SonOfGaladriel

Local mechanic wants $565 to replace the starter on my '69, small block, automatic. I'm going to do it myself, but I could use some advice on which starter to get.
I've done some reading about the newer mini starters but not sure I'm willing to take the risk on something not fitting or having to extra work to make it fit. I've seen prices from $40 to $300 on starters. My car is an evening and weekend cruiser, not hot rodded or driven hard. Thinking I'll just get a remanufactured Duralast starter at Auto Zone for $65 that matches the car's specs.
Also, is there a significant difference between the cast iron tip and the silver tip? I see some starters are only for manual transmissions. If the description doesn't mention 'manual' transmission, I assume that means it will work for an automatic?
Please forgive all the questions. I'm new to this but wanting to learn.
Any tips or suggestions to make the replacement go easy for me would be very much appreciated!
Thanks.
Sean

carriljc

Autozone starter is fine. Just go with a stock starter for now....I say that from reading your post. Later on, when you get more proficient, then you can start doing mods with mini-starters and whatnot.
ENSURE that you disconnect the negative battery terminal before starting work.
You're going to need to lift the car, ramps or whatnot, make sure you put it in a safe condition prior to getting underneath.
Take a picture of the leads at the starter before disconnecting them.

LINY Kevin

Autozone is fine. But for a little more $ you could get a mini starter. Lighter and will probably be easier to install. I think I paid $120 from jegs.

Dynra Rockets

I bought a $50 "ministarter" and the separately required 10mm shank bolts and it went right in. SDR0031-L. This is the unit GM has been using as OEM since the 90's. No issues with fitment or installation.

ntfday

Or for the price of a new set of brushes, a bit of emery cloth to clean the commutator, and a new bendix you could rebuild your own. And also replace the solenoid. If you just are going to replace the starter and solenoid and not in a big hurry check Rock Auto

SonOfGaladriel

Thank you! The car is up on ramps with jack stands in place as a back up and blocks behind the rear tires. As safe as I can make it. I'll be removing the old starter this evening after work.

pigfarmer

A chain store starter is probably fine but I found an indie shop and the guy was great. Helped me with a couple of small issues, was totally cool in a way you aren't going to get at a commercial chain. The area DPW garages use him for starters & alternators. Maybe you have one locally

SonOfGaladriel

Is this the right one?

SonOfGaladriel

Thanks for the tip, but rebuild is more than I have time to tackle right now. I'm hoping for a simple swap, old for new.

Dynra Rockets

That is the part number I used. I bought on ebay.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...031-L&_sacat=0

I see the amazon unit comes with the bolts so price is about the same as the bolts purchased separately are about $8.

Notice the unit pictured has the staggered mounting holes. You need to verify that your block has strait or staggered and buy appropriately. Your engine should also have the 168 tooth flywheel if OEM but verify before purchase

SonOfGaladriel

Thanks! I'll check all that tonight when I remove the old one.

Tampa Jerry

I would check if there is a local rebuilder in your area. I have had my starters and alts rebuilt locally. The shop I use replaces the bearings, brushes and solenoids and bead blasts the case for less than $100. The alts are the same price with new electronics as well. Turn around time is same day or next. The stuff from the discount stores may have been refurbished many many times. Most don't replace bearings etc. Jerry

Hopper12

Hey SonofGaladriel: beautiful car!!!

Some good advice here. I would add one thought......... When you pull the old starter, there is a chance that it might be the original. If it is, I would suggest that you keep it and just pay the core charge. If it's the original, you might want to rebuild it when you have time. Check the solenoid too.........

Have fun! Paul

SonOfGaladriel

No luck finding a rebuilder. All of the shops I called said buying an already refurbed one is so cheap that they quit rebuilding them.

Earthquake Driver

rockauto

71 Green 454

I just purchased a rebuilt starter at NAPA and kept the original one that came with my car.

HeadsU.P.

If you go through Summit, there is no core charge and free shpg. I just swapped mine out this summer. Went with a Power Master, for about $120. Gobs of torque and came with the high heat ceramic, solenoid terminal cap. Those can handle more exhaust heat than the cheap black units.

Tag your wires with masking tape and a Sharpie for location purposes later.

You may not have enough "hand" room to disconnect the wire harness before dropping the starter. So, have all your sockets, nut drivers ready to unhook the wires while still holding on to a unbolted starter.

I agree with others that if its a old GM Delco to hang on to it for future rebuild someday.

SonOfGaladriel

Thank you for the tips!

SonOfGaladriel

Just to confirm before I order, is there any difference between the cast iron or silver colored starters?

Eric P

yep