09-05-2018 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 09-05-2018 -

I WASN’T THE FIRST TO WRITE A BOOK ON TURBO REGALS –

With the cars now being over 30 years old and many new owners I think it’s important to let owners know that way back in 1989 Steven Dove published his first book entitled “Guide to Buick 1978-1987 The GN Facts and Figures Book. This book is long out of print. This early book provided the reader with a lot of critical information concerning specifications on the engine, transmission, and rear.

Also the break down on color codes and the breakdown of the body trim plate. Also illustrations of the sfi engine and the GM part number. Of particular interest is a copy of the letter from Buick stating the 17 digit VIN number for the very last Grand National produced in December 15, 1987. By knowing this VIN number you can calculate how close to the end of production your 1987 Grand National would be. The book was reprinted several times in the 1990s and sold through Poston Enterprises. Some of the reprints had an all black cover. Unfortunately, Poston Enterprises is no longer in business. Steve Dove died in a car accident years ago.

My first book did not get published until 1997. It is already in its 6th reprint. I don’t expect it to come close to one of my Dads books that hit the ½ million mark in the 1980s.

PHOTO 1 – The photo on the left shows from my private collection I show my copy from the first print run. The photo to the right is extremely rare and has been autographed by Steven Dove to me personally. He also states by his autograph only 7 copies like this were produced and this is #4 of just #7. This is a Gold stamped vinyl addition. I have no idea where any of the other 6 copies are today.



TWO NEW GM LICENSED TURBO REGAL COFFEE MUGS –

These two ceramic coffee mugs are based on the two popular Turbo Regal banners that we sell. One features the famous ASC GNX ad, part #7839, and the other features the Grand National in front of the hubcaps, part #7840. The Grand National picture originally appeared in the 1987 Buick dealer album.

PHOTO 2 – We show the front and backs of both of these GM licensed Turbo Regal coffee mugs. See New Parts section for link and prices. Both of these new mugs are in stock.

Here is a link to these mugs on our website.



TAKING TIME TO SMELL THE FLOWERS –

With summer winding down and the fact we have had record breaking rain amounts this summer I have witnessed a bumper crop of flowers that I planted. Every year even at our old house as a remembrance to my Dad I would plant a section of Impatience flowers. It is a flower my Dad would always plant. This flower requires a minimal amount of daily sun light otherwise it just wilts in the sun light. I usually plant about 36 plants in the Spring with the hopes it fills in a nice even area at the corner of my pole building that gets a lot of afternoon shade.

I had Smokie our cat buried with a 12 inch tall cross in that same flower bed. The cross is now completely hidden by the bountiful Impatience. This summer the Impatience has been in abundance and the area is just overwhelmed with flowers. The flowers already measure over 18 inches tall and still growing!

Another remembrance I do for my Dad is anytime I find a dime I place it in a holder in another area of the shrubbery bed. This I do because my Dad would always tell us kids when we were growing up, the story of the dime his Mom would give him and his brother during the depression for Christmas. Back then a dime would get you a movie ticket and change back!

For my Mom her favorite color was purple so I planted this year an entire bed of beautiful purple flowers. I don’t recall what they are, only that they do extremely well in the bright sunlight.

For my wife’s Dad when they emptied out their house to sell it, I was able to get their original Tinari Men working sign that they would use at various sites when they were paving. Eileen’s Mom is still alive. All nice visual remembrance touches to honor our parents that have passed.

PHOTO 3 - The top left shows the flower bed of Impatience flowers. The top right shows the small statue that holds the dimes I find in my travels. The bottom left photo shows a bed full of purple flowers. The bottom right shows the Tinari Men working sign that is probably 30 years old or older



RARE MOTOR HOME FOR SALE -


The used car dealership that I also have a sales license for just got in a very unusual 24 foot motor home. This motor home is based on a 3500HD Chevy 2002 truck powered by the 8.1 gas engine with the Allison transmission. This is an extremely nice motor home with 91,000 miles on it. It is a Carri model made by Dynamax. It has a 4kw generator, 3 way fridge, gas cooktop oven, rear bath, sleeps two with a custom interior.

This is very reasonably priced at just $17,495.

PHOTO 4 – Here are 4 photos of this 24ft Dynamax Motor Home. I believe the 24ft models produced by Dynamax are quite rare to find. For more info contact me direct – [email protected]



FACTORY GM POWER TRUNK RELEASE –

See Rare Parts section for those of you that are members. I found another one complete with switch.



300-MILE 1987 GRAND NATIONAL HARDTOP –

You can now view a total of 16 photos of this 266-mile 1987 Grand National. I also have a list of all the work that was done to freshen up this prime example back to its original glory. A rare chance to own one of the lowest mileage 1987 Grand Nationals in the country.

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

Car has now been fully detailed.

Own one of the best 1987 Grand Nationals with under 300 actual miles since new. Asking price is $62,900.

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

Here is the link to the other photos of this pristine car on our website.



IN STOCK FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY -

We just got several Cold Case Radiators, part #7457, in stock. Contact Christina if you want one – 215-766-1611 x 0.

We also now have more Pypes exhaust systems, part #6997, in stock.



GROOM DODGES A BULLET –

You probably read about this bride-to-be and her unusual request that each invited guest to her wedding contribute a cash gift of $1,500 per person. The bride and the husband had already set aside 15 grand for the wedding, which is a fair amount of money to start with.

As you can imagine invited guests did not take to kindly to this up front demand. She in turn about a week prior to the big day not only cancelled the wedding, but broke off her engagement to the groom as well. Like I said the groom dodged a bullet. When I was a senior in High School in 1965 I was a wedding photographer and when my Dad had 2 weddings on the same Saturday, which was quite often, I would cover one of the weddings by myself.

As a 17 year old commanding bride party where to stand etc was not a fun job. Let alone I had to wear a suit each time and act professional. Most times the bride never allowed a meal for the photographer. Some weddings did not allow photography during the service. Some weddings were 5 minutes others were hour long services. You just never knew.

More than once couples split up before we got the proofs back to them for them to pick the photos they wanted. Back then photos were not instant! It was an experience to say the least. On the plus side when I landed in Vietnam that background secured me a job as a photographer for the 17th Aviation Group. I beat out 3 others for the job. I later became the editor for the 17th Aviation Group as well. So you can see how long ago my writing skills began!



CRAZY RICH ASIANS - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED MOVIE -

I took Eileen to see this the very first week based on the early buzz about this movie. Since then it has remained #1 against all new comers. A good movie to take your spouse to. You won't be disappointed.



2018 TURBO BUICK RELATED CAR SHOWS EVENTS -

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

NOTE: If you are planning on attending this Fall event and want to save on shipping expenses contact our office this week so arrangements can be made for me to bring. Space is limited in my Tahoe. Items must be paid for in full in order for me to bring to this event.

ADDITIONAL NOTE – Last year they had about 100 Buicks in attendance. Event is open to any year or model Buick. This event is advertised as a Buick display so your Buick does not have to be in show condition. This year more Buick vendors are expected. This is the big Buick event for the east coast region.



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



GOOD NEWS - WE ARE ACCEPTING CLASSIFIED ADS -

Good news - We now accept Classified Ads in our weekly Inner Circle emails. Over the years several customers have asked about placing an ad in our weekly Inner Circle.

Here are the options and the costs.

Ads can be from any individual or company. It needs to be automotive related, meaning it does not need be specifically Turbo Regal related. It can be for something for sale or something wanted.

Maximum number of words is 125 words, which is about 7 to 9 lines of copy. No photos. You can list a website. We recommend you state your name, phone number or email, a price, and your location in your ad.

The cost for 2 consecutive weeks is $25. The cost for 4 consecutive weeks is $40. You save $10 with the 4-week plan. No changes can be made to your existing running ad. You can only run one ad at any given time. We will have a code system at the end of your ad, so we will know what week number your ad is to run - 2 or 4 weeks.

It can be an ad for something for sale or an ad for something you are looking for.

We have never missed a single week since we started the Inner Circle email format in 2009. It’s something I enjoy doing and I just always seem to have enough material to write about.

Our weekly Inner Circle reaches over 3,200 members every Wednesday direct to their inbox. The Inner Circle also appears every Wednesday on our website with the related photos. Your ad would be visible to both groups of readers. So, the exposure to your ad is well over 3,200 potential buyers.

Ads submitted properly by the previous Sunday would appear that next Wednesday in the weekly Inner Circle. Ads must be submitted by email to - [email protected] 

Payment by credit card must be done by phone to our office 215-766-1611 x 0.



CLASSIFIED AD –

DIECAST TURBO REGAL MODELS FOR SALE –

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

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

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

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

This is the rarest set. Peachtree Limited Edition 1 of 3,504, produced #8001. 1987 Grand National complete with copy of the rare window sticker. This is the original packaging complete with the ultra-hard to find plain brown, unmarked outer shipping box. This is the first model of the GN produced by Peachtree (GMP). The car, boxes, and window sticker are in prestine unusual condition. $290 includes hipping to the upper 48 states3 of 4.

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



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

If you are not able to see the Rare Parts section at the end of this Inner Circle, it is because you are not an Inner Circle member, but instead are reading this on the website. You must subscribe to see the Rare Parts section each week. It would go directly to your inbox every Wednesday afternoon. It is FREE, probably one reason why nobody complains about what I write about. Simply email - [email protected] - to get on our weekly Inner Circle email.

My Rare Parts section is only viewed by those that subscribe. Subscription is free, so complaints on what I write are nonexistent!



EMAILS TO KIRBAN PERFORMANCE -

NOTE- If you email us and do NOT get a timely reply, be sure to check your “SPAM” folder. Some emails do not go thru.

If you need to email us, use - [email protected]



TIPS AND IDEAS YOU HAVE TRIED -

This tip comes from Paul Vilser out of Indiana. Years ago Paul did several Turbo Regal cartoons for us that can be found in some of our old printed Turbo Regal catalogs. Paul stumbled on this quite by accident. If you place your cold drink in the glove box and have your AC on the beverage stays very cool in the glove box! Paul says it is like having a built-in refrigerator. While this sounds far-fetched according to Paul it works at least on his WE4 Turbo-T Regal.



TIP FROM KIRBAN –

If you are planning to attend the Cecil show Saturday September 15th, we will be there accepting any cores. You save shipping costs if you deliver to this event. If you are buying any large part from us and want to save shipping charges call our office now. Paying for it in advance and I will bring to the Cecil event.



CORES NEEDED -

Here is the information on our credits for cores.

URGENT NEED - Powermaster brake units. The must be complete. We will now issue you a Letter of Credit for $150 for each acceptable core. We currently will not buy any powermaster units outright, only Letter of Credit towards parts.

If you ship to us, the post office is the cheapest method. Pack the item(s) with a note with your name, address and phone number. These are the only 2 items we are currently accepting as cores.

MAIL - Ship to Address -
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
PO BOX 1199
PLUMSTEADVILLE, PA 18949

UPS - Ship to Address -
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
6201 Kellers Church Road
PLUMSTEADVILLE, PA 18949-1199



TECH CALLS -

If you need technical information, it’s best to email - [email protected] - rather than call us. We will do our best to answer any technical questions within 24 hours. Please remember I have very little knowledge of the mechanical workings of the engine.



NEW PRODUCTS FROM US –

GM Licensed - “GNX - AD from ASC” and 
“1987 GRAND NATIONAL with Hub Caps Background”   MUGS

Our GM licensed supplier has taken the two popular Turbo Regal banners and put that same design on a high-quality white 11-ounce ceramic coffee mug.

These GM licensed mugs make an excellent gift for any Buick enthusiast or mechanic. Ideal to for any garage, workshop, office or to display at a car show.

The GNX AD from ASC mug has the artwork repeated on both sides of the mug.

The Grand National layout wraps around the mug.

Another excellent Buick enthusiast gift idea.

7839 - GM Licensed - “GNX - AD from ASC” Mug - $12.95 

7840 - GM Licensed - “1987 Grand National with Hub Caps Background” Mug - $12.95

Here is a link to these mugs on our website.



1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Reproduction METAL RADIO BRACKETS (2) SET

We now offer an excellent reproduction of the unique brackets Buick used to secure the radio in any 1984-1987, Regal including the Turbo models.

The metal bracket is the same for both sides but mounts differently on each side of the GM radio.

This is a critical part you need to install any factory correct 1984-1987 GM radio. It also fits many of the later GM radios that have the same frame and size, including some of the early factory GM CD players.

Another excellent replacement for any interior restoration.

7838 - 1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Reproduction Metal Radio Brackets (2) Set - $25

Here is a link to these brackets on our website.



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

The Window Racer™ - Because everything should go fast…

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

Simple installation, just plug and play.

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

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

An excellent upgrade for your car.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q - My power moon roof?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q - How long is the Warranty? 

A - There is a 1-year Manufacturer Warranty.

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

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



ALWAYS LOOKING FOR IDEAS -

If you have any product ideas that would fit our Turbo Buick market that you would like to see available, email me direct - [email protected]



ALWAYS IN A BUYING POSITION FOR TURBO REGAL PARTS -

Got any Turbo Buick parts you are not using? Why not cash them in for parts you need with a Letter of Credit. We also may buy your new or used parts. Simply email me a list - [email protected]. Also, we are still buying dead or partially dead 1984-1987 Turbo Regals under $4,000 that are within 250 to 350 miles of our location.



NOTE - ABOUT LINKS IN THE INNER CIRCLE -

We have heard from a couple people that have had problems with the links in our Inner Circle.

When we check the links, they work fine. However, if you are not able to be directed to the exact website page or internet site, you can "copy" and "paste" the link into the URL in your browser (such as Safari, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, etc.) If it doesn't link in one browser, it may work in another.

Most people having problems are using Internet Explorer. If you are having issues with links, try another browser to see if it works.

You may need to "UPDATE" your browser to be use you are using the current version.



NOTE ABOUT PHOTOS ON THE WEBSITE -

We have heard from a couple people that have viewed the photos on the website. Because these must be low-resolution photos to work on the Inner Circle segments on the website, any photos of text don't appear clear when enlarged. This is a problem when you are trying to see numbers, such as those on the VIN labels or pages from Options booklet. Also, because of photo reproduction and computer screen variations, the colors may not be true to the actual product or photo.

If you would like to have us email you any photo at the higher resolution for viewing, just email us and we will email them to you. Be sure to be specific on which pictures you want to see - Reference Inner Circle date and photo number 1, 2, 3 or 4 - [email protected]



ABOUT OUR EMAILS -

Any inquiries concerning used parts, you must email me direct - [email protected] - I will answer you. However, if I fail to answer you within 24 hours, please email us again. Since expanding into used parts, I get a lot of emails and sometimes I may forget your request or may not remember who requested the item.



IN CLOSING –

Remember if you are planning to attend the upcoming East Coast Buick Regionals at Cecil County Dragway we will be there accepting cores for credit. Any large items you need to purchase if you contact our office now and make payment we will bring to this event saving you shipping costs.


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