Division Newsletter Club of America

Volume 16666 Issue 1 Spring 2012 A QUICK NOTE FROM BOB POPYK Director, Reatta Div.,BCA There has been quite a bit of discussion lately o f what our cars are worth, and if they are go- ing to go up in value. This past month I’ve had at least 6 calls from Reatta owners (or pro- spective owners) asking “what’s a 19XX Reatta worth?” My answer usually is; “I don’t have a good answer”. Here’s why: A lot depends on the miles, the condition, the area of country, the time of the year, if it’s a or , and how bad someone wants it. If you go by the NADA guide, here’s what it shows:

Year Model Low retail Avg. retail High retail 1988 Reatta Coupe $3,175 $5,950 $10,550 1989 Reatta Coupe $3,250 $6,075 $10,700 1990 Reatta Coupe $3,350 $6,200 $10,950 1990 Reatta Convert $3,800 $6,675 $11,400 1991 Reatta Coupe $3,425 $6,300 $1 1,100 1991 Reatta Convert $3,850 $6,750 $11,950

To me, these numbers make no sense. I would probably buy every pristine low mileage1991 convertible out there for $11,950, and just wait a few years to more than double my money. A dealer would want to steal it for half of that. Someone who really wants the car would pay over $20,000 right now. I can’t imagine a price differential of only $1,400 between a 1988 coupe and a 1991 convertible. NADA has no clue, but tries to set some kind of a bar. Don’t go by what the book says.

Value is in the mind of the beholder. It is what you think it is worth. Check Hemmings, Auto Trader, e-Bay, Craigslist, the Classifieds, and see what they are going for. Take an aggregate of all the prices along with how bad you want to sell it (or buy it). There’s your number. If you’re selling I hope its high, and if you’re buying I hope it’s a bargain. The Buick Reatta is a fun car. Sometimes you can’t put a price on that type of enjoyment. ______

Reatta Rally in Los Angeles on June #, 2012 Details can be found at http://www.ReattaDriver.com/reattarally

1 A strange coincidence…….

I often get calls/emails from strangers about their Reattas. Sometimes the longer we talk the more interest- ing the story gets, here is one that I received last year.

The email starts…”My husband recently died. He had and now I have a 1991 Reatta Covvertible, maui blue with white top”. Her husband had worked on the Reatta program in Lansing and purchased the car as a GM employee, had 7,000 miles on it when they purchased the car and now has 10,000. They now live in The Villages in Florida and, for later reference, the vin ended in 900250.

Roughly 20 days before, I received a call from Nic Walker in Richmond, VA telling me about a 1991 Maui Blue convertible for sale in The Villages, Florida. I followed up on the story because the owner had worked on the Reatta assembly line. His name was Thomas and his car has 22,000 miles. He had also purchased his car as a GM employee and wanted to sell it. One of his main jobs on the Reatta assembly line was install- ing convertible tops.

Here were two 1991 Maui Blue , blue interior, white tops, both had 16 way seat, no CD player and both had white pinstripe. Two identical cars, both owned by former GM employees and now both are in the same community in Florida. The final irony, the second car was vin 900247, the cars were 3 vin num- ber apart.

The last I heard Thomas sold his car and it went to Sarasota. The lady who’s husband died still has the car because she either got no bites or her price was too high.

Nice, low mileage Reattas are still out there waiting for you to find them. Other Reatta stuff…..

Our Reattas shared their gas tank with the Riviera, Toronado, Eldorado and Seville. Replacement tanks should not be a problem. The fuel pick-up sending unit is another story. The sending unit, pump, etc inside the tank is also the same as the other cars but once the line exit the tank, even the Reatta coupe and convertible are different. To my knowledge, the Reatta sending unit is no longer available and when it was cost around $300. In most cases, your can be repaired by getting a working unit from one of the other cars and moving the parts to yours. Some parts are simple to move and others take some effort. As I gain more details, I will attempt to put together a How-to article.

Sometime during Sept. 10-13, 2012 several Reatta owners are planning on meeting for lunch in the Ander- son, Indiana area. We have started with 3 members and now have 5. There is no “meeting, judging, etc, just Reattas getting together. If anyone in the area is interested in joining us, call me (512-869-5114 or email [email protected]

Barney Eaton, Technical advisor, Reatta Div., BCA

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FROM THE DESK OF CHUCK KERLS Need to rent a Reatta? When I was told about a mechanic in Wichita, Kansas loaning a Reatta to customers when their car was in for service - well, that was something that I had to learn more about. As a result of my investigation, I met Bob Harris. Bob and his wife, ST own and run Autobahn Power in Wichita. The business was started in 1974 and offers a wide variety of parts, accessories and service for the customer who is interested in quality high performance from their automobile. I was first contacted by a Reatta member in California who said that a mechanic here in Wichita loans a Reatta to his 'better customers' when they need service. I got out my Reatta convertible thinking it might make a good impression to drive a really cool car to his business - wrong. When I pulled into his drive I was greeted by a nice Mercedes he had been working on. I went in to meet him and on the floor was a totaly restored Opel that was most likely used for show. Out in the garage was a red/tan Reatta convertible with 30,000 miles in for yearly service. As we talked, I asked him what he knew about the convertible. He has serviced the car for a long time. He told me that he has several customers that use his service to maintain their cars. He has a knowledge about everything Reatta, which brings us back to the Reatta loaner. It seems as though he had serviced the car for a long time and when its owner decided to sell the car, Bob purchased it. The Reatta now has 130,000 miles and is in exceptional condition. The seats are spotless and it runs like a new coupe. I had a chance to drive it when we went to shoot our photos of this car. I promise you that it runs like new. It is an '89 grey/grey with no sunroof. When I asked him about loaning the car, he said that when one of his special customers come in, they get the Reatta as a loaner. I asked him what his customers thought of it. He said they are all impressed with the way the little car drives and handles, noting that the touch screen was really a novel idea. I have since been to his business several times, and the one thing that I have learned about Bob is that he takes a production car and makes it better. He will tell you that he enjoys a challenge and looks forward to working on different makes of cars. Therefore, his choice of cars include an Olds Cutlass in pristeen condition, a '69 Alfa Romeo Spider, Corvettes, Porsche, and all of them are ready to compete when he is ready. He told me his wife, ST, also likes to spend time on the track, and sometimes he beats her - but don't tell her! With all of the great cars that hang around Bob, it is incredible that his Reatta takes a place of honor with him and his customers. I know that when I have any questions about a Reatta, he is the go-to guy in this part of the country. To me, it is amazing that both Bob and I have lived in Wichita, Kansas for many years and yet our paths have never crossed. We have both been to the same carshows in the past, we both know the same people, and yet it took someone in California to make the connection. It really is a small world. Bob has a website that he maintains in house at www.autobahnpower.com so if you are ever in Wichita, stop in, our Reattas have a friend who knows and respects our cars. Chuck Kerls

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BUICK November 1993

Buick Motor Division

General Motors Corp.

Flint, Michigan 48550

Dear Reatta Owner: Through the generous assistance of Buick Motor Divi- sion, this correspondence will be mailed to regis- tered Buick Reatta owners throughout the country. It is designed to inform you about the creation of the Reatta Club of America. This organization is being developed to promote the enjoyment and preservation of a truly classic automobile. At present, the club is in its infancy. There are ap- proximately 35 members who share their enthusiasm for the Reatta. Our first organizational meeting will be held in conjunction with the Buick Club of America's National Meet on July 9, 1994 (time and room to be announced). The location will be the Marriott N.W., 200 Interstate North Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339. This is at Exit #110 of 1-75. The phone number is 404-952-7900. It will not be a requirement for Re- atta Club participants to hold BCA membership, al- though it would be necessary if you wish to partici- pate in those activities. If you should have any questions, please feel free to call me at 507-373-6230 between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. (CST) or send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to me at P.O. Box 37, Albert Lea, MN 56007. I will respond to all inquiries as promptly as possible. Please plan to attend our first meeting. Also, please come with your suggestions and ideas as this will be a new venture for many of us. Your insights and ex- periences will certainly be beneficial to us all. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Dr. John E. Forrette, FEF/lsb

4 PARTS FOR SALE

Reatta showroom sign. $600 OBO. Call Cecil @ 616-240-9036

Reatta parts----Large inventory. Reasonable prices. Contact Jim Finn through e-mail: [email protected]

Reatta parts----Parting over 50 cars. You name it, I should have it. John @ 810-730-9230

For sale: We have assembly crank arms (in two models) with parts kits for all Reattas as well as our replication, in all colors, of the sun visor clips for the ’90/’91 convertibles. More info [email protected] or (310) 476-0191. Pictures on EBAY and www.Reattaowner.com. Buy Direct

Parting out a 1990 Maui Blue coupe. No headlight switch. Contact Al @ 810-744-2191 0r labrec- [email protected]

Original “Barney cranks” are still available. Steel replacement headlight bellcranks are $40 ea. ($35 ea. to BCA members). Kits that include rollers & up-stop instructions are $45 (BCA members $40). Re- built Reatta headlight motors, $55 per side (exchange plus $5.00 shipping) and Rebuilt power antenna (w/ better than new flex cord, $60 ea (exchange). Price includes shipping. Plastic wing nuts and recep- ticals (to hold the cover in the rear of the engine compartment) $2.00 each plus $2.00 shipping. Re- built power antenna W/ steel cord< $60 (includes return shipping). Trunk lock cover repair kits $9.50. 1988-89 floor mat plastic grids for the backs $10.00 each plus shipping. Custom Reatta car covers and all other cars in 14 fabrics and several colors, also 7 sizes of motorcycle covers (call for prices on cov- ers). Call Barney @ 512-869-5114 for info or Reatta tech assistance. Barney Eaton, 20111 Deerfield Dr, Georgetown, TX 78633

Complete NOS tail light assembly (still sealed in original factory wood shipping container). $2,000 plus shipping. If you want original, this is it. Contact Jim Anderson at; [email protected]

Poly-carb vent window replacements. Both driver and passenger sides available w/instructions for each side. $100.00 each side. Call Bill Salisbury @ 810-655-4940 or email [email protected] ********************************************************************** FROM YOUR EDITOR: VOTING AND CRUISING

Reatta members, to take a few minutes to vote for Chuck Kerls, our former director, for the position on the Board of Directors of the BCA. Chuck was an outstanding R-Div director and has done an outstanding job on the BCA board. Chuch has always been a strong sup- porter of the BCA and the Reatta Division and we need him to continue those efforts on our behalf. Chucks thanks you for your support and looks forward to helping to make the BCA and Reatta Div. a stronger organization.

On another note, The cruising and car show season is coming. GET those Reattas out there for the world to see and admire. If we are ever going to make them a classic we need to show them off in numbers.

Happy Spring, April Gill, newsletter editor *Prices are good thru December 31, 2011 Subtotal______

*Shipping Amounts 1 item $7.50 3 items $9.00 Shipping______

2 items $8.00 4 items $9.50 TOTAL______

CARS FOR SALE 1989 Buick Reatta, 134k miles. coupe, All power, Everything works, Paint is fair, Car in excellent condition. Has new brakes and rebuilt transmission. Ask- ing $1,500. Call Brian @ 609-929-2448 (Brian) or [email protected]

1988 White Reatta/maroon interior in perfect condition. Never driven in winter, always garaged and has 26,000 miles on it. $8000,00 or best offer. Call 616-847-1554

1990 convertible, white/white, burgundy interior. 34,000 miles. Pristine condi- tion, smoke free and always garaged. Two sets of floor mats (one for show) and complete leather owners manual. All maintenance records + new battery, tires, & heavy duty headlight lifters. Appraised @ $16,995.00. Call Larry Brody DIRECTOR: Bob Popyk @ 630-262-9849 0r email [email protected]. Geneva, Il PO Box 615

1990 Reatta Coupe, red/tan w/ 27,150 miles. One owner. Stored winters. Brewerton, NY 13029 Beautiful condition. Cover included. $17,300.00. Call 574-262-9202 315-676-2355 [email protected] 1990Reatta convertible, Burgandy/tan/tan. 43,000 miles, in immaculate condi- tion. A southern car that has always been garaged & covered. Original floor ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Tom Selander mats, leather bound user manual w/ pen and tire gauge, plus trunk medical kit. 7024 Georgetown Ave. PRICE REDUCED; $16,500 OBO. Call Vince @ 830-935-2421 or email @ Hudsonville, MI 49426 [email protected]. Tx [email protected]

For sale; 90 convertible, new top and paint. All options plus has supercharged engine & chrome wheels both from 93 Park Avenue. Price $7000.00 or make SECRETARY/TREASURER: Ed Farnell offer. Call Cecil @ 616-874-6889 440 Langford Road 0r 616– 240-9036 (cell) Blythewood SC 29016 803-754-6922 FOR SALE: 1990 Reatta Convertible, new white exterior/ new blue vinyl [email protected] top w/glass rear window,blue interior/w 16 way seat. 76,000 miles. New tires, battery, front struts, brake pads, AC evaperator, AC cold. Only ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS: $8,950. Call Dennis Paradoski @ 586-303-6459 St. Clair Shores, MI Martel Gibson [email protected] 48080 [email protected] Chuck Kerls [email protected] Herb Morris [email protected] FOR SALE: 90 Reatta Convertible, Black/Burgandy/Burgandy, 16 way seats, 92K easy miles. High quality chrome off repaint & new hartz cloth top. Under- NOMINATING COMMITTEE carriage very clean, absolutely NO rust. Wood grain dash trim w/ original avail- Rich Mickle [email protected] able. Owner’s portfolio & NOS floor mats included. This is a beautiful car to Nancy Eaton [email protected] drive and show. Easy gold winner. Asking $11,250.00 OBRO. Car is in S. Carolina. Call Ed Farnell @ 803-360-6806 (Cell) George Madsen [email protected]

FOR SALE: 90 Reatta Convertible, Maui Blue/white top. Everything functions NEWSLETTER EDITOR: April Gill as it should. 126K miles, but drives like new. Undercarriage very clean, abso- 7508 W Chadwick Road lutely no rust. Has wood grain dash trim W/ original trim available. Aftermarket Dewitt MI 48820 radio w/ CD player, but can install original radio if preferred. Owner’s portfolio 517-626-6622 & NOS floormats included. This is a beautiful car to drive or show. Asking [email protected] $7,200.00 OBRO. S. Carolina car. Call Ed Farnell @ 803-360-6806 (cell) REATTA LOGO WEAR COORDINATOR: Carole Madsen FOR SALE: 1990 Reatta convertible, maui blue, white top, blue interior. One 14560 South Oakley Avenue owner (purchased May 11, 1990). 47,900 miles. All original. No accidents. Orland Park IL 60462 No cracked glass. Always gagaged when not in use. Car is in excellent condi- tion inside and out. Price; $9,000.00 For more information or to purchase, 708-349-8878 contact Nancy Purvis @ 913-390-6905 or email [email protected] [email protected]

FOR SALE: 1988 Reatta, red/tan. Last of the leather bolster models. Black WEB SITE ADDRESS: http://www.reatta.org BSM. No rust (one 6” dent in trunk, see last newsletter on page 4, “Back yard accident”). Trunk full of extra parts. Asking $3,000.00 OBO. Motivated seller. WEB ROAD MASTER: For more information and interesting facts, contact Fred Langille (BCA #43098, Nancy Taylor R-Div #889) @ 304-736—0163 (after 6 PM, Mon-Sun.) [email protected] e-mail [email protected]

1990 Buick Reatta Red Convertible with a new black stayfast top,New BCA TECHNICAL ADVISORs—1988-1991 REATTAS tires,with only 133,00 miles on it.new Pioneer stereo system with CD.new Barney Eaton speakers Plus, Serius satelite radio that is transferable to new owner.A recent 20111 Deerfield Drive brake job,this car will take you any where,ever thing has been very well Georgetown TX 78628 maintained. I am 79 years young and cant afford to break down on the high [email protected] way. I have two cars and one must go.the original Reatta radio still works and goes with the car.You must see and drive this car to appreciateit. Car Don Kinas located in Thomaston, Ga. Asking $6300.00 OBO. Call Tom @ 706-646- 312 Plaza Lane 7988 or email [email protected] Plymouth, WI 53073 *********************************** Ads will appear in two consecutive newsletters . Exception to this willap- 262-781-3913 plied if there are no new ads coming.

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REATTA DIVISION Secretary/Treasurer Ed Farnell 440 Langford Road Blythewood, SC 29016

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MEMBERSHIP & DIVISION INFORMATION

Reatta Division memberships are $10.00 per year. Membership is for a 12 month period.

Please note that a pink highlighter mark on the RDIV number on your mailing label means that your Reatta Division dues are either due or past due. In order to continue receiving the Reatta news letter, your RDIV membership status needs to be current.

Please makes checks payable to: REATTA DIVISION, BCA Send all dues payments and address changes (include your RDIV # on your check) to: SECRETARY/TREASURER, ED FARNELL, 440 LANGFORD RD, BLYTHEWOOD, SC 29016

NOTE: All Reatta Division members are required to be members of the national organization, Buick Club of America, of which we are an authorized division. Please note that a blue highlighter mark on your BCA number on your mailing label means that you are not a current member of the BCA. In order to continue re- ceiving the Reatta Division newsletter, your BCA membership status needs to be current. The national or- ganization can be contacted at: BUICK CLUB OF AMERICA, PO BOX 360775, COLUMBUS, OH 43236, BY EMAIL AT: [email protected] , phone 614-472-3939 or fax 614-472-3222.

Please send all classified ads and newsletter submissions to: NEWSLETTER EDITOR, APRIL GILL, 7508 W CHADWICK RD, DEWITT,MI 48820 or email [email protected]