11-13-2019 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 11-13-2019 –

COLLECTIBLES –

Since we moved, I’ve come across lots of collectibles and things I didn’t even know I had. As we go through the items, we will make some unique items available to our readers before we put items on eBay.



IMPORTANT NOTE ON RARE PARTS FOR SALE –

In order for our Inner Circle members to have an equal opportunity on the Rare Parts, no emails regarding orders on rare parts will be honored prior to 3 pm Wednesday. This way Inner Circle members get the opportunity first to purchase any of the rare items that may be pictured in the main body of the Inner Circle which may go on our website earlier in the day each week. Inner Circle members get to see the Rare Parts listing and see the prices first.



MONOGRAM 1987 GRAND NATIONAL MODEL UPDATE -

Since last week’s issue we went on the internet and purchased one of the new released Monogram 1:24 scale 1987 Grand Nationals. In the title, it says “2N1.” In the background on the cover of the box you can see a ¾ view picture of a GNX.

Because I’m selling this new Monogram model, I left it factory sealed. So, I can’t say for sure if the kit comes with the parts to either create a stock 1987 Grand National as well as the necessary parts to make a GNX.

Not trying to be picky, but I do detect a few errors in the artwork of the cover of the box. The front fender lacks the “Intercooled” emblem. The air dam appears to be the early one-piece design and the GNX has chrome lug nuts, not the black caps that go over the steel lug nuts.

I like the opening statement on the side of the box, “Back in 1987 the Buick Grand National was the fastest U.S. production car available.”

The box has the skill level as 4, which is for ages 12 and up. That qualifies most of my readers. Interesting enough, on the 1998 Revell/Monogram version of the 1987 Grand National model, the skill level was at 2. This dropped the age to 10. The picture on the front of the 1998 issue was taken from the 1987 Press Kit. Nowhere on the 1998 issue does it make the statement about the 1987 Grand National being the fastest U.S. production car in 1987.

PHOTO 1 – We show both model kits - The factory sealed 1998 version of the 1987 Grand National and the just released 2019 version of the 1987 Grand National. The pair is for sale under the Rare Parts section as a Package Deal.



1986-1987 BUICK TURBO REGAL DATA BOOKLET & 1987 PRICE DIRECTORY –

Few years, we did a small run of these popular booklets - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal Data Booklet and 1987 Price Directory. I recently came across a few more copies of both booklets. The 1987 Price Directory is pocket size and runs 66 pages. It lists every 1987 Buick model with every option, the price of that option, and most important the order code.

It is that order code that appears on your SPID label (also referred to as the trunk ID label.) Those codes appear on several lines depending on the number of options, and are in alphabetical order.

This little handy pocket-size booklet is great to have and to keep in your glove box as you can quickly decode any option found on a 1987 Turbo Regal. This copy is identical to the original.

The other booklet I found was the 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal Data Booklet. This runs 55 pages, is 8½ by 11, and is spiral bound.

It covers both Drivability and Emissions in detail, explaining various codes such issues as rough, unstable, or incorrect idle. The booklet also has a section on turbos including the specs to tighten all the various parts to the turbo. It also covers the exhaust manifolds, intake, and intercooler. Again, all original factory critical information at your fingertips with this booklet.

This Data booklet and the pocket size 1987 Price Directory are listed in the Rare Parts section for sale. The best deal to save shipping costs is to buy both, as shipping is virtually the same.

PHOTO 2 - The top left and top right photos show the 1987 Price Directory. We show a typical page showing options on the Regal noting the code, name of the option and the price of the option. This breaks down every option possible. The bottom left and bottom right photos show the cover and one of the detailed pages from the 1986-1987 copy of the Buick Turbo Regal Data booklet.



KIRBAN PERFORMANCE 20TH ANNIVERSARY CATALOG COVER - AUTOGRAPHED BY MOLLY -

Among my findings during the move, I found 4 of the full-color covers to our 2007 catalog marking our 20th Anniversary. These are flat, never folded or bound into the catalog in 2007. I had Molly autograph his name in silver in the bottom left hand corner. I only have 4 of these and they are for sale in the Rare Parts section.

PHOTO 3 – We show the actual cover and a close-up of Molly’s signature in the bottom left corner of this 20th anniversary cover. Because his autograph is in silver it may be hard to see in the photo. Since I only have 4, I am sure they will sell out quickly.



UPDATE ON THE RARE CHEVY 3500 SILVERADO PICKUP TRUCK - FOR SALE –

I had to go back to Pypes again last week for more of their dual exhaust systems. I was able to contact the owner of this unusual GM 3500 dually truck. Her husband bought it brand new in 1996. He has since passed away and she can’t drive it. I was able to take a bunch of photos. The truck started right up and the motor was extremely quiet. Her husband was a nonsmoker so the truck was never smoked in. The driver’s seat is like new. Throw a paint job on this truck and it would pass for a 3-4-year-old truck. It is that nice. It has a mere 48,000 actual miles and the latest PA inspection. The tires don’t appear to have more than 5,000 miles on them. The interior shows no wear issues anywhere.

The truck can be bought for $9,000 firm. She was asking $10,000. If you are interested and would like to see more photos, email me - [email protected]

PHOTO 4 – We show 4 views of this red 1996 GM 3500 dually with matching cap. It is located about 20 minutes from my house.



THINGS YOU CAN COUNT ON CONCERNING THE 1986/1987 GRAND NATIONAL –

The powermaster brake system will fail at some point.

The optional power antenna will fail at some point.

No matter what you do to stop it, the car will still drip oil on your garage floor.

No two gaps on the body panels are the same on the car.

You can conduct contests with friends to see who has the slowest power windows.

At one time or another the pull strap on your driver’s door will come loose.

At idle you will never be able to leave a soda can on your plenum and have it stay there.

No two cars have the jacking instruction label in the same identical spot.

No two Turbo Regal owners at any event could completely remove the factory spare and jack and reinstall it like it was originally.

It’s only a matter of time before the upper dash panel by the speakers will warp and crack. It happens quickest to those cars in Arizona.

Against a similar condition and matching year Corvette, the Grand National is always worth more than the Corvette and that ratio keeps expanding as each year goes by!

You can see I ended my list of quotes above on a positive note with the comparison to the same vintage Corvettes. Every collectible car has its issues, some just have more issues than others. I could easily backtrack in my memory and do a similar listing for the Pontiac GTO.

Here is just a few examples for the GTO.

The word GTO owners refer to regarding the steering was it was called “forever” steering, meaning required several turns to lock the steering in one each direction. (The fix was to install a GN steering box).

The early steering wheel diameter almost equaled the diameter of the tires!

For some reason, DeLorean did not like rear sway bars, so the GTO did not get a rear sway bar until the 1970 model.

There are some similarities between the GTO and the Turbo Regals. Below are a few that quickly come to my mind.

GTO had the limited production Judge models. Buick had the limited GNX model.

Pontiac built a GT-37 model, basically a light-weight GTO minus the endura nose. Buick built the WE4 as a light-weight example of a Turbo Regal. This enabled GM to build more cars.

Both the GT-37 and WE4 are highly sought-after models today.



CONGRATS TO OUR GRANDDAUGHTER DEVYN –

Our Granddaughter has been offered a summer internship with Ford Motor Company, which she just accepted. This summer she will be working in their Product Development department located on Ford’s campus in Dearborn, Michigan or possibly at their World Headquarters. Besides being paid extremely well, Ford also finds and pays for her housing. All travel expenses are also paid. When she comes home from Penn State over Thanksgiving, I plan to take her to see the Ford v Ferrari movie so she has some additional background about Ford.



NEW PRODUCTS IN THE WORKS –

We are currently working with a customer of ours that has developed a few products that we will also be offering our customers. Watch for more information soon.



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

This Grand National is still available. 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 6 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. For more information and photos, email me direct [email protected]

Pass the word along to your friends who may be looking for a great-looking well-optioned Grand National.



TWO COLLECTIBLES FOR SALE THAT ARE NOT TURBO REGAL RELATED –

These two collectibles are still available - The full-size store displays Maxine from Hallmark with her dog Floyd. I also still have the R2D2 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. Currently due to issues getting brake bowls we are not accepting any additional powermaster cores until I get word Cardone has brake bowls again.

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. This is the only item 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 –

Currently we have several redone steering wheels in stock, translators, and feeder kits. These are items that enhance your pride and joy.



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.



CLASSIFIED AD WANTED TO BUY:

WANTED TO BUY - NOS Buick parts for 1986 and 1987 Buick Turbo Regals. Have you sold your Buick Turbo Regal and have NOS Buick parts left or have a collection of parts you are interested in selling? Are you located in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, or Michigan? If yes, I will be attending the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals in Rosemont, Illinois the weekend of November 23rd and 24th and will be travelling through those states and I travel to purchase and am a CASH buyer. References can be supplied upon request. Please call or email and leave message. All calls and emails will be returned promptly. Jason Maxfield 416-399-7265 or [email protected] Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Thank you. 3 of 4.



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 –

MAGIC GUARD®

MAGIC GUARD® is a new patented multi-use product that protects wheels, prevents rust and repels rain. It is used as a wheel sealant that works on all wheels (chrome, mag, aluminum, etc.) by providing a hydrophobic barrier that decreases brake dust contamination and decreases wheel cleaning time by up to 50% post-application, 

Another use for Magic Guard® is to protect plated and coated metals from rust and corrosion,

Because of Magic Guard’s hydrophobic nature, customers also apply it to their window glass to enhance visibility due to its superior water beading. 

WHEEL SEALANT - Protect chrome, aluminum and all other wheels from brake dust, road grime, saltwater and more.

RUST PREVENTION - Protects all bare, coated and plated metal from mother nature with its durable barrier.

RAIN REPELLENT - Enhances visibility with superior water beading technology, and prevents water spots.

These two products - Magic Guard® #8002 and Rust Prevention Magic® #8003 - were created and patented by Dave Walden, who is the founder of ECS Automotive Concepts. He is also a three-time Mopar Nationals OE Gold and Best of Show winner (2005, 2008 & 2010). A rare accomplishment and Dave did it with 3 different Mopars!

Dave invented these two products out of necessity because what was available for protecting metals was not effective, and his hard work began to flash rust soon after completion.

When applied to bare metal it creates a durable barrier and prevents rust.

Comes in an easy-to-use 4-ounce container, complete with soft application cloth and easy-to-follow directions.

*NOTE - Price includes the USPS shipping and handling in the U.S.

NOTE - Because of a problem with the website, we note the final cost of this product which INCLUDES a predetermined shipping rate. The “FREE SHIPPING” box that shows on this page is there in error

8002 - MAGIC GUARD®, 4 oz jar   $14.99 + $5 shipping = $19.99

Here is the link to Magic Guard® on our website.



RUST PREVENTION MAGIC®

Rust Prevention Magic® is a patented and lab certified rust/corrosion prevention product. RPM provides a near impenetrable barrier on bare metals such as alloys, aluminum, copper, iron, brass, cast iron, stainless steel and many other metals to protect them from the harmful effects of acids, corrosion, moisture, salt water, rust and more!

US Patented Product, winner of the Top New Product Award at SEMA show, 100% Lab Certified by Dale Institute LLC, featured on My Classic Car with Dennis Gage, and over 25 articles in various automotive publications.

Comes in an easy-to-use 4-ounce container, complete with brush and easy-to-follow directions. There is no better way to maintain a 100% correct automotive restoration project.

These two products - Magic Guard® #8002 and Rust Prevention Magic® #8003 - were created and patented by Dave Walden, who is the founder of ECS Automotive Concepts. He is also a three-time Mopar Nationals OE Gold and Best of Show winner (2005, 2008 & 2010). A rare accomplishment and Dave did it with 3 different Mopars!

Dave invented these two products out of necessity because what was available for protecting metals was not effective, and his hard work began to flash rust soon after completion 

*NOTE - Price includes the USPS shipping and handling in the U.S.

NOTE - Because of a problem with the website, we note the final cost of this product which INCLUDES a predetermined shipping rate. The “FREE SHIPPING” box that shows on this page is there in error

8003 - RUST PREVENTION MAGIC®, 4 oz jar   $19.99 + $5 shipping = $24.99

Here is a link to this Rust Prevention Magic® on our website.



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] - and 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 –

They are predicting light snow for our area later this week. This would be a very early snowfall for this area.

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