11-20-2013 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 11-20-2013

NEW BOOK OUT ON GM G-BODY PERFORMANCE UPGRADES -

This new book, "GM G-BODY PERFORMANCE UPGRADES" 1978-1987 was written by Joe Hinds.

Scott Walkowiak's modified Turbo Regal is featured in the book. Scott, as many of you know, owns GNS Performance out of Tennessee.

The book runs 144 pages and covers many of the various upgrades you can make. Some of the chapters cover the suspension, steering, and braking system on any 1978-1987 G-Body car.

I found the book very informative. It showed some of the ideas people have done by making braces to stiffen the car up.

One interesting tidbit I was not really aware of was replacing the steering shaft with one from a Jeep. Our cars use a rag joint format that can develop play over years. The Jeep, on the other hand, has regular metal universal joints at both ends of the steering shaft. This is a part that can easily be obtained from junkyards.

The book is full of high-quality color photos to show the various points made in the book.

Although not specific for Turbo Regals, the book covers many ideas that can be used in a Turbo Regal. It did point out that the Turbo Regals, along with the Olds 442, did get the better rear - the 8.5 versus the 7.5 used in the comparable Monte Carlos.

It is published by Cartech Books located in Minnesota. The price is $24.95 plus shipping. Their phone number is - 651-277-1400. To see their entire selection of books, go to their website - www.cartechbooks.com

PHOTO 1 - The photo on the left shows the cover of the book entitled, "GM G-BODY PERFORMANCE UPGRADES" 1978-1987. The photo on the right shows one of the pages related to the Jeep steering shaft upgrade that eliminates the rag joint design used in the G-body cars. You can see how well illustrated the information appears in this book.



MORE PHOTOS FROM THE RIEGLESVILLE CAR SHOW -

PHOTO 2 - The photo on the left shows an early 1950s Ford that has a one-of-kind grille that the owner must have had custom made. It's quite unique. The photo on the right shows a Chevy engine that has clear plastic valve covers on the engine. That's one way to see instantly if you have a problem in the valve train!

PHOTO 3 - The photo on the left shows a unique arrangement for a radiator protector. The photo on the right shows a 1960s vintage Studebaker station wagon that had the optional open roof, complete with a fold-out step bar.

PHOTO 4 - The photo on the left shows the Pontiac G-Body limited production car called the Grand Prix 2 Plus 2. Chevrolet also had a similar version called the Aero Coupe. Both were produced in the 1986 model year. Neither model has proven to be highly desirable among collectors yet. The photo on the right shows one owner's idea of placing more than just one of those fragrance Christmas trees off the radio knob.



CHRISTMAS TREE AIR FRESHENERS -

I have never been a fan of these air fresheners owners put in their cars.

Back in the early 1990s when I was buying a lot of the 1986-1987 Turbo Regals, I purchased a Grand National that had over 150 of them in the car! (Not an exaggeration). To say the smell was overwhelming would be an understatement! They were everywhere; in the trunk, under the seat, hanging off the mirror, radio knobs, and the glove box knob. So many hung off the glove box knob, they left a permanent green color on the grey glove box door!

If the Grand National had not been such a mint low-mileage original car, I would have passed on buying the car.

Selling the car became a real challenge because, no matter what I did, the car retained the smell of the Christmas trees. After a few months I found a young buyer who was not affected by the fragrance.

My guess is that car probably still has retained some of that smell today! True Story!



FIFTY YEARS AGO THIS FRIDAY -

November 22, 1963 - The day JFK was killed in Dallas, Texas. If you were around back then, it's a day you remember as if it was yesterday.

I had just turned 16 that September, and had been working for my Dad for several years.

A few weeks prior to turning 16, I bought a brand new 1963 Ford XL fastback. I think my payment was $99 a month. I went to a small public school outside of Philadelphia that had just under 100 students in any of the high school grades.

I would pick up my girlfriend every morning and drive to school, always parking at the closest parking space to the exit! School was not my high priority. By mid November my parents became aware that I was already failing in several subjects and my Dad made me turn over my car keys on Wednesday night, November 20th 1963. He did not realize I had a second set of keys.

On Thursday, November 21st, I took my car as usual, picked up my girlfriend and took her to school and told her not to tell any one, but I was running away from home. She kept her word, so I had a six-hour head start before my parents where any wiser.

When JFK was shot that fateful day, I was driving thru downtown St Louis on what was is now the famous Route 66. I remember it like it was yesterday. The newspaper delivery truck drivers were yelling the news about it and people where stunned. I couldn’t believe it.

The next day I would drive thru northern Texas on Route 66. Saturday morning, November 23rd, I was parked along Route 66 about 4 miles east of Gallup, New Mexico. A state trooper pulled up and questioned me. Realizing I was only 16 and far from home during the school year, I was taken to jail and a phone call was made to my parents. (My Dad had reported the car stolen).

My Dad flew out that following Monday and we flew back home. My car was shipped back by freight train at a cost to me of $550.

At school it was big news. The teachers awarded me with zeros for the time missed, which lead to me having to go to summer school that following summer.

My folks took it all in stride, even so much as my Dad lending me his car to go out with my girlfriend my first night back.

My punishment was I had to pay my Dad back for all the expenses, which kept me in debt for some time. I was still able to drive to school every day and I did try harder in school.

Many years later on one of my trips, I would stand in a parking lot in Gallup, New Mexico where the old jail once stood. I phoned my parents so we could reminisce. True Story.



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.



CARDONE REPRODUCTION BRAKE BOWLS -

As I write this, it appears we still will NOT have new Cardone brake bowls for two more weeks. These delays are beyond my control, and we are in constant contact with Cardone on this matter.



NEW HURST PRODUCT -

HURST LICENSED -

“HURST EQUIPPED” FENDER COVER

The “HURST EQUIPPED” logo is silk screen in white and red on a 34″ x 22″ black fender cover. It is made from a non-slip cushioned material, so it will never slide off the fender.

Because the surface is non-slip, it holds your tools in place. It is impervious to automotive fluids, such as motor oil, brake fluid, coolant, etc.

It is made in the U.S.A. by Fender Gripper®, a division of SSnake-Oyl™, and is licensed by Hurst Performance.

This recognizable logo is sure to appeal to any owner of a muscle car with a Hurst shifter or Hurst wheels or to any automotive Hurst enthusiast from that vintage era.

The legendary Hurst name and heritage represents the most popular automotive aftermarket company associated with the American muscle cars.

These fender covers are a must-have addition to your garage items, and can also be stored in the trunk in case you need to protect the fenders while away from the garage.

Fender cover also makes a unique gift for any Hurst enthusiast or mechanic.

H2024 - Hurst Licensed -
 “HURST EQUIPPED” Fender Cover - $22.95
H2025 - Hurst Licensed -
TWO “HURST EQUIPPED” Fender Covers (2) - $40 / pair


Here is a link to this Hurst Equipped Fender Cover on our website.
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=hurst+equipped&submit_button=



DISCONTINUED PART BY US -

Part #7452, 1978-1987 Turbo Regal - Universal Fit Clear Plastic Car Dust Cover - $18.95 - is being discontinued. We have only 2 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 either of the remaining 2.

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 -


GM LICENSED -
“BUICK MOTORSPORTS” FENDER COVER

The “BUICK MOTORSPORTS” logo is silk screen in white, red and yellow on a 34" x 22" black fender cover. It is made from a non-slip cushioned material, so it won’t slide off the fender.

Because the surface is non-slip, it holds your tools in place. It is impervious to automotive fluids, such as motor oil, brake fluid, coolant, etc.

It is made in the U.S.A. by Fender Gripper®, a division of SSnake-Oyl™, and is licensed by GM.

This recognizable logo is sure to appeal to any Buick owner. We offer it individually Part #7647 or as a pair Part #7648.

These fender covers are a must-have addition to your garage items, and can also be stored in the trunk in case you need to protect the fenders while away from the garage.

Our photos show the fender cover flat, and as it appears folded in half.

This fender cover also makes a unique gift for any Buick enthusiast or mechanic.

7547 - GM Licensed -
“BUICK MOTORSPORTS” Fender Cover - $22.95

7548 - GM Licensed -
TWO “BUICK MOTORSPORTS” Fender Covers (2) - $40 / pair

Here is the link to this Fender Cover on our website
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7547&submit_button=



1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction STAINLESS STEEL 2-PIECE CROSSOVER PIPE

This 1986-1987 Turbo Regal crossover pipe is a two-piece design made in 14-gauge 409 stainless steel. Stainless steel is the best material to use for the exhaust, since it can tolerate high temperatures.

It is mandrel bent and is a true 2-1/2" diameter throughout. The original crossover pipe necked down slightly at one end.

This two-piece crossover pipe comes with new flanges.

The fit is perfect to the application.

Many of the original crossover pipes have gotten dented over the years, so this is a good time for replacement.

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

An excellent replacement item for any exterior restoration.

7545 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction Stainless Steel 2-Piece Crossover Pipe - $195

Here is the link to this Crossover Pipe our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44127/Reproduction+STAINLESS+STEEL+2-PIECE+CROSSOVER%E2%80%88PIPE+%237545.html



1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Reproduction GREY FRONT DOOR ARMRESTS (2) SET

Over time, the armrests deteriorate, especially the driver’s side.

We offer this reproduction set so you can replace your worn out pair.

These are the proper color grey for the 1986-1987 Grand Nationals, GNX, and all the 1984-1987 Buick Regals that have a grey interior.

Armrests are sold as a pair and come with mounting hardware.

Another great interior restoration item.

7546 - 1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Reproduction Grey Front Door Armrests (2) Set - $95 / set

Here is the link to these Armrests our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44128/Reproduction+GREY+FRONT+DOOR+ARMRESTS+%282%29+SET+%237546.html



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



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 - It's 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 - [email protected]

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