Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members - 11-24-10
HAPPY THANKSGIVING -
THANKSGIVING MINI CONTEST WINNERS -
For the first time ever we actually have a winner that nailed the EXACT count correctly on our M & M Guessing Contest. Not only that, but this same individual has won a previous M & M contest 2 years ago. This is the guy you want to be with in a group of lottery ticket buyers! It was impossible to cheat, since I never shared the exact count with anyone not even anyone in our office. Bill even owns a 1987 white Turbo-T, similar to my current personal car.
The actual M & M count was 293. Bill Furst from Maryland hit that number exact. Taking 2nd place is Ian Reeves in England, with a guess of 285. Ian actually owns one of our Grand Nationals. Taking 3rd with a guess of 279 was John Diehl in Michigan.
Congratulations to the winners, and thanks to all who participated.
BUICK LITERATURE PART 16 -
Last week we touched on the Buick Motorsports program briefly highlighting the two Buick tachometers they offered. Since then, I found out the tachometers were made by Autometer located in Illinois. I called them and talked to someone who remembered them. They have nothing available for them and it has been a long time since they had any parts for them.
The person I talked to says they are similar to their model #6610 and model #6811. However even those models have changed over the years. So, if you were looking for a similar tachometer, you would have to locate one from the 1980s and have one of those model numbers on the box.
In my personal collection I have two more mini magazines related to Stage One and Stage II V6 performance.
PHOTO 1 - Shows the "Jim Ruggles Buick Stage One V6 Performance Guide." These are not that hard to find, and can be found on Ebay. It measures 8-1/8" x 10-7/8" and runs 32 pages in length. It gives a lot of the Buick part numbers for the Stage One parts. In the back it lists aftermarket suppliers that you could buy parts from back in the day. This magazine is not dated anywhere so I can only assume it is from the early 1980s. The photo on the left shows the cover and the photo on the right shows the back inside cover page with the Buick definition for the famous Buick V6 logo.
Here is what is says,
"About the Buick V6 Logo
As the Buick V6 becomes more dominant in the market place, the Buick V6 log takes on increase significance.
- The logo represents a "6" which is emphasized to indicate the Buick V6 is unique and special.
- Additionally, the logo represents a lower case "b" which is being utilized to develop a performance image logotype exclusively "Buick."
- The flow of the logo is also symbolic of the spinning or turbine action of a turbocharger. Turbocharging is emphasized by using warm-to-hot color combinations.
- The arrowhead draws attention and gives forward, aggressive motion. This is complemented by the slant of the logo - again emphasizing aggressiveness.
This logo symbolizes today's Performance Engine . . . the Buick V6."
PHOTO 2 - There is a similar publication entitled, "BUICK STAGE II V6 Performance Guide" by Jim McFarland. It measures 8-1/8" x 11" and runs 36 pages. It also does not have a published date. It does show a preview the Stage II engine for the 1983 Indy Pace Car. So, it would appear this magazine was done around 1982-1983. It is very similar to the Jim Ruggles Guide shown in Photo 1. The photo on the left shows the cover and the photo on the right shows the back inside cover page with a description about the Buick V6 logo. This magazine is a lot harder to find today than the Jim Ruggles version.
Here is what is says,
"ABOUT THE BUICK V6 LOGO . . .
Look for this logo to take on increasing significance with performance engine builders everywhere. The "arrow" appears to be right on target for the '80s. It symbolizes today's performance engine: the Buick V6."
An interesting side note - At the bottom of the page with the V6 Logo, it says, “cover by Molly Designs Inc."
Neither magazine shows or even lists the 2 tachometers we featured in last week's Inner Circle, which is why I believe they may not have come out until later in the 1980s.
Speaking of tachometers. In the 1960s muscle car era, I think it was Pontiac that was first to offer a tachometer on the hood. It was a clever idea! The first year was 1967. That version was unique compared to the later 1968-1970 versions. The 1967 was slightly taller than the 1968-1970 versions. Years ago before reproduction of them was available for a 1967 owner this was a very hard to find option. Good working used ones were hard to find because of vibration, moisture, and sun light, took their toll on this exposed to the elements tachometer. Buick also offered one which was pretty much the same, only it said "Buick" on the dial.
NOTE - A long-time 1967 GTO customer of ours, Terry Weiner bought a 1967 original hood tach from us years ago. At this year's 31st Annual GTO National Convention, Terry took the "Best in Show - John Sawruk Memorial Award" award. The hood tach he bought from us is still on the car.
To my knowledge Chevrolet and Oldsmobile did not have a designated hood tachometer. However, GM offered a hood tachometer as an option from the AC Division, which you could put on your Chevrolet or Oldsmobile and it would be GM correct.
Of all the GM hood tachometers, I am pretty confident the AC version would be the toughest to find today. It was based on the shorter-style, which would be 1968 and newer. What also makes the AC tachometer different is, unlike Pontiac it has no redline on the dial. On the Pontiac hood tachometers they had different redlines depending on the engine in the car.
The AC tach I have is brand new in the original box. AC makes no reference to AC Delco, so I assume it was just known as AC back in the late 1960s. This tachometer would have been available around 1968-1969.
PHOTO 3 - Shows the well-worn box the AC hood tachometer came in. I have probably had this tachometer at least 25 years or longer. In all that time, I have never seen another one.
PHOTO 4 - The photo on the top shows the brand new AC tachometer. The housings were primed, so you had to paint them to match your car color. NOTE - No red line appears and you can see the small AC symbol under RPM. The lower photo is a used original 1968 GTO hood tachometer. The housing has been repainted black but the dial is all original. These units had dual light sockets in them that would light up at night. Today the hood tachometers for the Pontiacs have been reproduced and are quite reasonable.
A note about hood tachometers - One of the major aftermarket companies back then offered hood tachometers. I believe the name of that company was Dixon. The overall shape of their hood tachometer was more aggressive looking.
RARE WE4 - FOR SALE -
A good friend of mine is selling this fine example of a WE4 hardtop.
It has just 28,000 original miles, a stock drivetrain with factory astro roof. Finding a WE4 with a factory astro roof is extremely rare. Car has power windows, power locks, concert sound II, power trunk release, and new tires all the way round. The engine compartment is detailed with no oil leaks. Car has a little bit of paperwork. A very nice example that runs and drives just like new. Car is located in New Jersey. Asking $16,900. For more info, contact Greg Glenn - 732-406-6285 - email - [email protected]
MORE GOOD NEWS ABOUT BODY BUSHINGS -
As I mentioned in a recent Inner Circle, I was dismantling a 1986 T-Type. This is the one with the rare tan leather seats. Car originally sold new in Texas and then the owner moved to Indiana. I bought it back in 2000 out of Indiana and sold it locally.
This car, of course, had all the missing body bushings done as that was part of the upgrades we made on every 1986-1987 Turbo Regal we bought and sold back in the day.
I now have figured out all the body bushings needed to make the entire kit with the #5 GNX set being an option. GM has discontinued most of the body bushings that we used in the complete kit. They also discontinued the 4 and 6 body bushing kits we used to sell.
I have found other kits, but unfortunately those do not include the 4 or 6 lower bushings that we used to sell. It doesn't make sense to us to sell a body bushing kit for the 1984-1987 Turbo Regals and not include the "missing" 4 or 6 lower body bushings.
In review, Buick never installed 4 of the lower body bushings that we sold in a kit. What makes it confusing is a good many especially 1986 models for whatever reason are missing the #7 lower ones as well and that is why we also offered a 6 bushing kit when we could get them.
We already sell the correct 2 different length grade 8 bolts, our Part #6974.
So, in review, you have 7 positions for body bushings on each side, which includes the core support. Each bushing location, except for position 5, takes an upper and lower bushing or cushion set. So, the total would be 12 per side or 24 total plus the additional set of 2 GNX #5 position bushings, for a total of 26 bushings.
Installing a complete body bushing kit should be done by a professional because you need a lift and a method to raise the body carefully up away from the frame. You also need to remove the rear bumper to avoid crushing the rear bumper fillers. Depending on the rust you may encounter, this is a major job even if all the body bolts come out with no problems. If major rust in the rear area exists, you may find the bolts will simply turn and you will need to cut open part of the trunk floor or interior floor and then weld in new sections, etc.
In order to really make your car ride like new again, this is the first area to address and also the hardest depending on the environment your Turbo Regal has been in.
We hope to have a complete body bushing kit available shortly. On the plus side with it being winter time, it's an excellent time to look into replacing the complete body bushings/cushions!
Maybe you will finally be able to get your car's body to sit on the frame totally centered and secured!
We will have the 4 and 6 body bushings kits available first.
NEW BUICK PART -
We had an actual prototype on display at our Open House and at the GS Nationals. In both events this product generated a lot of interest because it offers a simple solution to the problems associated with the factory upper dash panel, which cracks over a period of time.
Another factor is the GM list price on the upper dash panel is now over $215 each. Some customers have even reported that over time, even the new plastic GM upper dash panel cracks!
We have made a steel overlay panel, powder-coated grey with a textured finish to closely match the original upper dash panel. This panel can be painted over the grey powder coating, if you need to have it in a different color for your interior. See complete information below.
Delivery will be later this month as they are already made and at the powder coating place now.
NOTE - This new part does not qualify for the Christmas discount!
1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
UPPER DASH OVERLAY PANEL
The factory upper dash panel from GM now retails for over $220 each and the price will likely continue to increase, and it may eventually be discontinued. From GM this panel comes in one dark shade of blue. The GM upper dash panels are still made in plastic and can also crack in time.
We have an inexpensive solution. We had a flat steel overlay panel made to simply go over the factory plastic upper dash panel.
Our photo shows an original panel on the top and our new overlay panel at the bottom.
The radio speaker vents, defroster ducts, and automatic climate control series of holes (the group of small holes in the shape of a rectangle to the right of center) have been laser cut in the overlay panel and match up to the original vents and holes in the plastic panel.
To give the new steel overlay a cleaner look, we eliminated the 5 screw holes across the bottom of the original panel. This can be seen in the photo when compared to the original upper dash panel in the same photo.
We have them powder-coated grey with a textured finish for a lasting appearance. If you have any other interior color, you can simply paint this panel to match.
This new overlay panel can be attached using various methods, such as double-sided tape or glue to secure it in place.
This is an inexpensive "fix" for the cracking problem that affects almost every 1978-1987 Regal, as seen in the photo on the left. It is less than half the cost of the GM replacement plastic upper dash panel. Our overlay panel is shown installed in the photo on the right. Since it is made in flat steel, the overlay panel will never crack or distort!
Unfortunately, both of these photos were taken through the windshield glass, so there are some reflections and color variations.
A nice interior restoration item.
7303 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Upper Dash Overlay Panel $79.95*
*NOTE - DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR CHRISTMAS DISCOUNT.
Here is the link the this Upper Dash Panel on our website -
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/43837/UPPER DASH OVERLAY PANEL #7303.html
THE GIFT FOR THE PERSON WHO HAS EVERYTHING -
Custom-Airbrushed "TRUE FIRE" Flames
Microsoft® Wireless Mobile Mouse Model 3500
Today almost everyone has a computer, whether it's a desktop, or a laptop, or a notebook style. Now, you can have a custom airbrushed mouse to go with your computer. Since it is so unique, it makes a great Christmas or birthday gift.
We start with a brand new Microsoft® Wireless Mobile Mouse Model 3500, which retails for $29.95. These are compatible with both PC or Mac computers.
The center shell of the mouse is carefully removed, then prepped, scuffed, and cleaned. Then, using an automotive basecoat, 2 coats of black paint are applied. Then a unique flame design is custom air brushed, layer after layer. Flames are first painted with white base coat, followed by a transparent candy yellow and orange to give it a unique deep 3-dimensional appearance. Once dry, 2 coats of high-quality automotive urethane clear are applied as a final coating. The end result is a surface as smooth as glass.
Each mouse is carefully inserted into the original Microsoft® packaging. The package comes with a battery, USB connector, and directions to download the appropriate mouse software.
The quality and workmanship is excellent. Unfortunately, since there is such a fine shiny finish, it is difficult to photograph, so the picture of the "True Fire" flames mouse on our website does not do it justice.
Each one is custom airbrushed, so no two are exactly alike.
The popularity of similar flames designs in the marketplace is just as evident today as it was years ago. Flame designs can still be seen on many show cars. A unique touch to compliment your computer. Makes an excellent gift for any PC or Mac user.
Microsoft® Mouse Details - For Windows®-based PC and Mac, BlueTrack Technology™, Plug-And-Go Nano Transceiver (leave it plugged in or stow it in the mouse), 8-Month Battery Life, ON/OF Switch, Comfortable in Either Hand, and 3-Year Warranty.
7301 - Custom-Airbrushed "TRUE FIRE" Flames
Microsoft® Wireless Mobile Mouse Model 3500 (PC or MAC) - regular price $39.95*
*CHRISTMAS SPECIAL PRICE - $36.95 (Can NOT be combined with any other special)
Here is a link to this Flame Mouse on the web site -
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/43835/Custom-Airbrushed TRUE FIRE Flames Mouse #7301.html
CHRISTMAS SPECIALS -
Unlike previous years where we listed a dozen or so parts at a special price, we decided to do something a little different this year. We will give a full 15% off many of our Turbo Buick parts. On a few items this discount will be 10%.
NO DISCOUNT on these items; #7021 - Rebuilt Powermaster Brake Unit #7273, Replacement Driver's Side Header #7274, Replacement Header and Headers Kit #7280-7295, 8-Piece and 11-Piece Custom-made & Embroidered Trunk Kits, and #7303 Upper Dash Overlay Panel. There is NO additional discount for any items already in Package Deals or items discounted when purchased in combination with another product.
These discounts can't be combined with any other specials. This discount started Tuesday, October 19th and ends Friday, December 17th at 4 pm. A flyer on this will be in all our outgoing orders. This is one-time discount from our company on virtually 90% of our product line for Turbo Buicks.
Because of limitations on the website, you will have to call in your order to take advantage of this discount - 215-766-1611 x 0.
Here is a link to our Christmas Specials on the web site -
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/inner_circle.php?nak=100
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]
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.
CALENDER OF EVENTS -
The 2011 events will be posted at the beginning of next year 2011.
EBAY LISTINGS -
If you would like to see any of the Kirban Performance Products items listed on eBay, here is a link to our store and auctions -
http://stores.ebay.com/Kirban-Performance-Products-Inc_W0QQssPageNameZl2QQtZ km
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 not remember who requested the item.
IN CLOSING -
Remember, our office is closed for Thanksgiving (the 25th) and the next day, Friday November 26th.
Be sure to order your Christmas items early from parts on our website. Remember, because of limitations on the website, you will have to call in your order to take advantage of the Christmas Specials discount - 215-766-1611 x 0.
Have a great Thanksgiving!