09-25-2013 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 09-25-2013

LATEST UPDATE ON THIS SATURDAY'S SEPTEMBERFEST -

The extended weather forecast looks great. We have heard from several people that are coming, some for the first time.

Be sure to call or email ASAP if you want to pre-order any parts to be sure we have them available for you on Saturday - 215-766-1611 x 0 or [email protected]. Call or email TODAY if you need something.

We have several Pypes exhausts systems on hand for pick up. Great chance to save shipping costs.

Yum Yum donuts are on order and Russ is busy reading up on how to cook for 150 people.

Black Ice Details, owned by Steve Meiluta, is a local company that detailed my wife's car and our Turbo-T. They will be set up at our Open House. If you are interested in having your car detailed, you can call him at 267-221-7218. They have several packages available, both full and partial detailing options. Ideal to get your car done prior to putting your pride and joy in hibernation for the winter.

Black Ice is a totally mobile operation, where they come to you and detail your car or truck. Their website is - bucksmobilewash.com their email is - [email protected] You can arrange to have them do your vehicle at our Open House by calling them in advance.

PHOTO 1 - The top left photo shows our Turbo-T being detailed at our shop. The top right photo shows their Black Ice Details trailer, fully equipped to work onsite. The lower photos show the car after they had completely detailed it. This is the first time we ever had the car clayed. The bottom right photo shows the back end. The rear fillers would almost pass for new, they came out so nice. The original paint is now very smooth to the touch. I can’t recall ever polishing or waxing our car since I bought it seven years ago! This is the best our Turbo-T has ever looked.

I am always amazed at seeing some used cars that owners trade in at the dealers, Some never even make an attempt to clean them first.



THREE FAILURES YOU CAN ALMOST COUNT ON -

The only determining factor of when these failures may occur is the length of time you own a 1986-1987 Turbo Regal.

Here is the short list.

The headliner will bubble, as will the sun visors.

The brake light will come on and signal an issue.

The factory driver's side header will eventually crack.

I just had our headliner done earlier this summer and had to replace the brake bowl with one of my good used brake bowls.

The driver's side header still has a slight crack in it. I know there are other failures, but these would be the 3 main ones in my opinion.

Fortunately, our car has very few options, which means very few other things can go wrong, such as the power antenna and power window motors failing.

Oil leaks is something you just have to live with. At best you can slow them down and ignore them.



IT WAS 26 YEARS AGO THIS MONTH -

It was September of 1987. Having turned 40 that month, we leased a brand new 1987 Grand National hardtop. At the end of the lease, we purchased the Grand National for $5,500. We bought the Grand National from Creger Buick, located in nearby Lansdale, Pennsylvania. Since then, they have closed their doors several years ago.

PHOTO 2 - It's a small world. In this automotive graveyard that I have been writing about, I came across this Creger Buick license plate among a bunch of stuff. The funny part is the owner of the yard never bought a Buick from this dealership. As many of you know, our Grand National now resides in sunny warm Hawaii.



NEW INTERESTING CAR FACTS BOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE -

A new automotive book is now in print titled, “Steve Magnante’s 1001 Muscle Car Facts.” This book covers GM, Ford, Chrysler, and AMC Muscle cars. It's 405 pages long with photos. I have just started to read this book and find it very interesting. It's available from Cartech Books. Their phone number is - 651-277-1400 and their website is - www.cartechbooks.com The item number for this book is CT517, priced at $24.95 plus shipping.

PHOTO 3 - Shows the actual book. Each chapter covers one particular car line, with General Motors being Chapter One. One fact I read so far was GM introduced the T-Tops option "CC1" for the first time in the 1978 Camaros. This was due to the earlier popularity of the Hurst Hatch and ACC tops.

In my personal collection, I have an original Hurst installation booklet on how to cut your roof and install the Hurst Hatches!

This would be one of the more difficult jobs to do on a Saturday afternoon! This new GM option was priced between $625 and $695 in 1978. That first year, almost 10,000 Camaros had this option. The next year saw the largest number at 33,584 getting this option. Once I read more of this book, I will include more facts.

It's a book worth having in your collection.



NEW CAR LITERATURE -

When I was out at Jay's GN a few months ago buying a lot of his inventory and collection, I came across a sealed envelope that appears to have a GM part number on it.

PHOTO 4 - The top photo shows this sealed clear envelope that has the Buick New Car Questionnaire forms in it. The bottom photo shows the three items that were in the sealed envelope. Next week we will go into more details on these forms. As you can see, on the one it appears to be designed to hang off the rear view mirror. I have featured the small little booklet entitled, “Let’s Talk” in earlier Inner Circles. I have found these “Let’s Talk” booklets in various Buicks in the glove box in the junkyards that I go to.



REBUILT POWERMASTER UNITS AND BRAKE BOWLS -

Currently Cardone is waiting on their next shipment of brake bowls. This is why most of us Turbo Buick suppliers have NONE in stock. The latest word I have received from Cardone is they will have brake bowls in stock by mid-October. We have plenty of powermaster cores waiting to be rebuilt once they get in this next shipment of brake bowls. All rebuilt powermaster units from Cardone come with the new brake bowl on them.



BUICK GNX #239 FOR SALE -

The below link is courtesy of Rocky Spano out of Florida.

At first glance this one-owner GNX at $30,000 seems to be a bargain until you scroll through the photos in the ad. Car has had a pretty much a neglected life based on the photos.

http://columbusga.craigslist.org/cto/3981034159.html



CAR FOR SALE - 1987 BUICK GRAND NATIONAL -

We just listed this GN on our website. Here is the ad:

1987 Buick Grand National, I’m only 2nd owner, with all the glove box documents and window sticker. The Owner’s Manual has all maintenance written in, with dates, mileage and what was done, since new. Car was repainted professionally, down to bare metal, with pictures of restoration, since Buick dealer couldn’t paint it properly. I replaced original dash (38,111 original miles shown, included) with GNX Reproduction (see pictures). Super Clean and All Stock Car. Asking $27,500. John Kapp - email is - [email protected]

Car is located in western Pennsylvania area. Here is the like to this ad and photos on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44114/1987+Grand+National+-+For+Sale.html



CAR FOR SALE - 1989 TURBO TRANS AM

1989 Turbo Trans Am, one owner car with just 3,700 miles, all original except battery original tires! Car has T-Tops and leather. This car is brand new. It comes with 2 pizza boxes full of extensive documents. The car has never ever been modified. Factory air is still very cold. The antenna doesn't work. The car runs and drives perfect. No flat spots in tires, no rust anywhere and the paint is perfect. The rims are like new with no curb rash or peeling. The spoiler is perfect no cracks. The underneath is perfect with no rust was never undercoated. Car is located in New Jersey. $31,900 or best offer. If interested, contact Gregg Davidian, email - [email protected]

I have personally seen this car a few weeks ago and it is absolutely mint in every respect.
Here is the link to this ad and photos on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44115/1989+Turbo+Trans+Am+-+For+Sale.html



ANOTHER EX-KIRBAN CAR FOR SALE - 1987 WE4 BUICK TURBO REGAL -

I just saw this 1987 WE4 Buick Turbo Regal about 3 weeks ago. This one of the best-of-the-best examples of a sought-after WE4, and it is absolutely show quality inside and out. The grey interior is still very nice. This car is show car, ready as it sits, and is priced to sell.

This 1987 Turbo Regal is a WE4 hardtop with less than 25,000 original miles. The current owner purchased it from me back in July of 2000, when it had about 17,000 miles. The car has never seen the rain since he got it from me. Car is located in New Jersey. I can provide a list of upgrades that have been done.

According to the owner, he has invested over $12,000 in various upgrades to make this an outstanding example of a WE4.

This is a well-optioned WE4 hardtop that has not been advertised.

PRICE JUST REDUCED - $17,000. For more details, email me - [email protected]



COMING SOON - ALTERNATOR PULLEYS -

Our local source that has been supplying us with the new 120 and 200 amp alternators has finally exhausted his supply of the unique size pulleys that our cars used.

The pulley diameter where the serpentine belt rides on is critical to retain the correct serpentine belt and also the rpms that the alternator turns to be efficient.

The actual fan is widely used on other GM applications, so we don't see any problems with the correct fan. The housings and all the internals are 100% brand new, as they have always been. So, we are now having the original alternator pulley reproduced, so we can continue to offer this critical part.

In case you have an aftermarket alternator and want to check the diameter of the pulley, the correct diameter where the serpentine belt rides against is 2.405 inches with a 2.590 inchies outer lip. We have also changed the warranty to Manufacturer's Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Keep in mind, we also offer the service of getting your original alternator rebuilt. See our website for all the details.

Once we have the new reproduction pulleys available, we will make the pulley available by itself.

Here is a link to our Alternator parts on the website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7315&submit_button=



CLOSE OUT SPECIAL -

We recently bought out another company’s billet-style oil tube and breather assembly. This fits all the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal driver’s side valve cover. All billet construction with O-ring and a new chrome-plated top breather is included. Overall height is 4 inches. (See Inner Circle 08-14-2013 Photo 4)

We have about 20 of them at $34.95 each. You must call Christina - 215-766-1611 or email - [email protected] - to purchase this, since it has no part number and supplies are limited. The company has no plans to make this part again. It normally sold for over $40 each.



ANOTHER CLOSE OUT SPECIAL -

We have discontinued the Zaino Bros Perfect Tire Gloss 16 ounce bottles, Part #7036. It is no longer on our website. This is a product I use. We have about 14 bottles left. The price was $13.95. The sale price on our remaining stock is $8 a bottle or two bottles for $15 plus $8 shipping. You must call Christina personally to place your order for this product, 215-766-1611 x 0.

Also discontinued is the Pete Tomka Cold Air Induction System, Part #6782 that we carried for many years. This great product was designed and made by Pete Tomka. He recently informed us he is retiring.

We will continue to carry the Tin Man Cold Air Intake Kits, Part #7481 or and Part #7482.



STRAP CAPS IN STOCK NOW -

They are now in stock our supply of Reproduction Strap Caps. These are identical to the originals.

#6977 - 1984-1987 Turbo Regal - Reproduction Strap Caps (2) Set - $15 / set of 2
#6978 - 1984-1987 Turbo Regal - Reproduction Strap Caps (4) Set - $24.95 / set of 4

Here is a link to these Strap Caps on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=6977&submit_button=



NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -

NEW REPRODUCTION FRONT LICENSE PLATE BRACKET -

1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Reproduction FRONT LICENSE PLATE BRACKET

These cars originally came with a special front license plate bracket that attached under the front lip of the front bumper.

If you plan to install a front license plate or if your state requires it, you need this bracket.

Because of the contour of the front bumper, if you simply attach a front license plate to the top holes on the front bumper, the front license plate will bend.

This bracket is made in aluminum and eliminates that problem.

Each one comes with new inserts to secure the plate and two screws to secure the bracket to the bottom edge of the front bumper.

Another great exterior restoration item.

7535 - 1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Reproduction Front License Plate Bracket - $12.95

Here is a link to the Front License Plate Bracket on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44112/Reproduction+FRONT+LICENSE+PLATE+BRACKET+%237535.html



1986-1987 Turbo Regal -
REPRODUCTION BATTERY HOLD-DOWN BRACKET

We stock this reproduction battery hold-down bracket.

Our top photos show two views of the bracket.

The lower left photo shows the bracket on a newer AC Delco battery.

The lower right photo shows the battery bracket on an original equipment AC DELCO FREEDOM battery.

NOTE - It is important you have the proper size battery in your 1986-1987 Turbo Regal in order for this battery hold-down bracket to fit. This reproduction battery hold-down will not fit any battery taller than 7-1/4".

Another great engine restoration item.

#7536 -1986-1987 Turbo Regal -
Reproduction Battery Hold-down Bracket - $19.95

Here is a link to the Battery Hold-down Bracket on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44116/REPRODUCTION+BATTERY+HOLD-DOWN+BRACKET+%237536.html



1981-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
UPGRADED H4 55/60 HEADLIGHTS (4) KIT, HARNESS & HEADLIGHT

This kit will fit every GM car that takes this same size four headlight system, including all 1981-1988 A-Body and G-Body models.

NOTE - Kit #7530 and Harness #7531 will not work with HID headlights.

We have examined several of the various H4 headlight systems available and have found one that closely resembles the original style headlight. The headlight is glass and looks very close to the original glass face of your sealed beam headlight. To eliminate possible problems with the factory headlight switch and its ability to handle higher wattage bulbs, we also include a special plug-in harness. This plug-in harness takes the current directly from the battery after you turn on the headlights. The headlight switch is merely used to turn them on. This eliminates any possible problems with the 25-year-old headlight switch.

The stock sealed beam headlights are 45/55 watts. These new H4 formatted headlights already have a 55/60 watt bulbs installed. The plug-in harness that comes with this kit has two 80 amp relays and an in-line fuse to prevent any overloads. This harness is designed for Halogen headlights only and not for HIDs.

The custom-made plug-in harness is highly recommended in the G-Body cars to eliminate any possible issues with the original headlight switch. Issues with higher wattage bulbs can cause the headlights to flicker or turn off completely.

This plug-in harness also allows you to upgrade to even higher halogen wattage bulbs (maximum 80 watts), if you want. It has been tested by our source running four 100 watt bulbs for over one hour with no problems. The plug-in harness is designed to be virtually undetectable under the hood.

Just upgrading to the 55/60 watt H4 setup will be an improvement on overall lighting, compared to what now is the antique sealed beam format. Once you get this H4 upgrade, you can easily upgrade to higher wattage bulbs, if desired.

Another upgrade that improves lighting while keeping your car stock appearing.

NOTE - We offer the set of four, or individually if you wish to purchase an extra H4 headlight the 55/60 watt H4 bulb as a spare (Part #7532.)

NOTE - We offer the Upgraded Plug-and-Play Harness (Part #7531) if you want to install a headlight kit from another source. This harness will work with all Halogen H4 systems.

Another great upgrade to improve the brightness of the headlights, while retaining a stock appearance.

7530 - 1981-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Upgraded H4 Headlights (4) Kit $129.95 / kit
Includes Four 55/60 H4 Bulbs and Plug-and-Play Harness
INTRODUCTORY PRICE - EXPIRES SEPTEMBER 30th, 2013 - $109.95 / kit

7531 - 1981-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
H4 Headlights Upgraded Plug-and-Play HARNESS - $67.95

7532 - 1981-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
SINGLE Upgraded H4 Headlight with 55/60 Bulb Installed - $22.95 each

Here is a link to these Headlight parts on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7530&submit_button=

NOTE - This is the LAST week to get the special sale price on this upgraded headlight kit.



CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS FOR 2013 -


KIRBAN SEPTEMBERFEST OPEN HOUSE - SATURDAY - SEPTEMBER 28th - 9 am - 3 pm

We will be holding our annual fall “SEPTEMBERFEST” Open House on Saturday, September 28th, at our Plumsteadville location - 6201 Kellers Church Road, Plumsteadville. Rain or Shine, 9 am until 3 pm. Open to all cars, not just Turbo Buicks.

Free Yum Yum donuts and coffee will be provided in the morning. Pete and I will have our usual array of used parts. CARS INC. will also be there with parts for sale. Also Black Ice Details will be set up. Some of the highlights for the Open House will be the raffle prizes, M&M contest, and a no reserve auction. We will have some really neat items for the no reserve auction including several items from Jay's GN that we purchased.

Our personal Turbo-T will be on display and I will show our new plug-and-play H4 headlight system.

Once again, Chef Russ and Nancy will be preparing a full-course gourmet luncheon, like they did at our Spring Open House. This time the menu will be expanded. We are very fortunate to have Nancy and Russ, our local Turbo Buick Chef who loves to cook, generously offer to prepare the entire luncheon menu. So bring your appetite. You won’t go away hungry.

Confirmed as coming to our Septemberfest Richard Clark will be coming. Richard as many of you know is well versed on our cars and is always willing to answer any questions you may have.



2013 GS NATIONALS - October 16-19, 2013 - Beech Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, KY -

This is the 33rd Annual consecutive event held at Beech Bend Raceway, 798 Beech Bend Road, Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Jim Bell, of Kenne-Bell fame, will be in attendance to present honorary car and race show awards to both V8 & V6 cars.

Also attending is Art Carr and his wife. Art is one of the top transmission specialists for many years.

Working on having the 2015 models of the new GNX and Grand National display along with a GM rep to hold a seminar on the car's development and performance capabilities.

"Nancy Huber, Program Engineering Manager for Buick Motor Division, will be attending the Nats. next month. She will be driving down in her manual shift 2014 Regal. Manual shift cars are something new to the Buick line, She will be highlighted at the event, and possibly will have more info for us on the production of the new GN and GNX.

She said she would be taking input from us back to Buick from us for possibly influencing what these two new models will include and made available to the public when these cars are finally manufactured and released for sale to the public."

For more info log onto - http://www.gsnationals.com/



BOPAPALOOZA 2013 - November 2, 2013 - Atco Raceway, New Jersey -

Buick-Olds-Pontiac Show and Go, Saturday, November 2nd, 2013. Gates open 9:00 AM. Show registration until 12 noon. Day of event rain info - 856-768-2167. Location is Atco Raceway, Jackson Road, Atco, New Jersey. For race info, call 856-768-2167. For more show info, call Tom at 856-524-2588 or email [email protected] Race Information - www.atcoraceway.com

I know Tom personally, as he is the editor of the GTO THE LEGEND, which is the GTO National club monthly publication. I often contribute articles for their publication.



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 WORKS -

Got any turbo 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 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].



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 to mark your calendar - Septemberfest Kirban Open House - September 28th, 2013 from 9 am until 3 pm. Rain or shine. The weather forecast looks great for the Saturday,

Luncheon once again prepared by Chef Russ and Nancy, featuring a variety of food prepared on location and free! A real treat! You can get your stomach full and your wallet empty at the same time!

The no reserve auction will be expanded this time and feature several neat items. It will include several items from Jay's GN collection. You don’t want to miss this!

Special guest Richard Clark plans to attend. One event you do not want to miss. Be sure to bring any parts you want to trade with me and as well as any cores you want to cash in for credit.

Hope to see you there.

Email Deals

Be the first to receive exclusive promotions, updates and product announcements. Subscribe to our mailing list now.