10-16-2019 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 10-16-2019 –

TOYOTA TRD MOLLY DESIGNS EMBLEM –

As many of you know, Molly also did work for Toyota and was involved in the TRD program for Toyota. Matter of fact, the very first Toyota models that had the TRD option had small emblems that said “TRD Molly Designs.” I know very little about that initial program or at what point the words “Molly Designs” were dropped from the program. Going by memory, I remember seeing these emblems on the Toyota Solara, which had a special ground effects kit that I think Molly must have developed for Toyota.

I believe the wording “TRD Molly Designs” only existed for a very short time when Molly was involved with making various ground effect kits for certain Toyota car models. The TRD option can be seen on several different Toyota models today. “TRD” stands for Toyota Research and Development.

Unfortunately, on the internet very little is known about the early TRD program and the involvement Molly Designs had with the program. In the late 1980s Toyota was coming out with a new luxury car called the Lexus. Molly did the Lexus logo for Toyota, which came out as a 1989 model. The Lexus brand has proven to be a huge winner for Toyota.

PHOTO 1 - I show a slightly used original TRD Molly Designs emblem. It measures approximately 3 inches long by 1 inch tall. See the Rare Parts section as I am selling one of the two that I have in my private collection.



AMERICAN AUTO ART – TOM SANSOUCIE –

Back in 2008 Tom Sansoucie did 2 different size prints featuring various Turbo Regal models in a used car lot setting. You can clearly make out the different models for 1986 and 1987, including the GNX, all visible in this highly-detailed artwork. He did two different size prints of this artwork. I have the larger one hanging in my office at home, and it measures 24 inches by approximately 38 inches when framed with a mat border. The smaller one pictured in Photo 2 measures approximately 20 inches by 24 inches once framed with a mat border.

PHOTO 2 – Shows the Turbo Regal art print Tom Sansoucie did in 2008. This is the smaller print framed with a mat border in a high-quality frame ready for hanging. According to the number, it is #517 of 1987 produced. It is hard to photograph due to the reflection from the glass frame. See the Rare Parts section for the price of this framed art print.



MORE TURBO REGAL COLLECTIBLES –

Back in 1998 I had Matt Blair do a Halloween theme cartoon for us. Matt Blair was one of the cartoonists we used over the years for our printed Grand News issues.

Years ago, we did a number of different Turbo Regal T-shirts. This is a proof shot of one of the most popular T-shirts we did in 1994. The artist that did this for us was Paul Vilser.

PHOTO 3 – The photo on the left shows this original Matt Blair artwork of his cartoon related to Halloween. It measures approximately 14 inches by 14 inches. See Rare Parts for price. The photo to the right shows a proof cloth of one of the most popular T-shirts we ever made dated 1994. See Rare Parts section for the price.



WELL-OPTIONED LOW- MILEAGE 1987 GRAND NATIONAL FOR SALE –

I just got word of this extremely well-optioned, low-mileage 1987 Grand National that is for sale. The owner wants me to sell it for him. He has had it six years. The miles on this Grand National is a mere 48,200. Options include factory moonroof, power windows, power locks, tilt, cruise, delay wipers, concert sound, power trunk, digital dash, power seat, working power antenna, and posi rear. The Grand National is located in Maryland.

It has a beautiful repaint done prior to his owning it. He had paint correction done and ceramic coating this past Spring. The car really shines, probably 100%, better than original. Everything functions 100%, even the original AC.

Additional features include embroidered floor mats, few chrome goodies under the hood, Kirban adjustable fuel regulator, hot wire kit, 60lb injectors, adjustable wastegate, TT chip, new bumper fillers, new fuel tank, and has dual a-pillar gauges and console gauge package. He checked the car with a magnet and shows no putty or filler anywhere. It has the factory chip guard along bottom of the car.

According to the owner Mike, the Grand National has had 4 previous owners. The car shows no accidents or any indication that mileage is not accurate.

The price is $26,900. This Grand National is priced to sell. You would be hard pressed to find a better example of a well-optioned 1987 Grand National that would measure up to the quality of this one at this price. A factory moon roof with a power seat option is extremely rare. This car next Spring would easily bring several grand more than it is priced at this Fall.

This car is show quality from any angle.

PHOTO 4 – The top left photo shows the front of this Grand National. The top right photo shows the engine compartment area, the bottom left photo shows the interior, and the bottom right photo shows the factory moon roof. For more information, email me direct [email protected]



PART #7330 - CUSTOM-MADE CENTER ARMREST CONSOLE WITH CUP HOLDER - FOR SALE -

We recently had a customer order the wrong armrest console, so we have this one, never used, and ready to ship from our location. It is the mini one. The color is grey. Go to our website type in #7330 into the search to see a photo. Normally they run $145.99.

The price for this one is just $129.95 with $15 shipping. This is just a one-time deal for the one we have at our warehouse. Call our office 215-766-1611 to place the order with Christina, and make sure you indicate it is the one we have in stock in our warehouse to obtain the special price!



1985 OLDSMOBILE 442 HARDTOP - FOR SALE LOCAL TO US –

Local to me is a 1985 Oldsmobile 442 hardtop for sale. Car appears 100% stock. It has been off the road for the last 3 years. It did have a $4,000 repaint done several years ago. It is a hardtop with a black and silver exterior. This is a very well-optioned 442. Runs and drives. Car has a price tag of just $3,500. It needs a full restoration to be show quality. Car appears to be very solid. For photos, email me – [email protected]



THE DREADED TRIP TO THE DENTIST –

Many of us dread the trip to the dentist. Even more so, when the dentist says you need root canal work done. I have put off going to the dentist for well over a two dozen years until this past Spring. Near our house a dentist has a lighted sign on his building that says, “We Cater to Cowards.” That phrase made me feel comfortable. On my first visit, I told the dentist I was hoping to make it to the end without seeing a dentist. He thought I meant to the end of summer, I said no, the end of my life!

I had a lot of dental work done when I was in the military in the late 1960s, which cured me of ever wanting to go to a dentist again. In the military, I never had any idea how qualified the dentist was. I recently had a tooth that was becoming an issue and it had to be removed. Cavities are like rust holes in your car. The more rust there is, the more money it costs. Same goes for cavities - the worse it is, the more it costs. A simple cavity can run about the same as a typical monthly car payment. Two or three cavities and the price tag can easily top a grand or more.

Thank goodness they have made great strides in the dental industry over the last 30 years, mainly to eliminate pain for the victim, I mean customer. I always keep my fingers crossed that the dental assistant filled that initial numbing needle with enough numbing solution to last the entire time I hear that drill spinning at high rpm in my mouth.

So far, I have had 5 cavities repaired, a new bridge made, and I have 2 more cavities to go before the end of the year. I think the one car I drive for errands cost less than my recent dental work.



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

These Powermaster Brake Displays are still available. I am in the process of putting them on ebay.



TWO COLLECTIBLES FOR SALE THAT ARE NOT TURBO REGAL RELATED –

These are still available - both the full-size store displays 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 –

It’s best to buy the little things your car needs as some of the small items are getting tougher to find now that the cars are another year older.



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 –

Be sure to check out the info on the rare 1987 Grand National with the factory moon roof listed and pictured in this issue. Also, word of a 1985 Oldsmobile 442 hardtop that is local to us that is for sale for just $3,500.


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