need Orlando Alternator Rebuilder

disfin · 03-05-2007, 06:04 AM

Took out the allternator last night and am looking to have it rebuilt locally. Anyone with a recommendation of someone local, knowledgeable and trustworthy? I have a new VR coming tomorrow as mine was a problem, but I figured to have my alt rebuilt while it was out.

Also, a couple of observations about the process. I have an 87, and without Wil's tech article, I don't think I could have figured out how to remove the alt from the cone shaped thing in the back - without breaking something. So thanks, Wil. The 101 book didn't explain it for my model, so this article filled in the gaps. Also, once I had the alt and housing out, I had a very, very difficult time removing the alt from the fan housing. They were really attached. I had to use a hammer and some well placed "love taps" on the back of the alt to get it out. It looked like the aluminum housing had warped and was holding the alt. After I got it out, I noticed that the alt shaft no longer turned a full circle. Oops, I may have hit it too hard. I'll find out when I take it in.

wachuko · wachuko's Garage

I noticed my fan in the '83 touching the housing... most likely the bearing is failing... so I would like to know a place here in Orlando, FL as well.

Subscribing...

BTW - very funny signature, LOL Got to show my wife that one...

scottb · 03-05-2007, 07:09 AM

There's nothing magic about these alternators. I had mine rebuilt by a local rebuilder for about $85. Check with your local PCA chapter to see if they have suggestions. Otherwise, find a reputable local rebuilder and have them do the work.

dweymer · dweymer's Garage

The fan can hit the housing as a result of too loose or tight nuts on the fan to housing/shroud bolts. I found no-one here in Orlando that could do the job on my 74. The one guy I could recomend is the one zotz uses. He opened it up right there and told me he could not do it. So I bought a few cores and did it myself. Not new, but works.

disfin · 03-05-2007, 07:47 AM

I just spoke with Ricardo at DRD rebuilders. Sounds like a stand up guy so I'll give him a try.

Donnie, I love it:
Florida: We put the F in FCAT
Florida: Where edukaton is #1

IROC · IROC's Garage

Worst case scenario, I bought a rebuilt alternator from Advance Auto for $285 with a lifetime warranty in the event rebuilding it doesn't look too economically attractive...

BTW, I also had to coerce mine to come out with a hammer, also. :>)

wachuko · wachuko's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by disfin
I just spoke with Ricardo at DRD rebuilders. Sounds like a stand up guy so I'll give him a try.

Donnie, I love it:
Florida: We put the F in FCAT
Florida: Where edukaton is #1

Let us know how that goes. Thank you!

disfin · 03-05-2007, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by IROC
Worst case scenario, I bought a rebuilt alternator from Advance Auto for $285 with a lifetime warranty in the event rebuilding it doesn't look too economically attractive...

BTW, I also had to coerce mine to come out with a hammer, also. :>)

Well, with as much time as I've spent in Advance Auto, you'd think I would have asked if they carried these alternators... just assumed they were too much of a specialty.

Good to see I'm not the only one that uses hammers around sensitive electrical components. I swear I didn't pull out my hammer when re-wiring my speedo circuit, though!

disfin · 03-07-2007, 11:15 AM

Just came back from DRD. Its a small local shop with a one man alternator rebuilding department. He really is a stand up guy like he came across over the phone. He rebuilds alts for warehouses that stock rebuilt units for companies like carquest, but he also takes walk-ins. He's been working on them for about 16 years, so he knows what he's doing.

He told me my alt had been rebuilt recently (by the PO). Took it apart to test it, told me the bearings are new, diodes are all good, stator was good etc. Then we tested the VR which was an aftermarket unit and it was all over the place, bouncing from 11-13-15 and back down. Definitely shot. Then we tested the new VR I brought with me that I got from Pelican and it worked perfect, holding steady at 14.5V. So I'm back in business.

Oh, and he's one of those guys that says, "I didn't fix anything so you don't owe me anything". Well, he gave me a half hour of his time, so I gave him money anyway.

I would recommend doing business with him if you have the need. And don't worry about the "porsche tax" with him.

Early_S_Man · 03-07-2007, 11:42 AM

That is great news, John!

dweymer · dweymer's Garage

Contact info please!!

I have a couple cores ready for rebuild, and would rather spend the money with a good one!

disfin · 03-07-2007, 01:12 PM

Warren,
It is good news that it was my VR, which explains why I blew the cap on my speedo. I actually saw spikes in my voltage up to 17volts.
Donnie,
Here you go. Now, this is a hole in the wall type of place, not on the best side of town, so align your expectations properly. But he did have alot of knowledge, a good attitude and the right equipment. Good luck!
http://www.drdrebuilders.com/drd/id3.html

John

dweymer · dweymer's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by disfin

Donnie,
Here you go. Now, this is a hole in the wall type of place, not on the best side of town, so align your expectations properly. But he did have alot of knowledge, a good attitude and the right equipment. Good luck!
http://www.drdrebuilders.com/drd/id3.html

John

I don't care if he rebuilds them in the back of a crack house as long as he has the above "knowledge, attitude, and equipment"

Thanks.

dweymer · dweymer's Garage

BTW, that is the one I did not go to during my searches!

wachuko · wachuko's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by disfin
Just came back from DRD. Its a small local shop with a one man alternator rebuilding department. He really is a stand up guy like he came across over the phone. He rebuilds alts for warehouses that stock rebuilt units for companies like carquest, but he also takes walk-ins. He's been working on them for about 16 years, so he knows what he's doing.

He told me my alt had been rebuilt recently (by the PO). Took it apart to test it, told me the bearings are new, diodes are all good, stator was good etc. Then we tested the VR which was an aftermarket unit and it was all over the place, bouncing from 11-13-15 and back down. Definitely shot. Then we tested the new VR I brought with me that I got from Pelican and it worked perfect, holding steady at 14.5V. So I'm back in business.

Oh, and he's one of those guys that says, "I didn't fix anything so you don't owe me anything". Well, he gave me a half hour of his time, so I gave him money anyway.

I would recommend doing business with him if you have the need. And don't worry about the "porsche tax" with him.

I need to check if the problem I have with the fan blade scraping the housing is the belt too tight or loose bolts in the back of the alternator... if not I will need to get the bearing replaced.

Did he have VRs?

Thank you!! Great relief having a reference for a local guy and happy to hear your car is back on the road.

Edit - saw the reference to the website. Thanks

disfin · 03-07-2007, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dweymer
I don't care if he rebuilds them in the back of a crack house as long as he has the above "knowledge, attitude, and equipment"

Thanks.

You can buy crack while you are there too. Its a block or two south of the citrus bowl.

He gets his VR's from a local place that makes them aftermarket. Of course in my case, my aftermarket VR was made by the place he sources them from. And it failed already. Either way, I'm sure he would be willing to explain all your options to you when you go there. That's what I liked about him. And he gave me NO attitude about taking it with me standing next to him and testing it with him.

Thanks, I hope to get it in tomorrow night and have it back on the road by friday. Thinking about heading to Tampa Saturday. Heard DW is having a swap meet.

dweymer · dweymer's Garage

is that this Sat???sheet I got stuff to sell and am flying out..