10-21-2015 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 10-21-2015

REPORT FROM 2015 GS NATIONALS -

I can sum it up the GS Nationals in four words, “A Picture Perfect Event.”

This is one of the few times in recent memories where the weather was perfect from start to finish. That, coupled with low fuel prices, helped to make this event very well attended. This year it seemed more racers were running than in previous years. I spotted several high-end haulers and some very well prepped Regal race cars.

It was good to see many of our customers and many of our vendor friends that attend every year. This was the first time Mike Bernard, owner of Spoolfool fillers, has made the trip from sunny California. We have been going every year since 1988! It’s the 12-13 hour drive that is something I don’t enjoy.

PHOTO 1 - The top left photo shows a Buick powered vintage mid-1950s Studebaker coupe. Studebaker was the very first national club organization I joined in 1970-1971. The top right photo shows an extremely rare show quality Century Turbo Sport Coupe. You think finding parts for a 1984-1987 Turbo Regal is tough, finding them for this car is next to impossible! The lower left shows a Mazda RX7 powered by a 1986-1987 turbo engine power plant. This was an extremely nice installation. The lower right shows another neat install, a 1986-1987 turbo engine stuffed into an AMC Hornet.

Brian Weaver, owner of Gbodyparts.com, had a wide array of new reproduction parts on display. Some of which were aluminum bumper supports to replace the bumper shocks for the fiberglass bumpers, the diecast chrome and black bezels for the bumper marker lights, and new steel turbo hoods.

PHOTO 2 - The top left photo shows the front side of Gbodyparts.com new steel hood. The top right photo shows Cars Inc display highlighting brand new power master motors. The lower left photo shows one vendor’s array of Turbo Regal parts. The lower right shows a good use for the stock Turbo-T wheels. Turbo-T wheels just don’t seem to bring much money!

PHOTO 3 - The top left photo shows a Georgia vanity license plate that I am surprised did not get flagged by the transportation department! The middle top right photo shows the front and back of the rarest GNX shirt you could own. It was given out to ASC employees when the GNX was being produced in 1986. This owner only wears it at the GS Nationals. That’s the reason it still looks brand new. It says “by ASCMcLaren” on the back. This shirt is easily worth $200 or more to a GNX owner. I have one in my private collection and also sold one years ago. The lower left photo shows a T-Type for sale. It was one of just two that I spotted for sale. The lower right photo shows a non-AC setup for a Regal. This is the rare setup for racers to shed some weight by installing a non-AC system in their racecar. It eliminates a lot of extra weight. This setup is very hard to find.

PHOTO 4 - This photo shows an original pair of 1984-1987 Turbo Regal hood hinges alongside a set that we had done in high gloss black powder coating. We have a limited number of these ready to sell, complete with the original hardware also done in the same glossy black powder coating. It appears GM used very little paint on these hinges originally! These really came out nice. They are not easy to find since the other G-body cars still used the coil spring hood hinge format. See our Rare Parts listing for prices.



NEW LOWER PRICE ON BOTH DAMAGED SPOOLFOOL REAR FILLER PANELS! -

We just got back a slightly damaged, never used Spoolfool rear filler panel. It has one very small crack at the one edge. The crack is smaller than your little finger. Normal retail is $370 plus shipping. You can own this one for just $300 plus shipping. The damage is so slight it is barely visible in a photo. However, you can email me - [email protected] - if you want to see a photo.

Call our office to order this particular damaged rear spool fool filler. This is a real bargain as damage is quite minimal.

We also have another Spoolfool rear filler panel. It has a few chips in it, otherwise it is perfect. Normal retail is $370. You can own this one for $315 plus shipping.

You must call Christina to purchase either of these Spoolfool rear filler panels - 215-766-1611 x 0. Both are a bargain for being slightly damaged as described.

Remember you can cash in any acceptable cores you have towards their purchase!



GNX REPRODUCTION WHEELS -

I have a pair (2) of the GNX-style wheels we sell on our website. This pair (2) had tires mounted on them but were never used on the road. They are exactly as new. The buyer thought he could go with bigger tires using this offset on his car. You can own this pair (2) for $399 and $25 UPS shipping to the basic 48 states. Contact our office to purchase them - 215-766-1611 x 0.



THOUGHTS TO PONDER -

Why is every box of new Christmas lights packaged so tightly it’s impossible to ever put back in the same way!

If you ever remove the spare tire from your trunk, the question will be how in the world do you reinstall it exactly like GM did originally?

Since it’s a known fact to produce a penny cost more than a penny to produce, wouldn’t it be logical to discontinue the penny rather than waste taxpayer’s money?

Isn’t it weird that the word “Buick” and the word “Quick” don’t sound similar?



BREAKING NEWS - PYPES EXHAUST SYSTEMS -

Pypes is currently waiting for one or two parts they need to complete their Pypes Exhaust System. We expect to have systems in stock the first week of November.

If you need to order a Pypes Dual Exhaust system for your 1986-1987 Turbo Regal, it’s best to get on our list by calling Christina - 215-766-1611 x 0. We will NOT charge your credit card until we are ready to ship your order.



SPECIAL LIMITED SALE -

Currently we are overstocked with our fiberglass front and rear bumpers. Part #1507 is the front bumper and #1532 is the rear bumper. The retail is normally $190 each. However, if you purchase both the front and rear at the same time, your cost would be $365. You would save $15 by purchasing both. These are for off road use only.



FOURTH GENERATION CAMAROS & FIREBIRDS -

We are looking for someone that deals in the 4th Generation Camaro parts that wants a deal on a bunch of related 4th Generation Camaro/Firebird parts.



CORES NEEDED -

We have an urgent need for powermaster cores, steering wheel cores, and turbo cores.

Here is the information on our credits for cores.

POWERMASTER CORES must be complete with brake bowl and brake switch. You get $100 Letter of Credit or we will trade our complete headlight kit #7530 a $129.95 value for each acceptable core. Powermaster units must be nice and not look like they been in a river for the last 10 years.

TURBO CORES must be the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal stock ones. They must be complete. We will issue you a $100 Letter of Credit for each acceptable core. WE HAVE AN URGENT NEED FOR THESE.

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
MAIL - Ship to Address -

ATTN - DENNIS
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
PO BOX 1199
PLUMSTEADSVILLE, 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.



VEHICLES FOR SALE -

From time to time, whenever we spot an unusual or an exceptional car or truck for sale, or one we have for sale, we will put a blurb in our weekly Inner Circle. Also, any cars that our customers have for sale will be featured here and you can see their car with photos on our website. In this category, we will run the descriptions for two-to-three weeks and, if there is no interest in that particular vehicle, it will be deleted the following week. Any new vehicles that we add will appear first, so the oldest listing would be at the end of this section.

If any of these vehicles perk your interest, email me personally - [email protected] - for more information and photos.



TIPS AND IDEAS YOU HAVE TRIED -

If you have a tip or a discovery that you found that works on your Turbo Regal, drop us an email giving us the details so we can pass the info on to our readers. Remember, even with my knowledge, I don’t know it all. Simply email me at - [email protected]

REPRODUCTION GNX-STYLE DASH FOR SALE -

Complete pre-mounted GNX dash for sale. All of the cutting, fitting and alignment work is complete, just wire the dash and install the entire unit.

Kit Includes:
Applique with correct color indicators
Metal mounting plate
Plastic gauge bezel
Stock pre-cut cluster harness
Stock dash bezel (pre-cut with plastic gauge bezel attached)
New Stewart Warner speedometer with upper speedometer cable
New Stewart Warner tachometer
New Stewart Warner oil pressure gauge with sending unit
New Stewart Warner water temperature gauge with sending unit
New Stewart Warner fuel gauge
New Stewart Warner vacuum/ boost gauge
Plug-and-play harness

$2,250 plus shipping

This one was hand built by a good friend of ours who owns three Grand Nationals and has built several of these.

It comes with stock bezel already pre-cut so you do not have to cut your dash bezel. This kit eliminates any possible issues of trial and error since they have built several of these.

Buyer would have to inform us which dash is currently in the car - either digital or analog.

If interested, email me direct - [email protected] - I can provide photos.



NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -

1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
OEM BEARING for the Stock Belt Tensioner Pulley

We discovered that most of the aftermarket belt tensioner pulleys from the various suppliers do not match up to the original design.

The simple solution was to find the manufacturer of the actual bearing that GM used. We carry that exact bearing, made by the same manufacturer.

It is a double-sealed ball bearing.

You need to get it pressed in by someone that has a bench press. It does not require much effort to press in the new bearing.

Our photo shows an original on the lower left, this new replacement bearing on the lower right and a stock belt tensioner pulley at the top.

NOTE - You may also be interested in these related parts - #7115 Air Conditioning Bypass Pulley and #6609 Serpentine Belt.

Another great replacement item.

7693 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
OEM Bearing for the Stock Belt Tensioner Pulley - $13.95

Here is a link to this Bearing on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44276/OEM+BEARING+for+the+Stock+Belt+Tensioner+Pulley+%237693.html



1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction UPPER PLENUM GASKET

This reproduction upper plenum gasket is an exact duplicate of the original gasket. It is made by the same source that makes most of our other reproduction gaskets.

NOTE - You may also be interested in this related gasket - #6839 Reproduction Vacuum Block Gasket

Another excellent placement for the engine compartment!

7692 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction Upper Plenum Gasket - $5.95

Here is a link to the Upper Plenum Gasket on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44273/Reproduction+UPPER+PLENUM+GASKET+%237692.html



1984-1987 Buick Regal -
Regal Hardtop Reproduction
GREY HEADLINER & SUN VISORS MATERIAL - 3 YARDS

Over time, the headliner deteriorates or may start to sag.

We offer a reproduction grey headliner material for the 1984-1987 Buick Regals hardtop models. It will also be correct for the T-Tops models, but you’ll have extra material left over.

If you are having the interior restored, this is the time to replace the headliner.

The only sure way to get a positive color match with the sun visors is to use the same material from the same roll for the hardtop headliner and sun visors at the same time.

We only offer the correct factory grey headliner material for the Grand National and T-Type Regal hardtops.

This is the same material that our local supplier has been using for years when he does Grand National headliners.

NOTE - Colors may not appear correctly on the website due to computer monitor differences. If you would like us to send you a small piece of the material, contact our office - 215-766-1611 x 0.

According to the reference books that companies use, this is the only grey GM used during the 1980s, except for the Cadillac models.

We offer it in a 3-yard length only, which is ample material to do a hardtop headliner as well as both sun visors.

If the factory headliner board is still in good shape and not cracked or ruined, this is the best method to redo the headliner. Also plan to have the sun visors redone at the same time.

NOTE - We no longer offer the ABS pre-covered headliner shell, part #7418, as shown in the second photo.

NOTE - We recommend this headliner material be installed by an upholstery shop. You will need to have a hole cut out for the interior light.

NOTE - We recommend you also purchase Part #7362, Headliner Molding Clips (8) Set. Since the original clips are old, they may break when you remove them to install the new headliner.

Another great restoration item.

7690 - 1984-1987 Buick Regal -
Regal Hardtop Reproduction Grey Headliner & Sun Visors Material - 3 yards - $59.95

Here is a link to this Headliner material on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44272/Regal+Hardtop+Reproduction+GREY+HEADLINER+%26+SUN+VISORS+MATERIAL+-+3+YARDS+%237690.html



1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
UPPER DASH DUAL CONE SPEAKERS (2) SET

One of the toughest replacement speakers to find are the small ones that go in the upper dash corners. The speaker size is 3-1/2 inches.

Because of the age of these cars, the original speakers may be cracked from the heat or age.
We offer these new 3-1/2" diameter replacement dual cone speakers.

They have been tested by Richard Clark and are an excellent replacement speaker. These are a 2-way Performance Series Dual Cone Coaxial Car Speaker. You will have to modify one or both connectors on the plug end to attach the factory plug harness properly to these speakers. The plug end is basically the same, but the width is different from the original factory speakers.

If you have the Concert Sound II option in the doors, you need to order part #7689.

NOTE - You may also be interested in these related items - #7386 Reproduction Upper Dash Trim Panel, #7065 Late-Model Radio Plug-in Harness Kit 21 Pin to 12 Pin Harness with Antenna Lead and Antenna Lead Adapter, or #7684 & #7685 Radio/Cassette Buttons Reproduction Aluminum ID Inserts (3) Set
Another nice interior restoration item.

Here are the two options for these switches. We have highlighted in RED the one you are ordering if you order through this particular page.

7688 - 1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Upper Dash Dual Cone Speakers (2) Set - $49.95 / set

7689 - 1984-1987 Buick Regal (with Concert Sound II) -
Upper Dash Dual Cone Speakers (2) Set - $54.95 / set Call for Availability

Here is a link to these speakers on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7688&submit_button=



1978-1987 Buick Regal with 200, 200R, 350 and 700 Transmission -
REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION REAR SEAL
for 200, 200R, 350 and 700 Transmission

This transmission rear seal fits all the 200, 2004R, 350 and 700 transmissions. This seal is a factory replacement part and is made in the U.S.A.

If you find the transmission is leaking out the tail shaft area, this is the seal you need. It can be installed without removing the transmission from the car.

NOTE - You may also be interested in these related items - #7208 Replacement Transmission TCC Solenoid, or #7486 Electrical Solenoid Pass-through Connector with O-ring for 200-4R Transmission.

NOTE - We recommend this seal be installed by a qualified mechanic.

Another excellent replacement part for transmission restoration.

7686 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal with 200, 200R, 350 and 700 Transmission-
Replacement Transmission Rear Seal for 200, 200R, 350 and 700 Transmission - $6.50

Here is a link to this transmission rear seal on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44268/REPLACEMENT+TRANSMISSION+REAR+SEAL+for+200%2C+200R%2C+350+and+700+Transmission+%237686.html



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. 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 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 -

Our next contest will be sometime around Thanksgiving. Watch for it.

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