Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 08-28-2019 –
LABOR DAY - CLOSED – Friday, August 30 – Monday, September 2, 2019
We will be closed Friday August 30th and Monday September 2nd for Labor Day. We will reopen Tuesday, September 3rd.
ONLINE ORDERS - Any orders processed through our website while we are closed will be filled once we are back in the office. Orders will be filled in the date order we receive them.
Happy Labor Day!
ANOTHER VERSION OF “GNX QUOTE” WRISTWATCH AVAILABLE FOR SALE –
We had another watch created with the GNX logo with the catch phrase, “A High-Performance Investment for the Fortunate 547.” Although the type for the catch phrase is small, you can read it if you have good eyesight! Like the other wristwatches, fewer than 15 of any design have been made making these wristwatches quite rare. See Rare Parts section for pricing.
PHOTO 1 -The photo shows this limited production battery operated wristwatch. It has the GNX logo and under it is the catch phrase, “A High-Performance Investment for the Fortunate 547.”
CARS IN MINATURE –
I am not a huge collector of miniature diecast cars. I know a number of people that have huge collections that number in the hundreds or more. Some collectors really get hooked and enjoy the hunt of buying each one in a particular series or every possible color. Companies that make the diecast cars are banking on that enthusiasm and by producing different colors from the same tooling, it increases their sales while costs remain low.
All you have to do is look at the many diecast versions and various scales of the Turbo Regal models. Most toy companies that did the Regal first did the Grand National and GNX as they knew they had the widest appeal. Then toy companies came out with limited production versions in various colors to garner more sales. To increase the market, they did various scale cars to capture even more sales.
The bigger the scale, the more space you need to properly house and display your collection. Also, the larger the scale, the more exact the diecast can be. Most toy companies do a limited run which adds to the urgency for the buyer to make the purchase. Unfortunately, in most cases, you better settle for your own enjoyment, because values seldom really jump on the diecast car market. Playing your state lottery may get you better results.
You seldom see a diecast car based on a flop or a loser vehicle. If you go on ebay, you can actually find toy diecast Yugo cars for sale. They average about $6-$8 each. Those are one of the cheaper diecast cars you can buy. (I might have to buy one to go with the Yugo Parts Department sign). I can’t fathom huge sales for any Yugo diecast cars.
It’s a good thing the movie “Back to the Future” featured a DeLorean, which probably led to DeLorean diecast cars being made. Even if the “Back to the Future” movie had not been made, John DeLorean could have rested easy since he headed up Pontiac when he made his mark in history with the 1964 Lemans/Tempest model that had the GTO as an option. The Pontiac GTO has always been considered the Premier Muscle Car from the sixties.
The rest, as the saying goes, was a sweet success for Pontiac, especially when it had the optional tri-power backed up with a 4-speed manual transmission .The GTO car was the #1 car I wanted when I returned from Vietnam in late 1967.
PHOTO 2 – We show 3 versions of the Hot Wheels Grand National. The black Grand National is based on the “Fast & Furious” movie series. It is part of a series of diecast cars from the Fast and Furious movies. These 3 Hot Wheels diecasts are being sold as a set of 3 under Rare Parts in this issue.
PERKASIE CAR SHOW –
Earlier this month I went to the nearby Perkasie car show. This event is like several others I have gone to this summer where they start setting up on the main streets in town around 4 pm. These type of car events usually run from 5 pm until 9 pm when the weather is cooler. This is a smart move as generally the temperatures start to drop in the late summer afternoons.
I saw at least one customer’s gorgeous Grand National at this event. Also, for the first time I saw a really unique Regal. This car was tastefully modified. The owner took a unique approach to how he built and powered up this 1985 Regal. In talking with the owner/builder, he had a rusted Grand National he purchased that he used for parts.
He used the interior and some of the body parts from the rusted Grand National. What really made his car stand out from the pack of custom Regals, is that he used a Buick V8 nailhead engine backed up with a Tremec manual transmission!
PHOTO 3 - We show 4 views of this 1985 Regal powered by a Buick nailhead V8 engine, complete with the black-out trim color matched bumpers with Grand National seats. The crowning touch is the car is manual shift! This is truly a one-of-kind Regal.
MORE OLD SCHOOL MODS FOR TURBO REGALS –
In last week’s Inner Circle, we did an article with photos showing some of the old-school upgrades Turbo Regal owners did back in the day. Some of these upgrades were pretty drastic in nature and later owners of these cars probably wish they did not do certain modifications. One particular modification that was popular was to cut a hole in the plastic inner passenger fender, which provided a quick exhaust dump right off the turbo. It gave the car a cool factor, but having a 3-inch hole in the inner fender is tough to fix.
Owners that did this probably did not realize initially that the turbo inner fender was different from a regular Regal inner fender, making it difficult to find a correct inner fender. Although I don’t have a photo of that particular modification, in the next series of 4 photos we show some other old-school modifications some owners did years ago.
PHOTO 4 – The top left photo shows the Kenne Bell air cleaner box. Not visible is the duct work that went from there to an opening in the driver’s side front air dam.
The top right photo shows the Velcro-secured tinted headlight cover. These headlight covers never looked right as the opening area was not a flush-mounted area. Several versions of tinted headlights and taillights were available in the late 1980s.
The bottom left photo shows another early modification that is difficult to return to original -Gauges installed in the dash trim plate over the glove box. These may be a great addition for the driver if the car was also a right-hand drive in the UK.
The bottom right photo brings back instant memories for me as it shows this car won an award at one of our Reunion events held at the Johnsville Air base in the early 1990s. The significance of the marbles on the plaque was because we used the quote, “The car worth all the marbles!” It now seems so long ago!
1987 GRAND NATIONAL HARDTOP FOR SALE –
This modified street-driven 1987 Grand National is located about 5 minutes from our shop in Plumsteadville, PA. It has a unique history. It was first sold to the state police in Maine and later sold at an auction where a small time car dealer bought it.
The owner’s choice for making extra money cost him the car once he was convicted.
The car is built to run. It has the usual upgrades including the Alky kit, beefed up suspension, and a redone interior. It has a 145 speedometer and shows 11,000 miles, which means 111,000 miles. The body and paint are extremely nice. The Grand National also has a huge front-mount-intercooler and a larger turbo. The car does have some of our parts on it as well. The seller has a stack of receipts from the shop that did the work on the car in the New England area.
The car needs a headliner. It does have the important trunk SPID label, but is missing the 2 on the driver’s door. It does have the state police decal still on the windshield from 1987-1988 timeframe.
The seller bought it from a DEA auction, which they hold several times a year at various locations around the country.
The price tag is $42,900. If you are interested, email me [email protected] as I have photos I can send you. The price is fairly firm.
NEW MOVIE - PEANUT BUTTER FALCON –
Believe the critics, this movie is a feel good movie. It was just released this past weekend. It is well worth seeing. I rate it up there with the movie ”Green Book.” Don’t let the title fool you!
PAST CAR MEMORIES –
I figure I would try to do a short article each week drawing upon my car memories over the last 50-plus years. Here is one quick memory. This one started me on the path for starting the GTO business.
My wife and I were going to dinner at her parent’s house. As a rule, I usually read the car ads in the local newspaper in the late afternoon. We were newly married and I had already started the towing business. A used car ad caught my eye. It was for a 1965 GTO coupe, 4 speed tri-power and all original. I can’t member the asking price, but I do remember paying $350 for it.
It had a blue interior and matching blue exterior. The paint was badly faded due to the owner not having a garage. One mistake I made was looking at it on the way to dinner, which made me late for my mother-in-law’s spaghetti dinner.
I made the deal and this would be the first GTO I bought that created the business. Prior to this I had a 1964 GTO that my wife drove to Hurst every day. She worked in their PR department. Back then there was no internet. Hemmings Motor News was the best method to reach a wide market. I placed the ad and put the car in for, I believe, around $1,395. This was in the mid-1970s timeframe. The car sold quickly. The buyer flew in from the Chicago area and drove it home.
He told me he would buy any other 1964-1967 GTOs that I could find, since he had a ready market in the Chicago area. That put me on a quest to find more 1964-1967 GTOs. With a towing business, I never needed anyone to go with me to pick the cars up.
The rest, as the saying goes, is history. More next week and how this connection would later work out.
THIS MAKES NO SENSE TO ME –
The other day in the heat and humidity hovering around 90 I spotted an older person riding a bike and smoking a huge cigar. I assume he was riding a bike for exercise, but smoking a huge cigar seemed to be counter-productive!
SUMMER SIZZLER SALE –
In each case, we put the current count we have on hand. Because they are special pricing, you must contact [email protected] or call our office between 9 am and 4 pm –215-766-1611x0. The below items will include the 2 bonus DVDs as well.
7051 – The magnet for the transmission pan or oil filter. We have 6 left. The special price is just $8.95 each. Add $5 for shipping by USPS. The retail price was $13.95.
7708 – The original GM lighted rearview mirror. A nice upgrade for any Turbo Regal but especially for models with T-Tops as it provides better lighting when you open the door at night. We are discontinuing them due to the fact this style has become very difficult to find in junkyards. These lighted mirrors come out of later GM cars and closely resemble the shape of the original mirror. We have 5 left. The price is $28.95 each plus $10 shipping.
NOTE – Buy the lighter mirror $28.95 value and the magnet listed above a $8.95 value both for just $32 while supplies last plus $10 shipping. You save $5.90.
XXXX – For any 1986-1987 Turbo Regal with a grey interior we have 1 set left of the reproduction front seat belt kits. These are very similar to the original GM seat belts. The special sale price on the last 2 pair is $99.95 per set. A set does both front bucket seats. The retail price before they were discontinued was $190 per set. (They are not on our website. That’s the reason we show no part number).
7089 – The black metal license plate frame (no hardware). - 2 available. Sale price is $7 each. Retail was $12.95.
7590 - These are the 3-inch stainless metal exhaust clamps. - 2 available. Sale price $10 Pair. Retail was $19.95 pair.
7671 - The Top Ten Reason T-shirts - We have 5 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 - 4 available. Sale price $12 each. Retail was $18.95. Note -Each cover does only 1 seat.
NOTE – Buy any black Grand National seat cover and any above Top Ten Reasons T-shirt for just $18 plus $10 shipping.
7555 - The T-Type fender covers. - 18 available. Sale price $20 each or 2 for $38. Retail was $28.95
7751 - The Buick Motorsport Seat Armor. - 5 available. Sale price is $28 each or 2 for $48 Retail was $36.95 each.
7753 - T-Type Seat Armor - 4 available. Sale price is $28 each or 2 for $48. Retail was $36.95 each.
7755 - GNX Seat Armor - 12 available. Sale price $28 each or 2 for $48. Retail was $36.95 each.
7757 - Grand National Seat Armor -2 available. Sale price $28 each or 2 for $48. Retail was $36.95 each.
7846 – The Grand National T-shirt white ONLY - 4 large, 2 extra large, 2 XXL, and 3 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. - 1 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
NOTE - Buy any 2 of the 3 banners for just $55 and $10 shipping.
All the above Summer Sizzlerparts will get the free 2 pack bonus GS DVD set.
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.
NOTE – On any of the above Summer Sizzler Sale items what has not been sold I will be taking to the East Coast Regional Nationals in September.
AD FOR CAR FOR SALE ON THE WEBSITE -
FOR SALE – 1987 GRAND NATIONAL
1987 Grand National – Show quality re-paint – 9 out of 10. Factory steel wheels, 3.8 L LC2 V6 Turbo, 200-4R OD transmission, 2800 stall converter, 8.5: 3.42 rear. Stock engine (80,000 miles) with bolt ons, including new TE61 Turbo. Turbo Tweak chip with fresh injectors, fuel pump, new MAF translator with LT1 MAF sensor, Terry Houston 3” downpipe, new Pypes Performance exhaust system, Cottom Performance front mount intercooler, speedometer/odometer changed to 145 mph overlay. New filler panels, LED headlights, 1000 HP motor mounts – (eliminates engine tie-down) Kenwood Blue-Tooth radio with Mosfet 300w Amplifier. Fully dressed trunk. Scanmaster. Fully guaged. A high performance trophy winning show car. Offered at $29,800. Email Ron Griffin at [email protected] for full description and photos. Or see in Hemming Ad #2279170 Week 2 of 4.
FOR SALE – 1987 GRAND NATIONAL - CFS053
FOR SALE - This 1987 Buick Grand National has only 9,000 miles. It has some very neat options including T-Tops, Digital Dash, and posi rear. When new it was undercoated and has a dealer-installed anti-theft system in it. It still has R12 for the A/C which works great, original tires come with it, and original GM floormats. There is an extensive paper trail that includes:
Bill of sale, Copy of canceled check from down payment, Odometer statement, Owners Manual Books, GM Protection Plan card for the extended warranty, Ultra Seal Undercoating agreement, and Service records. Car shows extremely well and is investment quality.
Link to pictures: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cYO69XNgArGwtvEH0lQItfy1R8tU9mAf?usp=sharing
Located in NJ close to Philly. Fly in and drive it home!
Contact Herb in New Jersey, Phone: 609-980-5784, email: [email protected]
Price: $35,000. Week 4 of 4
Here is a link to this Grand National for sale on our website.
CAR FOR SALE –1987 GRAND NATIONAL - CFS051
FOR SALE - 1987 Grand National in excellent condition, with about 48,000 miles (80k km’s), with numbers matching engine and transmission. T-tops, working AC, cruise, power antenna and repaired tach/boost gauge. New reproduction GN wheels, power locks, seat, windows, posi, & trunk. Excellent floors and frame – no rust. New interior: carpet, door panels, seats and headliner, stock repaired Concert II sound system. Car is in excellent condition and stock – no mod’s and has been repainted.
Much work done to make it reliable and enjoyable. Contact Mark in Ontario, Canada for pictures and further details. Price: $28,500 USD.
Mark V Johnson, Newmarket, Ontario, CANADA
Phone: 905-895-9406, email: [email protected] Week 4 of 4
Here is a link to this Grand National on our website.
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 –
In the extreme heat, it’s best to wash your car late in the day or be quick with the drying process to eliminate water spots. Keeping your daily transportation clean inside and out retains your investment at trade-in time. This is the quality of cars I seek also known as Kirban quality.
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. We plan to be at this Buick event as a vendor so bring any cores or parts you want to cash in! Host hotel Information - Comfort Inn located just off exit 100 on I95. 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]
NOTE: We will be at the East Coast Regionals event as a vendor. Bring any cores you wish to cash in for Letter of Credit. Plus, any parts you want to sell. We are a buyer for both new and used parts. We will only be there on Saturday.
2019 GS NATIONALS
October 23-26, 2019
Beech Bend Raceway Bowling Green, KY
This is the annual event for all GS Buicks and Turbo Regals. This is the 39th GS Nationals. For more information, go to their website [email protected]
For vendor space, contact Matt and Sarah Gordon [email protected] For car show info, contact Alan Oldfield at [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 –
WANTED TO BUY: NOS (NEW old stock – not used) late 1980’s or early 1990’s AFTERMARKET Buick Turbo Regal GNX style dash assembly manufactured by AVC (Advance Vehicle Concepts, Quality Engineering Performance Products). I am looking for a NOS not used) for an ANALOG dash – AVC Quality Engineering GNX style instrument cluster dash assembly that came complete with SIX VDO Cockpit series gauges and wiring harness, bezel, sending units, speedometer cable and complete instructions complete in the original box. I will pay a $100 CASH FINDER FEE for any lead that results in the purchase of the above NOS (must be new) AVC GNX style dash assembly. Please call or email and leave message. All calls will be returned. I travel to purchase and am a CASH buyer. Jason Maxfield (416) 399-7265 or [email protected] Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Thank You. Week 4 of 4.
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 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 –
Good news, Cardone informs me that they expect to have brake bowls again soon. Watch for updates.
LABOR DAY - CLOSED – Friday, August 30 – Monday, September 2, 2019
We will be closed Friday August 30th and Monday September 2nd for Labor Day. We will reopen Tuesday, September 3rd.
ONLINE ORDERS - Any orders processed through our website while we are closed will be filled once we are back in the office. Orders will be filled in the date order we receive them.
Happy Labor Day!
ANOTHER VERSION OF “GNX QUOTE” WRISTWATCH AVAILABLE FOR SALE –
We had another watch created with the GNX logo with the catch phrase, “A High-Performance Investment for the Fortunate 547.” Although the type for the catch phrase is small, you can read it if you have good eyesight! Like the other wristwatches, fewer than 15 of any design have been made making these wristwatches quite rare. See Rare Parts section for pricing.
PHOTO 1 -The photo shows this limited production battery operated wristwatch. It has the GNX logo and under it is the catch phrase, “A High-Performance Investment for the Fortunate 547.”
CARS IN MINATURE –
I am not a huge collector of miniature diecast cars. I know a number of people that have huge collections that number in the hundreds or more. Some collectors really get hooked and enjoy the hunt of buying each one in a particular series or every possible color. Companies that make the diecast cars are banking on that enthusiasm and by producing different colors from the same tooling, it increases their sales while costs remain low.
All you have to do is look at the many diecast versions and various scales of the Turbo Regal models. Most toy companies that did the Regal first did the Grand National and GNX as they knew they had the widest appeal. Then toy companies came out with limited production versions in various colors to garner more sales. To increase the market, they did various scale cars to capture even more sales.
The bigger the scale, the more space you need to properly house and display your collection. Also, the larger the scale, the more exact the diecast can be. Most toy companies do a limited run which adds to the urgency for the buyer to make the purchase. Unfortunately, in most cases, you better settle for your own enjoyment, because values seldom really jump on the diecast car market. Playing your state lottery may get you better results.
You seldom see a diecast car based on a flop or a loser vehicle. If you go on ebay, you can actually find toy diecast Yugo cars for sale. They average about $6-$8 each. Those are one of the cheaper diecast cars you can buy. (I might have to buy one to go with the Yugo Parts Department sign). I can’t fathom huge sales for any Yugo diecast cars.
It’s a good thing the movie “Back to the Future” featured a DeLorean, which probably led to DeLorean diecast cars being made. Even if the “Back to the Future” movie had not been made, John DeLorean could have rested easy since he headed up Pontiac when he made his mark in history with the 1964 Lemans/Tempest model that had the GTO as an option. The Pontiac GTO has always been considered the Premier Muscle Car from the sixties.
The rest, as the saying goes, was a sweet success for Pontiac, especially when it had the optional tri-power backed up with a 4-speed manual transmission .The GTO car was the #1 car I wanted when I returned from Vietnam in late 1967.
PHOTO 2 – We show 3 versions of the Hot Wheels Grand National. The black Grand National is based on the “Fast & Furious” movie series. It is part of a series of diecast cars from the Fast and Furious movies. These 3 Hot Wheels diecasts are being sold as a set of 3 under Rare Parts in this issue.
PERKASIE CAR SHOW –
Earlier this month I went to the nearby Perkasie car show. This event is like several others I have gone to this summer where they start setting up on the main streets in town around 4 pm. These type of car events usually run from 5 pm until 9 pm when the weather is cooler. This is a smart move as generally the temperatures start to drop in the late summer afternoons.
I saw at least one customer’s gorgeous Grand National at this event. Also, for the first time I saw a really unique Regal. This car was tastefully modified. The owner took a unique approach to how he built and powered up this 1985 Regal. In talking with the owner/builder, he had a rusted Grand National he purchased that he used for parts.
He used the interior and some of the body parts from the rusted Grand National. What really made his car stand out from the pack of custom Regals, is that he used a Buick V8 nailhead engine backed up with a Tremec manual transmission!
PHOTO 3 - We show 4 views of this 1985 Regal powered by a Buick nailhead V8 engine, complete with the black-out trim color matched bumpers with Grand National seats. The crowning touch is the car is manual shift! This is truly a one-of-kind Regal.
MORE OLD SCHOOL MODS FOR TURBO REGALS –
In last week’s Inner Circle, we did an article with photos showing some of the old-school upgrades Turbo Regal owners did back in the day. Some of these upgrades were pretty drastic in nature and later owners of these cars probably wish they did not do certain modifications. One particular modification that was popular was to cut a hole in the plastic inner passenger fender, which provided a quick exhaust dump right off the turbo. It gave the car a cool factor, but having a 3-inch hole in the inner fender is tough to fix.
Owners that did this probably did not realize initially that the turbo inner fender was different from a regular Regal inner fender, making it difficult to find a correct inner fender. Although I don’t have a photo of that particular modification, in the next series of 4 photos we show some other old-school modifications some owners did years ago.
PHOTO 4 – The top left photo shows the Kenne Bell air cleaner box. Not visible is the duct work that went from there to an opening in the driver’s side front air dam.
The top right photo shows the Velcro-secured tinted headlight cover. These headlight covers never looked right as the opening area was not a flush-mounted area. Several versions of tinted headlights and taillights were available in the late 1980s.
The bottom left photo shows another early modification that is difficult to return to original -Gauges installed in the dash trim plate over the glove box. These may be a great addition for the driver if the car was also a right-hand drive in the UK.
The bottom right photo brings back instant memories for me as it shows this car won an award at one of our Reunion events held at the Johnsville Air base in the early 1990s. The significance of the marbles on the plaque was because we used the quote, “The car worth all the marbles!” It now seems so long ago!
1987 GRAND NATIONAL HARDTOP FOR SALE –
This modified street-driven 1987 Grand National is located about 5 minutes from our shop in Plumsteadville, PA. It has a unique history. It was first sold to the state police in Maine and later sold at an auction where a small time car dealer bought it.
The owner’s choice for making extra money cost him the car once he was convicted.
The car is built to run. It has the usual upgrades including the Alky kit, beefed up suspension, and a redone interior. It has a 145 speedometer and shows 11,000 miles, which means 111,000 miles. The body and paint are extremely nice. The Grand National also has a huge front-mount-intercooler and a larger turbo. The car does have some of our parts on it as well. The seller has a stack of receipts from the shop that did the work on the car in the New England area.
The car needs a headliner. It does have the important trunk SPID label, but is missing the 2 on the driver’s door. It does have the state police decal still on the windshield from 1987-1988 timeframe.
The seller bought it from a DEA auction, which they hold several times a year at various locations around the country.
The price tag is $42,900. If you are interested, email me [email protected] as I have photos I can send you. The price is fairly firm.
NEW MOVIE - PEANUT BUTTER FALCON –
Believe the critics, this movie is a feel good movie. It was just released this past weekend. It is well worth seeing. I rate it up there with the movie ”Green Book.” Don’t let the title fool you!
PAST CAR MEMORIES –
I figure I would try to do a short article each week drawing upon my car memories over the last 50-plus years. Here is one quick memory. This one started me on the path for starting the GTO business.
My wife and I were going to dinner at her parent’s house. As a rule, I usually read the car ads in the local newspaper in the late afternoon. We were newly married and I had already started the towing business. A used car ad caught my eye. It was for a 1965 GTO coupe, 4 speed tri-power and all original. I can’t member the asking price, but I do remember paying $350 for it.
It had a blue interior and matching blue exterior. The paint was badly faded due to the owner not having a garage. One mistake I made was looking at it on the way to dinner, which made me late for my mother-in-law’s spaghetti dinner.
I made the deal and this would be the first GTO I bought that created the business. Prior to this I had a 1964 GTO that my wife drove to Hurst every day. She worked in their PR department. Back then there was no internet. Hemmings Motor News was the best method to reach a wide market. I placed the ad and put the car in for, I believe, around $1,395. This was in the mid-1970s timeframe. The car sold quickly. The buyer flew in from the Chicago area and drove it home.
He told me he would buy any other 1964-1967 GTOs that I could find, since he had a ready market in the Chicago area. That put me on a quest to find more 1964-1967 GTOs. With a towing business, I never needed anyone to go with me to pick the cars up.
The rest, as the saying goes, is history. More next week and how this connection would later work out.
THIS MAKES NO SENSE TO ME –
The other day in the heat and humidity hovering around 90 I spotted an older person riding a bike and smoking a huge cigar. I assume he was riding a bike for exercise, but smoking a huge cigar seemed to be counter-productive!
SUMMER SIZZLER SALE –
In each case, we put the current count we have on hand. Because they are special pricing, you must contact [email protected] or call our office between 9 am and 4 pm –215-766-1611x0. The below items will include the 2 bonus DVDs as well.
7051 – The magnet for the transmission pan or oil filter. We have 6 left. The special price is just $8.95 each. Add $5 for shipping by USPS. The retail price was $13.95.
7708 – The original GM lighted rearview mirror. A nice upgrade for any Turbo Regal but especially for models with T-Tops as it provides better lighting when you open the door at night. We are discontinuing them due to the fact this style has become very difficult to find in junkyards. These lighted mirrors come out of later GM cars and closely resemble the shape of the original mirror. We have 5 left. The price is $28.95 each plus $10 shipping.
NOTE – Buy the lighter mirror $28.95 value and the magnet listed above a $8.95 value both for just $32 while supplies last plus $10 shipping. You save $5.90.
XXXX – For any 1986-1987 Turbo Regal with a grey interior we have 1 set left of the reproduction front seat belt kits. These are very similar to the original GM seat belts. The special sale price on the last 2 pair is $99.95 per set. A set does both front bucket seats. The retail price before they were discontinued was $190 per set. (They are not on our website. That’s the reason we show no part number).
7089 – The black metal license plate frame (no hardware). - 2 available. Sale price is $7 each. Retail was $12.95.
7590 - These are the 3-inch stainless metal exhaust clamps. - 2 available. Sale price $10 Pair. Retail was $19.95 pair.
7671 - The Top Ten Reason T-shirts - We have 5 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 - 4 available. Sale price $12 each. Retail was $18.95. Note -Each cover does only 1 seat.
NOTE – Buy any black Grand National seat cover and any above Top Ten Reasons T-shirt for just $18 plus $10 shipping.
7555 - The T-Type fender covers. - 18 available. Sale price $20 each or 2 for $38. Retail was $28.95
7751 - The Buick Motorsport Seat Armor. - 5 available. Sale price is $28 each or 2 for $48 Retail was $36.95 each.
7753 - T-Type Seat Armor - 4 available. Sale price is $28 each or 2 for $48. Retail was $36.95 each.
7755 - GNX Seat Armor - 12 available. Sale price $28 each or 2 for $48. Retail was $36.95 each.
7757 - Grand National Seat Armor -2 available. Sale price $28 each or 2 for $48. Retail was $36.95 each.
7846 – The Grand National T-shirt white ONLY - 4 large, 2 extra large, 2 XXL, and 3 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. - 1 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
NOTE - Buy any 2 of the 3 banners for just $55 and $10 shipping.
All the above Summer Sizzlerparts will get the free 2 pack bonus GS DVD set.
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.
NOTE – On any of the above Summer Sizzler Sale items what has not been sold I will be taking to the East Coast Regional Nationals in September.
AD FOR CAR FOR SALE ON THE WEBSITE -
FOR SALE – 1987 GRAND NATIONAL
1987 Grand National – Show quality re-paint – 9 out of 10. Factory steel wheels, 3.8 L LC2 V6 Turbo, 200-4R OD transmission, 2800 stall converter, 8.5: 3.42 rear. Stock engine (80,000 miles) with bolt ons, including new TE61 Turbo. Turbo Tweak chip with fresh injectors, fuel pump, new MAF translator with LT1 MAF sensor, Terry Houston 3” downpipe, new Pypes Performance exhaust system, Cottom Performance front mount intercooler, speedometer/odometer changed to 145 mph overlay. New filler panels, LED headlights, 1000 HP motor mounts – (eliminates engine tie-down) Kenwood Blue-Tooth radio with Mosfet 300w Amplifier. Fully dressed trunk. Scanmaster. Fully guaged. A high performance trophy winning show car. Offered at $29,800. Email Ron Griffin at [email protected] for full description and photos. Or see in Hemming Ad #2279170 Week 2 of 4.
FOR SALE – 1987 GRAND NATIONAL - CFS053
FOR SALE - This 1987 Buick Grand National has only 9,000 miles. It has some very neat options including T-Tops, Digital Dash, and posi rear. When new it was undercoated and has a dealer-installed anti-theft system in it. It still has R12 for the A/C which works great, original tires come with it, and original GM floormats. There is an extensive paper trail that includes:
Bill of sale, Copy of canceled check from down payment, Odometer statement, Owners Manual Books, GM Protection Plan card for the extended warranty, Ultra Seal Undercoating agreement, and Service records. Car shows extremely well and is investment quality.
Link to pictures: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cYO69XNgArGwtvEH0lQItfy1R8tU9mAf?usp=sharing
Located in NJ close to Philly. Fly in and drive it home!
Contact Herb in New Jersey, Phone: 609-980-5784, email: [email protected]
Price: $35,000. Week 4 of 4
Here is a link to this Grand National for sale on our website.
CAR FOR SALE –1987 GRAND NATIONAL - CFS051
FOR SALE - 1987 Grand National in excellent condition, with about 48,000 miles (80k km’s), with numbers matching engine and transmission. T-tops, working AC, cruise, power antenna and repaired tach/boost gauge. New reproduction GN wheels, power locks, seat, windows, posi, & trunk. Excellent floors and frame – no rust. New interior: carpet, door panels, seats and headliner, stock repaired Concert II sound system. Car is in excellent condition and stock – no mod’s and has been repainted.
Much work done to make it reliable and enjoyable. Contact Mark in Ontario, Canada for pictures and further details. Price: $28,500 USD.
Mark V Johnson, Newmarket, Ontario, CANADA
Phone: 905-895-9406, email: [email protected] Week 4 of 4
Here is a link to this Grand National on our website.
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 –
In the extreme heat, it’s best to wash your car late in the day or be quick with the drying process to eliminate water spots. Keeping your daily transportation clean inside and out retains your investment at trade-in time. This is the quality of cars I seek also known as Kirban quality.
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. We plan to be at this Buick event as a vendor so bring any cores or parts you want to cash in! Host hotel Information - Comfort Inn located just off exit 100 on I95. 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]
NOTE: We will be at the East Coast Regionals event as a vendor. Bring any cores you wish to cash in for Letter of Credit. Plus, any parts you want to sell. We are a buyer for both new and used parts. We will only be there on Saturday.
2019 GS NATIONALS
October 23-26, 2019
Beech Bend Raceway Bowling Green, KY
This is the annual event for all GS Buicks and Turbo Regals. This is the 39th GS Nationals. For more information, go to their website [email protected]
For vendor space, contact Matt and Sarah Gordon [email protected] For car show info, contact Alan Oldfield at [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 –
WANTED TO BUY: NOS (NEW old stock – not used) late 1980’s or early 1990’s AFTERMARKET Buick Turbo Regal GNX style dash assembly manufactured by AVC (Advance Vehicle Concepts, Quality Engineering Performance Products). I am looking for a NOS not used) for an ANALOG dash – AVC Quality Engineering GNX style instrument cluster dash assembly that came complete with SIX VDO Cockpit series gauges and wiring harness, bezel, sending units, speedometer cable and complete instructions complete in the original box. I will pay a $100 CASH FINDER FEE for any lead that results in the purchase of the above NOS (must be new) AVC GNX style dash assembly. Please call or email and leave message. All calls will be returned. I travel to purchase and am a CASH buyer. Jason Maxfield (416) 399-7265 or [email protected] Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Thank You. Week 4 of 4.
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 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 –
Good news, Cardone informs me that they expect to have brake bowls again soon. Watch for updates.