Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 02-20-2019 –
LAST WEEK’S TURBO REGAL TRIVIA QUESTION ANSWERED –
The weekly trivia we started to do is quite a hit among our readers. I am not sure how often I can think up questions to ask.
Last week’s question concerning was name the part in the trunk that has a dual purpose. The most popular wrong answer was the lug wrench. Remember, the answer must match mine. The lug wrench is almost always used to undo the lug nuts and work the jack.
I think we only received 2 correct answers. The correct answer is the black plastic knob used to retain the jack in the trunk. If you look at the exposed side of the black plastic knob, it is slotted. This feature allows you to loosen the 2 wing nuts that secure the jack. That is the part that has a dual purpose.
Interesting enough, no mention of this appears on the trunk directions decal that is affixed to the backside of your trunk lid. In most cases the trunk directions decal was not even affixed in a neat matter. On the actual black plastic knob, it does say “Assist for wing nut removal.” Problem is not every flat tire happens during the daylight hours so you would be able to read the wording on the black plastic knob! Another bit of useless Turbo Regal trivia! It’s obvious that Buick did not put much effort into making the trunk compartment attractive.
The factory thin black carpet is ill fitting at best. The method to secure the jack properly leads to much frustration and is better off not using at all if you expect to keep it properly positioned in your trunk.
It’s sometimes said that at best maybe there is only a handful of Turbo Regal owners besides Richard Clark and myself that can position the jack in the trunk like they did on the assembly line. On almost every bid car we get for this local car dealer I end up having to secure the jack and spare tire properly as they are usually just thrown into the trunk. Your best bet is to update your trunk with the 9-piece trunk kit we sell in either grey or black. Our part numbers are #6510 for the grey one and #7764 for the black one. Both have a price of $184.95 plus shipping. Besides making a vast improvement to your trunk compartment, the kit protects your quarter panels from anything hitting them inside your trunk. This was an option that should have been standard in my opinion.
The grey 9-piece trunk kit was standard in every GNX as part of the GNX option.
PHOTO 1 – We show various angles of the proper install of the jack and spare tire. NOTE - It is missing the cardboard filler panel that would keep the carpet from falling into the wheel well. These photos are from the barn find 1986 Grand National that had been sitting for over a dozen years. Ironically, the jack and spare appears to have never been removed from the trunk! NOTE - The factory original grey valve stem cap on the spare. That is positive proof these cars came with the grey valve stem caps.
SPEAKING OF TRUNKS, JACKS, AND SPARE TIRES –
Years ago, on one of my trips down south to purchase a 1986 T-Type with Pete Serio, we stopped at the fairly new BMW plant for their huge car show. I am not sure if they do this anymore but back then as part of the judging every participant had to remove everything out of the trunk, the spare, the jack, and any attaching hardware.
One can only imagine if Turbo Regal owners had to go through the same procedure to have their car judged at a National level. The frustration level would be enormous when it came time to put the jack and spare back in the trunk the way Buick did on the assembly line!
IN CASE YOU’RE WONDERING –
In case you’re wondering, the optional 9-piece trunk trim covering was code B48 and was a $47 option from 1984 through 1987 model years. A bargain back then when compared to what you ended up with if you did not spend the additional $47. Most cars today come standard with fully carpeted finished trunk compartments and, in some cases, even the trunk hinges are covered.
HERE IS THE NEXT BUICK TURBO REGAL TRIVIA QUESTION –
Here is the next Buick Turbo Regal Trivia question.
On every 1986-1987 Turbo Regal Grand National model the power six emblems appear on various parts of the car and in various formats. Of the various uses of the power six emblems on the car, what one thing stands out as a mistake?
Remember, your answer must match mine. Email me your guess - [email protected]
ID PLATE ON EVERY GM CAR UPDATE –
Another critical ID plate that can be found on every GM car is the metal plate located up on the cowl on the driver side. GM calls it a Body Number Plate. Your driver’s wiper arm would cross over it. Unlike the paper decals found on the driver’s door that can fade or get painted over, this metal plate should not have any of those possible issues since it’s metal and is tucked out of the way. On the 1984-1987 Regal models the Body Number Plate is attached with 2 very small screws. On many of the older cars this Body Number Plate is riveted to the firewall.
Of major importance to every GNX owner is that this plate would be stamped somewhere on it “GNX.” As values of the GNX continue to rise, you can easily see the temptation to make a clone GNX. Similar to what has happened over the years for other special models like the Yenko Camaros and the Pontiac GTOs, just to name two other examples.
NOTE - It has been brought to my attention by several GNX owners that not all GNXs got the GNX stamping on the Body Number Plate. Since the GNX project was rushed due to time restraints and the total grew from 200 and eventually 547, some GNXs did not get this stamping. We will never really know how many did and did not get the stamping. You seldom see more than 5 or 6 GNX's at any one car show event that you could check plates.
I know even back when I was buying real GNXs I was very careful to check all the VIN locations to be certain I was indeed buying a real GNX. I did not want to be accused of selling a possible phony GNX. One GNX that raised an alarm with me was a GNX advertised in a Philadelphia newspaper. The car had our reproduction GNX wheels on it, which lacked the proper offset on a real GNX because of the factory flares. The wheels looked like they were tucked way inward.
Adding to my concerns is that other people had looked at the car prior to me and passed on buying it. The car sat at a fairly-inexpensive house and the owner’s other car was a regular compact older car. The entire surrounding raised concerns to me as to whether this was a real GNX. The seller lacked the jacket, window sticker, and GNX book. He also did not appear to know much about the car.
However, with all the doubts I had, everything else checked out. The VIN numbers on the engine and transmission matched the VIN on the car. The suspension and everything else was dead on correct. Even the metal plate on the firewall had the GNX letters. I figured at some point maybe the wheels simply got stolen.
Having determined that it was indeed a real GNX I bought it. I sold it as a real GNX. Again, this was probably almost 15 years ago or longer when real GNXs were in the $60 to $80 grand range. Today, with GNX values sky rocketing you would have to be more cautious if you had any doubts unless the GNX was a real bargain.
PHOTO 2 – Here is a photo showing the metal ID plate on a typical 1986 Grand National. Although not visible in this photo, one code is AR9 for bucket seats. AR9 would be a very popular code since the code referred to bucket seats. The critical code on this metal plate determines the month and year of production. It is the first series of codes on the top line. This is critical if your paper decal on the door jamb is no longer readable. Christina knows how to decode this in order for you to get new production decals for the door.
The top line of copy on the Body Number Plate is probably the most important line since it starts off with the year and time the vehicle was built. The Body Number Plate however, does not contain the actual VIN number. It does indicate roof options such as T-Tops or Astroroof. It also includes the paint code or codes if it is a Designer series (two tone). It also lists the paint type such as lacquer or enamel.
To understand more of the Body Number Plate, you need to purchase a GM Body Service Manual for the specific year Turbo Regal you have. Each year covers the GM cars that were being produced in that given year. These Service Manuals are generally not very expensive, but are worth having so you can learn more about the car.
We will go into more detail in future Inner Circle emails. The Body Trim Plate info is simply the first section of each of the Service Manuals for the years 1984 through 1987 that I have in my personal collection. Remember, I don’t know all about these cars, but in most cases I do have the backup information to find the right answers!
PHOTO 3 – The photo show the 1984, 1985, 1986 and 1987 GM Service Manuals (from left to right). You can usually find these for sale on the internet. Generally, these manuals are priced very reasonable and contain a wealth of information relating to all of the parts related to the body.
SPEAKING OF GNXS –
A real 8-mile GNX sold for a cool $200 grand last week. Someone got a good return on their investment although the fun factor of driving it never materialized. My guess is this GNX currently holds the record for highest amount paid.
Here is the link to this 8-mile GNX.
I probably hold the record for the lowest amount ever paid for a 100% original high-mileage GNX that ran and drove that I paid ten grand for.
PORTABLE CAR SIRIUS/XM SATELLITE RADIO –
I have this portable car Sirius/XM satellite radio for sale that I no longer use. The ID code is on the back of the unit which you would call into Sirius/XM to activate the module. The unit is very compact and plugs into any cigarette lighter and you simply place the antenna lead up on the inside dash board to pick up the signal. Turn the FM dial to the proper FM station and you have satellite radio available for any of the older cars giving you commercial-free radio. You can easily transport it from car to car paying for just the one module while retaining your factory original radio in the car.
PHOTO 4 – The photo on the left shows the portable compact SIRIUS/XM Satellite radio we have for sale under the Rare Parts section.
VARIOUS 1986-1987 TURBO REGAL FACTORY SENSOR CONNECTORS –
This was part of a connector kit we used to sell. All these factory sensor ends came from Caspers Electronics. We have just 8 sets available. This kit basically includes ones for the popular various sensors under the hood of the 1986-1987 Turbo Regals. An inexpensive way to have spares on hand. In some cases, heat and age may have broken some of the tabs on your factory connectors.
PHOTO 4 –The photo on the right shows the complete sensor connectors we have available under Rare Parts as a kit. The kit includes the unique coil module connector as well. We have just 8 of these kits available. See the Rare Parts section for prices. Remember, you must be a subscriber to see the weekly Rare Parts section.
“BYE” T-SHIRT UPDATE –
We heard from Paul Vilser last week about the design he did for us on the “BYE” T-shirt. He said back then the new Dodge Neon car had the word “HI” above the front of the car in their TV commercials and printed ads. That gave Paul the idea to use the single word “BYE” above the back end of the Turbo Regal on the T-shirt design he did for us back in the early 1990s. Course the Neon was short lived while the Turbo Regal gains value each year. Don’t feel sorry for Dodge as they have a string of performance cars in the market place based on the Hemi powerplant.
FORD MOTOR COMPANY MARKETING IDEA –
I saw a recent TV ad where Ford was promoting the Lincoln car line and the connection with President Lincoln one of the well-known American Presidents. This is a clever idea to making the connection with President Lincoln and the Lincoln Motor Company.
It made me think of another American history figure that really does have a tie in with the Ford Motor Company and I think would make a great ad promoting their Mustang Cobra models. The Henry Ford Museum has in its collection a letter reportedly hand written by Clyde (of Bonnie and Clyde fame) and how Clyde would always seek out the Ford V8 cars for their getaway. Clyde states in the hand-written letter to Henry Ford “…even if my business hasen’t been strickly legal it don’t hurt enything to tell you what a fine car you got in the V8.” Clyde did spell several words wrong in his letter. Remember, Clyde was a criminal not a spelling bee champion. The new V8 Fords would easily outrun the six cylinder Chevrolet police pursuit cars. The letter is hand written and signed by Clyde Champion Barrow. In the early 1930s the Ford introduced the V8 and the rest, as they say, is history.
I think Ford is missing a golden opportunity to use this tidbit of American History in a Cobra Mustang ad in the future. I remember seeing the movie Bonnie & Clyde in 1967 in Vietnam. The movie starred Warren Beatty, Gene Hackman, and Faye Dunaway.
While Bonnie and Clyde are not exactly good role models, they did make their mark in criminal history and thrived on the PR they received in the newspapers at the time.
NEXT YEAR MARKS 55 YEARS –
Next year marks 55 years since I graduated from High School. The classmates that run the annual events are already trying to determine how many people can make it for the 55th Reunion. Our graduating class in 1965 had fewer than 100 students. At the 55th year anniversary mark it may only require a few tables set aside at a local McDonalds to hold the reunion!
STILL AVAILABLE FOR SALE - 2013 INFINITI G37X MODEL -
The local country dealership I work with and have a sales license with has this extremely nice car for sale. Car is a rare combination of black exterior with matching black leather. It is a G37X model with all-wheel drive and navigation.
The actual miles is 54,800 and it’s been garaged. Zero accidents, a very elegant looking sedan that is quite powerful, non-smoker car. The price is $14,995. Email me [email protected] - for photos. The lot is located about 10 minutes from our warehouse in nearby Ottsville, PA. Contact Laura at 267-679-0610 or Don at 215-801-1859 for more details and availability.
CARSMARTS RADIO IS ON THE AIR AND ON THE WEB! –
Turbo V6 enthusiast Steve Saffier (who produced “The Dennis Kirban Story” on YouTube last year) is producer and host of a new automotive radio program broadcasting live every Saturday from 11am – 12 noon on 610 ESPN radio (the old WIP 610 am for those in the area.) The show talks about different aspects of the car world and Steve’s affinity for Turbo Regals and Syclone/Typhoons often is expressed in nearly every show.
You can tune in live or livestream the show at http://www.610espn.com from anywhere in the world. See http://www/carsmartsradio.com for updates on future shows.
2019 TURBO BUICK RELATED CAR SHOWS EVENTS -
To get your Turbo Regal event for 2019 listed here, you must email me direct [email protected] Also send me a copy of the flyer promoting the event.
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS - SPRING OPEN HOUSE –
In a few weeks, we will announce the date for our Spring Kirban Open House. The delay is because currently our landlord is making upgrades inside our building during the weekends. He is installing a kitchenette upstairs and redoing the kitchen area on the ground floor too. He is also installing all new LED lighting in the warehouse.
We are the only Turbo Regal vendor to have an Open House every single year since 1988!
BATES NUT FARM BUICK SHOW - JUNE 2, 2019 - 9 am until 3 pm –
Bates Nut Farm, Valley Center, CA
According to Mike Bernard (Spoolfool fame), this event is the second largest gathering of Turbo Buicks in the Nation. Eric Brown and Mike Bernard deserve a lot of credit for putting this west coast event on every year. The event runs from 9 am until 3 pm. Vendors will be on hand and they will have many items for their raffles. They will update the info shortly for 2019 on the link shown below.
Here is a link to their website.
RELATED NON-BUICK PARTS - FOR SALE –
I have several items for sale this first week. In each case the price includes shipping to the basic 48 states. Perhaps you have a relative or a good friend with one of these cars. All these items are extremely nice and priced to sell. Again, PayPal is the preferred method of payment. You must email me direct - [email protected] to purchase or check if item(s) are still available. All these items are bargain priced and extremely nice otherwise I would not bother hauling them out of the junkyard.
C-2 – See photo 4 in 11-07-2018 issue. I have 4 of these Cadillac accessory trunk mats. I have them in the trunk of all our cars and use them in the pole building to keep any leaks from getting on the concrete floor. These trunk mats were a Cadillac option around the late 1980s. The mat is reversible rubber on the one side with the Caddy crest logo and grey cloth material on the other side. The trunk mat measures 33 inches by 36 inches, almost a perfect square. Mat is the perfect size for most trunks to protect your original trunk carpet. They are charcoal grey in color. Each one is almost like new with no stains. The price is just $34.95, which includes shipping to the basic 48 states. These mats are very high quality.
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 3,300 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.
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.
FOR SALE - 1986 Buick Grand National HARDTOP
1986 Buick Grand National HARDTOP - 1 owner with 72k original NOTARIZED miles. very rare car… didn’t make that many 86s... needs light restoration and some components put back on… interior in great shape and car looks awfully straight mostly original paint… all there except fact rims THIS CAR DESERVES TO BE RESTORED. Priced right at $6900 firm. Car located PA… I have a set of GN rims that can be purchased separately from my brother for $500 either put back together and drive as is... or restore to former glory… or turn into a heck of a race car you decide… Mr Dennis Kirban can assist with the sale… call GREGG GLENN 732-406-6285 or talk DIRECTLY to Dennis, email – [email protected]
NOTE - IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO SEE THE BUICK RARE PARTS SECTION -
If you are not able to see the Buick 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.
The Buick Rare Parts section is only viewed by those that subscribe. Subscription is free, so complaints on what I write are nonexistent!
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 there are any tips or ideas you want to share with our readers, email me –[email protected]
TIP FROM KIRBAN –
Ideally, if you need to replace your factory headliner, that is the perfect time to consider updating your rearview mirror to the later GM lighted rearview mirror that we sell. This GM factory option, although not offered in the 1984-1987 Regals, is a nice upgrade and easy to do since you need to splice the wire into your factory ceiling interior light. Easy to accomplish when you are replacing your factory headliner. Our part number is #7708.
CORES NEEDED -
Here is the information on our credits for cores.
URGENT NEED –
POWERMASTER BRAKE UNITS. Unit must be complete. We will issue you a Letter of Credit for $150 for each acceptable core. We currently will not buy any powermaster units outright, only Letter of Credit towards parts.
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. These are the only 2 items we are currently accepting as cores.
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 –
REPRODUCTION GM LICENSED - 1987 BUICK OWNER’S MANUAL
A must-have reference booklet for any 1987 Turbo Regal owner. This is a high-quality GM Licensed reproduction of the original Owner’s Manual.
This is a great addition to your reference material.
7843 - Reproduction GM Licensed 1987 Buick Owner’s Manual - $19.95
1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
POWER ANTENNA HARDWARE (4 Nuts & 4 Bolts) KIT
NOTE - This kit is included if you purchase the Power Antenna Upgraded Steel Cable Repair Kit, part #7433.
You only need this kit if you do NOT purchase the upgraded steel cable repair kit and plan to replace the cable not using our kit, part #7433.
This kit comes with directions and the proper hardware to reassemble the power antenna housing.
It eliminates the need to hunt down the hardware to reassemble the power antenna motor assembly.
Step-by-step directions are included to make it easy to install.
We also recommend you purchase the "1984-1987 Turbo Regal Power Antenna Removal and Installation Guide" Book by Pete Serio, part #6976. The location of the original power antenna on the passenger fender makes removal a more difficult project than most locations. Or purchase the 1984-1987 Buck Turbo Regal Power Antenna Upgraded Steel Cable Repair Kit, part #7433, which includes this hardware kit.
NOTE - You may also be interested in these related parts - #7702 Rebuild Service for Original Power Antenna.
NOTE - We recommend you also purchase our Part #6976 - “1984-1987 Turbo Regal - Power Antenna Removal and Installation Guide” Book by Pete Serio
7433-Kit - 1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Power Antenna Hardware (4 Nuts & 4 Bolts) Kit - $4.95 / kit
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. We also may buy your new or used parts. 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 – We have several rebuilt powermaster brake units currently in stock for immediate delivery.
LAST WEEK’S TURBO REGAL TRIVIA QUESTION ANSWERED –
The weekly trivia we started to do is quite a hit among our readers. I am not sure how often I can think up questions to ask.
Last week’s question concerning was name the part in the trunk that has a dual purpose. The most popular wrong answer was the lug wrench. Remember, the answer must match mine. The lug wrench is almost always used to undo the lug nuts and work the jack.
I think we only received 2 correct answers. The correct answer is the black plastic knob used to retain the jack in the trunk. If you look at the exposed side of the black plastic knob, it is slotted. This feature allows you to loosen the 2 wing nuts that secure the jack. That is the part that has a dual purpose.
Interesting enough, no mention of this appears on the trunk directions decal that is affixed to the backside of your trunk lid. In most cases the trunk directions decal was not even affixed in a neat matter. On the actual black plastic knob, it does say “Assist for wing nut removal.” Problem is not every flat tire happens during the daylight hours so you would be able to read the wording on the black plastic knob! Another bit of useless Turbo Regal trivia! It’s obvious that Buick did not put much effort into making the trunk compartment attractive.
The factory thin black carpet is ill fitting at best. The method to secure the jack properly leads to much frustration and is better off not using at all if you expect to keep it properly positioned in your trunk.
It’s sometimes said that at best maybe there is only a handful of Turbo Regal owners besides Richard Clark and myself that can position the jack in the trunk like they did on the assembly line. On almost every bid car we get for this local car dealer I end up having to secure the jack and spare tire properly as they are usually just thrown into the trunk. Your best bet is to update your trunk with the 9-piece trunk kit we sell in either grey or black. Our part numbers are #6510 for the grey one and #7764 for the black one. Both have a price of $184.95 plus shipping. Besides making a vast improvement to your trunk compartment, the kit protects your quarter panels from anything hitting them inside your trunk. This was an option that should have been standard in my opinion.
The grey 9-piece trunk kit was standard in every GNX as part of the GNX option.
PHOTO 1 – We show various angles of the proper install of the jack and spare tire. NOTE - It is missing the cardboard filler panel that would keep the carpet from falling into the wheel well. These photos are from the barn find 1986 Grand National that had been sitting for over a dozen years. Ironically, the jack and spare appears to have never been removed from the trunk! NOTE - The factory original grey valve stem cap on the spare. That is positive proof these cars came with the grey valve stem caps.
SPEAKING OF TRUNKS, JACKS, AND SPARE TIRES –
Years ago, on one of my trips down south to purchase a 1986 T-Type with Pete Serio, we stopped at the fairly new BMW plant for their huge car show. I am not sure if they do this anymore but back then as part of the judging every participant had to remove everything out of the trunk, the spare, the jack, and any attaching hardware.
One can only imagine if Turbo Regal owners had to go through the same procedure to have their car judged at a National level. The frustration level would be enormous when it came time to put the jack and spare back in the trunk the way Buick did on the assembly line!
IN CASE YOU’RE WONDERING –
In case you’re wondering, the optional 9-piece trunk trim covering was code B48 and was a $47 option from 1984 through 1987 model years. A bargain back then when compared to what you ended up with if you did not spend the additional $47. Most cars today come standard with fully carpeted finished trunk compartments and, in some cases, even the trunk hinges are covered.
HERE IS THE NEXT BUICK TURBO REGAL TRIVIA QUESTION –
Here is the next Buick Turbo Regal Trivia question.
On every 1986-1987 Turbo Regal Grand National model the power six emblems appear on various parts of the car and in various formats. Of the various uses of the power six emblems on the car, what one thing stands out as a mistake?
Remember, your answer must match mine. Email me your guess - [email protected]
ID PLATE ON EVERY GM CAR UPDATE –
Another critical ID plate that can be found on every GM car is the metal plate located up on the cowl on the driver side. GM calls it a Body Number Plate. Your driver’s wiper arm would cross over it. Unlike the paper decals found on the driver’s door that can fade or get painted over, this metal plate should not have any of those possible issues since it’s metal and is tucked out of the way. On the 1984-1987 Regal models the Body Number Plate is attached with 2 very small screws. On many of the older cars this Body Number Plate is riveted to the firewall.
Of major importance to every GNX owner is that this plate would be stamped somewhere on it “GNX.” As values of the GNX continue to rise, you can easily see the temptation to make a clone GNX. Similar to what has happened over the years for other special models like the Yenko Camaros and the Pontiac GTOs, just to name two other examples.
NOTE - It has been brought to my attention by several GNX owners that not all GNXs got the GNX stamping on the Body Number Plate. Since the GNX project was rushed due to time restraints and the total grew from 200 and eventually 547, some GNXs did not get this stamping. We will never really know how many did and did not get the stamping. You seldom see more than 5 or 6 GNX's at any one car show event that you could check plates.
I know even back when I was buying real GNXs I was very careful to check all the VIN locations to be certain I was indeed buying a real GNX. I did not want to be accused of selling a possible phony GNX. One GNX that raised an alarm with me was a GNX advertised in a Philadelphia newspaper. The car had our reproduction GNX wheels on it, which lacked the proper offset on a real GNX because of the factory flares. The wheels looked like they were tucked way inward.
Adding to my concerns is that other people had looked at the car prior to me and passed on buying it. The car sat at a fairly-inexpensive house and the owner’s other car was a regular compact older car. The entire surrounding raised concerns to me as to whether this was a real GNX. The seller lacked the jacket, window sticker, and GNX book. He also did not appear to know much about the car.
However, with all the doubts I had, everything else checked out. The VIN numbers on the engine and transmission matched the VIN on the car. The suspension and everything else was dead on correct. Even the metal plate on the firewall had the GNX letters. I figured at some point maybe the wheels simply got stolen.
Having determined that it was indeed a real GNX I bought it. I sold it as a real GNX. Again, this was probably almost 15 years ago or longer when real GNXs were in the $60 to $80 grand range. Today, with GNX values sky rocketing you would have to be more cautious if you had any doubts unless the GNX was a real bargain.
PHOTO 2 – Here is a photo showing the metal ID plate on a typical 1986 Grand National. Although not visible in this photo, one code is AR9 for bucket seats. AR9 would be a very popular code since the code referred to bucket seats. The critical code on this metal plate determines the month and year of production. It is the first series of codes on the top line. This is critical if your paper decal on the door jamb is no longer readable. Christina knows how to decode this in order for you to get new production decals for the door.
The top line of copy on the Body Number Plate is probably the most important line since it starts off with the year and time the vehicle was built. The Body Number Plate however, does not contain the actual VIN number. It does indicate roof options such as T-Tops or Astroroof. It also includes the paint code or codes if it is a Designer series (two tone). It also lists the paint type such as lacquer or enamel.
To understand more of the Body Number Plate, you need to purchase a GM Body Service Manual for the specific year Turbo Regal you have. Each year covers the GM cars that were being produced in that given year. These Service Manuals are generally not very expensive, but are worth having so you can learn more about the car.
We will go into more detail in future Inner Circle emails. The Body Trim Plate info is simply the first section of each of the Service Manuals for the years 1984 through 1987 that I have in my personal collection. Remember, I don’t know all about these cars, but in most cases I do have the backup information to find the right answers!
PHOTO 3 – The photo show the 1984, 1985, 1986 and 1987 GM Service Manuals (from left to right). You can usually find these for sale on the internet. Generally, these manuals are priced very reasonable and contain a wealth of information relating to all of the parts related to the body.
SPEAKING OF GNXS –
A real 8-mile GNX sold for a cool $200 grand last week. Someone got a good return on their investment although the fun factor of driving it never materialized. My guess is this GNX currently holds the record for highest amount paid.
Here is the link to this 8-mile GNX.
I probably hold the record for the lowest amount ever paid for a 100% original high-mileage GNX that ran and drove that I paid ten grand for.
PORTABLE CAR SIRIUS/XM SATELLITE RADIO –
I have this portable car Sirius/XM satellite radio for sale that I no longer use. The ID code is on the back of the unit which you would call into Sirius/XM to activate the module. The unit is very compact and plugs into any cigarette lighter and you simply place the antenna lead up on the inside dash board to pick up the signal. Turn the FM dial to the proper FM station and you have satellite radio available for any of the older cars giving you commercial-free radio. You can easily transport it from car to car paying for just the one module while retaining your factory original radio in the car.
PHOTO 4 – The photo on the left shows the portable compact SIRIUS/XM Satellite radio we have for sale under the Rare Parts section.
VARIOUS 1986-1987 TURBO REGAL FACTORY SENSOR CONNECTORS –
This was part of a connector kit we used to sell. All these factory sensor ends came from Caspers Electronics. We have just 8 sets available. This kit basically includes ones for the popular various sensors under the hood of the 1986-1987 Turbo Regals. An inexpensive way to have spares on hand. In some cases, heat and age may have broken some of the tabs on your factory connectors.
PHOTO 4 –The photo on the right shows the complete sensor connectors we have available under Rare Parts as a kit. The kit includes the unique coil module connector as well. We have just 8 of these kits available. See the Rare Parts section for prices. Remember, you must be a subscriber to see the weekly Rare Parts section.
“BYE” T-SHIRT UPDATE –
We heard from Paul Vilser last week about the design he did for us on the “BYE” T-shirt. He said back then the new Dodge Neon car had the word “HI” above the front of the car in their TV commercials and printed ads. That gave Paul the idea to use the single word “BYE” above the back end of the Turbo Regal on the T-shirt design he did for us back in the early 1990s. Course the Neon was short lived while the Turbo Regal gains value each year. Don’t feel sorry for Dodge as they have a string of performance cars in the market place based on the Hemi powerplant.
FORD MOTOR COMPANY MARKETING IDEA –
I saw a recent TV ad where Ford was promoting the Lincoln car line and the connection with President Lincoln one of the well-known American Presidents. This is a clever idea to making the connection with President Lincoln and the Lincoln Motor Company.
It made me think of another American history figure that really does have a tie in with the Ford Motor Company and I think would make a great ad promoting their Mustang Cobra models. The Henry Ford Museum has in its collection a letter reportedly hand written by Clyde (of Bonnie and Clyde fame) and how Clyde would always seek out the Ford V8 cars for their getaway. Clyde states in the hand-written letter to Henry Ford “…even if my business hasen’t been strickly legal it don’t hurt enything to tell you what a fine car you got in the V8.” Clyde did spell several words wrong in his letter. Remember, Clyde was a criminal not a spelling bee champion. The new V8 Fords would easily outrun the six cylinder Chevrolet police pursuit cars. The letter is hand written and signed by Clyde Champion Barrow. In the early 1930s the Ford introduced the V8 and the rest, as they say, is history.
I think Ford is missing a golden opportunity to use this tidbit of American History in a Cobra Mustang ad in the future. I remember seeing the movie Bonnie & Clyde in 1967 in Vietnam. The movie starred Warren Beatty, Gene Hackman, and Faye Dunaway.
While Bonnie and Clyde are not exactly good role models, they did make their mark in criminal history and thrived on the PR they received in the newspapers at the time.
NEXT YEAR MARKS 55 YEARS –
Next year marks 55 years since I graduated from High School. The classmates that run the annual events are already trying to determine how many people can make it for the 55th Reunion. Our graduating class in 1965 had fewer than 100 students. At the 55th year anniversary mark it may only require a few tables set aside at a local McDonalds to hold the reunion!
STILL AVAILABLE FOR SALE - 2013 INFINITI G37X MODEL -
The local country dealership I work with and have a sales license with has this extremely nice car for sale. Car is a rare combination of black exterior with matching black leather. It is a G37X model with all-wheel drive and navigation.
The actual miles is 54,800 and it’s been garaged. Zero accidents, a very elegant looking sedan that is quite powerful, non-smoker car. The price is $14,995. Email me [email protected] - for photos. The lot is located about 10 minutes from our warehouse in nearby Ottsville, PA. Contact Laura at 267-679-0610 or Don at 215-801-1859 for more details and availability.
CARSMARTS RADIO IS ON THE AIR AND ON THE WEB! –
Turbo V6 enthusiast Steve Saffier (who produced “The Dennis Kirban Story” on YouTube last year) is producer and host of a new automotive radio program broadcasting live every Saturday from 11am – 12 noon on 610 ESPN radio (the old WIP 610 am for those in the area.) The show talks about different aspects of the car world and Steve’s affinity for Turbo Regals and Syclone/Typhoons often is expressed in nearly every show.
You can tune in live or livestream the show at http://www.610espn.com from anywhere in the world. See http://www/carsmartsradio.com for updates on future shows.
2019 TURBO BUICK RELATED CAR SHOWS EVENTS -
To get your Turbo Regal event for 2019 listed here, you must email me direct [email protected] Also send me a copy of the flyer promoting the event.
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS - SPRING OPEN HOUSE –
In a few weeks, we will announce the date for our Spring Kirban Open House. The delay is because currently our landlord is making upgrades inside our building during the weekends. He is installing a kitchenette upstairs and redoing the kitchen area on the ground floor too. He is also installing all new LED lighting in the warehouse.
We are the only Turbo Regal vendor to have an Open House every single year since 1988!
BATES NUT FARM BUICK SHOW - JUNE 2, 2019 - 9 am until 3 pm –
Bates Nut Farm, Valley Center, CA
According to Mike Bernard (Spoolfool fame), this event is the second largest gathering of Turbo Buicks in the Nation. Eric Brown and Mike Bernard deserve a lot of credit for putting this west coast event on every year. The event runs from 9 am until 3 pm. Vendors will be on hand and they will have many items for their raffles. They will update the info shortly for 2019 on the link shown below.
Here is a link to their website.
RELATED NON-BUICK PARTS - FOR SALE –
I have several items for sale this first week. In each case the price includes shipping to the basic 48 states. Perhaps you have a relative or a good friend with one of these cars. All these items are extremely nice and priced to sell. Again, PayPal is the preferred method of payment. You must email me direct - [email protected] to purchase or check if item(s) are still available. All these items are bargain priced and extremely nice otherwise I would not bother hauling them out of the junkyard.
C-2 – See photo 4 in 11-07-2018 issue. I have 4 of these Cadillac accessory trunk mats. I have them in the trunk of all our cars and use them in the pole building to keep any leaks from getting on the concrete floor. These trunk mats were a Cadillac option around the late 1980s. The mat is reversible rubber on the one side with the Caddy crest logo and grey cloth material on the other side. The trunk mat measures 33 inches by 36 inches, almost a perfect square. Mat is the perfect size for most trunks to protect your original trunk carpet. They are charcoal grey in color. Each one is almost like new with no stains. The price is just $34.95, which includes shipping to the basic 48 states. These mats are very high quality.
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 3,300 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.
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.
FOR SALE - 1986 Buick Grand National HARDTOP
1986 Buick Grand National HARDTOP - 1 owner with 72k original NOTARIZED miles. very rare car… didn’t make that many 86s... needs light restoration and some components put back on… interior in great shape and car looks awfully straight mostly original paint… all there except fact rims THIS CAR DESERVES TO BE RESTORED. Priced right at $6900 firm. Car located PA… I have a set of GN rims that can be purchased separately from my brother for $500 either put back together and drive as is... or restore to former glory… or turn into a heck of a race car you decide… Mr Dennis Kirban can assist with the sale… call GREGG GLENN 732-406-6285 or talk DIRECTLY to Dennis, email – [email protected]
NOTE - IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO SEE THE BUICK RARE PARTS SECTION -
If you are not able to see the Buick 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.
The Buick Rare Parts section is only viewed by those that subscribe. Subscription is free, so complaints on what I write are nonexistent!
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 there are any tips or ideas you want to share with our readers, email me –[email protected]
TIP FROM KIRBAN –
Ideally, if you need to replace your factory headliner, that is the perfect time to consider updating your rearview mirror to the later GM lighted rearview mirror that we sell. This GM factory option, although not offered in the 1984-1987 Regals, is a nice upgrade and easy to do since you need to splice the wire into your factory ceiling interior light. Easy to accomplish when you are replacing your factory headliner. Our part number is #7708.
CORES NEEDED -
Here is the information on our credits for cores.
URGENT NEED –
POWERMASTER BRAKE UNITS. Unit must be complete. We will issue you a Letter of Credit for $150 for each acceptable core. We currently will not buy any powermaster units outright, only Letter of Credit towards parts.
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. These are the only 2 items we are currently accepting as cores.
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 –
REPRODUCTION GM LICENSED - 1987 BUICK OWNER’S MANUAL
A must-have reference booklet for any 1987 Turbo Regal owner. This is a high-quality GM Licensed reproduction of the original Owner’s Manual.
This is a great addition to your reference material.
7843 - Reproduction GM Licensed 1987 Buick Owner’s Manual - $19.95
1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
POWER ANTENNA HARDWARE (4 Nuts & 4 Bolts) KIT
NOTE - This kit is included if you purchase the Power Antenna Upgraded Steel Cable Repair Kit, part #7433.
You only need this kit if you do NOT purchase the upgraded steel cable repair kit and plan to replace the cable not using our kit, part #7433.
This kit comes with directions and the proper hardware to reassemble the power antenna housing.
It eliminates the need to hunt down the hardware to reassemble the power antenna motor assembly.
Step-by-step directions are included to make it easy to install.
We also recommend you purchase the "1984-1987 Turbo Regal Power Antenna Removal and Installation Guide" Book by Pete Serio, part #6976. The location of the original power antenna on the passenger fender makes removal a more difficult project than most locations. Or purchase the 1984-1987 Buck Turbo Regal Power Antenna Upgraded Steel Cable Repair Kit, part #7433, which includes this hardware kit.
NOTE - You may also be interested in these related parts - #7702 Rebuild Service for Original Power Antenna.
NOTE - We recommend you also purchase our Part #6976 - “1984-1987 Turbo Regal - Power Antenna Removal and Installation Guide” Book by Pete Serio
7433-Kit - 1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Power Antenna Hardware (4 Nuts & 4 Bolts) Kit - $4.95 / kit
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. We also may buy your new or used parts. 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 – We have several rebuilt powermaster brake units currently in stock for immediate delivery.