11-13-2013 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 11-13-2013

MORE PHOTOS FROM THE 2013 GS NATIONALS -

PHOTO 1 - The top photo shows Art Carr and his wife Dottie from California, who attended the 2013 GS National. Art is one of the all time legends in the field of modifying automatic transmissions. The bottom photo shows a Grand National bare dash pad. You can clearly see that at one time someone had cut holes above the glove box for gauges. This was a popular modification when the cars were still fairly new.

PHOTO 2 - The top photo shows a restored 1984 Grand National fitted with 20 or 22" rims. The bottom photo shows a highly-optioned two-tone 1987 Turbo-T Limited. I know this car personally, since I owned it several years ago. I bought it unrestored out of Massachusetts and brought it back to Pennsylvania. The buyer who I sold it to also lived in Massachusetts. The car went back to Massachusetts and underwent a complete restoration project. Note the cornering lamp in the front fender and the electroluminescent coach lamp on the rear pillar. Two options you seldom see.



PHOTOS FROM THE RIEGLESVILLE CAR SHOW -

I attended the Reigelsville Kiwanis Fall Roll Out 23rd Anniversary Classic Car Event on November 3rd. In our area, this is the last major car event of the year.

One of the more interesting cars at this event, I see locally from time to time, since it is driven often by the owner. It shows a unique approach to what you would consider a two-tone paint job. The car actually looks quite good.

PHOTO 3 - The top left photo shows this late 1930s Chevy coupe from the passenger's side and the car appears to be black. In the top right photo shows the driver's side and it is red. In the bottom left photo we show the back end, showing how the paint scheme plays out across the trunk and roof area. The bottom right photo shows what appears to be a small block Chevy powerplant. The car was for sale for $19,500, which seemed like a reasonable price. A well executed design that the owner seemed to have enjoyed by driving it a lot.

The early 1960s marked a time for automotive designers to really make some classic cars with little government regulations and cheap fuel.

PHOTO 4 - The photo on the left shows a unique option that this 1961 Chrysler 300 Sport coupe had with its swivel out front bucket seat. The photo on the right shows its power plant with its staggered fuel delivery system topped with large saucer-like air cleaners. One of the unique engines available in 1961 and this car was restored to a very high degree of quality.

That’s one thing about living in America - you can attend any major car show and see a reflection of our past in engineering marvels related to automobiles. Outside of a few other free countries, very few countries can come close to having such a rich background in automobiles. Not to mention the wide variety of different car makes and models that have come and gone in over a 100 years of automotive history.

It doesn’t matter where your loyalty lies, most of us can appreciate fine machinery, no matter what year or what nameplate adorns the car.

While the 1950s and 1960s are the vintage I remember, I can’t help but think about the classic cars that were made in the 1920s and 1930s. It's unfortunate many of them got crushed for the value of their metal for World War II.

When we first started in the towing business in 1969, I became very good friends with a local owner of a junkyard. He took me under his wing to help me get started. (They were called junkyards back then).

He would tell me stories of some of the cars he crushed during the 1950s. He also told me about owning a certain model Mercedes Benz that his wife never liked because of the way the door opened. That Mercedes was a 1955 Gullwing, which is pretty high up on the value chain of cars that collectors seek today!

I can remember one of his good friends who would stop by from time to time. He owned a 289 Shelby Cobra and he drove it as an every day car.



UPDATE ON POWERMASTER BRAKE UNITS -

We are now getting the rebuilt Powermaster Brake Units in almost daily. We hope to have all our back orders filled by the end of November. We fully expect to have all the back orders filled to the other Buick Turbo vendors as well. We still have no update as to when we can expect the Cardone brake bowls.



DISCONTINUED BY US -

Part #7452, 1978-1987 Turbo Regal - Universal Fit Clear Plastic Car Dust Cover - $18.95 - is being discontinued. We have only 3 left. We are selling our remaining stock for $15 each. You must contact our office - 215-766-1611 to buy a cover if you want any of the remaining 3.

Here is a link to this Car Cover on our website, so you can see the pictures and details:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44013/UNIVERSAL+FIT+CLEAR+PLASTIC+CAR+DUST+COVER+%23+7452.html



NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -

1978-1988 All G-Body Models -
REPRODUCTION T-TOPS ROOF HEADER PANEL

This is a quality reproduction of the main T-Tops roof header panel that goes across the top part of the windshield.

The T-Tops header panel replaces and improves GM Part #20087922. You must re-use the original retainers. The original GM part was .638 mills thick. The thickness of this reproduction has been increased to 1.0 mills. This thickness does not effect fitment.

It helps to strengthen the T-Tops roof structure and stabilize the roof from tweaking.

The original header panel may have rust or in need of repair.

NOTE - This must be installed by a qualified body shop, since welding is required.

Another great replacement part for an exterior restoration.

7544 - 1978-1988 All G-Body Models -
Reproduction T-Tops Roof Header Panel - $224.95

Here is the link to this T-Tops Roof Header Panel on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44126/T-TOPS+ROOF+HEADER+PANEL+%237544.html



1984-1987 Buick Grand National -
BUICK GRAND NATIONAL Reproduction HEADER PANEL

This is a reproduction of the original Regal header panel. This version is not drilled for the ornament hole. This would be correct for any 1984-1987 Grand National.

If you have a T-Type or other Regal model, you would have to drill holes for the factory ornament.

If you want a header panel with no holes for the ornament emblem, order this one. This is an extremely close reproduction to the factory original header panel.

Panel is hand-laid fiberglass with a metal insert in the back, just like the original header panel.

This reproduction black header panel comes with both screw-in mounting studs (not pictured.)

Panel is shipped in an oversized package direct from the supplier.

NOTE - This will fit all 1984-1987 Buick Grand Nationals, T-Types and Regals, but does not have the holes drilled for the ornament.

NOTE - This panel is black, however it needs to be sanded and primed prior to painting, we recommend the work be done by a professional body shop.

7543 - 1984-1987 Buick Grand National -
Buick Grand National Reproduction HEADER PANEL - $299.95

Here is the link to this Grand National Reproduction Header Panel on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44125/BUICK+GRAND+NATIONAL+Reproduction+HEADER+PANEL+%237543.html



1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
TOOL MAT

After a long absence, we once again have the unique tool mat available made specifically for our cars. The original supplier, who made them years ago, has had them produced once again.

This is a practical item to hold your tools and protect the car while you're working in the engine compartment.

It is form fitted to sit on the front core support and hood latch. The mat keeps everything at your fingertips; your tools and the parts you might drop in the engine area. It positions in the center of the front of the car, over the radiator support.

It has a matt finish, and the material has both the characteristics of rubber and plastic and is softer than the typical ABS plastic.

It's a great way to prevent your tools from scratching your car, rolling away or getting lost, while keeping any tools and parts within your reach.

This is another must-have item for your garage. It also makes a great gift idea for any Buick enthusiast or for your mechanic.

7541 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Tool Mat - $54.95

Here is the link for this tool mat on the website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44118/TOOL+MAT+%237541.html



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 - Hard to believe Thanksgiving will soon be here.

Remember, we are always open to interesting trades, if you have any good or new Turbo Regal parts to trade that you can easily ship. Just email me with what you got - [email protected]


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