02-22-2012 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members - 02-22-2012

NEW HIGH-QUALITY REPRODUCTION T-TOPS SEALS KIT -

We now offer a complete set of the 6 pieces needed for the replacement T-Top seals on any 1984-1987 Regal including the Turbo models.

1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models including Turbo Regals) -
REPRODUCTION T-TOPS WEATHERSTRIP SEALS (6) KITS

GM discontinued all of the factory 1984-1987 Regals T-Tops weatherstripping several years ago. After much research and trial fitting, we now buy from a source that actually was a GM supplier.

We offer the entire kit, which is comprised of six weatherstrip seals.

Kit includes the two main body seals that surround the T-Top openings. These run from the front pillar post around the entire T-Top opening frame, and down the backside of the door jamb area. These would be the largest ones in the kit.

The two straight seals in this kit each attach to the actual T-Top glass lift-off panel.

The last two seals are called the "anti-rattle" weatherstrips. These attach to the actual metal frame area, so when you place the T-Tops in position, it helps to make the T-Tops seat snug and help to prevent the T-Tops from rattling.

We recommend you purchase the entire kit. It's the best method to doing the job right the first time. Its also cheaper if you buy the entire kit.

To further restore the car, we also highly recommend you install the Rear Seat Frame Brace Kit, Part #1586 or Part #7169, unless you have already done so. These help retain body stiffness. Your actual T-Tops can also be adjusted as needed, so they latch securely once you have all the new weatherstrip seals properly installed.

NOTE - This kit has been sold for more than 5 years. It was recently test fitted by Mike, at Richard Clark's shop. Mike says the fit was excellent and the weatherstrips were easy to install.

This kit is actually less expensive than the GM price was when it was still available.

We realize some customers may need just a certain pair of seals from this kit, so we offer the seals separately as well. The best savings is to buy the entire 6-piece kit.

These are excellent replacement parts for any restoration.

#7375 - 1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models including Turbo Regals) -
Reproduction T-Tops Weatherstrip Seals (6) Kit - $219.95

#7376 - 1984-1987 Buick Regal (All models including Turbo Regals) -
Reproduction T-Tops Weatherstrip Seals (2) surrounding T-Top opening and down the front pillar and rear door jamb (largest seals) - $135 / pair

#7377 - 1984-1987 Buick Regal (All models including Turbo Regals) -
Reproduction T-Tops Weatherstrip Seals (2) which attach to the T-Top panels - $75 / pair

#7211 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal (All models including Turbo Regals) -
T-Tops Reproduction Anti-Rattle Weatherstrip Seals (2) - $29.95 / pair

PHOTO 1 - Shows the complete 6-piece 1984-1987 Turbo Regal Reproduction T-Top weatherstrip kit. You can click on the below link to see more information. The part number for the complete kit is #7375 and the price is $219.95.

Here is a link to these Weatherstrip Seals on our website -
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7375&submit_button=



BACKGROUND ON THE POWERMASTER BRAKE UNIT -

Last week we touched briefly on the troublesome powermaster brake unit. In looking through our old catalogs, it appears we started to sell complete brand new powermaster brake units for $489.95. At the time we stopped selling them sometime in late 2005 or early 2006, we sold them at the end of production for $629.95.

During this time frame we had a pretty good deal with a supplier that also supplied GM with complete powermaster brake units. I am told the reason new ones stopped being produced is because they were running out of certain parts to make the complete powermaster brake unit. This makes sense, as we all know the original second design brake accumulator bowl stock became exhausted, which was a major part of the powermaster brake unit. I also think it's possible the supplier originally had no idea there would be such a demand for complete powermaster brake units.

Fortunately, we have Cardone, which has stepped up and can offer rebuilt units and has had the troublesome brake accumulator bowl reproduced several years ago. The bowl is one of the key components. Finding a good used brake bowl is like you hitting the lottery - chances are slim at best.

Powermaster brake cores have pretty much dried up, meaning many of your auto stores have probably discontinued offering a rebuilt powermaster brake unit. Those auto stores that still do may require you to send your unit in first, since Cardone at any given time has very few on hand.

Personally, I'm not familiar with any other source on a national level that offers rebuilt powermaster brake units. Others may exist on a smaller scale.

PHOTO 2 - The top photo shows the actual label that came on the brown box that a brand new powermaster brake unit came in back when we used to sell them. The lower photo shows an actual brake reservoir lid from a 1985 powermaster brake unit along side a 1986-1987 version. You can see how they increased the size of the reservoir after the 1985 model year. You seldom see the 1985 version today since production was limited compared to the 1986 and 1987 Turbo Regals. For some reason the 1986-1987 brake reservoir lid is unique, and I have never found a replacement lid for the reservoir.

From time to time on ebay you can find mini booklets that contain copies of information on the powermaster brake system that has been copied from the service manual and various other Buick publications, such as the Recall Notices.

GM actually did at least one individual booklet that was part of their GM Product Service Training Program. It was published in August of 1985, which would have been when the first powermaster brake systems started to appear in the 1985 Turbo Regals.

PHOTO 3 - The top right photo shows the cover of this GM Product Service Training booklet entitled, "Powermaster Brake System." This booklet runs 14 pages in length. I guess you could say this was published before anyone at the mechanic level at Buick dealers realized all the upcoming issues that would come there way with the new powermaster brake system! The top right photo shows the first page of Section IV entitled "POWERMASTER UNIT REPAIR." The lower photos show a two-page spread of Section III entitled "ON-CAR SERVICE."

We'll cover more information next week concerning the powermaster brake system.



PHOTO 4 - Last year Jim Wangers celebrated his 85th birthday. Considered the godfather to the GTO, he has been an icon for many years to the GTO owner. He had a special metal chrome emblem made to celebrate his birthday last year. He only had 300 emblems produced. I recently purchased the remaining emblems he had available. We have a limited set available that features this three-color 4" long metal emblem, a Kirban Reunion 2011 metal plaque autographed by Linda Vaughn "Miss Hurst," and a metal plaque autographed by Bill Campbell, the co-founder of Hurst.

Both of the metal plaques come with Certificates of Authenticity. This is your opportunity to own autographed items from three major icons related to the Pontiac GTO. (See pricing under the rare parts for the Package Deal or contact our office - 215-766-1611 x 0).



MORE WAYS THE GOVERNMENT WASTES OUR MONEY -

I don't think anyone in America will disagree that our government wastes money and fails to make even the easiest decisions to save our tax dollars.

In the business world, any company that would make a product that sells for one cent and cost over 2 cents to make would either cease production, or raise the value, or cut the cost if they planned to stay in business. It has been known for sometime to make a single penny cost 2.4 cents. Moving up to the nickel (5 cents) cost 11.2 cents each to produce. Basically, just over double the cost, versus its true value.

Production last year between the pennies and nickels set us tax payers back a cool one hundred million dollars for each coin! At the very least, make the penny worth two cents each or do away with it entirely. As for the nickel - why not change the metal material or offer advertising on it?



ONE IDEA HOW SOME STATES COULD SAVE MONEY -

I know many drivers of collectible cars would embrace this idea, especially if it's a newer car.

It has been researched where some states, depending on the number of license plates issued, could actually save over a half million dollars a year! This could be accomplished by simply doing away with front license plates and just having the one plate issued for the back of the car. It's probably one of the few cutbacks a state government could make that would not upset most of its taxpayers. Fortunately, Pennsylvania does not have the problem.

Many of the cars today do not even have a special place for a front license plate. I know from buying used cars that come from out of state, I try to avoid cars that have been drilled in the front nose for a license plate. Years ago with steel bumpers it was not an issue.



SLP FIREBIRD FORMULA - FOR SALE -

This car is still available at $20,900. This is for the 400-mile red 2002 SLP Formula Firebird we pictured in the 11-16-2011 Inner Circle. This car will be finding a new home at some point.



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]



WE BADLY NEED MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR CORES -

We need stock original 1986-1987 AC Delco mass air flow sensors. They are worth a $25 Letter of Credit.

We do not pay cash. You must pay the shipping to us and pack the item well. Using the postal system is probably the cheapest method to ship.

Remember, cores help us help others keep their Turbo Regals on the road using factory parts. Without cores, a valuable portion of what customers need get discontinued.



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].



2012 CALENDAR OF EVENTS -

KIRBAN OPEN HOUSE - SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012 - 9 am until 3 pm. Located at 6201 Kellers Church Road, Plumsteadville, PA 18949. Our Open House is one of the first Buick events of the 2012 season.

Yum Yum donuts, raffle items, M & M contest, and 5% discount on in-stock catalog items. Save on shipping! Pete Hoffman, and myself will have used parts for sale. Paul Castle from World of Motorworks will also be at this event.

Here's a link to this event on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/inner_circle.php?nak=172



TURBOBUICK.COM NATIONALS 2012 - MAY 2 - MAY 5, 2012 - Burlington, NC

For the latest information, go to - www.turbobuick.com/forums or - [email protected]

Event will feature free food, dyno, tech sessions, drag racing, and Auto-X. This is one of the first Turbo Buick events for the year 2012. Already they have many of the top vendors confirmed that will be at this event. Several key speakers are also confirmed.

The luncheon is absolutely free. However, you must email my wife Eileen if you are going to be there for the free Thursday lunch. Her email is - [email protected]

For the most up-to-date information on Race Classes and other activities, go to -http://turbobuick.com/forums/forums/2012-turbobuick-com-nationals-may-2nd-5th-sponsore.168/



Here's a link to this event on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/inner_circle.php?nak=173



31st ANNUAL PEACH BLOSSOM B.O.P.C. - MAY 4th and 5th, 2012 - Car Show & Swap Meet
Marriott Atlanta Northeast, 200 Interstate North Parkway, Atlanta, GA

Open to all Buicks, Oldsmobiles, Pontiacs and Cadillacs. Hosted by the Southeastern GTO Association. Reception Friday night and Car Show on Saturday. For more info, contact Ed Bellair at 770-428-4934 or email - [email protected]



3RD ANNUAL BUICK RACE DAY - May 26th, 2012
Lebanon Valley Dragway, Lebanon, New York.
For more info, phone number for the racetrack is 518-794-7130. To reach John Csordas - 845-528-GSGN or his cell is 914-447-6068.



22ND ANNUAL BUICK RACEDAY - JUNE 15th, 16th and 17th, 2012
Summit Motorsports Park, Norwalk, Ohio.

Hotels - Best Western Norwalk - 419-663-3501 or All American Inn Norwalk - 419-663-1922.
For more info, contact Roberta Vasilow 810-655-8277 email - [email protected]
or Bill Wills 330-747-1029 email [email protected]



2012 BUICK PERFORMANCE GROUP "CLASS OF 1987" and "BIG BOAT BASH"
AUGUST 3rd and 4th, 2012
National Trail Raceway, Hebron, Ohio
The theme this year is the "Class of 1987." Open to all Buick models built in 1987.



2012 GS NATIONALS - OCTOBER 17-20, 2012 (NEW DATES)
Beach Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, Kentucky

Racing is FREE on Wednesday, October 17th. The new dates are Oct. 17-20, 2012. Because of the reschedule, they have negotiated FREE racing on Wednesday, October 17th. This includes "everyone" who comes thru the gate and pays the usual nominal entrance fee. There is NO usual additional charge to race your Buick powered cars on Wednesday.

The Gallina/Duttweiler 6-second 200 mph doorslammer is already confirmed for this event.

We just received word that the BCA (Buick Club of America) will be joining the GSCA event. This combination will make for a well-rounded event featuring all kinds of Buicks. This is one fall event you do not want to miss!



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_W0QQssPageNameZl2QQtZ%20km



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 - Spring will soon be here. This month our area has had over 20 days of 50 degree weather and no measurable snow fall this winter at all.


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