07-17-2013 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members - 07-17-2013

BACK HOME FROM 5-DAY ROAD TRIP -

I left last Monday hitting one U-Pull-It yard upstate on the way to meeting Pete Serio for dinner in Columbus Monday night. I stayed over near Columbus, Ohio. On Tuesday morning, in the sweltering heat, I spent over two hours in a huge U-Pull-It yard in the outskirts of Columbus. Pete was with me during the morning excursion.

I then drove over to see a client we sell to in western, Ohio before checking into my motel in Dayton, Ohio.

Wednesday and Thursday I was at the Wright State University where I spoke for an hour on Thursday afternoon to about 85-90 people.

I recently started to write articles each month for “The Legend,” which is the Pontiac GTO monthly publication.

As a VIP I had an indoor vendor spot, which was fully air conditioned. The Concourse cars numbered about 65-75 and were also located in the same building called the “Nutter Center.” The other show cars and various vendors were around the outside perimeter.

All and all, it was a good time. I got the chance to met many old-time customers of ours. Our company was one of the very first to make reproduction parts for the Pontiac GTOs. We still get many of them made today for the major companies.

I then drove Friday over to Columbus to catch the opening day of the “Good Guys” event at the Columbus Fairgrounds. There I met with another company that hopefully can bring back some of our Turbo Buick T-shirts. They are one of the few that are fully GM licensed for T-shirts.

My next stop on the road trip was in Hunker, Pennsylvania where I met up with Jay Frick’s wife and his son John. Many of you recall that Jay passed away last year and the company, Jay’s GN, is winding down.

I was able to purchase a good bit of their remaining inventory. I spent about six hours there looking everything over. John had spent many hours inventorying everything.

At the end was I was looking over some of the trinkets and signs, etc. that Jay had collected over the years. I felt funny and it occurred to me that someday someone could possibly be doing the same thing with our inventory and collection of related items.

Of course when this happens in a huge company, it usually goes to an auction. But for smaller companies like us, it’s done on a more personal scale.

Watch for some of the parts to start appearing in the Inner Circle parts section.

I did buy back 90% of the items still in his inventory that he had bought from us. So, those items went back in our inventory.

I still remember the last time I was Jay’s house. I had my truck and trailer and he had one huge tree cut down, but the remaining stump was sticking up about two feet. When I went to leave, I hit the stump hard with one trailer fender and bent it in against the tire. The trailer fender is still dented, but the Fricks have taken the stump down to the ground since then!



CRASH BOOKS - COLLISION ESTIMATING GUIDES -

One of the easiest and cheapest reference books to buy is a Collision Estimating Guide, also known as a “Crash” book. These books have illustrations, GM part numbers and the prices at the time the books were printed. I am aware of two companies that produced Crash books – MITCHELL and MOTOR. These books are slightly easier to find. You do have to find ones that are dated in the late 1980’s and up until around the early 1990s. Depending on the year of the publication, they only go back about 8-10 years.

You also have to secure the books that cover GM models, as they will include all the GM cars and trucks. It even will show the short run cars such as the Fiero, GMC Syclone, and even Cadillac Cimarron. (Cars that had a short life span).

PHOTO 1 - The top left photo shows a December 1993 Collision Estimating Guide Domestic published by Mitchell. The top right photo shows an August 1988 Motor Crash Estimating Guide. In the bottom photo we show a typical page from the Mitchell book covering the 1982-1987 Regal (RWD). While neither book goes into engine detail or interior seat detail, it does cover anything that would possibly need to be replaced in an accident.



BUICK OWNER’S MANUAL HOLDERS -

Since I been gong to these various U-Pull-It yards, I have found a few of the later original Buick vinyl manual holders. The popular ones can be seen in Photo 2.

PHOTO 2 - The blue and the black Buick Owner’s Manual holders are a horizontal design and the dark grey one is a vertical format. The logo and printing is embossed on the cover of all three. The blue and the black Buick Owner’s Manual holders measure 8" wide by 5-1/2" high. The dark grey Buick Owner’s Manual holder measures 5-1/2" wide by 8-1/2" high. Any of these make a nice holder for your original papers and Owner’s Manual in your glove box. To my knowledge, Buick never offered a nice custom vinyl holder for the Buicks during the early and mid-1980s, at least not in the Regals.

PHOTO 3 - I took this photo at the recent POCI/GTOAA Co-Vention. This barn find is a 1989 Turbo Trans Am Pace Car with less than 1,000 original miles. According to the owner, the original owner was a woman who purchased the car brand new with the hopes it would jump in value as did the Buick GNX. Unfortunately, this has yet to happen and the woman passed away. This example has the cloth interior.

PHOTO 4 - This 1969 GTO former racecar was quite impressive with less than 6,000 original miles. The ram air IV engine is a very desirable and high-dollar engine among GTO owners. The attention to detail on this car was amazing. This car was also part of the Concourse judging division.



AMAR BOSE PASSED AWAY -

Amar Bose died on July 12th. His last name is one you probably know. He was the founder of Bose Audio, which can be found in many various cars today.

Interesting enough, he went to school in Abington, Pennsylvania, a town which is only about 2 towns away from where my wife and I grew up.

One of his favorite hobbies was playing badminton, something that I also did for over thirty years. Not trying to brag, but our son and I and some of our friend’s skill levels are not like something you would typically see at a backyard picnic. We used $100 rackets when we played.

Bose and Hurst had something in common. Both were able to get their name on their product in GM vehicles and have it visible to the car owner. That is quite an accomplishment. Hurst was actually one of the very first to achieve this. Prior to this, only the tire companies had their name visible. Hurst was not allowed to do this until 1965 in the GM cars.



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 and 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, and has been 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 $40 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 7 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



NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -

1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction MAIN CLUSTER LENSES
for Standard ANALOG AND Optional DIGITAL DASH CLUSTERS

Buick offered two styles of dashes for all the 1984-1987 Turbo Regals.

All Turbo Regals have either a standard analog dash or the optional digital dash, and both came with the trip odometer option.

The digital dash has a smaller hole for the trip odometer hole and it’s in a different spot than the trip odometer hole in the analog dash.

We had both lenses reproduced. The original is a molded lens, which is secured behind the bezel by 4 screws that also secure the inner bezel.

We designed this lens to simply attach to the flat area of the base bezel. This reproduction lens is flat, which matches exactly like the visible part of the original lens is. These new reproduction lenses are the same thickness as the original lenses.

Installation is secured by two-sided tape, which comes with each lens. The end result is a very inexpensive method to have a brand new clear plastic lens at a fraction of the cost of the molded style. Once installed you can't tell the difference, since it is secured behind the face bezel.

We offer two options.

#7503 is for the Standard ANALOG Dash.

#7504 is for the Optional DIGITAL Dash.

Each lens comes with a protective film and easy-to-follow installation directions.


NOTE - See Part #7501 - Reproduction Dash Filter Lenses (Telltale Lenses) for Left & Right Inserts (2) with ORIGINAL wording or Part #7502 - 1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) - Reproduction Dash Filter Lenses (Telltale Lenses) for Left & Right Inserts (2) with “ALKY.” By purchasing this additional part, you would have all new lenses for your dash.
Over the years, the originals are probably scratched or faded, so this is a great way to restore the dash area.

Great interior restoration items.

7503 - 1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction Main Instrument Lens for the STANDARD ANALOG DASH - $14.95

7504 - 1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction Main Instrument Lens for the OPTIONAL DIGITAL DASH - $15.95

Here is the link to these lens on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7503&submit_button=



1984-1987 Turbo Regal -
Reproduction GNX FENDER LOUVERS (2) Set

These GNX reproduction fender louvers will fit all 1984-1987 Regals. In addition to allowing some engine heat to be released from under the hood, these louvers make a unique finishing touch to your car.

The louvers are manufactured in a black plastic-like material. As you know, the quality of the plastic on the original louvers was not perfect. These louvers must be sanded and primed if you plan to paint them before being installed onto the front fenders.

Louvers come with directions and a template so you can trim the metal and place them in the correct position on the front fender. You will need to use some sort of windshield sealer to secure the louvers to the fenders.

NOTE - We highly recommend you have them installed by a qualified body shop, since the fenders need to be cut to install these louvers.

NOTE - We also offer a Reproduction GNX Sensor Bracket and Inner Fender Louver Bezel Kit, Part #7117. Inner fender bezels are used when you cut the two inner fenders in order to make the fender louvers functional.

A nice effect for any Regal owner that wants the GNX look!

1541 - 1984-1987 Turbo Regal -
Reproduction GNX Fender Louvers (2) Set - $59.95 / set

Here is a link to these louvers on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/33/Reproduction+GNX+FENDER+LOUVERS+%282%29+%231541.html



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

Here is a link to these door jamb vents on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44092/REPRODUCTION+DOOR+JAMB+VENTS+%282%29+SET+%237511.html



1978-1987 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

Here is a link to this collar lock on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44093/COLUMN+PRO-GARD+STEERING%E2%80%88COLLAR+LOCK+%237007.html



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=



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 -

I hope everyone is surviving the heat wave and, in some cases, heavy rain on a frequent basis!

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