Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members - 07-18-2012
As many of our readers know, we have a large collection of original Buick literature that I have collected from various sources over the years. Today, it's hard to find any literature related to the 1984-1987 Buicks, let alone the Turbo Regals.
Among my collection I found this interesting stand-up calender, which covers only November 1987 and December 1987.
Photo 1 - In the top photo we show the November 1987 artwork side of this standup calendar. The lower left photos shows the front and back of the November 1987 side. The back lists the various TV stations and what Buick model it features. In the lower right photos we show the front and back of the December 1987 side. The front features a Buick ad and the back shows their advertising schedule.
I don’t see any reference to a Turbo Regal being used in a commercial for either month. Interesting enough, the only Buick model pictured is in the lower right hand corner of that top photo. The car appears to be a 1984 or 1985 Grand National based on the front spoiler and wheels.
This folded calendar probably is quite rare to find today, since it only featured two months and was probably thrown away after December 1987. By this time, some dealers were marking up the retail prices of their remaining stock of Grand Nationals, so they did not need any additional advertising. Back then the Grand Nationals had received quite a bit of coverage in car magazines.
Photo 2 - We show a complete original powermaster brake unit. We actually got this in as a core. It looked so pristine and original, that I had a special stand made for it so we could use it in these photos and keep as a reference. As you can see, it features the original black brake switch. GM calls it the "Pressure" switch. The original solid black brake accumulator bowl is also visible. The later GM brake bowl replacement had a slightly different shape and had the yellow silk-screened wording on it. GM calls this the "Accumulator Kit." In this lower photo we show a close-up of the pump motor kit. This pump motor kit is anodized and not painted.
Photo 3 - In the top photo we show a close up of the larger of the two brackets that secures the cylinder portion to the actual electric motor. Notice how it looks brand new; not a hint of any rust!
In the lower photo we show the same bracket on our personal 1987 Turbo-T. You can see a vast difference between the one that looks like new and one that has seen many years in service.
We will have more photos and details on this powermaster brake unit next week.
UNUSUAL MEMORIAL DISPLAY -
Photo 4 - Shows this touching flower display on a corner property that I pass about once a week on the way to the company that does our chrome plating. The top photo shows the neatly arranged rows of flowers planted in a half-circle format. Behind it sits a neatly hand-painted wooden sign. The lower photo shows a close-up of what is printed on the sign. A touching tribute to, I assume, a family member of this farm. Chances are that over the years I probably saw the gentleman planting his massive garden every spring.
IRVIN GORDON CLAIM TO FAME -
Irvin is close to accomplishing what no other person has done, and that is to rack up three million miles in the same car. In this case, a 1966 Volvo P1800S model.
While many of us cover a lot miles in our lifetime, Irv has put a lot of “seat time” in the same car. You probably have seen the many articles that have recently appeared about this accomplishment and the one that stands out in my mind is the fact he has only had the engine rebuilt twice! That speaks volumes about the shop that rebuilt the engine and or the fact that Volvo builds a pretty dependable engine!
Back in the early 1970s, my wife and I both had Volvos. She drove a 1964 model 122 sedan and I had a 1963 model 544 that had a Judson supercharger on it. The 544 model looked a lot like a baby 1947-1948 Ford coupe. I had the 544 completely restored. I will try and find a photo for next week's Inner Circle.
WE HAVE ANOTHER GNX DASH AVAILABLE -
This dash is just like the GNX. It has all new Stewart Warner gauges with sending units as needed. It includes a new upper speedometer cable, directions with a copy of the original ASC blueprints, a good used original gauge bezel, new applique, most important a pre-cut stock dash bezel. In other words, this is a complete kit ready to install. You do not have to cut any part of your dash, you simply remove your dash and drop this one in. All the gauges are all pre-fit properly.
The only item you will have to buy to complete it is the proper plug-and-play harness, which is available from World of Motorworks. You have to specify if you have an analog dash or a digital dash when you order the harness.
The price for this complete GNX-style dash is $1,995 plus shipping.
URGENT REQUEST - WE NEED STOCK TURBO CORES -
Currently we have an urgent need for 1986-1987 Turbo Regal stock turbo cores. They must have the exhaust housing. We will allow $75 Letter of Credit for any cores you send in.
It's important you contact our office first, so we know to expect it - 215-766-1611 x 0
By providing cores, you are helping other owners restore their cars.
NEW PARTS & NEW LINKS -
1985-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
CAM SENSOR REPAIR KIT
Over time, the internal metal tab that indexes the interrupter ring to the shaft may break off. If that happens, you would have to buy a whole new cam sensor.
With this repair kit you can make the simple repair and not have the added expense of $300 or more for a new cam sensor.
We carry this cam sensor repair kit, which comes with directions. It was developed by Racing Jason. It’s a neat little product that can save you money.
NOTE - We recommend this kit be installed by a qualified mechanic.
7435 - 1985-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Cam Sensor Repair Kit - $22.95 / kit
Here is a link to this Cam Sensor Repair Kit on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/43990/CAM+SENSOR+REPAIR+KIT+%23+7435.html
1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
REPRODUCTION MARKER LIGHTS (2)
These new reproduction marker lights are the ones that attach to the side of each headlight bezel. These have the black trim, so they are correct for all 1984-1987 Grand Nationals, GNXs, 1984-1986 T-Types and 1987 Turbo-Ts that have the black-out option instead of the chrome trim.
Over a period of time, the amber portion of the lens can fade on the original marker lights. This is a high-quality reproduction with the correct amber lens coloring.
NOTE - We recommend you also replace the headlight bezels, Part #7222, Reproduction Black Headlight Bezels (2). This combination would give the front end a restored new look.
7436 - 1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction Marker Lights (2) - $149.95 / pair
Here is a link to these Marker Lights on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/43989/REPRODUCTION+MARKER+LIGHTS+%282%29+%23+7436.html
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]
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 -
2012 BUICK PERFORMANCE GROUP "CLASS OF 1987" and "BIG BOAT BASH"
AUGUST 3rd and 4th, 2012 - Friday & Saturday
National Trail Raceway, Hebron, Ohio
The Buick Performance Group presents "The Class of 1987 Buick Reunion" featuring the 25th Anniversary of the Buick GNX and the 1987 Buick Grand National with presentations from personnel from both Buick and ASC. The ASC quality control car as well as a GNX Factory Prototype will also be on display. Doug Niro will be presenting a power point presentation. Louis Infante from ASC will also be present as well as Rick Hunt who was an employee. We will be one of the guest speakers. Hope to see many of you at this event. Visit -www.buickperformancegroup.com - for more information
2012 EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS and FAST EVENT -
SEPTEMBER 21st and 22nd, 2012 - Friday & Saturday
Cecil County Dragway, Maryland
Event is open to all models of Buicks
Featuring the 2nd Annual MAGNA (Mid-Atlantic Grand National Association) All Buick powered judged Car Show! All Buick's! All years! All makes!
Goodie bags for the first 50 Buicks in the show. Door prizes all day and 50/50 to win some cash. The ONLY ALL-Buick car show on the east coast!
For more information, contact Doug Dougherty - 302-653-2201 or John Csordas - 914-447-6068 or email questions to - [email protected] or [email protected]
Visit their website - http://tristategsclub.com
2012 GS NATIONALS -
OCTOBER 17-20, 2012 – Wednesday - Saturday
Beach Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, Kentucky
Racing is FREE on Wednesday, October 17th. The correct dates are October 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 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 km
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 many of you are planning to attend the upcoming Buick Performance Group (BPG) event held at National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio. Richard Clark and myself are the main judges for the Grand Nationals that will be in attendance. We will be set up as a vendor along with Pete Hoffman with plenty of used parts and some of our new items as well.
As many of our readers know, we have a large collection of original Buick literature that I have collected from various sources over the years. Today, it's hard to find any literature related to the 1984-1987 Buicks, let alone the Turbo Regals.
Among my collection I found this interesting stand-up calender, which covers only November 1987 and December 1987.
Photo 1 - In the top photo we show the November 1987 artwork side of this standup calendar. The lower left photos shows the front and back of the November 1987 side. The back lists the various TV stations and what Buick model it features. In the lower right photos we show the front and back of the December 1987 side. The front features a Buick ad and the back shows their advertising schedule.
I don’t see any reference to a Turbo Regal being used in a commercial for either month. Interesting enough, the only Buick model pictured is in the lower right hand corner of that top photo. The car appears to be a 1984 or 1985 Grand National based on the front spoiler and wheels.
This folded calendar probably is quite rare to find today, since it only featured two months and was probably thrown away after December 1987. By this time, some dealers were marking up the retail prices of their remaining stock of Grand Nationals, so they did not need any additional advertising. Back then the Grand Nationals had received quite a bit of coverage in car magazines.
Photo 2 - We show a complete original powermaster brake unit. We actually got this in as a core. It looked so pristine and original, that I had a special stand made for it so we could use it in these photos and keep as a reference. As you can see, it features the original black brake switch. GM calls it the "Pressure" switch. The original solid black brake accumulator bowl is also visible. The later GM brake bowl replacement had a slightly different shape and had the yellow silk-screened wording on it. GM calls this the "Accumulator Kit." In this lower photo we show a close-up of the pump motor kit. This pump motor kit is anodized and not painted.
Photo 3 - In the top photo we show a close up of the larger of the two brackets that secures the cylinder portion to the actual electric motor. Notice how it looks brand new; not a hint of any rust!
In the lower photo we show the same bracket on our personal 1987 Turbo-T. You can see a vast difference between the one that looks like new and one that has seen many years in service.
We will have more photos and details on this powermaster brake unit next week.
UNUSUAL MEMORIAL DISPLAY -
Photo 4 - Shows this touching flower display on a corner property that I pass about once a week on the way to the company that does our chrome plating. The top photo shows the neatly arranged rows of flowers planted in a half-circle format. Behind it sits a neatly hand-painted wooden sign. The lower photo shows a close-up of what is printed on the sign. A touching tribute to, I assume, a family member of this farm. Chances are that over the years I probably saw the gentleman planting his massive garden every spring.
IRVIN GORDON CLAIM TO FAME -
Irvin is close to accomplishing what no other person has done, and that is to rack up three million miles in the same car. In this case, a 1966 Volvo P1800S model.
While many of us cover a lot miles in our lifetime, Irv has put a lot of “seat time” in the same car. You probably have seen the many articles that have recently appeared about this accomplishment and the one that stands out in my mind is the fact he has only had the engine rebuilt twice! That speaks volumes about the shop that rebuilt the engine and or the fact that Volvo builds a pretty dependable engine!
Back in the early 1970s, my wife and I both had Volvos. She drove a 1964 model 122 sedan and I had a 1963 model 544 that had a Judson supercharger on it. The 544 model looked a lot like a baby 1947-1948 Ford coupe. I had the 544 completely restored. I will try and find a photo for next week's Inner Circle.
WE HAVE ANOTHER GNX DASH AVAILABLE -
This dash is just like the GNX. It has all new Stewart Warner gauges with sending units as needed. It includes a new upper speedometer cable, directions with a copy of the original ASC blueprints, a good used original gauge bezel, new applique, most important a pre-cut stock dash bezel. In other words, this is a complete kit ready to install. You do not have to cut any part of your dash, you simply remove your dash and drop this one in. All the gauges are all pre-fit properly.
The only item you will have to buy to complete it is the proper plug-and-play harness, which is available from World of Motorworks. You have to specify if you have an analog dash or a digital dash when you order the harness.
The price for this complete GNX-style dash is $1,995 plus shipping.
URGENT REQUEST - WE NEED STOCK TURBO CORES -
Currently we have an urgent need for 1986-1987 Turbo Regal stock turbo cores. They must have the exhaust housing. We will allow $75 Letter of Credit for any cores you send in.
It's important you contact our office first, so we know to expect it - 215-766-1611 x 0
By providing cores, you are helping other owners restore their cars.
NEW PARTS & NEW LINKS -
1985-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
CAM SENSOR REPAIR KIT
Over time, the internal metal tab that indexes the interrupter ring to the shaft may break off. If that happens, you would have to buy a whole new cam sensor.
With this repair kit you can make the simple repair and not have the added expense of $300 or more for a new cam sensor.
We carry this cam sensor repair kit, which comes with directions. It was developed by Racing Jason. It’s a neat little product that can save you money.
NOTE - We recommend this kit be installed by a qualified mechanic.
7435 - 1985-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Cam Sensor Repair Kit - $22.95 / kit
Here is a link to this Cam Sensor Repair Kit on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/43990/CAM+SENSOR+REPAIR+KIT+%23+7435.html
1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
REPRODUCTION MARKER LIGHTS (2)
These new reproduction marker lights are the ones that attach to the side of each headlight bezel. These have the black trim, so they are correct for all 1984-1987 Grand Nationals, GNXs, 1984-1986 T-Types and 1987 Turbo-Ts that have the black-out option instead of the chrome trim.
Over a period of time, the amber portion of the lens can fade on the original marker lights. This is a high-quality reproduction with the correct amber lens coloring.
NOTE - We recommend you also replace the headlight bezels, Part #7222, Reproduction Black Headlight Bezels (2). This combination would give the front end a restored new look.
7436 - 1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction Marker Lights (2) - $149.95 / pair
Here is a link to these Marker Lights on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/43989/REPRODUCTION+MARKER+LIGHTS+%282%29+%23+7436.html
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]
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 -
2012 BUICK PERFORMANCE GROUP "CLASS OF 1987" and "BIG BOAT BASH"
AUGUST 3rd and 4th, 2012 - Friday & Saturday
National Trail Raceway, Hebron, Ohio
The Buick Performance Group presents "The Class of 1987 Buick Reunion" featuring the 25th Anniversary of the Buick GNX and the 1987 Buick Grand National with presentations from personnel from both Buick and ASC. The ASC quality control car as well as a GNX Factory Prototype will also be on display. Doug Niro will be presenting a power point presentation. Louis Infante from ASC will also be present as well as Rick Hunt who was an employee. We will be one of the guest speakers. Hope to see many of you at this event. Visit -www.buickperformancegroup.com - for more information
2012 EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS and FAST EVENT -
SEPTEMBER 21st and 22nd, 2012 - Friday & Saturday
Cecil County Dragway, Maryland
Event is open to all models of Buicks
Featuring the 2nd Annual MAGNA (Mid-Atlantic Grand National Association) All Buick powered judged Car Show! All Buick's! All years! All makes!
Goodie bags for the first 50 Buicks in the show. Door prizes all day and 50/50 to win some cash. The ONLY ALL-Buick car show on the east coast!
For more information, contact Doug Dougherty - 302-653-2201 or John Csordas - 914-447-6068 or email questions to - [email protected] or [email protected]
Visit their website - http://tristategsclub.com
2012 GS NATIONALS -
OCTOBER 17-20, 2012 – Wednesday - Saturday
Beach Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, Kentucky
Racing is FREE on Wednesday, October 17th. The correct dates are October 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 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 km
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 many of you are planning to attend the upcoming Buick Performance Group (BPG) event held at National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio. Richard Clark and myself are the main judges for the Grand Nationals that will be in attendance. We will be set up as a vendor along with Pete Hoffman with plenty of used parts and some of our new items as well.