2012 Spring Newsletter Reatta Division of the BCA

Division Newsletter
Buick Club of America
Volume 16
6 Issue 1
Spring 2012
A QUICK NOTE FROM BOB POPYK
Director, Reatta Div.,BCA
There has been quite a bit of discussion lately of what our cars are worth, and if they are going to go up in value. This past month I’ve had at least 6 calls from Reatta owners (or prospective 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 coupe or convertible, and how bad someone wants it. If you go by
the NADA guide, here’s what it shows:
Year Model
1988 Reatta Coupe
1989 Reatta Coupe
1990 Reatta Coupe
1990 Reatta Convert
1991 Reatta Coupe
1991 Reatta Convert
Low retail
$3,175
$3,250
$3,350
$3,800
$3,425
$3,850
Avg. retail
$5,950
$6,075
$6,200
$6,675
$6,300
$6,750
High retail
$10,550
$10,700
$10,950
$11,400
$11,100
$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 interesting 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 installing convertible tops.
Here were two 1991 Maui Blue convertibles, 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 number 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 Anderson, 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
atBarney@texas.net
Barney Eaton, Technical advisor, Reatta Div., BCA
2
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
Page 3
BUICK
November 1993
Buick Motor Division
General Motors Corp.
Flint, Michigan 48550
Dear Reatta Owner:
Through the generous assistance of Buick Motor Division, this correspondence will be mailed to registered 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 approximately 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 Reatta Club participants to hold BCA membership, although it would be necessary if you wish to participate 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 experiences will certainly be beneficial to us all.
Thank you for your consideration.
hearing from you.
I look forward to
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: jfinn@cpinternet.com
Reatta parts----Parting over 50 cars. You name it, I should have it.
John @ 810-730-9230
For sale: We have headlamp 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
hkbjr@yahoo.com 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 labrecque.al123@gmail.com
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). Rebuilt 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 recepticals (to hold the cover in the rear of the engine compartment) $2.00 each plus $2.00 shipping. Rebuilt 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 covers). 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; roadking9800@hotmail.com
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 FTE@frontier.com
**********************************************************************
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 supporter 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
*Shipping Amounts 1 item $7.50
3 items $9.00
2 items $8.00
4 items $9.50
Subtotal_____________________
Shipping_____________________
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. Asking $1,500. Call Brian @ 609-929-2448 (Brian) or carfinder@comcast.net
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 condition, 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
@ 630-262-9849 0r email Lrrb@earthlink.net. Geneva, Il
1990 Reatta Coupe, red/tan w/ 27,150 miles. One owner. Stored winters.
Beautiful condition. Cover included. $17,300.00. Call 574-262-9202
1990Reatta convertible, Burgandy/tan/tan. 43,000 miles, in immaculate condition. A southern car that has always been garaged & covered. Original floor
mats, leather bound user manual w/ pen and tire gauge, plus trunk medical kit.
PRICE REDUCED; $16,500 OBO. Call Vince @ 830-935-2421 or email @
chinapuzz@aol.com. Tx
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
offer. Call Cecil @ 616-874-6889
0r 616– 240-9036 (cell)
FOR SALE: 1990 Reatta Convertible, new white exterior/ new blue vinyl
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
$8,950. Call Dennis Paradoski @ 586-303-6459 St. Clair Shores, MI
48080 d-t-parado@sbcglobal.net
FOR SALE: 90 Reatta Convertible, Black/Burgandy/Burgandy, 16 way seats,
92K easy miles. High quality chrome off repaint & new hartz cloth top. Undercarriage very clean, absolutely NO rust. Wood grain dash trim w/ original available. Owner’s portfolio & NOS floor mats included. This is a beautiful car to
drive and show. Easy gold winner. Asking $11,250.00 OBRO. Car is in S.
Carolina. Call Ed Farnell @ 803-360-6806 (Cell)
FOR SALE: 90 Reatta Convertible, Maui Blue/white top. Everything functions
as it should. 126K miles, but drives like new. Undercarriage very clean, absolutely no rust. Has wood grain dash trim W/ original trim available. Aftermarket
radio w/ CD player, but can install original radio if preferred. Owner’s portfolio
& NOS floormats included. This is a beautiful car to drive or show. Asking
$7,200.00 OBRO. S. Carolina car. Call Ed Farnell @ 803-360-6806 (cell)
FOR SALE: 1990 Reatta convertible, maui blue, white top, blue interior. One
owner (purchased May 11, 1990). 47,900 miles. All original. No accidents.
No cracked glass. Always gagaged when not in use. Car is in excellent condition inside and out. Price; $9,000.00 For more information or to purchase,
contact Nancy Purvis @ 913-390-6905 or email lpurlas66220@sbcglobal.net
FOR SALE: 1988 Reatta, red/tan. Last of the leather bolster models. Black
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.
For more information and interesting facts, contact Fred Langille (BCA #43098,
R-Div #889) @ 304-736—0163 (after 6 PM, Mon-Sun.)
e-mail phredta11bl@copper.net
1990 Buick Reatta Red Convertible with a new black stayfast top,New
tires,with only 133,00 miles on it.new Pioneer stereo system with CD.new
speakers Plus, Serius satelite radio that is transferable to new owner.A recent
brake job,this car will take you any where,ever thing has been very well
maintained. I am 79 years young and cant afford to break down on the high
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
located in Thomaston, Ga. Asking $6300.00 OBO. Call Tom @ 706-6467988 or email tomcalamuci@hotmail.com
***********************************
Ads will appear in two consecutive newsletters . Exception to this willapplied if there are no new ads coming.
DIRECTOR: Bob Popyk
PO Box 615
Brewerton, NY 13029
315-676-2355
Rpopyk@aol.com
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Tom Selander
7024 Georgetown Ave.
Hudsonville, MI 49426
reattaman3@msn.com
SECRETARY/TREASURER: Ed Farnell
440 Langford Road
Blythewood SC 29016
803-754-6922
reattaclub@aol.com
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS:
Martel Gibson mgibson33@hotmail.com
Chuck Kerls booreatta@cox.net
Herb Morris reatta90@sbcglobal.net
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Rich Mickle mobyrr@sbcglobal.net
Nancy Eaton reatta@texas.net
George Madsen georgemadsen@att.net
NEWSLETTER EDITOR: April Gill
7508 W Chadwick Road
Dewitt MI 48820
517-626-6622
wwdhms@aol.com
REATTA LOGO WEAR COORDINATOR: Carole Madsen
14560 South Oakley Avenue
Orland Park IL 60462
708-349-8878
carolemadsen@att.net
WEB SITE ADDRESS: http://www.reatta.org
WEB ROAD MASTER:
Nancy Taylor
ReattaWebmaster@hotmail.com
BCA TECHNICAL ADVISORs—1988-1991 REATTAS
Barney Eaton
20111 Deerfield Drive
Georgetown TX 78628
Barney@texas.net
Don Kinas
312 Plaza Lane
Plymouth, WI 53073
262-781-3913
7
REATTA DIVISION
Secretary/Treasurer
Ed Farnell
440 Langford Road
Blythewood, SC 29016
______________________________________________________________________________________________
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 receiving the Reatta Division newsletter, your BCA membership status needs to be current. The national organization can be contacted at: BUICK CLUB OF AMERICA, PO BOX 360775, COLUMBUS, OH 43236, BY
EMAIL AT: buickcluboffice@aol.com , 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
wwdhms@aol.com