04-20-2022 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 04-20-2022 -



IMPORTANT NOTE -

I am not near a computer so any email requests for the Rare Parts in this issue will not get a response from me until tomorrow, Thursday nite. They will be answered in the order they are received.



ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS AND RELATED INFORMATION CONTINUED -

We have been writing about the importance of gathering any original documents, receipts, paperwork from the seller whenever you buy a collector car and even a basic used car. For one thing it shows the seller is a very detailed person. I have had cars where the seller kept a small black book indicating every tankful of gas. In my mind that is going to the extreme but at the same time it shows the seller took very good care of his or her car.

In Photo 1 we show two of the letters the seller may have with their car. One letter from Buick is dated May 1992 and the other is dated June 1992. The first letter refers to the pressure switch or as we refer to it the brake switch. It also notes on the LeSabre wagon models only they had an issue with the combination valve. Of course I can’t recall there being many LeSabre wagons being made in 1985-1987! The brake switch as many of you know originally was black and the replacement was gray.

The June 1992 letter from Buick refers to all Regals equipped with the 3.8 Turbo engine and involved emissions issues. Basically the emission levels exceeded the Federal standards. The solution was the Buick dealership replaced the Electronic Control Module or as we refer to it the ECM. Those were the two Buick recalls that affected the 1986-1987 Turbo Regals.

PHOTO 1 - The left photo shows a copy of the Buick Recall letter dated May 1992. The right photo shows a copy of the Buick Recall letter dated June 1992. Both letters do have a copy on the back that we do not show.



RARE PARTS -

This week represents the third week that we again feature some of the items we purchased on our latest purchase. This is part of the stash we got out of Massachusetts. Notice in some cases we include USPS shipping on the small items.

PHOTO 2 - We show 4 different views of this very nice set of 4 Turbo-T wheels. No curb rash. Tires are the correct size Pirelli brand. I believe this set may have come off my original white Turbo-T years ago as I got these in the latest stash of parts. See the Rare Parts section for price. Pick up only.

PHOTO 3 - The top left and top right shows 2 photos of this super rare brand new Grand National lighted sign that I originally sold back in July 2019. I purchased it at a major swap meet from a source that I had bought a load of various dealer posters from over the years. He got it from his Dad who would buy dealer items back in the day. I have never in all these years seen another sign. This is listed under the Rare Parts section for sale. The bottom left photo shows still in the double box the GMP 1:24 scale 1987 Grand National. The bottom right shows a pair of like new blue sun visors. This set does not have the swivel connectors. Again all available for sale under the Rare Parts Section.

PHOTO 4 - The top left photo shows a good used pair of 1984-1987 Turbo Regal tail lights complete. Nothing is cracked or broken. The top right photo shows a brand new still in the double box GNX diecast. This is the desirable 1:24 scale made by GMP #8203. The bottom left photo shows the larger 1:18 scale Peachstate 1987 Grand National #8001. Comes with the window sticker. The bottom right shows the very rare 10th Anniversary GMP 1:18 scale Grand National. Gold/copper in color in the original box is brand new.

All these parts can be found in the Rare Parts section. Remember these Turbo Regals will never leak and more than likely have a better paint job than the original full size versions!

REMEMBER - I will not be able to respond to your email on any of your parts requests until late Thursday night. I will answer them in the order they were sent.


UNUSUAL REQUEST -

Last week we got an email from a high school senior from Dearborn, Michigan. He owns a 1985 Buick LeSabre and loves the Grand Nationals and of course the GNX. He was wanting to know if I knew anyone that would rent him one for his Prom Nite! I told him due to the high values of these cars nobody I know of would be a candidate to rent one to a 17 year old! However I said maybe I could find someone that for a fee would entertain being a chauffeur for him and his date to and from the Prom. The date of the prom is June lst. He says he is going into electrical engineering with the hope of securing a job at GM. If this is something one of my readers would consider doing and reside near Dearborn Michigan here is a chance to make a young kid happy for his prom. This is especially rewarding since he resides in Ford country! Email me [email protected] with your proposal and I can provide further details.




HERE IS A COMPLETE RUN DOWN ON THE CARS I CURRENTLY REPRESENT -

In each case email me specifically which car perks your interest. We give the car model, location and price on each of the ones we now are working with the sellers. Each case there is some wiggle room as we realize in most cases you got transport costs involved. Remember we are hooked up with a broker that can get you a good price for an enclosed or open transport.

Here is the current listing in no particular order.

1986 GRAND NATIONAL T-TOPS - , Oklahoma area well optioned example A very nice repaint. Owned by a customer of ours. Asking price $37,900.

2003 MERCURY MARAUDER BLACK - 32,000 miles again Oklahoma area same owner as the above 1986 Grand National. Has the special jacket all original. Extremely nice and rare. Asking price $26,900.

1987 GRAND NATIONAL HARDTOP -. One of my old cars now resides in Florida. This car is absolutely 99% stock. Has the GNX style dash which was installed prior to me buying it years ago. The original dash is with the car as well. Same owner since I sold it. (Retired to Florida). Multiple show winner at car shows with trophies to prove it. Asking price $67,900. Note: This past week I believe a 79,000 mile GN went through the Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach auction sold for more than that! Actual miles 15,000. Driven less than 1,000 miles since it was purchased from me many years ago!

1987 TURBO-T LIMITED HARDTOP - chestnut brown. Car resides and always has in California so no exposure to issues with rust, Same owner since 1995. Actual miles 129,000. Asking price is $28,900. This is a great buy!

1987 GRAND NATIONAL HARDTOP - . Car resides in Michigan being sold by the owner's sister as the owner passed away suddenly. He was a top notch mechanic. Actual Miles 58,666. Highly modified many many upgrades including TA 49 Turbo. She has receipts from my company for over two grand. Car has a high dollar repaint. Asking price is $52,900. (See initial writeup and photo 1 for more details.

1968 OLDS 442 W30 package. Car resides in Michigan again purchased by her brother who passed away unexpectedly. Owned since the early 1980s purchased from the original owner when it had just 3,000 actual miles. A super rare car. The asking price is $80,000.

1986 LESABRE GRAND NATIONAL - Car resides in Virginia. Same family since new. All original with 168,000 actual miles. One of just 112 or 117 built by Buick. The start of the front wheel drive for the LeSabre model. Asking price is $11,900.

1987 GNX #168 - This car resides in Alabama. As I write this owner has not given me the final word about selling it. He has had it and enjoyed it a number of years. Always garaged originally when new sold in Texas. He purchased it out of Georgia. A southern car that has had great care. Actual miles is around 50,000. Bought for the purpose to drive rather than stare at it all these years. Watch for updates. Asking price is $110,900.

Again we can provide more information and photos on any of the above. My email is [email protected]



A QUICK WORD ON THE TURBO REGALS WE REPRESENT -

Especially concerning the Turbo Regals. The ones we represent in 99% of the cases are long time customers of ours. In most cases we are the only company advertising the cars for the seller. These are not cars that have been seen by other potential buyers and they turned down as not being worthy. In other words you're getting first shot at buying what we believe is the best example for the price we are asking. We are not selling perfection especially in the case of Turbo Regals that are now over 30 plus years old! But rather the best investment for the money. Each case we do allow some wiggle room on the price as we realize in most cases transporting and taxes is a necessary expense.

We have great success with JJ Best on financing and also deal with a transport broker that is a customer of ours and owns a Grand National. He can get enclosed or open transports in a very quick turn around and a price that in many cases would be hard to beat. What I am saying is we cover all the angles for both the seller and the potential buyer. I know personally I would not want to travel several hundred miles to look at acar that maybe 6 other potential buyers looked at and did not buy for various reasons. I got a lot of experience at not only buying Turbo Regals but other unique performance cars and even regular cars. It’s something I enjoy doing.



IN STOCK A REBUILT 1986-1987 TURBO REGAL STOCK TURBO BY LIMIT ENGINEERING -

Normally we don’t get them rebuilt until we have one sold then we send the core to Limit to rebuild. In this case we have one on the shelf ready to sell already rebuilt. The price is $895.95 which includes a $150 refundable core charge. Part #6848. Contact the office to make sure we have it still in stock!



WE CAN SELL YOUR CAR -

When the time comes you need to down size or you want to strike while the value is high we have a good success rate at finding buyers. Especially now with Spring and Summer fast approaching. We handle the advertising and answering the questions and weeding out the tire kickers. We never give out the exact location of your car. You decide on the price after any bargaining is done. The money goes directly from the buyer to your bank account. I have a flat commission based on the price span. This format has worked out very well for me for both the buyer and the seller. The buyer has more confidence about the car. The seller is not bothered with phone calls or emails. Most potential buyers know who I am. So whenever the time comes you want to sell your car, email me the particulars. I can explain the process to you which also allows you to sell the car as well. My email is [email protected] I can also help you determine the price. I can also take in a trade and pay you the seller the difference. I have worked with JJ Best in the past which is quite generous in granting loans. So you have plenty of options. We have sold 3 of the Grand Nationals in the last 6 weeks! For a total of over $135,000. All 3 sellers will gladly give me a good review. We also work with a broker that can handle transport both open and enclosed. This transport broker is a customer of ours and owns personally a 9,000 mile Grand National! He just had the last 3 cars I sold transported to their new homes! The car needs not be a Turbo Regal.



NEED A CAR TRANSPORTED? -

Whether you need an open transport or enclosed transport we highly recommend Sal Hamed. Sal is a broker with a number of transporters and can get you the best price. He knows what you expect as he personally owns a 9,000 mile original Grand National and is a customer of ours. You must use my name when contacting him to get a special price. His email is [email protected] We highly recommend his services!




CANADIAN CUSTOMERS -

Due to the many issues concerning shipping to Canada and the problems that arise when we back order something which costs us more money and also you the customer due to customs we have a new system effective immediately. You must call our office with your order. We will determine what is in stock and put aside for your order. You would only pay for what we have in stock at that point in time. You in turn have to arrange the shipping either with USPS, UPS, or with Fed EX from our Chicago location. Larger items would still be shipped from our PA location. This is effective immediately.



WIDE VARIETY OF USED TRIM, BODY, BUMPERS, MOLDINGS - PICK UP ONLY

We acquired several plastic bins packed with used 1984-1987 Turbo Regal interior plastic trim parts. Almost every imaginable plastic interior part including ECM covers, T-Top moldings, seat trim, a-pillar moldings in various colors, including door panel armrests, and pull straps. I also have a wide variety of used black outside trim molding around the windshield and back glass and some used exterior Limited stainless moldings etc. We also have some exterior parts, core support, Turbo Regal hood, powder coated transmission mount, driveshaft, complete tilt steering column, 4 of the 1984-1985 Grand National wheels to name some of the bigger items we have. We will not ship. You must come to our location to buy them. We may ship the wheels.



SHOW CAR EVENTS FOR 2022 -

If you know of any Turbo Buick event for this coming show season send me all the info on it so I can alert our members. Email is [email protected]

GS NATIONALS - BOWLING GREEN KENTUCKY

The dates are May 11th thru the 14th 2022. Beech Bend Raceway, in Bowling Green, KY. Facebook BuickGS Nationals. Instagram BuickGSNationals.

BUICKS AT BATES -

Outside of the GS Nationals the second biggest gathering of Turbo Regals is the Bates show in California run by Mike Bernard, owner of Spoolfool. The date is June 5th 2022. For more info go to http://www.buicksatbates.com/

2ND ANNUAL BUICK OLDSMOBILE PONTIAC EVENT -

The dates are July 22nd thru the 24th 2022 at Beaver Springs Dragway located at 109 Race Track Lane, Beaver Springs, PA 17812. Friday Gates open at 9 am. Saturday gates open at 8 am. Racing and Car show. Sunday Gamblers race day open to all makes with extra money going to any Buick inthe final 4! For more info contact John Jr 914-469-8617 or John Sr at 914-447-6068.



TIPS AND IDEAS YOU HAVE TRIED -

If you have an idea or tip or a product idea, send it to my email [email protected]

Here is a tip I have used in the past for masking off decals, the yellow wording on brake bowls, and repainting the black on the 1986-1987 Grand National wheels. Both can be a problem to mask off properly so what I do is dip my finger in lithium grease and carefully spread it around the area I don’t want any overspray to get it. It's not a perfect solution, but it comes pretty close!



IMPORTANT - INFORMATION ABOUT OUR SHIPPING ADDRESS –

If you are returning any cores for a Letter of Credit or cores that we charged you for, it is important that you send them to the address below. Please make sure you put a note in the box with your information.

KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
529 HAYCOCK RUN ROAD
KINTNERSVILLE, PA 18930

For all other returns such as a part you purchased that is incorrect or defective you must call Christina and get a RA number. She will determine if it goes to our main warehouse in Kintnersville, PA or our distribution center.


CORES NEEDED - URGENT REQUEST –

Here is the information on our credits for cores.

STEERING WHEEL CORES. Currently we need good 1986-1987 Turbo Regal steering cores. They must be straight and not have rusted spokes. We will issue a Letter of Credit of $100 for each acceptable core. You must email me [email protected] a photo first to make sure the steering wheel is acceptable.

POWERMASTER BRAKE UNITS. Currently, we are accepting powermaster brake units. We give a $150 Letter of Credit for each acceptable core. Or, we will pay $125 cash for each powermaster core. To avoid having your core not accepted, you MUST first email me a photo of the core you plan to send in - [email protected] - We will NOT accept any cores that have severe rust issues or have been disassembled. Core must have the brake switch and brake bowl reservoir. Too many of the cores we have been getting are in such terrible shape they are worthless to us.

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. We need cores now. Or we will pay $135 cash for each complete stock turbo core.

BRAKE PEDALS we issue a letter of credit for $50 for each powermaster brake pedal or we will pay $40 cash for each pedal.

MASS AIR FLOW SENSORS we need original non cracked 1986-1987 Turbo Regal mass air sensors. We issue a $40 letter of credit for each unit. They are a gamble for us as some of these can’t be rebuilt.

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.

UPS or MAIL - Ship to Address –
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
529 HAYCOCK RUN ROAD
KINTNERSVILLE, PA 18930


CLASSIFIED ADS -

We 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 to 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 an ad 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 now reaches over 3,500 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 3,500 potential buyers.

Ads submitted by the previous Sunday would appear the following Wednesday in the weekly Inner Circle. Ads and payment (paypal) must be submitted by email to - [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 actual 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 at 3 pm eastern time. It is FREE, probably one reason why nobody complains about what I write about. To subscribe simply email – [email protected] - to get our free weekly Wednesday Inner Circle email. This allows everyone to have the same opportunity on the parts we list each week. We currently have over 3,600 members.



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 through.

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



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 –


DEEP SUMP OIL PAN AND GASKET Part number #7983 and #7984 on our website. A sure way to eliminate oil leaks from the stock oil pan besides providing a deeper pan. This is a high quality part.


NEW GM LICENSED GRAND NATIONAL EMBLEM STAINLESS SIGN -

Part #8020. Price is $219.95 and $25 shipping to the basic 48 states. The sale ends March 31st 2022. Our part number is #8020 on our website. This sign was just made recently by a company that is licensed by most of the major US car companies. It measures 12 inches high by 334 inches long and weighs 9 lbs. This sign is something that would have hung in a dealer showroom….it is that nice. The picture on our website doesn't do the sign justice. This sign has been a huge seller for us. Quality is amazing. Watch for more similar signs later this Spring.


1986-1987 TURBO REGAL PYPES 3 INCH DUAL EXHAUST SYSTEM.-

Part #7982 can be found on our website. It is the same format as our popular 2 ½ Pypes dual exhaust system. It can be found on our website.



1986-1987 BUICK TURBO REGAL HEAVY DUTY ENGINE MOTOR MOUNTS (2) -

Part #7981 can be found on our website. These are currently in stock. These poly mounts are designed to benefit the everyday driver as well as the full time racer.



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 used if 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 directly - [email protected] - and I will answer you. However, if I fail to answer you within 24 hours, please email us again.
Since expanding into used parts, I get a lot of emails and sometimes I may forget your request or may not remember who requested the item.



IN CLOSING -

Remember, the weekly Inner Circle always goes out at 3 pm eastern time so subscribers all have the same equal chance on the Rare Parts. All our parts generally are priced to sell and priced below what others offer. Also our used items are exactly as described. Emails are acknowledged in the order we receive them regardless of when I respond as I am not always by a computer and I only use a flip phone. It's best to email as soon as possible with your request(s) as many of our items sell within the first hour! Do NOT call the office on the listed Rare Parts as you could lose out by someone beating you with an email. Remember if shipping is not noted as included you must pay $15 extra.

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