Many of our customers have gone on the internet and purchased from other sellers INCORRECTLY MADE, INCORRECT "OFF THE SHELF" generic hoses, which have CREATED PROBLEMS.  Restriction problems create squealing.

At Highway Stars, we are always producing and offering the "BESt QUALITY POSSIBLE" only to be found on our website at www.highwaystars.net

Take a close look at what you have on your vehicle.  Even though your vehicle is a specific year, we recommend you double check the power steering reservoir.  The OUTLET on a 1986 reservoirs is DIFFERENT than the 1987 reservoir, and requires this special molded hose which is ONLY AVAILABLE through Highway Stars.

We recently had a customer call Highway Stars to complain that he ordered a pair of hood badges, but when he opened up the package he received 2 of the same side!

For this reason . . we decided to create this helpful photo. Now we are sharing it with all.

Re-posting this information (April 2023) regarding belts and issues surround the belt.  

Highway Stars has received calls from customers asking if a belt is the correct size because they are experiencing issues. 

FACT: If you have purchased the drive belt from Highway Stars for your "ALL-STOCK 86/87 Turbo Regal", then we can ensure that you, YOU HAVE PURCHASED THE CORRECT BELT"

We can not ensure this is the case if:  you purchased the belt elsewhere, OR if your vehicle has any of the variables listed below. 

The questions then comes:

a. Do you have ALL factory stock pulleys on the vehicle?  Have you verified this?

Water pump pulley?

Crank shaft pulley?

Power steering pump pulley?

AC pulley?

Alternator pulley?

Belt tensioner pulley?

b. Do you have an aftermarket belt tensioner on the vehicle?

c. Has the alternator been changed from the factory stock alternator? 

d. There are many catalog errors for aftermarket belts that may not be advertised correctly for the fitment.

If you have purchased a drive belt from an auto parts store/seller there is a good chance that you have purchased a K060640,  This belt is way too long for the stock 86/87 Turbo Regal/Grand National.

Despite having the correct belt from Highway Stars, all the factors listed in a,b,c,d will introduce variables that may be contributing to your issues. 

The photo above will depict a perfectly sized belt on an 86/87 Grand National.  This grand national is a bone stock factory original vehicle.  See how the indicator marks line up horizontally.  Belts that align within the horizontal indication on the left side which falls within the perimeter of the rectangle on the right size is an acceptable range.

Beyond this range (either above or below the rectangle) will indicate something is causing it not to be correct. (Not necessarily the belt).

Anybody can say anything-- 

BUT .... A REAL GM LICENSED  Part comes from REAL Licensed GM Restoration Parts Suppliers which are clearly defined by General Motors. 

Check out the Buick section . . . Here is a copy of that list which comes directly from GM.

Link on GM website: https://www.chevrolet.com/performance/resources/li...

https://www.chevrolet.com/content/dam/chevrolet/na...

Customers confidently rely on Highway Stars for great parts and good information.  To assist our customers, here are the dimensions for placement on the Turbo T fender badge, as well as the Grand National fender badges.

At Highway Stars we think, like our customers . . .  

We all want:

• Good products
• Good customer service
• and NO BS!

Our customers tell us they prefer shopping at Highway Stars, because of our INTEGRITY.  They stated: "I wish Highway Stars would sell everything for Buick Turbo Regals, so they don't need to shop elsewhere."  

It's sad, but true, so many vendors want to take your money while they lure you in through false advertising.  

The latest scam brought to our attention by a local customer was regarding an item: (Breather filter) that was advertised on another site as "NEW GM" Engine Filter vent, when it indeed was NOT NEW GM. He explained that he purchased the item thinking it was "NEW GM" from another site because Highway Stars was out of stock.  Upon receipt of his purchase from the other site, he received the part, but there was NO GM BOX.  He then came to Highway Stars to purchase a REAL GM breather filter-GM part #557240, and recognized the differences in the specs. 

(The photo shows the comparison of the filter he received from the other vendor(on the left), and the correct authentic NOS GM #557240 breather filter from Highway Stars(on the right) 

The truth: An NOS GM stock breather filter for 1986-1987 has been discontinued for over 10 years.

The only way GM ever sold this part was in the GM box. Any other vendor selling a (NEW GM) 557240 breather filter without the GM box is probably selling you a cheap aftermarket version and misrepresenting it as (NEW GM) 557240.  An GM filter #557240 has a finer mesh screen, and the filter is a much thicker design which holds more oil.

Just another helpful tip from Highway Stars

Your in the middle of a restoration, you just painted your doors  and now you need to install the door handles on your 86 Turbo Regal.

If you shop on the internet, there are several sources to choose from. All door handles are not the same even if they are advertised as such.

Don't wast your money buying the wrong ones.  You may want to confirm whether or not you will be receiving what exactly is pictured.

Highway Stars is proud to be an authorized licensed GM Restoration Parts supplier.  We produce our door trim correctly, and if we didn't , GM wouldn't allow their name on our product.  

If you are using zip ties to secure your vacuum hose, then you are using the WRONG TYPE OF Vacuum hose

______________________________________________________________________________

Using the proper spec vacuum hose is IMPORTANT for your Buick Turbo Regal.  (see photo below)  

Our customers tell it all. (edfiero1)

Highway Stars does it RIGHT the FIRST time . . . OR else, we wont do it.  

Read on:

https://www.turbobuick.com/threads/pcv-grommet-part-number.469938/post-3936778

CLICK on the following item: Correct pcv grommet

We thought we would take this opportunity to help customers understand the differences between the "AUTHENTIC GM Grand National Fender badge" sold at Highway Stars, vs other badges on the market.

The original GM Grand National fender badges(available from Highway Stars) were made in the US by the original manufacturer. They are cloisonné emblems which are PRODUCED FROM A COPPER BASE ALLOY that is die-struck (stamped) in multiple steps to achieve the desired size and shape. Features are then filled with colored powdered glass (In the Grand National Badge, it was Black glass, Red glass, and Golden Yellow glass). The emblem is fired at high temperatures to melt the powder and fuse the glass to the metal. The excess surface glass is removed and the emblem is re-fired to produce an even layer of NON-FADING, scratch resistant colored glass. The emblem is buffed and polished before it goes through a NICKEL-CHROME PLATING PROCESS to ensure a bright corrosion resistant surface.

Signs of aging on a GM Authentic Grand National Fender badge: After approx 25-30 years, authentic GM badges (which are made of a copper base as described above) may show signs of oxidation (green color) due to the copper in the badge. The glass may crack, but generally does NOT FADE because it is made of cloisonne glass. (not plastic, not paint, not magnetic)

Unfortunately, there are knock off badges being sold on the internet, which often fade within a short period of time in the sun.  They are commonly advertised as high quality reproduction which are silver,red, orange and black enamel-LIKE (keyword- "LIKE") finish.

The reason these knock off badges fade so quickly, is because they are NOT "GM AUTHENTIC CLOISSONNE EMBLEMS- made by the original manufacturer.  The cloisonne process is a higher end/more expensive process than normal.  Remember, when buying badges, you get what you pay for.  Hope this information is helpful.

Watch our video for additional details
https://youtu.be/c6TzxBrv-Ro

You can navigate the internet and forums all day long, and get 1000 opinions from everyone who wants to tell you what they want you to know, BUT at Highway Stars, we ONLY SELL the correct parts for stock vehicles- PERIOD.  It's that simple. Parts are tested in our facility. If a part is not correct, then we simply WON'T SELL IT.  

Furthermore, we would like to share the correct information regarding belts and correct sizing.  Take a look at the picture below.  It is of a STOCK belt tensioner for an 1987 Buick Grand National.  In this picture, there is no belt installed on the tensioner.  You will see an indicator on the belt tensioner. If you are a customer, who may think he/she needs a serpentine belt for their 86-87 Buick Grand National/Turbo Regal or GNX, then please call Highway Stars, so that we can help you get the CORRECT information for your vehicle as it relates to serpentine belts. 

As far as we know, Buick did not produce nor install rainbow colored parts on the Buick Turbo Regals when it came down the assembly line.

Q: . . so can you find the rainbow effect on parts today?

A: . . .sure you can,
. . . on aftermarket parts that had QUALITY ISSUES WHEN ANODIZING, tricked out regals, or aftermarket parts subject to extreme conditions such as heat/fire.

At Highway Stars, there's no spin zone,
WE DO IT RIGHT,
or, . . .
WE DON'T DO IT! . . . It's that SIMPLE.

Information provided below comes directly from the AAC (Aluminum Anodizers Council) anodizing.org
http://www.anodizing.org/?page=faqs

If you see a rainbow effect on an aftermarket part, there may be several reasons this rainbow(iridescent color) appears.

Here is what we learned from industry professionals at AAC:

Q: Why do aluminum parts I send to be black anodized sometimes come back with a purple hue, and how can this be avoided?

A: The purple hue is an iridescent color--the result of a very thin film on the surface of the black anodized part. Other iridescent colors can be produced, and can appear even on clear anodized parts, but are most evident on black anodizing. An analogy is a black asphalt road after rain. A droplet of oil causes iridescent rings that are quite apparent on black asphalt but can hardly be seen on a light-colored concrete road.

There are a number of possible causes of the film. One is sealing smut. Hot water sealing blocks the pores of the anodic coating, thus improving its weathering resistance, reducing its adsorptive properties, and sealing in any pigment. However, some sealing product forms on the outer surface of the anodic coating. This is sealing smut. It consists of very small, needle-like crystals of aluminum hydroxide. They act as a thin film that can generate iridescent colors. Anti-smut additives for sealing baths are available, which minimize the problem. The formation of smut can be favored by high pH. The bath chemistry should be controlled as recommended by the supplier of the sealing additive. Alternatively, the smut can be wiped off. Before the invention of anti-smut additives, people used to wipe down parts with lanolin in white spirit. This temporarily masks the smut as much as it removes it. Manual removal is time-consuming and can be hard work.

Anodizing under conditions that are too aggressive can lead to iridescent effects. In particular, if the bath temperature is too high, the surface region of the porous anodic coating (the part of the coating that was first formed during anodizing) can be dissolved in the acid solution to the extent that it is very much more porous. This is called a "soft" coating. In general, anodizing at over 75°F for more than 45 minutes can produce a soft coating. A simple abrasion test to detect a soft coating is described in British Standard 6161: Part 18: 1991.

Also, purple iridescence has been seen with certain types of black dyed parts if the film thickness is too low or the dye bath is inadequately controlled. The advice of the supplier of the dye should be followed.

Many aftermarket sellers advertise "Stainless Steel" Hose Clamps, but in order to be totally informed, you will need to ask this question:

Is the screw "stainless steel" also?

While performing maintenance on your vehicle, have you ever come across a hose clamp that is severely rusted and needs replacing (as pictured above)?  

The clamp may be connected to a rubber hose which appears to be in good condition. The hose clamp screws are also rusted to the point that you can't get a tool on the screw head to turn them.  You now need to cut the clamp, but you don't want to damage the hose.     OKAY . . . so you may have saved a few pennies on cheaper clamps, but you're paying for it now.  

BE INFORMED . . . .  Spend a few extra pennies and ask for 100% stainless steel clamps-with a stainless steel screw.  Only a few select manufacturers such as "Ideal Tridon" make a 100% stainless steel clamp whereas the screw is also stainless steel . 

When replacing parts on your vehicle, don't skimp, and be informed, it will save you a lot of time, and grief in the long run.

The phenomenon is known as electrochemical degradation, or ECD. It occurs because the hose, liquid coolant and the engine/ radiator fittings form a galvanic cell or “battery”. This chemical reaction causes micro-cracks in the hose tube, allowing the coolant to attack and weaken the hose reinforcement. Failure results from a pinhole leak or a burst hose. The best way to check a coolant hose for the effects of ECD is to squeeze the hose near the clamps or connectors. Check for any difference in the feel between the middle and ends of the hose. If the ends are soft and feel mushy, chances are the hose is under attack by ECD. To avoid breakdowns, the hose should be replaced immediately with an ECD-resistant hose. Also, if it’s been four years since the last time the coolant hoses were changed, they should be replaced.

This occurs on the inside walls of the hose, which often goes unsuspected by the vehicle owner.   Take a look at the photo here which is of a hose cut open, so that you can see the inner walls of the hose that has been subject to ECD.

How to determine if your aftermarket hose has been subject to ECD

IAppearance: The hose feels soft or spongy to the touch. Bulges and swelling are readily apparent.

Cause: Oil reacts chemically with the hose compounds and weakens the molecular bonds. This causes the hose to soften, swell and separate, layer by layer, leading to failure.

Solution: Replace the hose with a correct Electrochemical RESISTANT hose.

Yes, it takes us time to inspect EVERY PIECE, but the quality you receive from Highway Stars is unparalleled.

In the busy season, we are processing a higher volume of orders, but this inspection step is never eliminated.

Waiting for your package . . . it's worth the wait!

A good example of an NOS part for the 86/87 Grand Nationals is the Rear sway Bar   http://www.highwaystars.net/sway-bar-rear-sway-bar...

OEM  = Acronym for "Original Equipment Manufacturer" designates a replacement part made by the manufacturer of the original part. 

An automobile part may carry the designation OEM if it is made by the same manufacturer that made the original part used when building and selling the vehicle. 

A good example of an OEM part for the 86/87 Buick Grand Nationals are the Tridon Air Intake Clamps http://www.highwaystars.net/clamps-air-intake-comp...  

Unfortunately this term "OEM"  is often mis-used by various sellers in the E-commerce world.  It definitely becomes a frustration for buyers, because of these misleading practices.  BUYER BEWARE

AFTERMARKET = The term aftermarket is often used for non-OEM spare parts.  As a buyer, the only confidence you may have before you purchase an unfamiliar aftermarket product, is that assurance you have acquired from past experience with that product or that particular seller. It is often unknown territory.

In purchasing parts at national, discount auto parts retailers, many parts will have OEM prominently displayed.   but really should be followed by a qualifier such as "meets OEM standards" as long as they REALLY meet OEM standards.  

Such auto parts are not OEM; they are simply claiming to have been manufactured to the same specifications as the OEM parts—specifications that may well be unpublished and unknowable. 

Examples of falsely advertised OEM Buick Grand National products, can also  be found all over ebay.  In particular, one of our customers found a listing advertised as: 84-87 New Buick Regal / Grand National OEM Front & Rear Rubber Bumper Fillers"  and purchased it.   Expecting to receive OEM rubber bumper fillers, to his regret he received aftermarket bumper fillers and they were NOT RUBBER and NOT made by the Original equipment manufacturer.  

BUYER BEWARE

Authorized GM Restoration Parts Licensee = GM approved, & contracted companies such as Highway Stars.  

GM Restoration Parts Program is evidence of GM's commitment to the restoration parts market. "Through the program, restoration enthusiasts have access to quality, original equipment parts and accessories produced to specifications by approved, licensed manufacturers using original blueprints and, when available, original GM-owned tooling.

Many years ago, I was refreshing my original 1986 Buick Grand National and experienced more misrepresentation, lack of product knowledge, bad customer service, and inferior parts than I care to remind myself of.  I quickly learned to avoid certain Buick and GM G-body "vendors".  As owner and maintainer of many other classic vehicles over the years, I felt confident that I could offer the Buick Grand National Community a much better alternative for original Buick Grand National parts and products.

Based upon a passion which focused on QUALITY, CUSTOMER SERVICE and INTEGRITY, our company began as "nos4gn" in 2005.  We developed a distinguished parts supply source for Buick Grand Nationals and Turbo Regals. In 2006, our company became incorporated under the name "Highway Stars".  As companies recognized our value, product knowledge, morals, and integrity (as well as our ability to pay our bills on time :), we were quickly taken on as distributors for many major manufacturers.

In 2008, We outgrew our facility in Northbrook IL, and moved to a 12,000 square foot warehouse in Gurnee, IL.

In 2009, Highway Stars became a authorized GM Restoration Parts Licensee.

Marking the beginning of 2015, continuing to focus on our 3 top priorities: Quality, Customer Service and Integrity, we have begun to branch out and deepen our product lines so that we can offer parts for various other classic cars.

Our new website located here at: www.highwaystars.net will steadily have NEW PRODUCTS ADDED for other vehicles. 

Once you have received an order from Highway Stars, you will immediately begin to see the difference.