08-22-2018 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 08-22-2018 -

NOTE – We have added a new feature to the Inner Circle photos. When you click on the photo, an ENLARGED photo popup will appear. This will help to view the photos larger. This is only available on last week and this week’s Inner Circle and any future Inner Circles. It will not work on the older Inner Circles.



NEW PRODUCT - THE WINDOW RACER –

If you have a Turbo Regal (1984-1987) with the power window option you are fully aware that compared to other cars with power windows, they are anything, but quick. Actually they are downright slow! New window motors make them slightly faster, but still not as quick as those in other cars. Even when new the power window feature in the Turbo Regals lacked any kind of quickness.

The issue of slow power windows has now been solved with this simple product that you install under your dash near your fuse box. This new product is produced by GBodyparts.com. See new products for more information and answers for any of your questions.

PHOTO 1 - Show’s the new “Window Racer” a simple plug and play with one ground wire to secure. Basically, the control module looks like a small version of the Rubick’s Cube!



EILEEN'S BIRTHDAY –

Eileen’s birthday was this past Monday August 20th. A few weeks back the local township near our home, erected this huge sign on the one road near us that we travel on every day. What gave me the initial idea was the fact the sign stated the road would be closed 8/20/2018 for maintenance.

I told Carrie and Darrell it would be cool to make up a sign for Eileen’s birthday and attach it to this road sign for her to see.

PHOTO 2 – Here is the sign that Carrie made and installed on the township sign! We left off our last name to avoid issues and any penalties for putting a sign on a township sign!



MORE GM BANNERS UP FOR GM APPROVAL –

We picture 4 more sample banners that we had gotten made locally to make sure they would be correct before sending them to our source that will submit them to GM to be approved. In the next photo is the one and only sample of each of the next four to get GM approved.

PHOTO 3 – The two photos on the left show two of the Buick GS models. The two photos on the right show the Oldsmobile 442 models. These new banners are formatted from the original magazine ads. See the Rare Parts section for prices to own any of these actual samples. These banners are all 2 ft by 3 ft vinyl banners. My wife, Eileen has several hours into cleaning up these old original magazine ads to make sure they reproduce properly when enlarged. You are seeing them here first!



RARE 1:18 SCALE AUTOGRAPHED MOLLY GRAND NATIONAL –


As many of you know years ago GMP did a series of diecast Turbo Regals in both 1:18 scale and 1:24 scale. Certain models as expected are worth more than others. It’s like this with most any diecast model that is in a series. Part of it is due to the number produced and part of it is due to the popularity of a particular car model. In this case the 1983 Molly Prototype Grand National has a production of 2,400 in the 1:18 scale. The Molly Prototype Grand National pops up on ebay from time to time in the $100 range.

You seldom ever see one of the Molly Prototype Grand Nationals that has been signed personally by Molly. This could only have been done at one of the shows we did where Molly was our guest. In my personal collection I have several items signed by Molly.

I recently purchased this personally signed by Molly Prototype Grand National. It includes all the original packaging and both inner and out boxes. One can only surmise how many of these Molly did sign at one of our events. My guess is very few.

Its value can only increase with the popularity of the actual Grand National and of course Molly’s connection of working on that initial project for Buick.

See Rare Parts section for actual price.

PHOTO 4 – We show the actual diecast 1983 Grand National and the original packaging. Note Molly’s distinctive signature on the trunk lid.



300-MILE 1987 GRAND NATIONAL HARDTOP -

As I write this I expect to have photos and list of all the work that was done to freshen this prime example back to its original glory. A rare chance to own one of the lowest mileage 1987 Grand Nationals in the country.

This car has enjoyed inside storage in a warehouse in Texas since it was purchased and tucked away. Until last November 2017 it only had 50 miles on it! I am waiting for more info. Even the window sticker is still attached to the window!

Car has now been fully detailed. I have photos available for any potential buyers. Own one of the best 1987 Grand Nationals with under 300 actual miles since new. Asking price is $62,900.

Email me personally [email protected] for more information and photos.



ONE OF THE “BEST OF THE BEST” GNXs FOR SALE -

During my search last month for a GNX, I did hear from one-long-time customer of ours that still has his GNX from brand new. It has not been advertised as of yet, that I am aware of. They don’t want to really advertise it and be bombarded with low ball offers.

If you have $127,500 to spend and you want what may be the best GNX, this could be the one. The actual miles are under 600. It still has the New Jersey new car inspection on it. This car is absolutely like it came from the showroom.

Besides the usual items, such as the Window Sticker, jacket, and book, the seller also has the complete numbered #171 series of the Epitome Exclusives Ted Hirsch did many years ago. Besides this, he has all the original related paperwork, various posters, and all the magazines from back in the day related to the GNX project.

If this perks your interest and you got the available funds, email me - [email protected] and I can provide more specific details. There are less expensive GNXs available, but when you add up the extras and actual miles, this deal may be tough to beat.



2018 TURBO BUICK RELATED CAR SHOWS EVENTS -

MAGNA - MID ATLANTIC GRAND NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
22nd EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS -
September 14th and 15th, 2018 - Cecil County Dragway, Cecil, Maryland
The MAGNA Group has their annual event September 14th and 15th at Cecil County Dragway in Cecil County, Maryland. This event grows bigger each year and is open to all Buick muscle cars not just the Turbo Regals. We expect to be attending this event. (It falls on my birthday). Be sure to bring nay parts you want to trade in for credit or parts we may be interested in buying. For more details, go to turbobuick.com - or - their website - magnabuick.com


38th ANNUAL GS NATIONALS –
October 24th - 27th, 2018
The dates for this year are October 24-27, 2018. Same location, Beech Bend Race Park, Bowling Green, Kentucky. For more info, go to their website - GSnationals.com 



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 3,200 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 AD –

DIECAST TURBO REGAL MODELS FOR SALE –

Sold our house and selling off my Diecast Collection of GN, GNX, and Turbo Regals. All of the below diecast cars listed are in like new condition and many have never been displayed. All contain original packaging, cartons, and outer boxes. Photos any of the cars and boxes can be sent to interested parties

Four car complete set of 1:24 scale 1987 Buick Turbo Regals manufactured by “MOTOR MAX’ Blue, Black, Silver, and White Turbo Regals Manufactured and marketed and sold as a set of four with original box. $150 includes shipping to the upper 48 states.

GMP 10th Anniversary 1:18 scale Grand National. This is the special “CHROME” edition. 1 of 2,508 produced. $120 includes shipping to the upper 48 states.

Complete 4 car set of GMP 1:18 scale 1987 Buick Turbo Regal D84, Designer Series Set. This was issued in 2004 only 500 sets were made available. The set contains the four two-tone color combinations available for option D84. The set includes stock number G1800216, Brown over Light Brown, G1800217, Gray over Silver, G180218, Dark blue over Light Blue, and G1800219, Dark Red over Rosewood. $260 includes shipping to the upper 48 states.

This is the rarest set. Peachtree Limited Edition 1 of 3,504, produced #8001. 1987 Grand National complete with copy of the rare window sticker. This is the original packaging complete with the ultra-hard to find plain brown, unmarked outer shipping box. This is the first model of the GN produced by Peachtree (GMP). The car, boxes, and window sticker are in prestine unusual condition. $290 includes hipping to the upper 48 states. 1 of 2.

On all the above diecast, contact - [email protected]



NOTE - IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO SEE THE RARE PARTS SECTION -

If you are not able to see the 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. Simply email - [email protected] - to get on our weekly Inner Circle email.

My 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]



TIPS AND IDEAS YOU HAVE TRIED -

If you have a tip or a discovery that you found that works on your Turbo Regal, drop us an email giving us the details so we can pass the info on to our readers. Remember, even with my knowledge, I don’t know it all. Simply email me at - [email protected]



TIP FROM KIRBAN –

The “Window Racer” is one those clever products that easily solves an annoying problem. Also its easy to install and no wires get cut!



CORES NEEDED -

Here is the information on our credits for cores.

URGENT NEED - Powermaster brake units. The must be complete. We will now 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.

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 –

1984-1987 G-Body (Including Buick Turbo Regal) -
WINDOW RACER™ 

The Window Racer™ - Because everything should go fast…

Make your 30+year-old power windows fly up and down like they never have before. Even better than they ever were new! Your windows will be just as fast as a new vehicle.

Simple installation, just plug and play.

If you have a power moon roof, it’s on the same circuit so this unit will make that operate faster too.

NOTE - It will also work on other vehicles if it has a 30 amp circuit breaker.

An excellent upgrade for your car.

We also offer a Window Rattle Elimination Kit, #7170. This replaces a lot of the worn out components in the door.

NOTE - You may also be interested in these related parts - #7170 Window Rattle Elimination Kit, #6949 Brand New Power Window Motor Kit, #7068 Reproduction Driver’s Side Dual Power Window Switch, #7069 - Reproduction Passenger’s Side Single Power Window Switch, and #7217 Reproduction Outside Door Sill Weatherstrips (2).

Here are some of the most common questions asked of the manufacturer:

Q - How hard is it to do and long does it take to install the Window Racer?

A - It will take you longer to get some tools together to access the fuse box. Usually a flat-head screw driver, 7mm sockets, etc. You are accessing the cover of the fuse box.

You simply find the 30 amp circuit breaker in the fuse box marked for the power windows. You remove the current 30 amp circuit breaker and install into Window Racer plug end the same way you removed the circuit breaker. The plug looks just like the circuit breaker you are removing.

You then plug the Window Racer where the circuit breaker is located.

Then you take a screw #10 or smaller and ground the black wire to a suitable ground. The key turned forward the red light will come on to let you know the unit is working. If the light does not come on, verify a good ground and that your key is turned to the accessory position.

Q - How do I know if it is working? I plugged it in but my dead window still isn’t working. Why?

A - Window Racer does not fix bad wiring, a bad motor, or switch. When the you hit the window switch, the green light comes on. You know that the circuit is completed and working. Motor is good and the circuit breaker is fine. The window is now going faster than I ever thought it could.

Q - How many Window Racers do I need for my vehicle?

A - Just one. It works all the windows and the factory power moon roof, if your car has a moon roof.

Q - My power moon roof?

A - Yes, it will make your factory moon roof fly back and forth, just like your windows.

Q - Can I operate all the windows and the moon roof at the same time? 

A - Yes, the speed is quicker even if you operate both at the same time. However, it is not faster if you operate only one window.

Q - Can the Window Racer burn up my wiring? Will it cause damage to my switches? What about the motor, it has to be hurting the motor right?

A - No. Actually it takes less amps to operate the motors then it did from the factory. The Amp Load is what generally causes the switches and motors to die. You know this if you have or had a weak motor. Your switch went bad and you replaced this because it was easier than replacing the motor.

Q - Well this leads me to another question. Will it make a bad motor run like new?
 
A - During testing we have seen motors that allow the window to go down but not go back up. When Window Racer was installed, it actually allowed the window to go back up. Of course, not as fast as a good motor.

Q - Ok, this leads me to another question. What if I am out and for some reason the Window Racer would go bad? Am I stuck with my windows up or down?

A - No, the Window Racer has an internal protection because we know there will be that one person with two bad motors who doesn't want to change them and it will eventually kill the internal protection. If for some reason the unit fails, the circuit breaker allows the vehicle to go back to the slow factory operation like normal.

Q - How long is the Warranty? 

A - There is a 1-year Manufacturer Warranty.

7837 - 1984-1987 G-Body (Including Buick Turbo Regal) - Window Racer™

Here is a link to this Window Racer on our website.


1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
EGR COPPER GASKET

This copper gasket is a nice upgraded gasket for the EGR. Since it is copper, it can withstand high temperatures and not become distorted.

Another excellent replacement for any engine restoration.

7827 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal - EGR Copper Gasket - $12

Here is a link to this gasket on our website.



1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
EXHAUST MANIFOLD TO TURBO COPPER GASKET

This copper gasket when properly installed is less likely to result in warped flanges. The flat mounting surface is critical to get a proper seal. It is also less likely to blow out.

Copper can withstand high temperatures compared to other gasket material.

Another excellent replacement for any engine restoration.

7828 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal - Exhaust Manifold to Turbo Copper Gasket - $16

Here is a link to this gasket on our website



1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
EXHAUST MANIFOLD TO HEAD COPPER GASKETS (2) SET

This is an option if you are experiencing any leakage between the cylinder heads and the factory exhaust manifolds. When properly installed, this copper gasket is less likely to result in warped flanges. Copper can withstand high temperatures compared to other gasket material. It is also less likely to blow out.

Another excellent replacement for any engine restoration.

7829 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal - Exhaust Manifold to Head Copper Gaskets (2) Set - $45

Here is a link to this copper gasket on our website.



1984-1985-1986 Buick Regal (All Models) -
and 1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
GM Licensed - Reproduction “SPID - RPO” CODES TRUNK LABEL

We offer GM Licensed reproduction SPID-RPO Labels, made by ECS Automotive Concepts. ECS also makes the GM Licensed VIN Door Decals we offer.

If you are having the exterior restored or if your label is damaged or faded, this is the time to replace it.

We need to have a copy of an original label in order to make either label.

NOTE - GM started to use the 1987 format partially through the 1986 model year. The reproduction you order will match whichever is on your car.

The 1984-1985-1986 labels have GM part #14065987. This label will be available at a later date.

The 1987 label has GM part #14085266 and is currently available.

IMPORTANT - They can only do it if you have an existing original label that you can scan or clearly photograph and email to us - [email protected]

They can NOT create a new label from scratch.

However, at some point GM did use the 1987 format on the late production Regals in 1986. So, it is important you see what GM part number is on your trunk label in the lower right hand corner of the gray bar.

The 1984 model was the very first year GM started to use the Regular Production Order (aka RPO) SPID label. In all cases, this label was put on the inside of the trunk lid. Generally, the 1984-1985-1986 was on the left side of the trunk lid and the 1987 label was on the right side of the trunk lid.

This label lists all the codes in alphabetical order, both options and features that came in your Regal. It also has your car’s 17-digit VIN number and the paint code.

Since it is VIN related, this is a critical label for any restoration. If your car’s label is faded or torn, we can get a exact reproduction through ECS Automotive Concepts.

Currently, we can only get the 1987 SPID label - GM #14085266. They are still working on creating the format for the 1984-1985-1986 label - GM #14065987.

Canadian delivered cars had a different SPID RPO label that is not available at this time.

NOTE - Allow 5-7 days for delivery. Label is sent Priority Mail from ECS Automotive Concepts

This is another excellent replacement for any exterior restoration.

7835 - 1984-1985-1986 Buick Regal (All Models) - COMING SOON
GM Licensed - Reproduction “SPID - RPO” Codes Trunk Label $60 + $7 Priority Mail shipping

7836 - 1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
GM Licensed - Reproduction “SPID - RPO” Codes Trunk Label $60 + $7 Priority Mail shipping

Buick Regal Trunk Label SPID RPO Codes - Buick trunk label - BACKGROUND INFO –

The Regular Production Order (aka RPO) codes can be found on the Service Parts Identification (aka SPID) label on the trunk of your Buick Regal.

Starting with the 1984 model year GM began implementing the SPID label program which entailed using an information label listing all of the options and equipment to help technicians service GM vehicles.

They not only included the RPO codes but also Buick paint and trim codes along with such information as spring and sometimes sub assembly codes.

There were several different labels used throughout the four years that the (most common & favored) Buick Turbo Regal was built.

The labels used for 1984, 1985 and partially through 1986 was a white label identified by the part #14065987 in the lower right corner of the label.

These labels also have a protective clear tape over them.

Cars built for the Canadian market utilized this same basic label but with a French language description on the lower half with the part #14065989 in the lower right corner.

Part way through 1986 and for the model year 1987 GM changed the label and it now has the part #14085266 in the lower right corner. The protective clear tape was also not used anymore.

Information on 1987 Canadian market cars is not available at this time.

By ordering a certain option on the vehicle, or ordering a special package, the codes for these options/packages generate many additional codes that are all part of that specific package. These codes are then automatically forced onto the specific build order, and also listed on the SPID label.

Here is a link to this label 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 –

Remember there are still a few major Turbo Regal events later this fall as noted in our listing. We will be attending the Cecil County event as a vendor.

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