 3 or 4 - [email protected]



ABOUT OUR EMAILS -

Any inquiries concerning used parts, you must email me 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

Hopefully this week our area will finally be out of the sub-zero temperatures that have been constant since the day after Christmas! Even our cats have chosen to stay inside!

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