Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 07-31-2019 –
MOLLY DESIGN “BUICK MOTORSPORT” RACING JACKET –
In the 1980s Molly had a Buick Clothing line featuring mostly items related to the popular Turbo Regal, Grand National, and the GNX. I recently bought one of the rare Buick Motorsport jackets that Molly made. It is shown in one of Molly’s clothing brochures listed for $41.95. The brochure is not dated, so I can’t determine the exact year it was offered. My guess is late 1980s or early 1990s. We show this rare Buick Motorsport jacket in Photo 1. It is listed for sale in our Rare Parts section.
Among some Buick parts we recently acquired was one of the 1986-1987 Grand National steering wheel foam center inserts with the horn contact wire still intact. Also in this box of parts were 4 more of those special horn contact leads. It has the spring at the one end to make contact and the plastic tube section that sits inside the larger tube in your steering wheel. It is this plastic tube section that locks into the larger tube so you can depress the foam part of the center cap and honk the horn.
GM used this same format for many years even back in the 1960s. In many states, it is required by law to have an operating horn and this small little wire with the plastic section and spring is usually the part that gets broken. Also in Photo 1 we show the back and front of the foam center insert and the extra contact lead. These parts are for sale in the Rare Parts section.
PHOTO 1 – Our photo on the left shows this jacket in the Molly brochure. The middle photo shows the front of this original Molly Design Buick Motorsports Jacket. The “Molly” label is clearly visible. It is size large (but jacket looks like a medium) and is in very good condition for its age. The photos on the right shows the front and back of the Grand National steering wheel foam insert complete with the correct tri-shield medallion. It also has the horn contact. The lower right photo also shows the back side and one of the horn contact leads that we have for sale. All these parts are listed in the Rare Parts section for sale.
SUMMER SIZZLER SALE –
To purchase any item listed here, email [email protected] or call our office between 9 am and 4 pm - 215-766-1611x0. These parts all have special prices that are not reflected on our website. Supplies are limited and, in some cases, will be discontinued once our supply is exhausted.
All these items will be shipped by mail, so you must provide a USPS address. A flat $10 shipping fee will be added to your total order.
As a bonus, each order will get 2 free DVDs while supplies last. One bonus per person. One DVD covers the 25th Anniversary of the GS Nationals 2005. The other DVD covers a later 2007 GS Nationals as well as the “Grand National in the Barn” find. This is a $5.90 total value you will get free.
In each case refer to the part number assigned to each listing. For a further description of each item refer to that part number when searching on our website. In each case, we list the retail price so you can see the savings.
7089 – The black metal license plate frame (no hardware). - 4 available. Sale price is $7 each. Retail was $12.95.
7231 - The Battery Butler Charger. - 6 available. Sale price is $12.95 each. Retail was $17.95
7590 - These are the 3-inch stainless metal exhaust clamps. - 6 available. Sale price $10 Pair. Retail was $19.95 pair.
7671 - The Top Ten Reason T-shirts - We have 6 large, 2 extra large, and 4 XXL available. Sale price is $10 each. Retail was $15.95. Buy any 2 for $16.
7821 - The grey and black Grand National seat covers - 5 available. Sale price $12 each. Retail was $18.95. Note - Each cover does only 1 seat.
7555 - The T-Type fender covers. - 22 available. Sale price $20 each or 2 for $38. Retail was $28.95
7751 - The Buick Motorsport Seat Armor. - 6 available. Sale price is $28 each or 2 for $48 Retail was $36.95 each.
7753 - T-Type Seat Armor - 8 available. Sale price is $28 each or 2 for $48. Retail was $36.95 each.
7755 - GNX Seat Armor - 13 available. Sale price $28 each or 2 for $48. Retail was $36.95 each.
7757 - Grand National Seat Armor - 9 available. Sale price $28 each or 2 for $48. Retail was $36.95 each.
7839 - The GNX white coffee mug - Only 1 available. Sale price $8. Retail was $12.95.
7846 – The Grand National T-shirt white ONLY - 8 large, 7 extra large, 5 XXL, and 4 XXXL available. Sale price is $14 each. Retail $18.00. Only the WHITE Grand National T-shirt is on special.
8604 - The T-Type 4-ft x 2-ft vinyl banner. - 2 available. Sale price $35 each. Retail $42.95
8605 - Buick Motorsport 4-ft x 2-ft vinyl banner. - 3 available. Sale price $35 each. Retail $42.95
8606 - 1984 Grand National 4-ft x 2-ft vinyl banner . - 1 available. Sale price $28. Retail $38.95.
Be sure to call or email as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. [email protected] or call our office between 9 am and 4 pm - 215-766-1611x0.
PHOTO 2 – We show the 2 bonus DVDs you will receive with each Summer Sizzler Sale order. Act quickly as item quantities are limited.
HATBORO MOONLIGHT CAR SHOW UPDATE –
The weather was similar to the Saturday before with high temperatures and high humidity levels. This show is special to me as I usually see a lot of old friends and for several years I was one of the Judges at this yearly event. Hatboro is close to where we used to live for many years.
Years ago, Hatboro was the town to cruise through on the weekends, like the era featured in the movie “American Graffiti.” This yearly show usually attracts over 350 cars. Unlike last week’s event in nearby Doylestown, this event had several Turbo Regals and Grand Nationals in attendance. No GNXs were there. Being local to us, every Turbo Regal present is a customer of ours.
Many long-time readers may recall about 12-15 years ago I bought a real nice Grand National out of Tennessee that sat inside a huge rug company. Besides the Grand National there was a 1970 or 1971 GSX and an original 1935 Buick coupe.
At the time, I told Mike (owner of O’Neil Buick/GMC) that he could buy the GSX and the 1935 Buick coupe as a Package Deal. Mike owns the dealership I was buying the Turbo Regals through back in the day. Mike struck a deal with the owner and had a transport company bring the GSX and 1935 Buick coupe back to Warminster.
I am not sure how the idea came up, but Mike had a wrecked or theft recovered Grand National, which had a good drivetrain in it. He had our son Darrell perform his magic and transplanted the 1986-1987 turbo drivetrain into the 1935 Buick coupe. It was pretty tricky to do and still have the engine fit under the factory hood. Mike then had his shop finish the interior and put down a real nice black cherry paint job. I found a picture of the 1935 Buick coupe back when Mike first got it.
PHOTO 3 – We show several views of this turbo-powered 1935 Buick coupe. The first photo shows what the Buick coupe looked like when Mike first got it. The other photos show the car at the Hatboro Moonlight Car Show last Saturday. Note that in the one photo the seats are redone in leather to resemble the original Grand National seats. This is a perfect example of blending a vintage Buick coupe and powering it by the highly-desirable 1986-1987 SFI 3.8 Turbo engine. After all, there can’t be many 1935 Buick coupes left in the country.
1986 T-TYPE - PREVIOUS KIRBAN CAR –
Also at the Hatboro Moonlight Car Show was this grey 1986 T-Type. This car is quite unusual. It had a grey exterior with a blue interior. Most grey Regals had a matching grey interior. The seat pattern was slightly different in the 1986 Turbo Regals than for the 1987 versions. The owner has the original Window Sticker. This car came with a power antenna and a radio delete option. It also had crank windows and the 9-piece trunk kit. This Turbo Regal was very unusual the way it was equipped.
The owner saw it on ebay years ago. It was not advertised by the seller as being a previous Kirban car. The buyer happened to be good friends with someone who worked for our company years earlier. During the process of making the deal, it came up in conversation that this was previously a Kirban car. The seller had all the documents I had given him when he purchased the car for about $8,500 years earlier, including the original ad in our monthly “Grand News” newsletter. The seller had even saved the original letter I sent the seller back then confirming his $250 deposit. The letter said he would lose $125 of his deposit if he failed to buy the car!
The current owner, Dave Boyle, purchased the car for approximately the same amount I had sold it to my buyer. This all transpired about 10 years ago.
PHOTO 4 – We show several photos of this 1986 T-Type. Note the crank window handle. He neatly framed all the critical documentation, including my original ad for the T-Type and the letter from me and had it on display in the trunk. I had sent the previous owner. Ironically, the current owner lives about 3 blocks from our old house in Willow Grove where we lived in 1970 when I started the towing business.
LAST WEEK’S MINI CONTEST WINNER –
Last week’s mini contest winner is Ruth Aston from Georgia. The tow truck peddle car was made by Bagera around 1999 or 2000. This company used the same format for the grille, fenders, headlights on their various design pedal cars.
Ruth and her husband Geven came with their car from Cumming, Georgia for our 20th Birthday bash in 2007.
DON GARLITS CONTINUES TO AMAZE THE RACE WORLD –
This time at the age of 87 Don Garlits set a speed record reaching 189.03 miles per hour in his Swamp Rat 38 electric dragster at Palm Beach International Raceway in Florida. He was shooting for the 200 mph mark, but the car had two dead battery cells.
At 87 years old most of us would be fortunate to still be able to drive a car at normal highway speeds. It must be all that high octane fumes Don has been subjected to all these years that keeps him rolling along!
WRISTWATCH UPDATE –
We have just 3 of the gauge cluster Turbo Regal wristwatches left. I am waiting for more Grand National watches to come in. Watch for word soon.
USED PARTS –
As many of you realize, finding used parts becomes increasingly harder as each year passes. It is especially hard for companies like ours to buy used parts, since sellers realize we have to buy the parts at a good price in order to turn a profit.
The one advantage companies like ours offer is that selling a group of parts is quicker money than selling parts individually thru various means or swap meets. As many of you know, our description on the used parts is accurate and usually requires no photo to back up my description. We try and price our used and NOS parts to sell rather than gather dust.
On another note, we appreciate all the positive comments we get pertaining to our weekly Inner Circle.
While writing the weekly Inner Circle may appear easy to do, each week I spent a lot of time thinking what to write about and keeping it interesting. This probably explains why our company is the only one, that I am aware of, that does a weekly newsletter. Each week my wife fixes all my grammar and spelling errors. In high school, English class was not one of my better subjects.
CORES NEEDED - URGENT REQUEST –
Here is the information on our credits for cores.
POWERMASTER BRAKE UNITS. Unit must be complete. We will issue you a Letter of Credit for $150 for each acceptable core. We currently will not buy any powermaster units outright, only Letter of Credit towards parts.
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.
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. These are the only 2 items we are currently accepting as cores.
MAIL - Ship to Address –
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
PO BOX 1199
PLUMSTEADVILLE, PA 18949
UPS - Ship to Address –
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
6201 KELLERS CHURCH ROAD
PLUMSTEADVILLE, PA 18949-1199
CARSMARTS RADIO IS ON THE AIR AND ON THE WEB! –
Turbo V6 enthusiast Steve Saffier (who produced “The Dennis Kirban Story” on YouTube last year) is producer and host of a new automotive radio program broadcasting live every Saturday from 11am - 12 noon on 610 ESPN radio (the old WIP 610 am for those in the area.) The show talks about different aspects of the car world and Steve’s affinity for Turbo Regals and Syclone/Typhoons often is expressed in nearly every show.
You can tune in live or livestream the show at http://www.610espn.com from anywhere in the world.
TIPS AND IDEAS YOU HAVE TRIED -
If there are any tips or ideas you want to share with our readers, email me –[email protected]
TIP FROM KIRBAN –
Be sure to look over the variety of items we have on our Summer Sizzler Specials. Supplies are limited and some items will be discontinued.
2019 TURBO BUICK RELATED CAR SHOWS EVENTS -
To get your Turbo Regal event for 2019 listed here, you must email me direct – [email protected] Also, send me a copy of the flyer promoting the event.
EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS -
FRIDAY & SATURDAY - SEPTEMBER 20&21, 2019
Cecil County Dragway, 1916 Theodore Road, Rising Sun, Maryland
This will be the 23rd year. Host hotel Information - Comfort Inn located just off exit 100 on I-95. Call 410-287-7100 and mention Northeast GS/GN Club for special pricing. For more info, contact John Csordas 914-447-6068 [email protected] or Jim Chaudrue 215-266-1052 [email protected]
GOOD NEWS - WE ARE ACCEPTING CLASSIFIED ADS -
Good news - We now 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 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 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 reaches over 3,300 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 3,200 potential buyers.
Ads submitted properly by the previous Sunday would appear that next Wednesday in the weekly Inner Circle. Ads must be submitted by email to - [email protected]
Payment by credit card must be done by phone to our office 215-766-1611 x 0.
CLASSIFIED ADS –
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 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 afternoon. 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 Inner Circle email.
The Buick Rare Parts section is only viewed by those that subscribe. Subscription is free, so complaints on what I write are nonexistent!
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 thru.
If you need to email us, use - [email protected]
CORES NEEDED -
Here is the information on our credits for cores.
URGENT NEED –
POWERMASTER BRAKE UNITS. Unit must be complete. We will issue you a Letter of Credit for $150 for each acceptable core.
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.
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. These are the only 2 items we are currently accepting as cores.
MAIL - Ship to Address -
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
PO BOX 1199
PLUMSTEADVILLE, PA 18949
UPS - Ship to Address -
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
6201 Kellers Church Road
PLUMSTEADVILLE, PA 18949-1199
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 –
GM Licensed –
BUICK GRAND NATIONAL 22-Ounce BEVERAGE TUMBLER MUG
This GM licensed 22-ounce beverage tumbler is made of a durable double-wall stainless steel vacuum construction with copper insulation. This allows the beverage to stay cold for 24 hours or hot for at least 6 hours!
The construction also prevents condensation on the outside of the tumbler. On-trend, durable powder coating, and easy sipping with a push-on lid with a wide opening for comfortable filing and pouring. An Eastman Tritan T straw is included.
The Grand National Turbo-six logo is imprinted in red, orange and white.
It makes a great statement at a car show, and it also makes a great gift for that Turbo enthusiast or for your mechanic.
This is another excellent Buick enthusiast gift idea.
7875 - GM Licensed - BUICK GRAND NATIONAL 22-ounce Beverage Tumbler Mug - $24.95
Here is a link to this Tumbler on our website.
GM Licensed –
BUICK GRAND NATIONAL BASEBALL-STYLE EMBROIDERED BLACK HAT
This GM licensed 6-panel structured low crown pre-curved visor black hat is made from moisture wicking polyester. It has a micro-hook/loop closure in the back.
The black hat has the Grand National Turbo-six logo embroidered in red, orange and white on the front and adjustable in the back.
This is another excellent Buick enthusiast gift idea.
7876 - GM Licensed - BUICK GRAND NATIONAL Baseball-style Embroidered Black Hat - $17.95
Here is a link to this Hat on our website.
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 use 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 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 –
We expect to have more powermaster brake units available in the next 10 days.
MOLLY DESIGN “BUICK MOTORSPORT” RACING JACKET –
In the 1980s Molly had a Buick Clothing line featuring mostly items related to the popular Turbo Regal, Grand National, and the GNX. I recently bought one of the rare Buick Motorsport jackets that Molly made. It is shown in one of Molly’s clothing brochures listed for $41.95. The brochure is not dated, so I can’t determine the exact year it was offered. My guess is late 1980s or early 1990s. We show this rare Buick Motorsport jacket in Photo 1. It is listed for sale in our Rare Parts section.
Among some Buick parts we recently acquired was one of the 1986-1987 Grand National steering wheel foam center inserts with the horn contact wire still intact. Also in this box of parts were 4 more of those special horn contact leads. It has the spring at the one end to make contact and the plastic tube section that sits inside the larger tube in your steering wheel. It is this plastic tube section that locks into the larger tube so you can depress the foam part of the center cap and honk the horn.
GM used this same format for many years even back in the 1960s. In many states, it is required by law to have an operating horn and this small little wire with the plastic section and spring is usually the part that gets broken. Also in Photo 1 we show the back and front of the foam center insert and the extra contact lead. These parts are for sale in the Rare Parts section.
PHOTO 1 – Our photo on the left shows this jacket in the Molly brochure. The middle photo shows the front of this original Molly Design Buick Motorsports Jacket. The “Molly” label is clearly visible. It is size large (but jacket looks like a medium) and is in very good condition for its age. The photos on the right shows the front and back of the Grand National steering wheel foam insert complete with the correct tri-shield medallion. It also has the horn contact. The lower right photo also shows the back side and one of the horn contact leads that we have for sale. All these parts are listed in the Rare Parts section for sale.
SUMMER SIZZLER SALE –
To purchase any item listed here, email [email protected] or call our office between 9 am and 4 pm - 215-766-1611x0. These parts all have special prices that are not reflected on our website. Supplies are limited and, in some cases, will be discontinued once our supply is exhausted.
All these items will be shipped by mail, so you must provide a USPS address. A flat $10 shipping fee will be added to your total order.
As a bonus, each order will get 2 free DVDs while supplies last. One bonus per person. One DVD covers the 25th Anniversary of the GS Nationals 2005. The other DVD covers a later 2007 GS Nationals as well as the “Grand National in the Barn” find. This is a $5.90 total value you will get free.
In each case refer to the part number assigned to each listing. For a further description of each item refer to that part number when searching on our website. In each case, we list the retail price so you can see the savings.
7089 – The black metal license plate frame (no hardware). - 4 available. Sale price is $7 each. Retail was $12.95.
7231 - The Battery Butler Charger. - 6 available. Sale price is $12.95 each. Retail was $17.95
7590 - These are the 3-inch stainless metal exhaust clamps. - 6 available. Sale price $10 Pair. Retail was $19.95 pair.
7671 - The Top Ten Reason T-shirts - We have 6 large, 2 extra large, and 4 XXL available. Sale price is $10 each. Retail was $15.95. Buy any 2 for $16.
7821 - The grey and black Grand National seat covers - 5 available. Sale price $12 each. Retail was $18.95. Note - Each cover does only 1 seat.
7555 - The T-Type fender covers. - 22 available. Sale price $20 each or 2 for $38. Retail was $28.95
7751 - The Buick Motorsport Seat Armor. - 6 available. Sale price is $28 each or 2 for $48 Retail was $36.95 each.
7753 - T-Type Seat Armor - 8 available. Sale price is $28 each or 2 for $48. Retail was $36.95 each.
7755 - GNX Seat Armor - 13 available. Sale price $28 each or 2 for $48. Retail was $36.95 each.
7757 - Grand National Seat Armor - 9 available. Sale price $28 each or 2 for $48. Retail was $36.95 each.
7839 - The GNX white coffee mug - Only 1 available. Sale price $8. Retail was $12.95.
7846 – The Grand National T-shirt white ONLY - 8 large, 7 extra large, 5 XXL, and 4 XXXL available. Sale price is $14 each. Retail $18.00. Only the WHITE Grand National T-shirt is on special.
8604 - The T-Type 4-ft x 2-ft vinyl banner. - 2 available. Sale price $35 each. Retail $42.95
8605 - Buick Motorsport 4-ft x 2-ft vinyl banner. - 3 available. Sale price $35 each. Retail $42.95
8606 - 1984 Grand National 4-ft x 2-ft vinyl banner . - 1 available. Sale price $28. Retail $38.95.
Be sure to call or email as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. [email protected] or call our office between 9 am and 4 pm - 215-766-1611x0.
PHOTO 2 – We show the 2 bonus DVDs you will receive with each Summer Sizzler Sale order. Act quickly as item quantities are limited.
HATBORO MOONLIGHT CAR SHOW UPDATE –
The weather was similar to the Saturday before with high temperatures and high humidity levels. This show is special to me as I usually see a lot of old friends and for several years I was one of the Judges at this yearly event. Hatboro is close to where we used to live for many years.
Years ago, Hatboro was the town to cruise through on the weekends, like the era featured in the movie “American Graffiti.” This yearly show usually attracts over 350 cars. Unlike last week’s event in nearby Doylestown, this event had several Turbo Regals and Grand Nationals in attendance. No GNXs were there. Being local to us, every Turbo Regal present is a customer of ours.
Many long-time readers may recall about 12-15 years ago I bought a real nice Grand National out of Tennessee that sat inside a huge rug company. Besides the Grand National there was a 1970 or 1971 GSX and an original 1935 Buick coupe.
At the time, I told Mike (owner of O’Neil Buick/GMC) that he could buy the GSX and the 1935 Buick coupe as a Package Deal. Mike owns the dealership I was buying the Turbo Regals through back in the day. Mike struck a deal with the owner and had a transport company bring the GSX and 1935 Buick coupe back to Warminster.
I am not sure how the idea came up, but Mike had a wrecked or theft recovered Grand National, which had a good drivetrain in it. He had our son Darrell perform his magic and transplanted the 1986-1987 turbo drivetrain into the 1935 Buick coupe. It was pretty tricky to do and still have the engine fit under the factory hood. Mike then had his shop finish the interior and put down a real nice black cherry paint job. I found a picture of the 1935 Buick coupe back when Mike first got it.
PHOTO 3 – We show several views of this turbo-powered 1935 Buick coupe. The first photo shows what the Buick coupe looked like when Mike first got it. The other photos show the car at the Hatboro Moonlight Car Show last Saturday. Note that in the one photo the seats are redone in leather to resemble the original Grand National seats. This is a perfect example of blending a vintage Buick coupe and powering it by the highly-desirable 1986-1987 SFI 3.8 Turbo engine. After all, there can’t be many 1935 Buick coupes left in the country.
1986 T-TYPE - PREVIOUS KIRBAN CAR –
Also at the Hatboro Moonlight Car Show was this grey 1986 T-Type. This car is quite unusual. It had a grey exterior with a blue interior. Most grey Regals had a matching grey interior. The seat pattern was slightly different in the 1986 Turbo Regals than for the 1987 versions. The owner has the original Window Sticker. This car came with a power antenna and a radio delete option. It also had crank windows and the 9-piece trunk kit. This Turbo Regal was very unusual the way it was equipped.
The owner saw it on ebay years ago. It was not advertised by the seller as being a previous Kirban car. The buyer happened to be good friends with someone who worked for our company years earlier. During the process of making the deal, it came up in conversation that this was previously a Kirban car. The seller had all the documents I had given him when he purchased the car for about $8,500 years earlier, including the original ad in our monthly “Grand News” newsletter. The seller had even saved the original letter I sent the seller back then confirming his $250 deposit. The letter said he would lose $125 of his deposit if he failed to buy the car!
The current owner, Dave Boyle, purchased the car for approximately the same amount I had sold it to my buyer. This all transpired about 10 years ago.
PHOTO 4 – We show several photos of this 1986 T-Type. Note the crank window handle. He neatly framed all the critical documentation, including my original ad for the T-Type and the letter from me and had it on display in the trunk. I had sent the previous owner. Ironically, the current owner lives about 3 blocks from our old house in Willow Grove where we lived in 1970 when I started the towing business.
LAST WEEK’S MINI CONTEST WINNER –
Last week’s mini contest winner is Ruth Aston from Georgia. The tow truck peddle car was made by Bagera around 1999 or 2000. This company used the same format for the grille, fenders, headlights on their various design pedal cars.
Ruth and her husband Geven came with their car from Cumming, Georgia for our 20th Birthday bash in 2007.
DON GARLITS CONTINUES TO AMAZE THE RACE WORLD –
This time at the age of 87 Don Garlits set a speed record reaching 189.03 miles per hour in his Swamp Rat 38 electric dragster at Palm Beach International Raceway in Florida. He was shooting for the 200 mph mark, but the car had two dead battery cells.
At 87 years old most of us would be fortunate to still be able to drive a car at normal highway speeds. It must be all that high octane fumes Don has been subjected to all these years that keeps him rolling along!
WRISTWATCH UPDATE –
We have just 3 of the gauge cluster Turbo Regal wristwatches left. I am waiting for more Grand National watches to come in. Watch for word soon.
USED PARTS –
As many of you realize, finding used parts becomes increasingly harder as each year passes. It is especially hard for companies like ours to buy used parts, since sellers realize we have to buy the parts at a good price in order to turn a profit.
The one advantage companies like ours offer is that selling a group of parts is quicker money than selling parts individually thru various means or swap meets. As many of you know, our description on the used parts is accurate and usually requires no photo to back up my description. We try and price our used and NOS parts to sell rather than gather dust.
On another note, we appreciate all the positive comments we get pertaining to our weekly Inner Circle.
While writing the weekly Inner Circle may appear easy to do, each week I spent a lot of time thinking what to write about and keeping it interesting. This probably explains why our company is the only one, that I am aware of, that does a weekly newsletter. Each week my wife fixes all my grammar and spelling errors. In high school, English class was not one of my better subjects.
CORES NEEDED - URGENT REQUEST –
Here is the information on our credits for cores.
POWERMASTER BRAKE UNITS. Unit must be complete. We will issue you a Letter of Credit for $150 for each acceptable core. We currently will not buy any powermaster units outright, only Letter of Credit towards parts.
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.
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. These are the only 2 items we are currently accepting as cores.
MAIL - Ship to Address –
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
PO BOX 1199
PLUMSTEADVILLE, PA 18949
UPS - Ship to Address –
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
6201 KELLERS CHURCH ROAD
PLUMSTEADVILLE, PA 18949-1199
CARSMARTS RADIO IS ON THE AIR AND ON THE WEB! –
Turbo V6 enthusiast Steve Saffier (who produced “The Dennis Kirban Story” on YouTube last year) is producer and host of a new automotive radio program broadcasting live every Saturday from 11am - 12 noon on 610 ESPN radio (the old WIP 610 am for those in the area.) The show talks about different aspects of the car world and Steve’s affinity for Turbo Regals and Syclone/Typhoons often is expressed in nearly every show.
You can tune in live or livestream the show at http://www.610espn.com from anywhere in the world.
TIPS AND IDEAS YOU HAVE TRIED -
If there are any tips or ideas you want to share with our readers, email me –[email protected]
TIP FROM KIRBAN –
Be sure to look over the variety of items we have on our Summer Sizzler Specials. Supplies are limited and some items will be discontinued.
2019 TURBO BUICK RELATED CAR SHOWS EVENTS -
To get your Turbo Regal event for 2019 listed here, you must email me direct – [email protected] Also, send me a copy of the flyer promoting the event.
EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS -
FRIDAY & SATURDAY - SEPTEMBER 20&21, 2019
Cecil County Dragway, 1916 Theodore Road, Rising Sun, Maryland
This will be the 23rd year. Host hotel Information - Comfort Inn located just off exit 100 on I-95. Call 410-287-7100 and mention Northeast GS/GN Club for special pricing. For more info, contact John Csordas 914-447-6068 [email protected] or Jim Chaudrue 215-266-1052 [email protected]
GOOD NEWS - WE ARE ACCEPTING CLASSIFIED ADS -
Good news - We now 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 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 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 reaches over 3,300 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 3,200 potential buyers.
Ads submitted properly by the previous Sunday would appear that next Wednesday in the weekly Inner Circle. Ads must be submitted by email to - [email protected]
Payment by credit card must be done by phone to our office 215-766-1611 x 0.
CLASSIFIED ADS –
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 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 afternoon. 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 Inner Circle email.
The Buick Rare Parts section is only viewed by those that subscribe. Subscription is free, so complaints on what I write are nonexistent!
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 thru.
If you need to email us, use - [email protected]
CORES NEEDED -
Here is the information on our credits for cores.
URGENT NEED –
POWERMASTER BRAKE UNITS. Unit must be complete. We will issue you a Letter of Credit for $150 for each acceptable core.
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.
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. These are the only 2 items we are currently accepting as cores.
MAIL - Ship to Address -
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
PO BOX 1199
PLUMSTEADVILLE, PA 18949
UPS - Ship to Address -
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
6201 Kellers Church Road
PLUMSTEADVILLE, PA 18949-1199
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 –
GM Licensed –
BUICK GRAND NATIONAL 22-Ounce BEVERAGE TUMBLER MUG
This GM licensed 22-ounce beverage tumbler is made of a durable double-wall stainless steel vacuum construction with copper insulation. This allows the beverage to stay cold for 24 hours or hot for at least 6 hours!
The construction also prevents condensation on the outside of the tumbler. On-trend, durable powder coating, and easy sipping with a push-on lid with a wide opening for comfortable filing and pouring. An Eastman Tritan T straw is included.
The Grand National Turbo-six logo is imprinted in red, orange and white.
It makes a great statement at a car show, and it also makes a great gift for that Turbo enthusiast or for your mechanic.
This is another excellent Buick enthusiast gift idea.
7875 - GM Licensed - BUICK GRAND NATIONAL 22-ounce Beverage Tumbler Mug - $24.95
Here is a link to this Tumbler on our website.
GM Licensed –
BUICK GRAND NATIONAL BASEBALL-STYLE EMBROIDERED BLACK HAT
This GM licensed 6-panel structured low crown pre-curved visor black hat is made from moisture wicking polyester. It has a micro-hook/loop closure in the back.
The black hat has the Grand National Turbo-six logo embroidered in red, orange and white on the front and adjustable in the back.
This is another excellent Buick enthusiast gift idea.
7876 - GM Licensed - BUICK GRAND NATIONAL Baseball-style Embroidered Black Hat - $17.95
Here is a link to this Hat on our website.
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 use 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 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 –
We expect to have more powermaster brake units available in the next 10 days.