06-26-2013 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members - 06-26-2013

KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS will be closed for the 4th of July holiday on Thursday and Friday, July 4th and 5th. Have a great Independence Day!

REPORT FROM GM AT CARLISLE - June 21 & 22, 2013

The weather was absolutely picture perfect. They had a very good showing of Turbo Regals. On Saturday there were about 35 to 40 lined up on the field in the Buick section. The one building featured an array of special Regals, including several GNXs and Paul Castle's Silver Bullet Turbo Regal.

My first seminar on Hurst had about 25 people in the audience. The seminar I did that same afternoon on Turbo Regals probably had about 40 people in the audience. It was good to see such a good turn out of Turbo Regals.

PHOTO 1 - The top left photo shows a very rare 1983 T-Type Riviera. This is a very limited product car featuring the Turbo 3.8 engine. The top right photo shows the engine of this same car. The bottom left photo shows the Turbocharged emblem on the front fender. In the bottom right photo we show the small T-Type emblem that was on the exterior part of the car.

Several of our Canadian customers were at this event. The cars that were originally sold in Canada have various differences from the cars sold in the U.S.

PHOTO 2 - The top photo shows two of the booklets that are different from the U.S. versions. The booklet on the left entitled, “Let’s Talk” is a larger size than the U.S. version. The GM Warranty Booklet designed for the second owner is something I had never seen before either. In the bottom photo we show the Canadian analog dash, which features kilometers being the larger font style and miles per hour are now the smaller numbers. At a quick glance, you would think this was a 140 MPH speedometer, which it is now.

PHOTO 3 - In these four photos we highlight some of the cool vanity tags I spotted at the event. The top left reads "XTREME6," the top right photo reads "TNKTWCE," the bottom left reads "WHOOSH," and the bottom right reads "UNIQUE 6." Perhaps this gives you ideas the tag on your car in your state.

PHOTO 4 - Since there were a few 1986-1987 non-Turbo Regals at the event, I wanted to show how the spare tire in those cars differed from the spare tire in the Turbo Regals. In the top left photo we show the regular Regal spare tire. Note how short it is. In the top right photo we show the proper spare tire in a 1986-1987 Turbo Regal.

In the bottom left photo we show an extremely nice Grand National where the owner not only removed the bumper cushion and filled the holes, but also removed the pair of upright bumper guards and filled those holes. A subtle difference that gives the back end of the car a cleaner look. I actually saw two Grand Nationals that had this neat feature done.

In the bottom right photo the owner of this 1986 Grand National had displayed in his trunk two very rare items - the 1986 Buick Dealer Album and also the matching very rare mini Salesman Booklet. You can see that both have matching designs and the same color vinyl covering as well.

More and more Turbo Regal owners are hunting down original literature related to their car to display with their car.

We will have a lot more photos from GM at Carlisle next week. Plus we should have word on some very neat unusual GNX-related items that we will have for sale.



ONE MAN'S PRIVATE MUSCLE CAR COLLECTION - PART 3 -

I hope to have the last part next week on Henry collection of unique cars.



MISSING FROM THE MOVIE SCENE -

What has been largely missing from the movies in recent years is the genre Westerns.
That is due to change when "The Lone Ranger" is released. It is said the film cost upwards of $250 million to make. That would probably more than cover all costs of the John Wayne, Henry Fonda, Jimmy Stewart, Richard Widmark, and Randolph Scott westerns from years ago!



RARE MOTORCYCLES FOR SALE -

We recently sold several of this local customer's cars and he has decided to part with some of his old motorcycles. My knowledge on various bikes is very little. If interested, email me - [email protected] - and I can put the seller in touch with you. Specify which bike(s) perks your interest.

Here is the info that he has provided.

1) 1997 Buell Thunderbolt T3. Original Buell purchased from Brian of Brian's Harley Davidson. (Brian's is a Cycle shop near me.) All black, all original, second owner with 9,980 miles. Bike has been maintained by Brian's. In storage for approximately 24 months. This is the premier year for the Thunderbolt with the 1203 cc Harley Davidson engine. Asking $4,150.

2) 1975 Suzuki T500 Titan. All original Titan with 5,400 original miles. Blue with excellent chrome and seat. Bike is very tight with no piston slap. Titan was gone over approximately 36 months ago and in storage for approximately 24 months. Very comfortable ride. Asking $2,950.

3) 1974 Honda CB 350 F. Excellent example of Honda's smallest 4 and last year for the CB 350. Maroon in color, bike has 22,500 miles, disc brake and electric start. Very good paint and chrome. Bike is all original except for exhaust, which is 4 into 2. Bike was gone over approximately 36 months ago with carbs. rebuilt. In storage approximately 24 months. Asking $1,950.



ANOTHER URGENT REQUEST -

Once again we find ourselves needing original stock AC Delco correct 1986-1987 Turbo Regal mass air flow sensors. The housing CANNOT be broken. Screens are not important. Each one that meets these requirements is worth $25 in Letter of Credit to us. Help us help other owners keep their cars original.



KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS ON YouTube -
-
Here is a link to the videos we currently have up on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/KirbanPerformance?feature=guide



CLOSE OUTS - LIMITED QUANTITIES -

Package Deal - 1 "TURBO TIME" large T-shirt #7058 (a $15 value) plus 1 set of front disc brake semi metallic pads #7449 (a $34.95.) Brake pads fit all 1984-1987 Turbo Regal calipers, excellent stopping power. Both for just $40 plus $6 shipping.

We have 8 deals we can do and then there is no more of these two products. You must call Christina during normal business hours to order - 215-766-1611 x 0

We have just 1 black Grand National logo T-shirt left in size large, Part #7224. The price is $15, which includes shipping by mail anywhere in the USA. You must call Christina to order - 215-766-1611 x 0.



NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -

1978-1987 Buick Regal (All G-Body Models) -
REPRODUCTION DOOR JAMB VENTS (2) SET

These reproduction vents will fit all 1978-1988 G-body models, including the Turbo models.

Your original door vents may be cracked or faded, due to age. Or, there may simply have paint overspray on them.

When you remove the original vent, you will notice a build up of dust and dirt. It’s a great time to clean this area.

Our top photo shows the 2 new vents. The lower left photo shows the door jamb without the vent (you can see the dirt against the white paint). The lower right photo shows our car with the new vent installed.

An excellent replacement item for any interior restoration.

7511 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal (All G-Body Models) -
Reproduction Door Jamb Vents (2) Set - $39.95 / 2-piece set

NOTE - This set of door jamb vents will be on the website this week.



978-1987 Regal (All Models) -
COLUMN PRO-GARD STEERING COLLAR LOCK

This car guard collar lock, “Column Pro-Gard - Auto Security Device,” will fit any 1984-1987 Regal model with either console or column shifters. It also fits a wide variety of other GM vehicles, including 1978-1987 Jeeps. A full listing for other applications appears on the box.

The red, solid steel construction collar guard covers the steering column as well as the ignition switch. The lock for this collar is incorporated into the unit, which makes it easy to use and store.

Since it is bright red, it is highly visible on the steering column. It comes with two special keys.

Remember, it is important to have as many theft deterrents as possible to keep your Regal in your possession. This collar guard makes it especially difficult to break the steering column in your car.

We highly recommend this unit as a visible theft deterrent to use along with some other device that cuts off the fuel system or ignition. You can never be too safe. Don't wait until it's too late.

Another great theft deterrent.

7007 - 1978-1987 Regal (All Models) -
Column Pro-Gard Steering Collar Lock - $89.95

NOTE - This steering collar lock will be on the website this week.



1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Reproduction DASH FILTER LENSES (TELLTALE Lenses)
ORIGINAL or with ALKY wording FOR LEFT & RIGHT DASH INSERTS (2)

GM called these dash filter lenses “TELLTALE Lenses.”

We offer two options.

#7201 is a reproduction of the original wording on the two lenses.

#7202 has been customized by changing two areas. On the left lens it reads “LOW ALKY” where it originally said “LOW FUEL.” On the right lens it reads “ALKY” where it said “POWER INJECTION.” We have highlighted the areas with a red arrows in the second photo.

Now, if you have the Alky system, you can make those two areas light up so you are kept informed.

These new reproduction filter lenses set are made in the U.S.A. Material is .020 thick, same as the original. The material is clear Lexan. Lenses have a dead front, like the originals, so no wording is visible until the light are on.

These replace both lenses that are on each side of the main dash cluster (highlighted with the blue arrows in our second photo,) whether you have the analog dash or the optional digital dash.
Over the years, the originals are probably scratched or faded.

These lenses are very easy to install and will make a very visible improvement in the dash over the 25+-year-old lenses.

To save costs, these reproduction filter lenses do not have the upper and lower tabs. We made these filter lenses to fit better in the metal frames, which eliminated the need for the locking tabs.
Lenses comes with easy-to-follow installation directions.

NOTE - See Part #7503 or Part #7504 for the reproduction main lenses for both analog or digital dash. By purchasing this additional part, you would have all new lenses for your dash.

Great interior restoration items.

7501 - 1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) - Reproduction Dash Filter Lenses (Telltale Lenses) for Left & Right Inserts (2) with ORIGINAL Wording - $21.95 / set

7502 - 1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) - Reproduction Dash Filter Lenses (Telltale Lenses) for Left & Right Inserts (2) with “ALKY” Wording - $22.95 / set


Here is a link to these new lenses on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7501&submit_button=



1987 Buick Turbo-T -
Reproduction TRUNK “3.8 SFI TURBO” EMBLEM

This reproduction “3.8 SFI TURBO” trunk emblem measures 9-7/8" x 5/8" and is different from the set that goes on the hood. The trunk emblem is all chrome and the hood emblems are chrome with a black edge.

Emblems are made of plastic with a self-adhesive backing. These are chrome-plated plastic emblems - all letters appear chrome silver with the chrome edging, which is correct for all the 1987 Turbo-T Regals.

PLACEMENT -

Our top photo shows the emblem with and our lower photo shows this emblem on my original paint 1987 Turbo-T.

Here are the specifications for placement of this 3.8 SFI trunk emblem. From the leading left edge of the trunk lid, come in 1-1/2". From the top edge of the chrome metal lip molding on the trunk lid, come up 1-1/2". The “BUICK” emblem on the passenger’s side is positioned at the same height but ends 2-3/4" inward from the outer trunk lid edge. In other words, it is not a match to the 3.8 SFI emblem.

NOTE - When purchasing this item, you may also want to consider buying the matching pair of “3.8 SFI TURBO” hood emblems, which have the black edge, Part #6556.

Another great exterior restoration item.

7510 - 1987 Buick Turbo-T -
Reproduction Trunk “3.8 SFI TURBO” Emblem - $21.95

Here is a link to this emblem on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44089/Reproduction+Trunk+3.8+SFI+TURBO+Emblem+%237510.html


1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
REPRODUCTION DRIVER’S & PASSENGER’S SIDE FLOOR PANS

These reproduction floor pans are made in the U.S.A. This version has been on the market for over 10 years.

It’s important to realize that other reproductions exist, and the quality and overall size can vary.

These are a perfect fit to the original floor. Unlike some other reproductions, these go up on the sides where the door sills go. In the back area, these pans go up towards the base cushion of the back seat. The driver’s front pan also goes up about 6"-7" and the passenger’s side goes up several inches. In other words, it’s not just the flat portion of the floor pan.

The end result is these pans give you enough material to do the job properly.

These are dropped shipped direct from our supplier. Shipping is a flat rate of $125 to most of the U.S.A. Because of the size, truck freight shipping must be to a business address. The shipping costs is the same whether it’s a single pan or both sides. So, before you order, check the entire interior floor pans to see what you need.

Unfortunately, we cannot ship pans to Canada.

You MUST call our office to order these pans. West coast orders, call for freight charges (215-766-1611.)

Floor pans are drop shipped to you from our mid-west supplier.

NOTE - Prices below do not include shipping.

7513 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Reproduction DRIVER’S SIDE - Floor Pan - $249.95 + Shipping

7514 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Reproduction PASSENGER’S SIDE - Floor Pan - $249.95 + Shipping

7515 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Reproduction DRIVER’S & PASSENGER’S SIDES - Floor Pans (2) - $475 (save $24.90) + shipping

Here is a link to these Floor Pans on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7513&submit_button=



CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS FOR 2013 -

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

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

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

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

For more information visit their website:

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



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

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

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

The website is - tristategsclub.com



2013 GS NATIONALS - October 16-19, 2013
This is the 33rd Annual consecutive event held at Beech Bend Raceway, 798 Beech Bend Road, Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Jim Bell, of Kenne-Bell fame, will be in attendance to present honorary car and race show awards to both V8 & V6 cars.

Working on having the 2015 models of the new GNX and Grand National display along with a GM rep to hold a seminar on the car's development and performance capabilities.

For more info log onto - http://www.gsnationals.com/



LOOKING FOR IDEAS -

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



ALWAYS IN A BUYING POSITION WORKS -

Got any turbo parts you are not using? Why not cash them in for parts you need with a Letter of Credit. Simply email me a list - [email protected].

Also, we are still buying dead or partially dead 1984-1987 Turbo Regals under $4,000 that are within 250 to 350 miles of our location.



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

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



ABOUT OUR EMAILS -

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



IN CLOSING -

Need this week to recover from GM at Carlisle.

My next speaking gig is in Dayton, Ohio at the POCI/GTOAA NATS - July 11th 2013. This event draws over 1,000 Pontiacs.