Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 11-15-2017 -
URGENT REQUEST FROM US -
If you are local to our location, I need someone that has a mint original 1986 or 1987 Grand National that can bring it to my house for a YouTube video.
I’ve been asked about doing an interview on Turbo Regals and also Hurst this coming Saturday, November 18th. I would make mention of the car owner during the interview. Email me direct - [email protected] The location would be in Kintnersville, PA 18930. My pole building is heated.
TURBO REGAL FACTORY-STYLE GUAGES -
Probably the biggest shortcoming with the Turbo Regals (from a visual aspect) is the lack of analog-style gauges, unless you are fortunate enough to own a GNX. The optional gauge package was the digital format, which gives the car owner even less of a visual contact with the gauges and yet this was an option!
With a top speed shown of 85 mph, is not exactly a confidence builder either. The cars today that have speedometer numbers of 140 more may make you feel more confident that the car can handle speeds in that vicinity. Remember, that same year, 1987, the Yugo speedometer read to 120 mph.
The code for the Electronic Digital Instrumentation is U52. In 1987 that option was an additional $299 in the Limited version of the Turbo Regal. In the regular Turbo Regals, including the Grand National, it was $173.
Whether your Turbo Regal has the analog dash or the digital dash, it’s a good chance that the tachometer or the boost, or both are acting up due to age issues with the circuit. I know the tachometer is not accurate on my 1987 Turbo-T.
Probably due to time restraints, Buick did not put much thought into making an optional gauge cluster in the Turbo Regals. They made use of a blank area on the narrow plate that housed the gas gauge and went with the format that fit to the right of gas gauge using a digital bar format for both the boost and the tachometer.
GNX owners were lucky as those 547 owners got a real nice full-gauge package. It was that same basic format that the aftermarket company, Quality Engineering, used to make their optional gauge clusters. For most of the early years, Quality Engineering was the only game in town for a basic optional drop-in gauge cluster. Quality Engineering later changed their name to Advance Vehicle Concepts.
At one of our biggest car shows at the airbase, we had their two installers flew in, and they installed about a dozen of their GNX-style gauge packages in owner’s Turbo Regals. I had one installed early on in our 1987 Grand National.
Today, you have many choices for full-gauge clusters. Personally, I think the gauge clusters that work the best would be the ones that closely look like the GNX style.
A LOOK AT AC TACHOMETERS -
From a purely visual aspect, in 1967 Pontiac had the first GM-style hood tachometer that was mounted on the hood in your line of vision. The later Pontiac hood tachometers would not be as tall. Buick would also follow suit with a hood tachometer option on their later GS models. Dixco, an aftermarket company, would also get into the game making similar hood tachometers for auto stores during the 1970s and 1980s.
To my knowledge, I don’t believe Chevrolet and Oldsmobile ever offered a specific factory hood tachometer during those muscle car years.
However, under the AC logo in their Performance Line of products, you could buy a AC hood tachometer from GM, which you could put on your Oldsmobile or Chevrolet. Years ago I found one of these rare AC hood tachometers brand new in the AC box. To my knowledge, the AC logo hood tachometer has never been reproduced, whereas the Pontiac and Buick hood tach versions have been reproduced.
PHOTO 1 - The top photo shows two of the original boxes for the two styles of AC tachometers that I have. The photo on the bottom left shows this very rare AC hood tachometer. You had to paint the housing to match your car. I had to lean it against the box for the photo. The photo to the bottom right shows an older-style AC hand-held tachometer with the original tube style box it came in. This is a pretty cool part. I bought this AC tachometer several years ago at Carlisle. If I were to guess, I would say it is from the 1950s or early 1960s.
CHECK IT OUT - CLASSIC INDUSTRIES NEW REGAL CATALOG IS NOW AVAILABLE -
I just received my copy of Classic Industries’ new Regal catalog last week. As many of you know, Classic Industries has now expanded into the Regal market, notably the Turbo models. The Regal catalog runs 144 pages and they buy some of the parts from us, including the books I wrote. We also buy from them, as do many of the other Regal vendors.
Classic Industries caters to a wider market, not simply focused on collectors that are building original cars. For example, they show over a dozen possible gauge packages for the Regals. They also show various steering wheels and suspension upgrades. If you want to order one of their Regal catalogs, their toll free number is 1-800-854-1280.
PHOTO 2 - The photo to the left shows Classic Industries’ new Regal catalog, which covers the popular Turbo Regal models. Not many companies offer a printed catalog anymore. The photo to the right shows Justin from Maryland alongside the 1987 Turbo-T he bought from us this past Sunday. The title had come earlier that week. Justin also bought one of our Turbo Limiteds years ago.
OLD CARS REPORT PRICE GUIDE -
Locally to us is a newsstand that has been in business for over 50 years. They still have a small soda fountain complete with stools! They have newspapers from all over the U.S. and in several different languages, and enough different tobacco products to satisfy anyone’s desire to create health issues! They also sell virtually every type of Pennsylvania lottery ticket, except ones that win! I have known the owners personally for probably 40 years. I get all my newspaper there that we use for packing.
Newsstands, like book stores, are a dying breed. You seldom see any still in business. This newsstand probably stocks over 150 magazine titles or more.
Old Cars Report Price Guide publishes several different versions during the year. One version covers 1930 thru 1973, another covers 1920-1991, and another covers 1925-1969. It seems some of them overlap in coverage.
The one I have that covers the Turbo Regals is from May/June 2017. Each car has 6 possible categories. Number 1 category would be showroom condition. Number 6 would basically be a basket case. I used to contribute my thoughts for the Turbo Regal pricing years ago. Fortunately, because I did, they now do have a separate category for the Limited Turbo-T in 1987.
In this particular issue, a number #2 Turbo-T Regal 1987 model would be a $16,800 value, a Turbo-T Limited #2 condition would be $18,200, and the GNX in the #2 category would be $64,750 value. As a buyer, you would want to be buying it under those values for a #2 category example. Again, these figures are from May/June 2017, which is the latest copy I have. It also helps to be under those numbers if you are applying for a partial loan.
Taking my Turbo-T as an example, I feel it is a very strong #2 car having 100% original paint. That value of $16,800 is on the low side for my car, but it may be close to being accurate for others. Original paint is a feature you can’t reproduce. Any car either has a repaint, needs paint, or has good original paint. Plus being my personal car probably increases the value slightly as well.
Basically, these Price Guides are simply that, a Guide. Companies that make car loans on classic or muscle cars may use them as a guide for the amount of money they would loan you.
PHOTO 3 - We show all 3 different copies of Old Cars Report Price Guide for 2017.
VETERANS DAY - MY MEMORY OF VIETNAM -
As many of my readers know, I was stationed in Vietnam in 1967-1968. I was the photographer and editor for the 17th Aviation Group located in Nha Trang, South Vietnam. Looking back, that was my first experience at being a writer for a weekly newsletter at age 20! I did not need to submit a resume, I was just handed the job! I did take a test to be a photographer.
I recently came across an envelope with some photos I had sent to my Dad dated September 26th, 1967. We could only shoot and develop film in black and white in South Vietnam. I used a German camera that made negatives that were 2-¼ inch square, which was superior to the standard 35mm cameras. It was a camera I had used back in the states as a wedding photographer.
What is interesting is that President Trump was just in Da Nang last week, and the first photo shown in Photo 4 was taken from the air over Da Nang. The bridge back then was referred to as the “Million Dollar Bridge to Da Nang.”
PHOTO 4 - The top left photo is an aerial shot of Da Nang and the Million Dollar Bridge that connected that city back in 1967. The top right photo, according to my original notes from 1967, was top secret as only 4 of these existed in South Vietnam back then. It was the defense against the north in case of an air attack. The bottom left photo shows a jet as it is landing. As a photographer, I could go right out on the runways and take photos. The bottom right photo shows a typical 2-¼ inch negative that my German camera used. The bigger the negative, the sharper the image when the photos were developed. I never used a typical 35mm camera.
Somewhere I have photos of General Westmoreland, which as a 19-20-year-old kid at the time I never realized the importance of what I was witnessing. I was very lucky to have pulled good duty in Vietnam. I never thought that 50 years later a President of the U.S. would be making a visit to not only South Vietnam, but North Vietnam as well. Today it’s simply called Vietnam.
COMING NEXT WEEK - OUR ANNUAL CHRISTMAS SPECIALS -
We expect to have our Annual Christmas Specials featured in next week’s Inner Circle.
UPDATE ON COLLECTOR SELLING HIS COLLECTION DUE TO HEALTH ISSUES -
Currently he has 3 cars to sell.
One car is a 1978 Corvette coupe. It has the L82 engine and one repaint. This is a real nice 4-speed. The car has 4 brand new factory wheels and has 52,000 original miles. The price on the Corvette is $12,900.
He also has a 1994 Trans Am 25th Anniversary Firebird for sale. This car is all original with all the papers and documents and has 34,000 original miles. The price is $16,900.
I heard both cars run while I was there. He has all the records on both cars and what has been done on them over the years that he has owned them. These cars have always garaged.
While neither car is extremely valuable, both are priced to enjoy and hit the car show circuit Because of their low production, they should maintain their value.
He also has a 1967 BMW 2000 CS factory 4-speed with dual webercarburetors on it. This is a nice example of an unusual BMW coupe for $14,900.
If any of these cars interest you, email me direct - [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.
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 3,200 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.
My Rare Parts section is only viewed by those that subscribe. Subscription is free, so complaints on what I write are nonexistent!
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 ADS -
Brand new, never worn GNX Jacket by Molly. If you own a GNX and do not have this jacket here is the ultimate opportunity. Size XL $2500 included shipping in US. 2 Brand New Original never drove on Goodyear Eagle GT Tires. P215/65R15 One all black lettering, one white $500 each, includes shipping. Contact email: [email protected] Call or text: (630)-669-1583 For the Holidays visit our eBay Store @Castle-Performance!! Thank you. (Week 2 of 2)
FOR SALE - #25505733 Rear bumper cushion new $375 plus shipping. #20442787 The lower windshield molding new $250 plus shipping. #25525977 The under hood insulation pad new $390 - must be picked up in Las Vegas area or maybe meet part way. Email [email protected]. Mike Potokar, Henderson, Nevada. (Week 1 of 4)
1950 CHEVROLET PICK UP - TURBO REGAL POWERED - FOR SALE -
The same seller I bought the white Turbo-T from has this unfinished project to sell. The engine is a 1987 Turbo Regal engine with a mere 15,000 miles on it. He purchased it from a wrecked 1987 Grand National. The truck has an uncut 1987 Turbo Regal 8.5 rear under it. This has a rebuilt worked 350 Turbo Transmission behind the Turbo engine. The engine has several dress-up items on it, including the value covers. All the hard work has been done. The truck has been wired for 12 volts, with custom gauges and disc front brakes. The truck has no bed. The cab has surface rust and needs finishing.
For more information and photos, email me direct - [email protected] The truck is in central Ohio and would need to be trailered. The price is $5,495. Remember, you get a complete stock 15,000-mile Turbo Regal engine with a complete uncut 8.5 posi rear end, both of which came out of the same wrecked 1987 Grand National in 1988.
NOTE - IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO SEE THE RARE PARTS SECTION -
If you are not able to see the 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. Simply email - [email protected] - to get on our weekly Inner Circle email.
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]
TIP FROM KIRBAN -
Keep in mind, we are open to trades on any of our rare parts. You can even cash in any items we take as cores against our rare listed parts.
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]
CORES NEEDED -
Here is the information on our credits for cores.
NEED - Stock original AC Delco 1986-1987 Turbo Regal mass air flow sensors. Units can’t be cracked or broken. Currently we will issue a letter of credit for $40 for each acceptable core.
NEED - Powermaster brake units. The must be complete. We will issue you a Letter of Credit for $125 for each acceptable core. Currently we will also buy them outright.
NEED - 1986-1987 Turbo Regal steering wheels. They must not be bent or rusted. We will issue a $75 Letter of Credit for each acceptable core.
NEED - 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.
MAIL - Ship to Address -
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
PO BOX 1199
PLUMSTEADVILLE, PA 18949
UPS - Ship to Address -
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
6201 Kellers Church Road
PLUMSTEADVILLE, PA 18949-1199
TECH CALLS -
If you need technical information, it’s best to email - [email protected] 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 -
1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
REPRODUCTION 8-HOLE MOLDED
UNDER HOOD INSULATOR LINER PAD (NO WORDING)
Over time, an original under hood (insulator liner) pad can deteriorate or rodents may have eaten holes in the material.
GM has not had the factory 9-hole molded hood pad available for several years. GM later made a 8-hole molded hood pad which eliminated the center back hole.
This hood pad is an exact reproduction of that GM 8-hole molded hood pad. A new mold was made from a brand new GM hood pad.
This molded hood pad does not have the wording on it, otherwise it is exact to the 8-hole style pad.
Whenever an original 9-hole hood pad with the wording are advertised on ebay, it brings big money.
NOTE - From time to time on the internet you can find a someone that has the pattern or decal for the exact wording, if you want it to look original.
Because they are oversized to ship, we have a flat shipping charge as shown. This item is shipped direct from the manufacturer to you. NOTE - We have a flat shipping rate, since the box is oversized.
*NOTE - Price includes the shipping and handling UPS Ground Shipping to 48 U.S. continental states.
Another excellent restoration item.
7770 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction 8-Hole Molded Under Hood Insulator Liner Pad (No Wording) - $229.95 Plus $75 UPS shipping to basic 48 states - TOTAL $304.95
Here is a link to this Hood Pad on our website.
1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Reproduction UPPER RADIATOR INSULATORS/BUSHINGS (2)
Over time, radiator heat can cause the insulators to deteriorate.
These reproduction UPPER radiator insulators have the correct 62mm cut out for the stock 1984-1987 Turbo Regal radiators.
NOTE - You may have to stretch these slightly for various aftermarket radiators.
This is a critical part to secure the radiator under the top plate.
Another excellent replacement for any radiator or cooling system restoration.
7811 - 1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Reproduction UPPER Radiator Insulators/Bushings (2) - $15.95
Here is a link to these insulators/bushings on our website.
1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
POWER ANTENNA UPGRADED STEEL CABLE REPAIR KIT
This is a brand new, improved, upgraded power antenna steel cable reproduction repair kit.
The plastic cable has been replaced with a steel cable. The end result is a superior cable that is not prone to break.
It will only work if the metal antenna mast is not damaged and the motor will not shut off unless it’s unplugged. If the motor works but the antenna mast does not go up and down, and the mast is not bent in any way, it means the internal plastic cable is broken or damaged due to age. Replacing it with this improved steel cable will solve the problem.
This is a new reproduction repair kit installing a steel (not plastic) internal cable, complete with installation directions. This kit is ONLY the internal cable. Your entire mast assembly MUST be intact and NOT bent. Your power antenna motor MUST still be in good working order for the power antenna to work once you install this new reproduction internal steel cable.
NOTE - We recommend you also purchase our Part #6976 - “1984-1987 Turbo Regal - Power Antenna Removal and Installation Guide” Book by Pete Serio
NOTE - Remember this is ONLY the internal steel cable to replace the plastic cable. The external metal mast and the power antenna motor on your car MUST be in good working order.
7433 - 1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Power Antenna Upgraded Steel Cable Repair Kit - $69.95 / kit
Here is a link to this steel cable repair kit 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. 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 -
Winter weather has finally hit our area and wiped out the few remaining outside plants the other night.
I recently applied and received my salesman license for a small local used car dealership near our house. I simply showed the owner my chart of the 300-plus Turbo Regals I have bought years ago. I have known her partner personally for over 50 years. So, if you reside in the area and are looking for an inexpensive car, let me know. They have several in the $2,500 price range and even one that is less than $1,800, which I picked out at the bid lot. All are inspected and ready to go. They specialize mostly in vehicles under $7,500.
URGENT REQUEST FROM US -
If you are local to our location, I need someone that has a mint original 1986 or 1987 Grand National that can bring it to my house for a YouTube video.
I’ve been asked about doing an interview on Turbo Regals and also Hurst this coming Saturday, November 18th. I would make mention of the car owner during the interview. Email me direct - [email protected] The location would be in Kintnersville, PA 18930. My pole building is heated.
TURBO REGAL FACTORY-STYLE GUAGES -
Probably the biggest shortcoming with the Turbo Regals (from a visual aspect) is the lack of analog-style gauges, unless you are fortunate enough to own a GNX. The optional gauge package was the digital format, which gives the car owner even less of a visual contact with the gauges and yet this was an option!
With a top speed shown of 85 mph, is not exactly a confidence builder either. The cars today that have speedometer numbers of 140 more may make you feel more confident that the car can handle speeds in that vicinity. Remember, that same year, 1987, the Yugo speedometer read to 120 mph.
The code for the Electronic Digital Instrumentation is U52. In 1987 that option was an additional $299 in the Limited version of the Turbo Regal. In the regular Turbo Regals, including the Grand National, it was $173.
Whether your Turbo Regal has the analog dash or the digital dash, it’s a good chance that the tachometer or the boost, or both are acting up due to age issues with the circuit. I know the tachometer is not accurate on my 1987 Turbo-T.
Probably due to time restraints, Buick did not put much thought into making an optional gauge cluster in the Turbo Regals. They made use of a blank area on the narrow plate that housed the gas gauge and went with the format that fit to the right of gas gauge using a digital bar format for both the boost and the tachometer.
GNX owners were lucky as those 547 owners got a real nice full-gauge package. It was that same basic format that the aftermarket company, Quality Engineering, used to make their optional gauge clusters. For most of the early years, Quality Engineering was the only game in town for a basic optional drop-in gauge cluster. Quality Engineering later changed their name to Advance Vehicle Concepts.
At one of our biggest car shows at the airbase, we had their two installers flew in, and they installed about a dozen of their GNX-style gauge packages in owner’s Turbo Regals. I had one installed early on in our 1987 Grand National.
Today, you have many choices for full-gauge clusters. Personally, I think the gauge clusters that work the best would be the ones that closely look like the GNX style.
A LOOK AT AC TACHOMETERS -
From a purely visual aspect, in 1967 Pontiac had the first GM-style hood tachometer that was mounted on the hood in your line of vision. The later Pontiac hood tachometers would not be as tall. Buick would also follow suit with a hood tachometer option on their later GS models. Dixco, an aftermarket company, would also get into the game making similar hood tachometers for auto stores during the 1970s and 1980s.
To my knowledge, I don’t believe Chevrolet and Oldsmobile ever offered a specific factory hood tachometer during those muscle car years.
However, under the AC logo in their Performance Line of products, you could buy a AC hood tachometer from GM, which you could put on your Oldsmobile or Chevrolet. Years ago I found one of these rare AC hood tachometers brand new in the AC box. To my knowledge, the AC logo hood tachometer has never been reproduced, whereas the Pontiac and Buick hood tach versions have been reproduced.
PHOTO 1 - The top photo shows two of the original boxes for the two styles of AC tachometers that I have. The photo on the bottom left shows this very rare AC hood tachometer. You had to paint the housing to match your car. I had to lean it against the box for the photo. The photo to the bottom right shows an older-style AC hand-held tachometer with the original tube style box it came in. This is a pretty cool part. I bought this AC tachometer several years ago at Carlisle. If I were to guess, I would say it is from the 1950s or early 1960s.
CHECK IT OUT - CLASSIC INDUSTRIES NEW REGAL CATALOG IS NOW AVAILABLE -
I just received my copy of Classic Industries’ new Regal catalog last week. As many of you know, Classic Industries has now expanded into the Regal market, notably the Turbo models. The Regal catalog runs 144 pages and they buy some of the parts from us, including the books I wrote. We also buy from them, as do many of the other Regal vendors.
Classic Industries caters to a wider market, not simply focused on collectors that are building original cars. For example, they show over a dozen possible gauge packages for the Regals. They also show various steering wheels and suspension upgrades. If you want to order one of their Regal catalogs, their toll free number is 1-800-854-1280.
PHOTO 2 - The photo to the left shows Classic Industries’ new Regal catalog, which covers the popular Turbo Regal models. Not many companies offer a printed catalog anymore. The photo to the right shows Justin from Maryland alongside the 1987 Turbo-T he bought from us this past Sunday. The title had come earlier that week. Justin also bought one of our Turbo Limiteds years ago.
OLD CARS REPORT PRICE GUIDE -
Locally to us is a newsstand that has been in business for over 50 years. They still have a small soda fountain complete with stools! They have newspapers from all over the U.S. and in several different languages, and enough different tobacco products to satisfy anyone’s desire to create health issues! They also sell virtually every type of Pennsylvania lottery ticket, except ones that win! I have known the owners personally for probably 40 years. I get all my newspaper there that we use for packing.
Newsstands, like book stores, are a dying breed. You seldom see any still in business. This newsstand probably stocks over 150 magazine titles or more.
Old Cars Report Price Guide publishes several different versions during the year. One version covers 1930 thru 1973, another covers 1920-1991, and another covers 1925-1969. It seems some of them overlap in coverage.
The one I have that covers the Turbo Regals is from May/June 2017. Each car has 6 possible categories. Number 1 category would be showroom condition. Number 6 would basically be a basket case. I used to contribute my thoughts for the Turbo Regal pricing years ago. Fortunately, because I did, they now do have a separate category for the Limited Turbo-T in 1987.
In this particular issue, a number #2 Turbo-T Regal 1987 model would be a $16,800 value, a Turbo-T Limited #2 condition would be $18,200, and the GNX in the #2 category would be $64,750 value. As a buyer, you would want to be buying it under those values for a #2 category example. Again, these figures are from May/June 2017, which is the latest copy I have. It also helps to be under those numbers if you are applying for a partial loan.
Taking my Turbo-T as an example, I feel it is a very strong #2 car having 100% original paint. That value of $16,800 is on the low side for my car, but it may be close to being accurate for others. Original paint is a feature you can’t reproduce. Any car either has a repaint, needs paint, or has good original paint. Plus being my personal car probably increases the value slightly as well.
Basically, these Price Guides are simply that, a Guide. Companies that make car loans on classic or muscle cars may use them as a guide for the amount of money they would loan you.
PHOTO 3 - We show all 3 different copies of Old Cars Report Price Guide for 2017.
VETERANS DAY - MY MEMORY OF VIETNAM -
As many of my readers know, I was stationed in Vietnam in 1967-1968. I was the photographer and editor for the 17th Aviation Group located in Nha Trang, South Vietnam. Looking back, that was my first experience at being a writer for a weekly newsletter at age 20! I did not need to submit a resume, I was just handed the job! I did take a test to be a photographer.
I recently came across an envelope with some photos I had sent to my Dad dated September 26th, 1967. We could only shoot and develop film in black and white in South Vietnam. I used a German camera that made negatives that were 2-¼ inch square, which was superior to the standard 35mm cameras. It was a camera I had used back in the states as a wedding photographer.
What is interesting is that President Trump was just in Da Nang last week, and the first photo shown in Photo 4 was taken from the air over Da Nang. The bridge back then was referred to as the “Million Dollar Bridge to Da Nang.”
PHOTO 4 - The top left photo is an aerial shot of Da Nang and the Million Dollar Bridge that connected that city back in 1967. The top right photo, according to my original notes from 1967, was top secret as only 4 of these existed in South Vietnam back then. It was the defense against the north in case of an air attack. The bottom left photo shows a jet as it is landing. As a photographer, I could go right out on the runways and take photos. The bottom right photo shows a typical 2-¼ inch negative that my German camera used. The bigger the negative, the sharper the image when the photos were developed. I never used a typical 35mm camera.
Somewhere I have photos of General Westmoreland, which as a 19-20-year-old kid at the time I never realized the importance of what I was witnessing. I was very lucky to have pulled good duty in Vietnam. I never thought that 50 years later a President of the U.S. would be making a visit to not only South Vietnam, but North Vietnam as well. Today it’s simply called Vietnam.
COMING NEXT WEEK - OUR ANNUAL CHRISTMAS SPECIALS -
We expect to have our Annual Christmas Specials featured in next week’s Inner Circle.
UPDATE ON COLLECTOR SELLING HIS COLLECTION DUE TO HEALTH ISSUES -
Currently he has 3 cars to sell.
One car is a 1978 Corvette coupe. It has the L82 engine and one repaint. This is a real nice 4-speed. The car has 4 brand new factory wheels and has 52,000 original miles. The price on the Corvette is $12,900.
He also has a 1994 Trans Am 25th Anniversary Firebird for sale. This car is all original with all the papers and documents and has 34,000 original miles. The price is $16,900.
I heard both cars run while I was there. He has all the records on both cars and what has been done on them over the years that he has owned them. These cars have always garaged.
While neither car is extremely valuable, both are priced to enjoy and hit the car show circuit Because of their low production, they should maintain their value.
He also has a 1967 BMW 2000 CS factory 4-speed with dual webercarburetors on it. This is a nice example of an unusual BMW coupe for $14,900.
If any of these cars interest you, email me direct - [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.
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 3,200 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.
My Rare Parts section is only viewed by those that subscribe. Subscription is free, so complaints on what I write are nonexistent!
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 ADS -
Brand new, never worn GNX Jacket by Molly. If you own a GNX and do not have this jacket here is the ultimate opportunity. Size XL $2500 included shipping in US. 2 Brand New Original never drove on Goodyear Eagle GT Tires. P215/65R15 One all black lettering, one white $500 each, includes shipping. Contact email: [email protected] Call or text: (630)-669-1583 For the Holidays visit our eBay Store @Castle-Performance!! Thank you. (Week 2 of 2)
FOR SALE - #25505733 Rear bumper cushion new $375 plus shipping. #20442787 The lower windshield molding new $250 plus shipping. #25525977 The under hood insulation pad new $390 - must be picked up in Las Vegas area or maybe meet part way. Email [email protected]. Mike Potokar, Henderson, Nevada. (Week 1 of 4)
1950 CHEVROLET PICK UP - TURBO REGAL POWERED - FOR SALE -
The same seller I bought the white Turbo-T from has this unfinished project to sell. The engine is a 1987 Turbo Regal engine with a mere 15,000 miles on it. He purchased it from a wrecked 1987 Grand National. The truck has an uncut 1987 Turbo Regal 8.5 rear under it. This has a rebuilt worked 350 Turbo Transmission behind the Turbo engine. The engine has several dress-up items on it, including the value covers. All the hard work has been done. The truck has been wired for 12 volts, with custom gauges and disc front brakes. The truck has no bed. The cab has surface rust and needs finishing.
For more information and photos, email me direct - [email protected] The truck is in central Ohio and would need to be trailered. The price is $5,495. Remember, you get a complete stock 15,000-mile Turbo Regal engine with a complete uncut 8.5 posi rear end, both of which came out of the same wrecked 1987 Grand National in 1988.
NOTE - IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO SEE THE RARE PARTS SECTION -
If you are not able to see the 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. Simply email - [email protected] - to get on our weekly Inner Circle email.
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]
TIP FROM KIRBAN -
Keep in mind, we are open to trades on any of our rare parts. You can even cash in any items we take as cores against our rare listed parts.
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]
CORES NEEDED -
Here is the information on our credits for cores.
NEED - Stock original AC Delco 1986-1987 Turbo Regal mass air flow sensors. Units can’t be cracked or broken. Currently we will issue a letter of credit for $40 for each acceptable core.
NEED - Powermaster brake units. The must be complete. We will issue you a Letter of Credit for $125 for each acceptable core. Currently we will also buy them outright.
NEED - 1986-1987 Turbo Regal steering wheels. They must not be bent or rusted. We will issue a $75 Letter of Credit for each acceptable core.
NEED - 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.
MAIL - Ship to Address -
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
PO BOX 1199
PLUMSTEADVILLE, PA 18949
UPS - Ship to Address -
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
6201 Kellers Church Road
PLUMSTEADVILLE, PA 18949-1199
TECH CALLS -
If you need technical information, it’s best to email - [email protected] 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 -
1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
REPRODUCTION 8-HOLE MOLDED
UNDER HOOD INSULATOR LINER PAD (NO WORDING)
Over time, an original under hood (insulator liner) pad can deteriorate or rodents may have eaten holes in the material.
GM has not had the factory 9-hole molded hood pad available for several years. GM later made a 8-hole molded hood pad which eliminated the center back hole.
This hood pad is an exact reproduction of that GM 8-hole molded hood pad. A new mold was made from a brand new GM hood pad.
This molded hood pad does not have the wording on it, otherwise it is exact to the 8-hole style pad.
Whenever an original 9-hole hood pad with the wording are advertised on ebay, it brings big money.
NOTE - From time to time on the internet you can find a someone that has the pattern or decal for the exact wording, if you want it to look original.
Because they are oversized to ship, we have a flat shipping charge as shown. This item is shipped direct from the manufacturer to you. NOTE - We have a flat shipping rate, since the box is oversized.
*NOTE - Price includes the shipping and handling UPS Ground Shipping to 48 U.S. continental states.
Another excellent restoration item.
7770 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction 8-Hole Molded Under Hood Insulator Liner Pad (No Wording) - $229.95 Plus $75 UPS shipping to basic 48 states - TOTAL $304.95
Here is a link to this Hood Pad on our website.
1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Reproduction UPPER RADIATOR INSULATORS/BUSHINGS (2)
Over time, radiator heat can cause the insulators to deteriorate.
These reproduction UPPER radiator insulators have the correct 62mm cut out for the stock 1984-1987 Turbo Regal radiators.
NOTE - You may have to stretch these slightly for various aftermarket radiators.
This is a critical part to secure the radiator under the top plate.
Another excellent replacement for any radiator or cooling system restoration.
7811 - 1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Reproduction UPPER Radiator Insulators/Bushings (2) - $15.95
Here is a link to these insulators/bushings on our website.
1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
POWER ANTENNA UPGRADED STEEL CABLE REPAIR KIT
This is a brand new, improved, upgraded power antenna steel cable reproduction repair kit.
The plastic cable has been replaced with a steel cable. The end result is a superior cable that is not prone to break.
It will only work if the metal antenna mast is not damaged and the motor will not shut off unless it’s unplugged. If the motor works but the antenna mast does not go up and down, and the mast is not bent in any way, it means the internal plastic cable is broken or damaged due to age. Replacing it with this improved steel cable will solve the problem.
This is a new reproduction repair kit installing a steel (not plastic) internal cable, complete with installation directions. This kit is ONLY the internal cable. Your entire mast assembly MUST be intact and NOT bent. Your power antenna motor MUST still be in good working order for the power antenna to work once you install this new reproduction internal steel cable.
NOTE - We recommend you also purchase our Part #6976 - “1984-1987 Turbo Regal - Power Antenna Removal and Installation Guide” Book by Pete Serio
NOTE - Remember this is ONLY the internal steel cable to replace the plastic cable. The external metal mast and the power antenna motor on your car MUST be in good working order.
7433 - 1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Power Antenna Upgraded Steel Cable Repair Kit - $69.95 / kit
Here is a link to this steel cable repair kit 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. 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 -
Winter weather has finally hit our area and wiped out the few remaining outside plants the other night.
I recently applied and received my salesman license for a small local used car dealership near our house. I simply showed the owner my chart of the 300-plus Turbo Regals I have bought years ago. I have known her partner personally for over 50 years. So, if you reside in the area and are looking for an inexpensive car, let me know. They have several in the $2,500 price range and even one that is less than $1,800, which I picked out at the bid lot. All are inspected and ready to go. They specialize mostly in vehicles under $7,500.