10-09-2019 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 10-09-2019 –

WE HAVE MOVED –

We have moved the business back to our home in Kintnersville. We have a 30’ x 50’ heated pole building with high ceilings, and additional space in the house. I can still get 2 vehicles in the building. The phone number - 215-766-1611 - remains the same, as does that familiar voice you have heard for almost 20 years, Christina. She has developed quite a loyal following over the years and knows our part numbers better than I do.

We have kept the PO Box 1199, Plumsteadville, PA for incoming powermaster cores.

All other Mail, UPS and FED EX shipments now would ship to – Kirban Performance Products, 529 Haycock Run Road, Kintnersville, PA 18930.

If you need to pick up parts, please call to set up an appointment – 215-766-1611.

It works out nice as Darrell and Carrie live next door and operate their Auto Body business.

It was a major undertaking to move over 700 parts and the office equipment. It has cured me from ever wanting to move again. Fortunately, our son, daughter-in-law, and Darrell’s employee Mike were a huge help.

I tried to plan the move keeping the parts boxes in numerical order, which would have made it easier to put the parts back on the shelves. In the real world, the lowest part numbers ended up on the floor first and the higher numbers ended up on top of them. I must have worked a solid 10 hours getting them back on the 13 shelves in the correct numerical order.

The one good thing was the weather was really nice for the entire move. Thanks for your patience last week during this transition.



CUSTOM TURBO REGAL VALVE COVER DESK LAMP – GM AM/FM CASSETTE PLAYER –

Over a year ago, I had a local friend of mine make 2 or 3 of these desktop lamps that use a Turbo Regal valve cover. A bar of LED lights runs the entire length inside the one side of the valve cover. A short chain has an actual spark plug that you pull down to turn the light off and on. The base is a brand new chrome-plated timing chain cover. The end result is a cool looking desktop lamp for your office. Unlike the valve covers on your Turbo Regal, this one won’t leak!

Also in Photo 1 are two photos of the later GM AM/FM cassette radios we have for sale. These are early 1990s Buick radios and are a better quality. Simply switch over the clip-on side studs, so the factory brackets will attach to this radio. The radio has been tested and it does power up.

You can even reinstall your factory turner and volume knob so it has a very similar appearance to the original AM/FM cassette player. See the Rare Parts section for prices.

PHOTO 1 – The top left and top right photo shows the custom-made Turbo Regal Valve Cover LED desk top lamp. It works by battery. The bottom left and bottom right photo shows this later Buick AM/FM cassette player. The unit has been bench tested and powers up. Complete with plug-and-play harness so your factory wires will plug into the black plastic plug at the rear of the radio. It also includes the special antenna lead so you can plug in your original antenna.



KIRBAN’S GUIDE TO BUYING A USED 1986 & 1987 BUICK TURBO REGAL –

During the move we discovered another copy of my book “Kirban’s Guide to Buying a Used 1986 & 1987 Buick Turbo Regal.” We also found a dozen of our 20th Anniversary 2007 “Kirban Performance Products” catalogs.

PHOTO- 2 – We show both the “Kirban’s Guide to Buying a Used 1986 &1987 Buick Turbo Regal” and a copy of our 20th Anniversary 2007 Kirban Performance catalog. See the Rare Parts section for pricing. I will sign each one.



AUTOWORLD TRUE 1:64 SCALE VINTAGE MUSCLE CARS –

Another discovery I made during the move was 5 different Auto World 1:64 scale Vintage Muscle Cars still factory sealed. Although only 1:64 scale, the detail is quite impressive. For example, on the dark blue 442 Oldsmobile you can almost make out the 442 emblem on the rear quarter panel. The car even has red line tires on it. Of special note on the packaging for the 1966 Oldsmobile 442, it is a Limited Edition of just 3,000.

PHOTO 3 – We show all 5 of the Auto World 1:64 scale diecast vintage muscle cars. They include: 1969 Pontiac Trans Am, 1966 Oldsmobile 442, 1967 Ford Mustang GT, 1971 Dodge Dart Swinger, and 1961 Dodge Dart Phoenix. Of this group, the 1961 Dodge Dart Phoenix is not one I am familiar with! See Rare Parts section for price.



MORE PAST CAR MEMORIES –

This week’s past memories centers around Turbo Regals. With the upcoming GS Nationals only two weeks away, I found some photos from the GS Nationals from probably the early 1990s timeframe.

PHOTO 4 – The top left photo shows a unique way to let heat escape from under a Turbo hood by stamping in several rows of louvers. The top right photo shows a very unusual Buick tow vehicle, a Hearse. The bottom left photo shows Pete Serio, the original Window Rattle Guy adjusting the passenger door glass on a T-Tops Regal. Pete Serio was the best at doing window adjustments! The bottom right photo shows Dynotech’s white Turbo-T with owner Fred Vetter bending over the fender. The man in the center appears to be Ted, who created the M&A aluminum heads. I do not recognize the gentleman to the far left. Again, all memories of years passed at the GS Nationals.



SPECIAL REQUEST –

Has anyone discovered what grommet works for the front of the passenger valve cover on the 1986-1987 Turbo Regals?

I found some few years back at a Carlisle event and since then have run out of them. Drop me an email if you have discovered one that fits. My email is [email protected]



ONE-OF-A-KIND POWERMASTER BRAKE DISPLAY ITEMS -

We still have these one-of-kind Powermaster brake displays available. Open to offers. A great display item for any 1986-1987 Turbo Regal owner.



OLD CARS REPORT PRICE GUIDE 1925-1969 VALUES - SEPT - OCT 2019 –

According to long-time customer Paul Visler, Buick never produced a 1970 GSX convertible for 1970. A prototype may exist, but no production was made in 1970 of a GSX convertible.

Old Cars Report Price Guide lists a 1970 GSX convertible as I noted in last week’s Inner Circle. So, it appears even the big guns make mistakes! It is also possible that a few creative GS Buick owners may have created a 1970 GSX convertible similar to what some collectors have done by modifying low end muscle cars to duplicate the higher end models. The 1964 GTO is one prime example since it was simply an option based on a Lemans. The end result is a vast difference in values.

Auction Houses have to go to extreme measures to make sure all documentation matches to the vehicle on the Auction block. No potential bidder wants to wake up the next day to discover that the car they paid big money for was misrepresented.



TWO COLLECTIBLES FOR SALE THAT ARE NOT TURBO REGAL RELATED –

These are still available both the full-size store display Maxine from Hallmark with her dog Floyd. I also still have the R2D@ cooler. These are all in mint condition. We will not ship. Pick up only. You must be local. Email [email protected] for price and photos.

Both are still available for sale. I may consider a reasonable offer on any of the above collectibles.



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
529 HAYCOCK RUN ROAD
KINTNERSVILLE, PA 18930



CARSMARTS RADIO IS ON THE AIR AND ON THE WEB! –

Turbo V6 enthusiast Steve Saffier (who produced “Dennis Kirban” story on YouTube) is producer and host of CarSmarts Radio which is in its third season! The show is heard in eastern PA on 610 ESPN Radio every Saturday from 11 am – 12 noon and on WOND 1400 in southern New Jersey, Sundays from 10am – 11am. You can also listen to the live stream at that time - download the podcast on http://www.610 espn.com (Live and Local)

Past guests have included me (Dennis Kirban) Brock Yates Jr, Steve Magnante, as well as car photographers, car museum staff, tech students, car clubs, and much more. Tune up and Tune in! More info at http://www.carsmartsradio.com



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 –

When replacing your plug wires, it’s always best to go with the correct lengths. Not only does it make a cleaner look under the hood, but you also avoid having any of them short out against exhaust manifolds or the sharp edges of the upper plenum. Our 1986-1987 Turbo Regal plug wires part #1531 are a very close match to the originals in length and color.



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.



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]



TECH CALLS -

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



NEW PRODUCTS FROM US –

1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Reproduction REAR DUAL EXTENDED RANGE 10 OHM SPEAKERS (2) Set 

Finally, a company has reproduced the extended range 10 ohm 4" x 10" rear speakers that was an option available on every 1984-1987 Regal, including the Turbo models.

To determine if your car came equipped with the extended range speakers, check for the code “U66” on the trunk ID label (SPID).

These upgraded extended range speakers were included with most of the various upgraded factory radios for an additional cost of $25 for the pair.

NOTE - You must have the factory cages to properly secure this speaker to the back deck.

These have the same matching 3-1/4" diameter magnet. To see if your car has this format check the SPID label for the “U66” code. If the label is missing, measure the magnet on the current rear deck speakers to see if it measures 3-1/4" diameter. 

If it does, these are the speakers you need. 

After more than 30 years, many are blown out due to heat and the age of the speaker.

Each pair comes with an adapter harness so you do not have to cut the factory harness.

Speakers are marked and come with directions so you know which is the plus terminal and which is the minus terminal.

NOTE - You may also be interested in this related part - #7433 Power Antenna Upgraded Steel Cable Repair Kit

Another excellent replacement for any interior restoration.

7877 - 1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) - Reproduction Rear Dual Extended Range 10 OHM Speakers (2) Set - $109.95

Here is a link to these speakers on our website.



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 –

Cool weather is finally hitting the northeast part of the country.

For those attending the upcoming GS Nationals, I hope you have great cool weather and a great event. Unfortunately, we will not be attending this year.

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