10-20-10 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members - 10-20-10

CHRISTMAS SPECIALS -

Unlike previous years where we listed a dozen or so parts at a special price, we decided to do something a little different this year. We will give a full 15% off many of our Turbo Buick parts. On a few items this discount will be 10%. On a very few items we will not give any discount. These discounts can't be combined with any other specials. This discount starts Tuesday, October 19th and ends Friday, December 17th at 4 pm. A flyer on this will be in all our outgoing orders. This is a once-in-a-lifetime discount from our company on virtually 90% of our product line for Turbo Buicks.


CONGRATULATIONS - CARRIE KIRBAN and KRIS MANN -

Carrie and her friend Kris finished their 60-mile, Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure™ Walk on Sunday to raise money for Cancer research. Many of you have met her at our events. The Philadelphia team of about 2200 participants raised over $5.7 million towards finding the cure for breast cancer.

Carrie and Kris still need about $300 to complete their commitment for the event. If you would like to help find the cure for breast cancer, here is the link for online donations;
http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/2010/PhiladelphiaEvent2010?px=4662871&pg=personal&fr_id=1468

PHOTO 1 - The top photo shows Kris on the left and Carrie on the right at the finish line on Sunday afternoon. Congrats on a great event!


A FEW ODDITIES -

Earlier last week we got a call from a long-time local customer of ours who had bought one of our cars back in 2000; a black 1986 T-Type with quite a few options. One in particular, makes it just one of 55 built.

In 1986 Buick built a few T-Type Regals with the 45/45 pillow leather seats in either gray or tan. They made 124 in gray. They only made 55 in tan.

GM also offered the half console, which was an additional option with the 45/45 leather seat option. It cost another $82. The leather seat option in 1986 was $595. The driver's seat is a 6-way power seat, which added another $225 to the price. (I have the window sticker).

PHOTO 1 - The lower photo shows the interior of this unusual 1986 T-Type. Note that in 1986 even with the upgraded leather pillow seats, you still got the standard door panels with the pull straps. In 1986 you did not get the upgraded Limited door panels.

Unfortunately, the car suffers from major frame rot and other issues. It is being dismantled so the parts can help others keep their pride and joy on the road.



BUICK LITERATURE - PART 13 -

While going through some of my Buick material I found more information on the GM Protection Plan.

PHOTO 2 - Shows 2 different 1986 GM Protection Plan brochures. They both say, "Revised 9/85" on the back.

The one pictured on the left was a vertical tri-fold glossy brochure entitled, "GM Protection Plan - 1986 MAJOR-GUARD COVERAGE." It is 10-3/4" x 8" folded to 3-5/8" x 8".

The one pictured on the right was entitled, "Your GM Protection Plan Agreement - 1986 MAJOR-GUARD COVERAGE" was laid out horizontally and printed on ivory stock. It is 8-1/2" x 14", folded in half 2 times to a folded size of 8-1/2" x 3-1/2". We show the front and back spread. We have blacked out the name and VIN number.

GM offered 5 different plans with the longest being 5 years (60 months) unlimited miles.

So, it is possible to get both of these brochures from the original owner.



PHOTO 3 - The top photo shows the quarter glass decal you would also get. We have shown this before in an earlier Inner Circle. This is what it looks like reversed prior to the owner removing it from the card.

The bottom photo shows the credit card style plastic card still attached to the flyer. This had the car's VIN number on it, the owner's name with the status of the coverage in months, deductible, expiration, and mileage. We have blacked out the name and VIN number.

These cards are quite rare to find today, especially if neither has been removed from the original background.



NEW PART COMING SOON - Aftermarket Upper Dash Panel -

We actually had a prototype of our aftermarket upper dash panel on display at our recent Open House.

With the increasing price of the GM upper dash panel, we have come up with a cheaper solution in the form of a steel overlay panel.

This thin piece of flat steel will either come pre-painted in the Grand National gray or we may have it powder coated. We have not decided yet on the finish.

It has the correct vents for the upper dash speakers and the small rectangle group of holes like the original plastic panel. We have eliminated the square hole at each far corner and the three round holes that are used for the screws that secure the original plastic upper dash panel to the dash.

The purpose is to position this over the cracked original plastic upper dash panel.

It is a less expensive option that will last since it is made from flat steel. The projected price will be under $99 when it becomes available later this fall. We will have a sample on display at the GS Nationals this week.

PHOTO 4 - This photo shows the factory GM upper dash panel at the top and the new steel flat overlay at the bottom. The factory GM upper dash panel now retails for over $215 each making this steel overlay a possible solution to the problem.



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 ones you want to see - Reference Inner Circle date and photo number 1, 2, 3 or 4 - [email protected]



BREAKING NEWS - NEW ARRIVAL - 1986 GRAND NATIONAL FOR SALE

I just got in a 1986 Grand National hardtop, two-owner, well-optioned car with records. The car has been garaged every night since 1988 (same owner since 1988 until now). Paint still shines, but has some dings and checking. It is almost 95% stock and has 123,000 miles. Nice example of a tight running car that has not been raced (owner was 72 years old). Car has no posi! Approximately 80% of the paint is still original paint. Car has a clean car fax.

It has concert sound, power windows, power door locks, power antenna (works), tilt, cruise, EQ radio, concert sound II, rear defogger, power seat, and factory body side molding. The transmission was recently rebuilt, new shocks and springs. AC blows ice cold. Doors shut like they are new. Interior is extremely nice showing virtually no wear on anything. Car is very clean underneath. Both doors are solid at the bottom. One small 3" spot of rust just starting on the passenger rear quarter panel in front of the wheel house, otherwise the body is solid.

We installed a new front connecting brace, front frame braces, new radiator overflow bottle, new washer bottle, new hood shocks, new air cleaner element, and new plain black carpeted floor mats.

Priced under $9900. Plus buyer gets 10% off any our catalog parts good for 30 days after purchase! This car is a true survivor, and since it's a 1986, it is more rare than the 1987 models.

If you are interested, email me direct - [email protected] - for more info/photos.

Here is a link to this Car For Sale on the web site -
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/43833/1986+GRAND+NATIONAL+-+FOR+SALE.html



GOOD NEWS - A LIMITED SUPPLY - 1984-1985 TURBO REGAL SPARK PLUG WIRE SET -

Because of requests, we recently had a small run of the correct length grey 1984-1985 Turbo Regal spark plug wires. They are in stock. We have 8 sets available at $50 per set plus $8 shipping. You must contact our office directly to be assured of getting one of these 6 sets. We have no plans to have these run again. To order, call - 215-766-1611 x 0



SEVERAL NEW PARTS FROM US -

The special S hose was discontinued by GM several months ago and is unique for the 1986-1987 Turbo Regals. You now have two reproduction options to choose from to replace this hose. Both are in stock.

Part #7299 - This hose is rubber, is 100% exact and the price is $39.95. We also have the same hose available made in black silicone.

Part #7300 - This hose is made in silicone and is more of a shiny black in color. Since it is made in silicone, it can last longer than a regular rubber hose. The price of this hose is $29.95.

Here is the complete description for both hoses.

1986-1987 Turbo Regal -
REPRODUCTION BY-PASS "S" HOSE and UPGRADED SILICONE BY-PASS HOSE

We stock 2 options for this small "S" shaped hose that goes from the front of the intake manifold (alongside the thermostat housing) to the back portion of the water pump. This special molded hose is no longer available from GM and is not available in any auto parts stores. It’s unique to the Turbo Regals only.

Because of its location, this hose is subject to heat and usually cracks or splits. The hose is easy to install.

This reproduction hose (Part #7299) is made of the same rubber and exact shape as the original GM hose, so it looks original. The other reproduction hose (Part #7300) is made in silicone (which will last longer than rubber) and the hose has a shiny black appearance.

We highly recommend you purchase one or two to carry in your trunk, like some other emergency items.

7299 - 1986-1987 Turbo Regal -
Reproduction By-Pass "S" Hose - $39.95

7300 - 1986-1987 Turbo Regal -
Reproduction Upgraded Silicone By-Pass "S" Hose - $29.95

Here is a link to the Reproduction By-Pass "S" Hoses on the web site -
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7299&submit_button=



1986-1987 Turbo Regal and 1989 Turbo Trans Am -
REPRODUCTION STAINLESS STEEL ENGINE COOLANT LINES

These reproduction stainless steel engine coolant lines are powder-coated glossy black and are identical to the pair of factory coolant lines found on the passenger's side of the engine.

Over a period of time these lines can rust from the inside out. If you ever have reason to remove them, they easily get bent or cracked.

These lines are made in the U.S.A. and are unique for the years shown.

7296 - 1986-1987 Turbo Regal and 1989 Turbo Trans Am -
Reproduction Stainless Steel Engine Coolant Lines - $99

Here is a link to the Reproduction Coolant Lines on the web site -
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/43831/REPRODUCTION+STAINLESS+STEEL+ENGINE+COOLANT+LINES+%237296.html



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.



GM PARTS UPDATE -

It appears that the GM supply of the factory 1986-1987 GM factory original molded boost line kits are dwindling and may already have disappeared from GM's warehouses inventory. We currently have a decent supply of them.

This is a very critical part, for any 1986-1987 Turbo Regal, since it is needed to control boost. They have 3 specially formed hoses with a special size diameter T in between two of the molded hoses. These also have the GM wording on them.

Over a period of time, heat can cause the hoses to swell and crack. While they last, we have them available for $44.95 plus shipping, Part #6644. Supplies are limited.

Here is a link to the Boost Line Kit on our web site -
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/160/GM+Factory+Original+BOOST+LINE+KIT+%236644.html



CALENDER OF EVENTS -

2010 UPCOMING BUICK RELATED EVENTS - STARTS TODAY

30th ANNUAL GS NATIONALS - Beech Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, Kentucky
OCTOBER 20th-23rd, 2010
This has been rescheduled from the cancelled May dates. Unfortunately, Don Garlits will not be able to attend as the dates conflict with an event he does at his Museum in Ocala. Florida. For more information, including registration and vendor details, go to their website and then click on GS Nationals - http://www.gsnationals.com



EBAY LISTINGS -

If you would like to see any of the Kirban Performance Products items listed on eBay, here is a link to our store and auctions -
http://stores.ebay.com/Kirban-Performance-Products-Inc_W0QQssPageNameZl2QQtZ km



IN CLOSING -

Hope to see many of our customers at the GS Nationals in Bowling Green, Kentucky this week. If you are going, have a safe trip!