07-25-2012 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members - 07-25-2012

MORE ON THE POWERMASTER BRAKE UNITS -

Last week we showed a pristine example of a complete powermaster brake unit, as it would have come on your 1986-1987 Turbo Regal back in 1986-1987.

I realize 1985 also had a powermaster brake unit. However, according to the Buick parts book, those took the more narrow brake reservoir than what we pictured last week.

PHOTO 1 - The top photo shows a close-up of the factory original molded hose that is on the passenger's side of the brake unit. The lower photo shows a replacement hose that is really a pre-formed metal tube and has just a short piece of hose that is clamped at both ends as it attaches to the reservoir. As you probably realize, virtually none of the original parts related to the powermaster is available from GM anymore. Sometimes the molded hose is in good shape and sometimes it has been replaced.

PHOTO 2 - In the top photo we show a close-up of the pristine powermaster brake motor that we featured last week. Ironically, you can’t read all of the numbers in the second row as some of them are no longer visible! Of the three rows of numbers shown, the only number I can identify accurately is the third row down. It's an eight-digit number "18011279" (second line) under the words PUMP ASM. That number is the GM part number for the pump and motor kit.

The lower photo shows a typical powermaster brake core customers send into our office. Notice how rusted the electric motor part is. As bad as it appears, the pump label is still very readable.

According to my 1987 Buick Price Book, the List price was $283 and Dealer price was $169.80 for the brake pump and motor kit. The book shows it was used on three car models - Buick, Chevrolet, and Oldsmobile.

In Photo 3 - We show what neglected brake fluid can look like in the brake reservoir. If you don’t want to have brake problems, this is what you want to avoid!



ELECTRONIC TOUCH CLIMATE CONTROL -

"Electronic Touch Climate Control" was an available option in all 1984, 1985, and 1986 Turbo Regals. It was not offered in the 1987 Turbo Regals. I would venture a guess, based on the number of Turbo Regals we have bought and sold, this was not a popular option.

PHOTO 4 - In the top photo we show a typical Electronic Touch Climate Control unit, which is in Pete Hoffman's personal Grand National. Although Pete owns a 1987 Grand National, he upgraded his car to include this earlier option. The Electronic Touch Climate Control was available in other Buick models as well. The lower photo shows a unit I removed from a LeSabre the other week. It has an entirely different display. I can’t recall what year LeSabre I removed it from, but it was a front-wheel drive model, probably 1989-1990.

More next week on the Touch Climate Control option.



GNX AT CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA AUTO AUCTION -

You may have seen the ads for this classic car auction that was held this past weekend in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. A real 98-original-mile GNX was at this auction. According to Greg, one of our customers who witnessed it, it was bid to $86,000 and was a no sale. From what he understood, the buyer was seeking $100,000 for the pristine GNX. According to Greg, the car was like brand new, down to even that new car smell.



BREAKING NEWS - JIM BELL'S T-TYPE FOR SALE -

I was just informed earlier this week that Jim Bell's 1986 T-Type is up for sale. It was their test car back in the day. The car is currently sitting at Liberty GMC in Peoria, Arizona. The car does have some issues. It needs frame repair before it can legally be licensed for the street. This is due to the a-arms causing the frame to crack. You would be purchasing it with no warranty. Steve Moore is the person to contact at 623-977-4000. You can also email me - [email protected] - as I do have photos I can send.



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 AS 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 -


1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction TIMING CHAIN COVER with New Timing Tab

NOTE - This timing chain cover will fit all Buick small V6 engines (198, 215, 225, 231, 300, 350, and 400 engines,) not just the 1984-1987 Turbo Regals.

Over time, an original timing chain cover can become worn or leak. If you are rebuilding your motor, it is the perfect time to go with a brand new timing chain cover.

This is made by TA Performance and comes complete with a new installed neoprene seal. For added strength, this seal is secured by three screws. Final machining to BETTER-than-Original-Equipment (OE) standards is done at TA Performance. As a result, this cover is of a higher quality than the original timing chain cover.

Each timing chain cover comes with a new timing tab. Some original timing chain covers to not have a removable timing tab.

NOTE - We recommend this cover be installed by a qualified mechanic.

7437 - 1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal - Reproduction Timing Chain Cover with New Timing Tab - $229.95

Here is a link to this Timing Chain Cover on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/43996/Reproduction+TIMING%E2%80%88CHAIN%E2%80%88COVER+with+New+Timing+Tab+%237437.html



1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
FACTORY GM ASTROROOF Reproduction SEALS (2) SET

This is a reproduction of both the actual glass seal and the surrounding pan seal, sold as a set only.

First, you need to be sure your car has a factory GM astroroof, sometimes referred to as a “sun roof.” The factory astroroof will have the code “CF5” on the trunk ID label. If it does not have this code, you probably have an aftermarket astroroof and these seals will NOT fit.

These seals are “MADE IN THE USA ” and are superior to what GM had made originally. It has a firm compound with a smooth outer jacket that is cast into the coating. It is not wrapped like GM, which is why the GM seal wrinkles. This allows the glass to ride on a smooth surface. This gains better glass coverage, which means better sealing and less resistance on a 25+-year-old motor.

The pan seal is larger and wraps around the roof support for a better seal on the roof structure. They have a smoother surface, which allows the glass to seal better to the seal. It will not grab or bind. The pan seal is the other seal associated with the astroroof.

NOTE - We recommend the installation be done by a qualified shop.

One helpful tip is to take an air hose and make sure all the drain holes are clear of debris. These drain holes are located on the corners which are visible when the glass is in the open position. If the drain holes become clogged, water can back up and ruin the surrounding headliner.

Another nice finishing touch for any exterior restoration.

7427 - 1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Factory GM Astroroof Reproduction Seals (2) Set - $134.95

Here is a link to these seals on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/43991/FACTORY+GM+ASTROROOF+Reproduction+SEALS+%282%29+SET+%237427.html



1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal with Floor Shift -
THEFT DETERRENT LOCK-OUT PLATE

Since collar locks are now selling for over $150 or more, there aren’t many options available to secure your car with a locking device.

Theft is still a major concern for owners of these cars. While no theft deterrent is fool proof, this is a simple method to block the console shifter from being moved out of PARK.

This new lock-out plate is machined from a solid block of aluminum, and then a lock cylinder is installed. Next a machined tapered tab is installed on the bottom of the lock tumbler, so when it is engaged, it locks the plate to the console. There is enough of a gap for the tab to engage against the top of the ribbed plastic shifter cover and locks against the bottom of the console metal piece. It will not harm the factory plastic ribbed slider that surrounds the chrome shifter lever. The aluminum block is wide enough to over lap the top plate as well so it can't be pushed down.

There are no wires and no alarms to worry about. You simple put it into position, turn the key to engage the plate, and remove the key. Even if your car is equipped with an electric alarm system this is a second line of defense that is also visible.

Of course, like any theft deterrent, given enough time and patience, a determine thief could defeat it, but it will certainly prevent theft in some cases.

This is a simple concept... it prevents the car from being taken out of PARK, so the car can't be rolled or pushed.

I keep one in my console for whenever I have to leave the car parked.

Unit comes with two keys.

Another excellent theft deterrent to help keep your car in your possession.

7429 - 1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal with Floor Shift -
Theft Deterrent Lock-Out Plate - $64.95

Here is a link to this Lock-Out Plate on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/43988/THEFT+DETERRENT+LOCK-OUT+PLATE+%23+7429.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 AS. The AS 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 AS 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. I have also been asked to be one of the speakers.

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