02-20-2013 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members - 02-20-2013

DEALER PROMOTIONS -

When I was looking through my collection of Turbo Buick related literature I found a flier titled, "TARGET BUICK DEALERS 1987 AUTO SHOW BUICK SALE." It was a special offer that some northern Ohio Buick dealers were offering back in 1987. The special offer ran from 2-23-87 to 3-7-1987, basically 26 years ago next week!

Depending on the Buick model you bought and took delivery on, you would get up to $1,200 cash back! If you filled out the coupon during that time frame, you received either an Auto-Mini-Vac or a 3-in-1 Auto/Home Emergency Light at no charge.

PHOTO 1 - Here are the two sides of this tri-folded flier. The top photo shows the front and back of this flier. The lower photo shows the inside of the flier, which lists the participating 21 northern Ohio Buick dealerships. The small map shows the location of each dealership. I wonder how many of the 21 Buick dealerships are still in operation today?



GM PROTECTION PLAN -

Going by the various brochures I have in my collection, GM offered five different Protection Plans ranging from 36 months/36,000 miles up to 60 months/unlimited miles.

From the receipts I've gotten with the Turbo Regals I've bought over the years, most of the warranty claims in the first year of ownership were related to brake issues, rattles, water leaks, or rough idle. In some cases, all four! Basically, the same issues many of you have today with your Turbo Regal.

The biggest dollar warranty complaint was would be the Buick paint jobs, mostly on the Grand Nationals.

I do recall on some of the paperwork related to rattles, the dealership would actually install the four or six “missing” lower body bushings to help eliminate rattles.

PHOTO 2 - The first photo shows what the owner would peel off and affix to the inside of the quarter window. This was the GM ID label for the Protection Plan and the piece measures 5" x 3". The lower photo shows the 8-1/4" x 3-5/8" piece you would have received with the GM Protection Plan card. You would detach the plastic credit-card-style card from this flier and put in your wallet. In this case, the card was never removed. The VIN number shows that this was for a 1987 Turbo Regal. NOTE - We have blocked out the VIN #, person's name and address.

These are all related items that are nice to have with your car. More of the related literature makes your car more valuable than a similar one that lacks paperwork.

We are fortunate that we are able to get Window Stickers reproduced for most of the Buick models. This is one small investment we recommend you get. Our company handles all of the Buick orders, which we submit to Triple A Enterprises.

For more information on Window Stickers, here is a link on our:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=Window+Sticker&submit_button=



PHOTO 3 - Since we are licensed by Hurst, we had these baseball-style hats done with the famous "Hurst Equipped" logo embroidered onto the front. It has an adjustable velcro strip on the back of this cotton cap. (See Parts Section sent in the emailed Inner Circle members for pricing.)



In last week's Inner Circle (2-13-2013), we made mention of the post office releasing a series of America Muscle car stamps. Our postmaster says these will be available February 22, 2013.

PHOTO 4 - I found my photos of the three cars we've owned that we mentioned last week.

The red one was a 1970 Cuda 440 with a pistol grip 4-speed shifter. It also had the optional endura bumpers.

The green Cuda was the desirable AAR model, which saw limited production and was available in only a few colors. If I recall, it was one of the very few U.S. production cars where the exhaust exited in front of the rear tires.

Last, but not least, was our 1967 GTX Hemi. I remember this photo distinctly since the hood is up. We had taken it to church and then to Sunday dinner at my parents' house. When we went to leave, the car would not start. It turned out to be the magneto had gone bad (upgrade for the distributor,) the only non-stock part on the engine. This car only had 22,000 original miles. Those Hemi cars love very high-octane fuel!

Ironically, we had all 3 of these cars at the same time. I had good luck selling Mopars. I can only imagine what they would be worth today.



THE YEAR 2013 MARKS 50 YEARS -

There are several things marking 50 years this year.

There's an interesting milestone, which is car related and specific to myself. The 1963 Stingray split-window Corvette was introduced, as was the Studebaker Avanti, and the 1963 Buick Rivera. Perhaps more than any of the other models made that year, these three have withstood the test of time with their classic lines.

What kick started our eventual business, came out in the fall of 1963 - the 1964 Pontiac GTO.

It was a sneaky move by Pontiac, stuffing a high-horsepower engine into a Tempest and making the GTO simply an option. That car would later start our mail-order business.

Also, celebrating 50 years this year is Yum Yum donuts. It's an amazing feat for a local donut company, especially when there must be a dozen Dunkin Donuts within a 20-mile range of their store!



NEAT NEW PRODUCT COMING SOON -

It is something unique that we can now offer based on one of your favorite photos. We will have several examples on display at our Open House and should have the information in next week's Inner Circle. Technology has come a long way in recent years.



KIRBAN PERFORMANCE ON YouTube -

We just started to film mini segments of our Turbo Regal parts to post on YouTube. Our goal is to add a few blurbs each week.

We already have several posted; Powermaster Brake System, the new 6 ohm Speakers, Filler Panels, Degreaser Rust Remover, etc.

Let me know if there's something you would like to see filmed and posted - [email protected]

So, be sure to check out the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/user/KirbanPerformance?feature=guide



URGENT REQUEST FOR MASS AIR FLOW SENSORS -

We badly need original AC Delco 1986-1987 Turbo Regal mass air flow sensors as cores to have them be rebuilt. Screens can be missing but housing can't be broken or cracked.

We issue a $25 Letter of Credit for each acceptable sensor you send us. This helps us help others retain their cars keeping them original.



NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -

1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
LINE-LOC BRACKET

Here is a clean method to install a Line-Loc on your 1986-1987 Turbo Regal.

This bracket is made in carbon fiber. Nothing to drill, it simply slips behind the factory power steering reservoir.

If you already have a Line-Loc setup, this bracket is ideal to mount the Line-Loc properly under the hood.

7474 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal - Line-Loc Bracket - $52.95

Here is a link to this Line-Loc Bracket on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44035/LINE-LOC+BRACKET+%23+7474.html



1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
GM LICENSED - Reproduction EMISSION DECAL

GM affixed this decal to the heater box directly above the Harrison AC label (as shown in the second photo.)

This label shows the GM “VEHICLE EMISSION CONTROL INFORMATION and contains the schematic for the emission lines.

Since the cars are now so old, the original may have fallen off, been affixed crooked, or just deteriorated.

The original GM decal is no longer available.

These GM licensed reproduction decal measures 7-7/8" x 1-15/16", is printed in silver on black, and has a self-adhesive backing.

If you are having the engine compartment restored, you would want to replace this emission decal.

A handy way to keep this information at your fingertips!

NOTE - We also offer the 1986-1987 Buick Regal - GM Licensed - Reproduction “HARRISON” Air Conditioner Compressor 5-1/4" x 1-1/4" Decal, Part #7424.

Another great restoration decal.

Our first photo shows the reproduction emission decal, and the second photo shows it’s placement on the heater box.

SHIPPING NOTE - If this is the only item you are purchasing, we can ship it by U.S. Mail for $3. However, you would need to call us (215-766-1611) to order it since our website does not give you the option to ship by U.S. Mail.

7473 - 1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
GM Licensed - Reproduction Emission Decal - $10

Here is a link to this Emission Decal on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44038/GM+LICENSED+Reproduction+EMISSION+DECAL+%23+7473.html



SALE ENDING February 28th for the 6 ohm DELCO SPEAKERS -

Just a few weeks remain to save money on our new 6 ohm rear speaker 4 by 10 speakers. See 2-6-2013 Inner Circle for more details and what Richard Clark says about these speakers.

7469 - 1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
6 ohm Delco Rear Speakers (2) - Retail - $59.95 / pair
SALE PRICE - only $49.95 / pair - Sale ends February 28, 2013 * * * * *

Here is a link to the these 6 ohm Delco Rear Speakers on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44032/6+ohm+DELCO+REAR%E2%80%88SPEAKERS%E2%80%88%282%29+%237469.html



POCI/GTOAA CO-VENTION - DAYTON, OHIO - JULY 9-13, 2013 -

If you are a member of the GTO Association of America or the Pontiac Oakland Club International, you are well aware of the upcoming combined national event held in Dayton, Ohio on July 9th thru 13th, 2013.
This is only the second time in history that both these clubs have combined for their national meet.

This is a huge event. I will be one of the guest speakers at this event, as will Jim Wangers and several others. This is quite an honor for me to be doing a seminar at this national event this summer.



CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS FOR 2013 -

14th ANNUAL TURBO BUICKS AT OLD TOWN - Kissimmee, Florida, Central Florida -
Sunday, February 24th, 2013 - 10 am until 4 pm

Grand National and T-Type Club are putting on their 14th Annual Turbo Buicks event at Old Town charity car show to benefit the charity "New Hope for Kids."

FREE event open to all Turbo Buick powered vehicles, including 1989 Turbo Trans Ams, Hybrid vehicles and V8 GN Conversions. Don't worry if you think your car is not 'show ready', we welcome unfinished project cars, restorations etc. we want to see everything!

NEW THIS YEAR: We ask that show cars bring an automotive or Turbo Buick related item for the charity raffle! Lets work together to make this raffle the best!
* NO judging, NO trophies, just a casual show and shine with a charity raffle at the end of the day for NEW HOPE FOR KIDS!

More info can be found on their website - www.cfgnt.com/oldtown



KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS SPRING OPEN HOUSE - Plumsteadville, PA -
Saturday, April 13th, 2013 -

Our Spring Open House is Saturday, April 13th, 2013 - 9 am until 3 pm - Rain or Shine
Kirban Performance Products, 6201 Kellers Church Road, Plumsteadville, PA 18949

Besides the usual Yum Yum donuts, Kirban humor, used parts, special prices, and M&M contest, we will have a "No Reserve" auction.

As a special treat, our local Buick owners and baker, Russ and Nancy, will be cooking up hot dogs, hamburgers and who knows what else. Many of you have enjoyed their tasty baked treats at our events and they have agreed to expand their delights by cooking up lunch!

So, if you have never attended any of our past Open House events, this is the one to attend. Bring your appetite.

FREE Yum Yum Donuts & Coffee (while supplies last)

FREE LUNCH -
Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Ribs, Sweet Potato Fries, Macaroni 'n Cheese & Goodies - Homemade by Russ and Nancy.

Our newest products will be on display and available for sale.

Be sure to bring any parts you want to trade.

Save 5% on in-stock catalog items - Save shipping on purchases
If you’re planning to come and purchase specific items, call at least one week in advance and have our staff hold them aside for you to be sure we will have what you need that day.

M&M GUESS CONTEST & RAFFLES IN THE AFTERNOON - DOOR PRIZES

VENDORS - PETE HOFFMAN - Paul Castle WORLD OF MOTORWORKS

Dennis Kirban and Pete Hoffman will have used parts for sale. A great opportunity to find some of those hard-to-find restoration items.

KIRBAN’S PERSONAL WHITE TURBO-T WILL BE ON DISPLAY

ZDDPlus™ will be on Sale - Just $7 per bottle when you buy 2 or more!

GENERAL DIRECTIONS - From Willow Grove... North on Route 611, through Warrington, Doylestown and into Plumsteadville (you can take the Rt 611 Bypass that goes around Doylestown - it exits back onto Rt. 611 north of Doylestown). Watch for a shopping center with a McDonald’s on your right. Go past that light at Stump Road and the Plumsteadville Inn. Make your FIRST left at the Shelly Funeral Home onto Kellers Church Road. Ours is the second office complex a short distance down on the right. Our unit is at the back far corner. There’s plenty of parking, since most of the other companies are closed on the weekends.

NOTE - If you are using MapQuest, you may have to use “Pipersville 18947” as the city.

Remember, it happens rain or shine.



BUICK RACE DAY - NORWALK, OHIO - April 26th, thru 28th, 2013 -

The 26th will be at the Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio. The 27th will be an All Buick Show at Arbys in Norwalk, Ohio. Racing will be the 28th at Summit Motorsports Park.

For more info, email - [email protected] or call Roberta Vasilow at 810-655-8277, 7 pm til 10 pm only.

Here is a link for their flyer in this event also pre-entry form.
http://mi-buicks.com/Norw2013.pdf

AND the pre-entry form
http://mi-buicks.com/PREENTry2013.pdf



TURBOBUICK.COM NATIONALS - NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 1st through May 4th, 2013 -

On the 1st and 2nd it will be held at Richard Clark's shop on Faucette Lane in Burlington, NC.

On the 3rd and 4th it will be at the Piedmont Dragway.

Unlike previous events, this event is also open to all G-body cars, including the Monte Carlos, Oldsmobile Cutlasses, and Pontiac Grand Prix. This event is sponsored by Gbodyparts.com.

We will have a flier on this event soon with more details.

We will be at this event, as usual.

Here is the website for up-to-date information - http://turbobuicknationals.com/



GM AT CARLISLE - June 21st thru 23rd, 2013 -
Carlisle Fairgrounds, Carlisle, PA

GM at Carlisle is held at the Carlisle Fairgrounds, celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Turbo Regal.

I have signed on to conduct two seminars on Saturday, June 22nd. One seminar will be on Turbo Regals and the second one will be on Hurst. So, mark your calendar.

Carlisle, as many of you know, puts on some of the largest car shows and swap meets in the USA and has done so for over 25 years. It is centrally located in Pennsylvania, just west of Harrisburg, PA and minutes off the PA Turnpike and Route 81.

Check out their website for more details.

http://www.carlisleevents.com/ce/events/gm-nationals/



BUICK PERFORMANCE GROUP BLOCK PARTY - Hebron, Ohio - August 2nd & 3rd, 2013 -

The 2013 BPG Event will be at National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio, Friday, August 2nd and Saturday August 3rd.

The Host Hotel will be the Newark Metropolitan. For reservations, call the hotel direct - 740-322-6455. Use the code " BUICK 2013" to get special price when booking online.

There will be a Cruise In Thursday and Friday night. The city is blocking off the street in front of Hotel for the Cruise In. There will also be a live band in the parking lot Friday night.

For more information visit their website:

http://www.buickperformancegroup.com/forums/showthread.php?11518-2013-BPG-Event-information
or contact Sean Ryder at [email protected]



EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS - Cecil County Dragway, MD - September 20th & 21st, 2013 -

The East Coast Buick Regionals are held at Cecil County Dragway, Maryland. Saturday, the 21st, features a judged car show for all Buick-powered cars.

For more info, contact Doug Doughtery at 302-653-2201 or email [email protected], John Csordas 914-447-6068, or email [email protected]

The website is - tristategsclub.com



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 -

Do you own a 1997-2002 Pontiac Grand Prix? Or similar W-body car?

If so we have several parts for these cars. Email me and I can provide you with a list [email protected]

Be sure to circle April 13th on your calendar, for our annual Kirban Spring Open House.

NOTE - The 1992 GS Regal (we gave the details about the car in the last two weeks Inner Circles) is still available for sale. You would be hard pressed to find an example like this with just 20,000 original miles.

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