Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 08-24-2016 -
BREAKING NEWS - 1985 T-TYPE STOLEN IN FLINT, MICHIGAN -
A mint 1985 light blue 1985 T-Type, owned by Sid Meyer out of Indiana, was stolen this past weekend from a parking lot in Flint, Michigan. He was there for the “Back to the Bricks” event.
This car has appeared in Hemmings Muscle Machines magazine. Sid and his wife were actually just at our house a few weeks ago, since they were in the area for the National BCA event held in nearby Allentown, PA.
The VIN is 1G4GK4795FP423635. Car had Indiana tags.
If you see this car, contact Mundy Township Police Department in Michigan. More details can be found on turbobuick.com under the lounge.
My wife and I have had that same thing happen to us many years ago when our 1983 split window Corvette was stolen from a movie theatre parking lot. This was before values of those cars sky rocketed. It’s a terrible feeling to come out and not see your car where you parked it.
We hope with the publicity, and since the car is in mint condition and a rare year and color, someone will spot it and report it.
WE HAVE OBTAINED SEVERAL RARE TURBO REGAL ITEMS THIS PAST WEEK -
We acquired a brand new second design brake accumulator bowl in the original box with the original instruction sheet from one of our customers.
PHOTO 1 - The first photo shows this recently acquired original brake bowl, complete with the instruction sheet and the original box. The second photo shows close up of the original instruction sheet. My guess is this is probably at least 10-to-12 years old or more. We had been in our new house 8 years this fall and I can recall we tested the Cardone new reproduction brake bowls soon after we moved into this house. So this has to be closer to 10 years or older. See the Rare Parts for sale section as this is for sale!
KIRBAN STYLE GNX WHEELS HISTORY -
Our company can lay claim that we were the very first company to arrange the reproduction of a wheel to resemble the GNX-style wheels.
For those newer Turbo Regal owners that may not know the history or the background, here is the information.
When the Turbo Regals were new, I was already dealing with a person that actually ran the chrome division for American Racing Equipment (ARE). In their system they had a mesh alloy wheel. The problem was they never made one with the proper offset for the G-body cars, namely the Turbo Regals.
They had no intention of making them either because of the interference with the front inner plastic fenders when turning the wheels lock to lock.
You have to remember that the 1984-1986 Turbo Regals sat slightly lower in the front than the 1987 Turbo Regals, which would cause issues as well.
Then you add in the factor as many owners would discover, their car was not sitting centered on the frame.
I was not a math wizard and at the time I had no idea on how to determine the correct offset to make the wheels. Adding to the problem is an 8 inch wheel is really 9 inches wide edge to edge. It is 8 inches where the tire seats on the rim.
My source at ARE had no idea as he did not have a Turbo Regal to test fit it on. So, I had him make up probably 8 to 10 wheels with various offsets basing it on the factory stock steel Grand National wheels. I then spent a day at a tire place having them mount and dismount tires, trying them on the front and back of our personal 1987 Grand National, until I figured out what spacing would work.
Like the later GNX reproduction wheels they are 16 inch and only weigh about 17 pounds each versus about 30 pounds for those chrome Grand National wheels. It seems they used a poor design to attach the center cap to a Grand National wheel!
Not to mention that the chrome at best on the stock Grand National wheels in some cases is not what you would call show quality. It would be years later before two major companies would reproduce the GNX-style mesh wheel with the proper size center cap.
However, before that time we sold quite a number of the Kirban-style GNX wheels, which even to this day remain very popular.
I have a mint set on my personal white Turbo-T. Frankly I think they look better on a T-Type or Turbo-T over the GNX reproduction wheels. We first started to do this project back in January and February of 1989. We actually made them in 15 by 7, 15 by 8, and of course the bigger seller was the 16 by 8.
If I recall, we also made several special sets 15 by 10 with a special offset for Richard Clark personally. Like the current available GNX reproductions, the offset is designed to sit under the stock fenders and rear quarters. A real GNX or one that has the GNX flares needs an offset that pushes the offset outward so it looks better under the flares.
I know Gbodyparts.com for example, can make special offsets for different applications depending on your car.
In my 1989 catalog I listed the 15 by 7s complete for $545. For the 15 by 8 GNX-style wheels the price for a complete set was $595. We also offered a pair of 15 by 7s and a pair of 15 by 8s for $570. The best sellers by far were the 16 by 8s and they sold back in 1989 for $635. These prices included free shipping from California! They were, without a doubt, a bargain.
The last printed catalog we did was 2007. In that catalog we still listed our Kirban-style GNX wheels, but only in the 16 by 8 size. At that time the price was $1,099 for a complete set and shipping was extra. My guess is this was near the end of the Kirban-style production of the GNX-style wheels. So they had about a 20-year run, which is why they have remained popular.
Unfortunately, I have no idea how many sets we sold of the 16 by 8. It was a fairly good amount since we had no real competition. Your only other option was to get a set of the Trans Am wheels, which would give you 2 wheels that worked but then you had to mess with spacers for the other 2 wheels to work. Plus they were used! That is a quick rundown on the history of the Kirban-style GNX wheels.
Last week I was contacted by an individual whose father-in-law recently passed away. He had a Grand National and was a long-time customer of ours. They sold the car.
They also had a receipt with a complete set of my Kirban-style 16 by 8 wheels, 3 of which were still factory sealed in the original boxes. The receipt showed they were purchased in December of 2006. The built date on the one wheel that was in the open box was June of 2006. They contacted me because the buyer of the Grand National was not interested initially in the wheels because they are not correct. I struck a deal and bought the wheels.
PHOTO 2 - This photo shows the 3 boxes that were never opened, the one wheel out of the box against the rear wheel on our personal Turbo-T, so you can see how it looks against a white car. The small box on top of the brown boxes contains all the two-piece lug nuts and decals that were never opened!
PHOTO 3 - Shows a close up of the one wheel that has been removed from its 10-year hibernation!
PHOTO 4 - Shows a close up of the two-piece lug nuts, GNX decals, and four center caps. -
This is a rare opportunity to own a brand new set of Kirban-style GNX wheels that are 10 years old.
If I did not have a new set on our personal Turbo-T, I would not be offering these for sale. See the Rare Parts section for pricing.
Next week, if I remember, I will explain how this same wheel source made the very first reproduction GTO Ralley One wheels and the very first 1970 Mopar Ralley wheels for us back in the 1980s. We had the entire market with both of these wheels for many years supplying various companies.
1986 AND 1987 REPRODUCTION TURBO REGAL WINDOW STICKERS UPDATE -
GM assigned a different part number for each year Window Sticker. For example, the 1986 Buick Window Sticker part number was 22529152. The 1987 Buick Window Sticker part number was 22535271. It is very difficult to get this part number printed on the reproduction Window Sticker because it is very close to the bottom right side near the edge. It will be on our copies. This is just one small feature that I am bringing to your attention. More information next week.
GNX ASCMcLAREN REPRODUCTION DOOR JAMB DECAL -
ECS Automotive Concepts has this decal already reproduced in their system. We now have it available. See the New Products section. The price is just $14.95 and our part number is #7731.
GNX SPID LABELS UPDATE-
We will have information next week on this topic.
CORVETTES AT CARLISLE 2016 -
This year Corvettes at Carlisle has been expanded to 4 days. They expect upwards of 5,000 Corvettes, making it by far the largest gathering of Corvettes and Corvette vendors anywhere.
I just got word this past weekend that due to a family emergency Dave Walden of ECS Automotive Concepts will not be able to attend. I was scheduled to introduce him at both seminars at Corvettes at Carlisle.
I will be filling in for him speaking at both seminars. I plan to also talk about the early days of Hurst and cover the door jamb VIN decals as well. I will be 1 of just 6 seminar speakers.
This is a major event for me speaking to a large audience that basically won’t know me. We sell parts to most of the major Corvette companies but don’t do much in Corvette retail. I will have to curtail any jokes about the Grand National being the “fastest U.S. production car in 1987,” since I don’t think this audience would appreciate it!
I will be conducting my standby M&Ms contests at both seminars! My granddaughter Devyn is hoping to come and help me the one day.
I just spoke the other week at the local Corvette Club meeting, which had over 125 people in attendance. One person came up afterwards and said I bought his 1967 GTO many years ago, another person came up and said I bought his Grand National. Two others remember working at a gas station when they were teenagers and pumping gas in my 1949 Olds Club Coupe. It was neat recalling old times since I grew up in this area.
THE SAAB AND $1.47 MILLION DOLLARS -
The Amsterdam police, using a K-9 dog, sniffed out $1.47 million dollars that was stashed under the spare tire in a Saab. Having owned several Saabs, I can’t recall any of them having much room under the factory spare tire. My guess is the money was in large bills therefore not requiring much space!
THE TWO F WORDS HAVE BEEN CONSTANTLY IN THE NEWS THE LAST FEW WEEKS -
The two F words I am referring to are floods and fires. In Louisiana there have been floods around Baton Rouge and there are fires in California, both fueled by the weather. For most of us living elsewhere, we can only imagine the grief these families are going through that have lost everything.
LOOKING FOR A BIG TIME FORD COLLECTOR UPDATE -
This group of parts and cars is still available. Part of the issue is some of the main original parts for the 1968 GT 500 KR car are not with the car.
The 2008 Shelby GT500 car has been sold to a Ford dealership. If you have any friends that own a 2008 Shelby GTO 500 Mustang, tell them to check out ebay later this week as we are placing several brand new Shelby items for the seller on ebay under our company name. These are parts that are brand new and in many cases have never been opened.
The seller also has a wide assortment of gym equipment, including weights, treadmill, etc. If you are local to our company, email me for photos - [email protected] She would like to sell it as a package deal. Buyer would have to disassemble the equipment.
IMPORTANT NEWS ON REPRODUCTION ALUMINUM DRUMS UPDATE -
I have been told I should have my next order of reproduction aluminum brake drums by mid-September or sooner. If you wish a set from the next shipment, contact our office - 215-766-1611 x 0. We would not charge your credit card until we have them in stock. The price is $234.95 plus shipping. You can save shipping if you are planning to attend the East Coast Buick Nationals at Cecil County in September.
CORES NEEDED -
Here is the information on our credits for cores.
We currently need original good 1986-1987 AC Delco mass air flow sensors. We allow $40 Letter of Credit for each correct AC Delco core. See photo 2 in 7-13-2016 Inner Circle to determine if you have the proper mass air flow sensor we need.
URGENT NEED - TURBO CORES must be the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal stock turbo. They must be complete. We will issue you a $100 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.
MAIL - Ship to Address -
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
PO BOX 1199
PLUMSTEADSVILLE, PA 18949
UPS - Ship to Address -
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
6201 Kellers Church Road
PLUMSTEADSVILLE, 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.
CARS FOR SALE -
From time to time, whenever we spot an unusual or an exceptional car or truck for sale, or one we have for sale, we will put a blurb in our weekly Inner Circle. Also, any cars that our customers have for sale will be featured here and you can see their car with photos on our website. In this category, we will run the descriptions for two-to-three weeks and, if there is no interest in that particular vehicle, it will be deleted the following week. If any of these vehicles perk your interest, email me personally - [email protected] - for more information and photos.
CAMARO SS 2001 CONVERTIBLE FOR SALE -
This 2001 Camaro SS convertible is a mint example has just 12,000 original miles on it. The Camaro SS has a silver exterior with a black interior and automatic transmission. The car is absolutely mint inside and out.
The seller has it listed for $15,500 however, I talked to the seller and it can be bought for $14,900. This basically works out at little bit more than $1 per mile driven. This 2001 Camaro SS convertible is located within 3 miles of my office. For more information, contact me direct - [email protected]
I can provide photos and more information. A 15-year-old car with basically one year’s worth of miles driven on it.
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]
NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -
1987 Buick GNX -
Reproduction ascMcLaren DOOR JAMB DECAL
This is an exact reproduction of the original ascMcLaren decal done in vinyl, like the original.
It was on the driver’s door jamb on the GNX models. It was part of the GNX package, showing it came through ascMcLaren. Decal measures 4" x 1-1/2", is printed in red and black on a white vinyl material.
NOTE - You may also be interested in these related items - #7900, #7901 and #7902 GM LICENSED DOOR JAMB VIN DATA DECALS.
Another excellent restoration item.
7731 - 1987 Buick GNX - Reproduction ascMcLaren Door Jamb Decal - $14.95
Here is a link to this decal on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44322/Reproduction+ascMcLaren+DOOR+JAMB+DECAL+%237731.html
1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
INTAKE MANIFOLD TO HEATER PIPE REPRODUCTION FITTING -
BLACK OR ALUMINUM ANODIZED
This is a reproduction the 1/2" NPT fitting nipple that is required to install the coolant line to the intake manifold. It replaces the GM part #25518895, which is made in steel and is prone to rust.
This is an aluminum Black or aluminum anodized fitting. It replaces the old used steel unit that is over 30 years old.
It saves weight and gives that nice clean look to an old or new ported intake manifold.
Whether you are restoring or simply lost this fitting, this is an excellent replacement.
The fitting can be stripped or painted a color like the fitting painted blue shown in the photo.
NOTE - You may also be interested in these related parts - #1508 160-Degree Thermostat, #6706 Reproduction Stainless Thermostat Housing and 0-Ring, #7269 Aftermarket DAYCO Molded Upper Radiator Hose, and #7299 Reproduction Rubber By-Pass “S” Hose, and #7300 Reproduction Upgraded Silicone By-Pass “S” Hose.
7644 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Intake Manifold to Heater Pipe Reproduction Fitting - ALUMINUM BLACK - $9.95
7645 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Intake Manifold to Heater Pipe Reproduction Fitting - ALUMINUM ANODIZED - $9.95
Here is a link to these fittings on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7644&submit_button=
1978-1988 Buick Regal (All G-Body Models) -
REPRODUCTION HEADLINER SIDE MOLDING CLIPS (6) SET
This is a complete set of the 6 black plastic molding clips, which secure each of the metal side moldings (left and right) by the headliner.
We also offer part #7362, Headliner Molding Clips (8) Set, which are the clips for the front and back headliner installation. By purchasing this part #7674 and part #7362, you will have all the plastic clips you need to secure the headliner.
If you have a T-Tops Buick Regal, you will not need all 6 of these molding clips.
This is a must-have part, since many headliners are starting to sag and may need to be replaced.
Because the original unique clips are plastic, many may break or crack due to age and heat when you remove them to replace the headliner.
The original clips have already been discontinued by the major supplier for GM, since they were last used on the rear-wheel drive platform cars back in 1988.
NOTE - You may also be interested in this related part - #7362, Headliner Molding Clips (8) Set.
Another excellent replacement part for any interior restoration. Keep a set for when you have the headliner redone.
7674 - 1978-1988 Buick Regal (All G-Body Models) -
Reproduction Headliner Side Molding Clips (6) Set - $26.95 / set
Here is a link to these clips on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44319/REPRODUCTION+HEADLINER+SIDE+MOLDING+CLIPS+%286%29+SET+%237674.html
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. 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 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]
2016 CALENDAR OF EVENTS -
GS NATIONALS - September 14th-17th, 2016 -
Beach Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky
See the GSXtra for more details, or their website - gsnationals.com
EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS - September 16th-17th, 2016 at Cecil County Dragway in Rising Sun, Maryland
Event includes a judged car show on Saturday open to all Buick makes and anything Buick powered. Free Vending. Saturday race classes must be Buick powered. For more information, contact - [email protected] or [email protected]
NOTE - This is not a misprint. Both the GS Nationals and East Coast Buick Regionals fall on the same weekend. We will be attending the East Coast Buick Regionals as a vendor on Saturday only September 17th. Bring any parts you want to trade also any cores you want to cash in for credit as we need mass air flow sensor cores, steering wheel cores, and could use a few powermaster cores.
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 to see some of our Buick customers this coming week at Corvettes at Carlisle at one of my seminars. They expect upwards of 5,000 Corvettes. I am honored to be one of just 6 speakers for the various seminars. I am filling in for Dave Walden of ECS Automotive Concepts who had to cancel due to a family emergency.
BREAKING NEWS - 1985 T-TYPE STOLEN IN FLINT, MICHIGAN -
A mint 1985 light blue 1985 T-Type, owned by Sid Meyer out of Indiana, was stolen this past weekend from a parking lot in Flint, Michigan. He was there for the “Back to the Bricks” event.
This car has appeared in Hemmings Muscle Machines magazine. Sid and his wife were actually just at our house a few weeks ago, since they were in the area for the National BCA event held in nearby Allentown, PA.
The VIN is 1G4GK4795FP423635. Car had Indiana tags.
If you see this car, contact Mundy Township Police Department in Michigan. More details can be found on turbobuick.com under the lounge.
My wife and I have had that same thing happen to us many years ago when our 1983 split window Corvette was stolen from a movie theatre parking lot. This was before values of those cars sky rocketed. It’s a terrible feeling to come out and not see your car where you parked it.
We hope with the publicity, and since the car is in mint condition and a rare year and color, someone will spot it and report it.
WE HAVE OBTAINED SEVERAL RARE TURBO REGAL ITEMS THIS PAST WEEK -
We acquired a brand new second design brake accumulator bowl in the original box with the original instruction sheet from one of our customers.
PHOTO 1 - The first photo shows this recently acquired original brake bowl, complete with the instruction sheet and the original box. The second photo shows close up of the original instruction sheet. My guess is this is probably at least 10-to-12 years old or more. We had been in our new house 8 years this fall and I can recall we tested the Cardone new reproduction brake bowls soon after we moved into this house. So this has to be closer to 10 years or older. See the Rare Parts for sale section as this is for sale!
KIRBAN STYLE GNX WHEELS HISTORY -
Our company can lay claim that we were the very first company to arrange the reproduction of a wheel to resemble the GNX-style wheels.
For those newer Turbo Regal owners that may not know the history or the background, here is the information.
When the Turbo Regals were new, I was already dealing with a person that actually ran the chrome division for American Racing Equipment (ARE). In their system they had a mesh alloy wheel. The problem was they never made one with the proper offset for the G-body cars, namely the Turbo Regals.
They had no intention of making them either because of the interference with the front inner plastic fenders when turning the wheels lock to lock.
You have to remember that the 1984-1986 Turbo Regals sat slightly lower in the front than the 1987 Turbo Regals, which would cause issues as well.
Then you add in the factor as many owners would discover, their car was not sitting centered on the frame.
I was not a math wizard and at the time I had no idea on how to determine the correct offset to make the wheels. Adding to the problem is an 8 inch wheel is really 9 inches wide edge to edge. It is 8 inches where the tire seats on the rim.
My source at ARE had no idea as he did not have a Turbo Regal to test fit it on. So, I had him make up probably 8 to 10 wheels with various offsets basing it on the factory stock steel Grand National wheels. I then spent a day at a tire place having them mount and dismount tires, trying them on the front and back of our personal 1987 Grand National, until I figured out what spacing would work.
Like the later GNX reproduction wheels they are 16 inch and only weigh about 17 pounds each versus about 30 pounds for those chrome Grand National wheels. It seems they used a poor design to attach the center cap to a Grand National wheel!
Not to mention that the chrome at best on the stock Grand National wheels in some cases is not what you would call show quality. It would be years later before two major companies would reproduce the GNX-style mesh wheel with the proper size center cap.
However, before that time we sold quite a number of the Kirban-style GNX wheels, which even to this day remain very popular.
I have a mint set on my personal white Turbo-T. Frankly I think they look better on a T-Type or Turbo-T over the GNX reproduction wheels. We first started to do this project back in January and February of 1989. We actually made them in 15 by 7, 15 by 8, and of course the bigger seller was the 16 by 8.
If I recall, we also made several special sets 15 by 10 with a special offset for Richard Clark personally. Like the current available GNX reproductions, the offset is designed to sit under the stock fenders and rear quarters. A real GNX or one that has the GNX flares needs an offset that pushes the offset outward so it looks better under the flares.
I know Gbodyparts.com for example, can make special offsets for different applications depending on your car.
In my 1989 catalog I listed the 15 by 7s complete for $545. For the 15 by 8 GNX-style wheels the price for a complete set was $595. We also offered a pair of 15 by 7s and a pair of 15 by 8s for $570. The best sellers by far were the 16 by 8s and they sold back in 1989 for $635. These prices included free shipping from California! They were, without a doubt, a bargain.
The last printed catalog we did was 2007. In that catalog we still listed our Kirban-style GNX wheels, but only in the 16 by 8 size. At that time the price was $1,099 for a complete set and shipping was extra. My guess is this was near the end of the Kirban-style production of the GNX-style wheels. So they had about a 20-year run, which is why they have remained popular.
Unfortunately, I have no idea how many sets we sold of the 16 by 8. It was a fairly good amount since we had no real competition. Your only other option was to get a set of the Trans Am wheels, which would give you 2 wheels that worked but then you had to mess with spacers for the other 2 wheels to work. Plus they were used! That is a quick rundown on the history of the Kirban-style GNX wheels.
Last week I was contacted by an individual whose father-in-law recently passed away. He had a Grand National and was a long-time customer of ours. They sold the car.
They also had a receipt with a complete set of my Kirban-style 16 by 8 wheels, 3 of which were still factory sealed in the original boxes. The receipt showed they were purchased in December of 2006. The built date on the one wheel that was in the open box was June of 2006. They contacted me because the buyer of the Grand National was not interested initially in the wheels because they are not correct. I struck a deal and bought the wheels.
PHOTO 2 - This photo shows the 3 boxes that were never opened, the one wheel out of the box against the rear wheel on our personal Turbo-T, so you can see how it looks against a white car. The small box on top of the brown boxes contains all the two-piece lug nuts and decals that were never opened!
PHOTO 3 - Shows a close up of the one wheel that has been removed from its 10-year hibernation!
PHOTO 4 - Shows a close up of the two-piece lug nuts, GNX decals, and four center caps. -
This is a rare opportunity to own a brand new set of Kirban-style GNX wheels that are 10 years old.
If I did not have a new set on our personal Turbo-T, I would not be offering these for sale. See the Rare Parts section for pricing.
Next week, if I remember, I will explain how this same wheel source made the very first reproduction GTO Ralley One wheels and the very first 1970 Mopar Ralley wheels for us back in the 1980s. We had the entire market with both of these wheels for many years supplying various companies.
1986 AND 1987 REPRODUCTION TURBO REGAL WINDOW STICKERS UPDATE -
GM assigned a different part number for each year Window Sticker. For example, the 1986 Buick Window Sticker part number was 22529152. The 1987 Buick Window Sticker part number was 22535271. It is very difficult to get this part number printed on the reproduction Window Sticker because it is very close to the bottom right side near the edge. It will be on our copies. This is just one small feature that I am bringing to your attention. More information next week.
GNX ASCMcLAREN REPRODUCTION DOOR JAMB DECAL -
ECS Automotive Concepts has this decal already reproduced in their system. We now have it available. See the New Products section. The price is just $14.95 and our part number is #7731.
GNX SPID LABELS UPDATE-
We will have information next week on this topic.
CORVETTES AT CARLISLE 2016 -
This year Corvettes at Carlisle has been expanded to 4 days. They expect upwards of 5,000 Corvettes, making it by far the largest gathering of Corvettes and Corvette vendors anywhere.
I just got word this past weekend that due to a family emergency Dave Walden of ECS Automotive Concepts will not be able to attend. I was scheduled to introduce him at both seminars at Corvettes at Carlisle.
I will be filling in for him speaking at both seminars. I plan to also talk about the early days of Hurst and cover the door jamb VIN decals as well. I will be 1 of just 6 seminar speakers.
This is a major event for me speaking to a large audience that basically won’t know me. We sell parts to most of the major Corvette companies but don’t do much in Corvette retail. I will have to curtail any jokes about the Grand National being the “fastest U.S. production car in 1987,” since I don’t think this audience would appreciate it!
I will be conducting my standby M&Ms contests at both seminars! My granddaughter Devyn is hoping to come and help me the one day.
I just spoke the other week at the local Corvette Club meeting, which had over 125 people in attendance. One person came up afterwards and said I bought his 1967 GTO many years ago, another person came up and said I bought his Grand National. Two others remember working at a gas station when they were teenagers and pumping gas in my 1949 Olds Club Coupe. It was neat recalling old times since I grew up in this area.
THE SAAB AND $1.47 MILLION DOLLARS -
The Amsterdam police, using a K-9 dog, sniffed out $1.47 million dollars that was stashed under the spare tire in a Saab. Having owned several Saabs, I can’t recall any of them having much room under the factory spare tire. My guess is the money was in large bills therefore not requiring much space!
THE TWO F WORDS HAVE BEEN CONSTANTLY IN THE NEWS THE LAST FEW WEEKS -
The two F words I am referring to are floods and fires. In Louisiana there have been floods around Baton Rouge and there are fires in California, both fueled by the weather. For most of us living elsewhere, we can only imagine the grief these families are going through that have lost everything.
LOOKING FOR A BIG TIME FORD COLLECTOR UPDATE -
This group of parts and cars is still available. Part of the issue is some of the main original parts for the 1968 GT 500 KR car are not with the car.
The 2008 Shelby GT500 car has been sold to a Ford dealership. If you have any friends that own a 2008 Shelby GTO 500 Mustang, tell them to check out ebay later this week as we are placing several brand new Shelby items for the seller on ebay under our company name. These are parts that are brand new and in many cases have never been opened.
The seller also has a wide assortment of gym equipment, including weights, treadmill, etc. If you are local to our company, email me for photos - [email protected] She would like to sell it as a package deal. Buyer would have to disassemble the equipment.
IMPORTANT NEWS ON REPRODUCTION ALUMINUM DRUMS UPDATE -
I have been told I should have my next order of reproduction aluminum brake drums by mid-September or sooner. If you wish a set from the next shipment, contact our office - 215-766-1611 x 0. We would not charge your credit card until we have them in stock. The price is $234.95 plus shipping. You can save shipping if you are planning to attend the East Coast Buick Nationals at Cecil County in September.
CORES NEEDED -
Here is the information on our credits for cores.
We currently need original good 1986-1987 AC Delco mass air flow sensors. We allow $40 Letter of Credit for each correct AC Delco core. See photo 2 in 7-13-2016 Inner Circle to determine if you have the proper mass air flow sensor we need.
URGENT NEED - TURBO CORES must be the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal stock turbo. They must be complete. We will issue you a $100 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.
MAIL - Ship to Address -
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
PO BOX 1199
PLUMSTEADSVILLE, PA 18949
UPS - Ship to Address -
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
6201 Kellers Church Road
PLUMSTEADSVILLE, 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.
CARS FOR SALE -
From time to time, whenever we spot an unusual or an exceptional car or truck for sale, or one we have for sale, we will put a blurb in our weekly Inner Circle. Also, any cars that our customers have for sale will be featured here and you can see their car with photos on our website. In this category, we will run the descriptions for two-to-three weeks and, if there is no interest in that particular vehicle, it will be deleted the following week. If any of these vehicles perk your interest, email me personally - [email protected] - for more information and photos.
CAMARO SS 2001 CONVERTIBLE FOR SALE -
This 2001 Camaro SS convertible is a mint example has just 12,000 original miles on it. The Camaro SS has a silver exterior with a black interior and automatic transmission. The car is absolutely mint inside and out.
The seller has it listed for $15,500 however, I talked to the seller and it can be bought for $14,900. This basically works out at little bit more than $1 per mile driven. This 2001 Camaro SS convertible is located within 3 miles of my office. For more information, contact me direct - [email protected]
I can provide photos and more information. A 15-year-old car with basically one year’s worth of miles driven on it.
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]
NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -
1987 Buick GNX -
Reproduction ascMcLaren DOOR JAMB DECAL
This is an exact reproduction of the original ascMcLaren decal done in vinyl, like the original.
It was on the driver’s door jamb on the GNX models. It was part of the GNX package, showing it came through ascMcLaren. Decal measures 4" x 1-1/2", is printed in red and black on a white vinyl material.
NOTE - You may also be interested in these related items - #7900, #7901 and #7902 GM LICENSED DOOR JAMB VIN DATA DECALS.
Another excellent restoration item.
7731 - 1987 Buick GNX - Reproduction ascMcLaren Door Jamb Decal - $14.95
Here is a link to this decal on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44322/Reproduction+ascMcLaren+DOOR+JAMB+DECAL+%237731.html
1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
INTAKE MANIFOLD TO HEATER PIPE REPRODUCTION FITTING -
BLACK OR ALUMINUM ANODIZED
This is a reproduction the 1/2" NPT fitting nipple that is required to install the coolant line to the intake manifold. It replaces the GM part #25518895, which is made in steel and is prone to rust.
This is an aluminum Black or aluminum anodized fitting. It replaces the old used steel unit that is over 30 years old.
It saves weight and gives that nice clean look to an old or new ported intake manifold.
Whether you are restoring or simply lost this fitting, this is an excellent replacement.
The fitting can be stripped or painted a color like the fitting painted blue shown in the photo.
NOTE - You may also be interested in these related parts - #1508 160-Degree Thermostat, #6706 Reproduction Stainless Thermostat Housing and 0-Ring, #7269 Aftermarket DAYCO Molded Upper Radiator Hose, and #7299 Reproduction Rubber By-Pass “S” Hose, and #7300 Reproduction Upgraded Silicone By-Pass “S” Hose.
7644 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Intake Manifold to Heater Pipe Reproduction Fitting - ALUMINUM BLACK - $9.95
7645 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Intake Manifold to Heater Pipe Reproduction Fitting - ALUMINUM ANODIZED - $9.95
Here is a link to these fittings on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7644&submit_button=
1978-1988 Buick Regal (All G-Body Models) -
REPRODUCTION HEADLINER SIDE MOLDING CLIPS (6) SET
This is a complete set of the 6 black plastic molding clips, which secure each of the metal side moldings (left and right) by the headliner.
We also offer part #7362, Headliner Molding Clips (8) Set, which are the clips for the front and back headliner installation. By purchasing this part #7674 and part #7362, you will have all the plastic clips you need to secure the headliner.
If you have a T-Tops Buick Regal, you will not need all 6 of these molding clips.
This is a must-have part, since many headliners are starting to sag and may need to be replaced.
Because the original unique clips are plastic, many may break or crack due to age and heat when you remove them to replace the headliner.
The original clips have already been discontinued by the major supplier for GM, since they were last used on the rear-wheel drive platform cars back in 1988.
NOTE - You may also be interested in this related part - #7362, Headliner Molding Clips (8) Set.
Another excellent replacement part for any interior restoration. Keep a set for when you have the headliner redone.
7674 - 1978-1988 Buick Regal (All G-Body Models) -
Reproduction Headliner Side Molding Clips (6) Set - $26.95 / set
Here is a link to these clips on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44319/REPRODUCTION+HEADLINER+SIDE+MOLDING+CLIPS+%286%29+SET+%237674.html
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. 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 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]
2016 CALENDAR OF EVENTS -
GS NATIONALS - September 14th-17th, 2016 -
Beach Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky
See the GSXtra for more details, or their website - gsnationals.com
EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS - September 16th-17th, 2016 at Cecil County Dragway in Rising Sun, Maryland
Event includes a judged car show on Saturday open to all Buick makes and anything Buick powered. Free Vending. Saturday race classes must be Buick powered. For more information, contact - [email protected] or [email protected]
NOTE - This is not a misprint. Both the GS Nationals and East Coast Buick Regionals fall on the same weekend. We will be attending the East Coast Buick Regionals as a vendor on Saturday only September 17th. Bring any parts you want to trade also any cores you want to cash in for credit as we need mass air flow sensor cores, steering wheel cores, and could use a few powermaster cores.
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 to see some of our Buick customers this coming week at Corvettes at Carlisle at one of my seminars. They expect upwards of 5,000 Corvettes. I am honored to be one of just 6 speakers for the various seminars. I am filling in for Dave Walden of ECS Automotive Concepts who had to cancel due to a family emergency.