Average rebuild cost for Generator & Starter?
08-23-2010, 04:39 PM
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
Average rebuild cost for Generator & Starter?
I'm taking my original generator, starter, and regulator down to a local place today to have them gone through. The generator is only putting out a couple volts even when revving. The starter works just fine but being 54 years old I don't want it to leave me stranded so I want it looked at just in case. I'm also hoping they can test my regulator for me too.
The place advertises in Hemmings and the guy says he used to own a 1956. Can you guys give me some ball park numbers on what I should expect to pay? I don't want to get taken for a ride just because the parts are out of a C1 you know.
Thanks! Alex
The place advertises in Hemmings and the guy says he used to own a 1956. Can you guys give me some ball park numbers on what I should expect to pay? I don't want to get taken for a ride just because the parts are out of a C1 you know.
Thanks! Alex
08-23-2010, 04:46 PM
#2
Le Mans Master
I'd call a few places and ask what it would take to redo those pieces for a '56 Chevy. Tell them that the generator had a power steering pump on it so they don't think its a vette. Some places think you're ready to pour out the bux if you have an old Vette.
08-23-2010, 05:06 PM
#3
Team Owner
Member Since: Mar 2003
Location: Greenville, Indiana
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If the starter and generator still work, I'd think $20 apiece labor. But, I won't pay Califonia labor rates so I don't know.
Both your pieces probably just need cleaning and lubing. Maybe no parts at all. Maybe brushes for both. Maybe he'll try to sell you a starter solenoid. If the solenoid is still working okay, all you would need is a new, large copper lug bolt and clean up.
Voltage regulator probably just needs the points cleaned.
Keep all your old parts.
Both your pieces probably just need cleaning and lubing. Maybe no parts at all. Maybe brushes for both. Maybe he'll try to sell you a starter solenoid. If the solenoid is still working okay, all you would need is a new, large copper lug bolt and clean up.
Voltage regulator probably just needs the points cleaned.
Keep all your old parts.
08-23-2010, 05:10 PM
#4
Le Mans Master
I usually do my own work but last year the generator in my 60 quit. The armature was shot. The local auto electric place installed a new armature, brushes and holders and bearings for $100 out the door.
Jim
Jim
08-23-2010, 05:55 PM
#5
Team Owner
I've had two vette starters rebuilt locally here in Orlando for $68 each. The first one is on the car now and I only did the second one because I happen to 'steal' it for a few bucks at a swap meet and its correctly date-coded for my '61....and its sitting on the shelf as a ready spare. The first rebuild included some out of the ordinary work...like replacing the worn out 'fork' that throws the drive into the flywheel.
The fella that did the rebuild said he would do the generator if I ever needed it for the same price.
The fella that did the rebuild said he would do the generator if I ever needed it for the same price.
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; 08-23-2010 at 05:58 PM.
08-23-2010, 05:58 PM
#6
Safety Car
Member Since: Apr 2009
Location: Georgetown TX
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2021 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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I had my generator rebuilt for $65 at a local shop just over a year ago.
John F
John F
08-23-2010, 08:15 PM
#7
Burning Brakes
Hot ticket.
The hot ticket for the generator is a rebuild that includes roller bearings in place of the bushings. I've rebuilt two of the C1 generators using kits that cost about $20 each. Do a sreach and look for 50s - 60s Chevys, same generators.
08-23-2010, 08:24 PM
#8
Safety Car
I have a great quality shop that I have dealt with for years, quality parts and workmanship. Just had my 66 alt done-$95, my 56 generator -$105 and my 54 starter-$90. Hope this helps
Greg
Greg
08-24-2010, 09:14 PM
#10
Drifting
Thread Starter
Turned out to be $168 with parts and labor for the generator. He said it needed almost everything. Starter has a bent armature and I replacing the solenoid. No final price on that. He tested my regulator as ok but suggested I not use it and to buy a new condenser as well.
I am keeping ALL of my old parts and I'll get a new regulator from CC.
I am keeping ALL of my old parts and I'll get a new regulator from CC.
Last edited by 92GTA; 08-24-2010 at 11:06 PM.
08-24-2010, 11:50 PM
#12
Racer
If you end up taking it to a shop, please convey to them that you do not want a rebuilders stamp. I can't tell you how many generators I have seen with a stamp. Also inform them to leave your I.D. tag in place. If it were mine, I would also request they do not paint it. You can do this yourself ensuring only the case gets painted and your paint job will probably be much nicer.
08-25-2010, 08:25 AM
#14
Team Owner
Turned out to be $168 with parts and labor for the generator. He said it needed almost everything. Starter has a bent armature and I replacing the solenoid. No final price on that. He tested my regulator as ok but suggested I not use it and to buy a new condenser as well.
I am keeping ALL of my old parts and I'll get a new regulator from CC.
I am keeping ALL of my old parts and I'll get a new regulator from CC.
08-25-2010, 09:19 AM
#16
Team Owner
Email: bobj50@comcast.net
Wilton Auto Electric, LLC.
10 Stoney Brook Drive
Wilton, NH. 03086
He was charging about $85 a while back if you supplied a stock regulator case.
He is the ONLY one I know of that does this swap for generator cars and I've run mine for nigh on two years now.
Bob is 93 years old but he is one sharp fella!
Frank
Wilton Auto Electric, LLC.
10 Stoney Brook Drive
Wilton, NH. 03086
He was charging about $85 a while back if you supplied a stock regulator case.
He is the ONLY one I know of that does this swap for generator cars and I've run mine for nigh on two years now.
Bob is 93 years old but he is one sharp fella!
Frank
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; 08-25-2010 at 09:24 AM.
08-25-2010, 11:17 AM
#18
Team Owner
He'll probably want the specs for your generator. I sent Bob a copy of a page from the ST-12 appendix that had a table with the electrical characteristics for my '61. I stuck it in the same box I sent Bob that contained my regulator for conversion.
Your '57 specs are in the same place in the ST-12...
You should know that if you are doing a 'judged' car (e.g. a PV - Performance Validation) that this solid state regulator will 'come on' and start regulating more quickly than the stock version and could result in a points deduction. That's what I've been told anyway...something I couldn't care less about personally.
Your '57 specs are in the same place in the ST-12...
You should know that if you are doing a 'judged' car (e.g. a PV - Performance Validation) that this solid state regulator will 'come on' and start regulating more quickly than the stock version and could result in a points deduction. That's what I've been told anyway...something I couldn't care less about personally.
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; 08-25-2010 at 11:21 AM.
08-25-2010, 11:19 AM
#19
Drifting
Thread Starter
Thanks for the tip!
11-10-2021, 11:59 PM
#20
Drifting
For my two sons a car is an appliance just like a refrigerator- no interest in the hobby. It is what it is. Want to know the future after we're gone ? Look no further than current Model A and T prices.