Jim Shea

After seeing the poll regarding power steering fluid leaks, I am curious as to how frequently the C3 alternators have been rebuilt and/or replaced compared to the power steering system.

mrvette

Generally speaking if you get your original rebuilt by a good local rebuild shop with proper parts upgrades, it comes back looking brand freaking NEW, and will last for years longer than we will......

I have an upgrage higher current model because of cooling fan and DPFI, so the drainage is more only noticed at idle at night with a/c on full blast....

GENE

Eddie 70

I rebuilt the one that was on my car and had the frame powder coated black. Turned out pretty nicely.

76Stinger

Mine didn't NEED to be rebuilt but it was pretty scruffy looking and as I had the engine & alternator harness replaced - I figured why not. For $35 at a local shop, my alternator came back looking BETTER than most rebuilds you see. Haven't had a lick of trouble with it. ( WOOD :smash: )

STW :seeya
Robert
76Stinger

norvalwilhelm

I went with a new larger truck alternator. It puts out 140 amps. I needed more the the stock unit because I run twin electric fans, twin fuel pumps, a 10 inch fan for the 700R, a large stero plus the regular lighting.The stock unit could not keep up.
I also moved the alternator to the passengers side. It is a one wire deal with a large cable going to the starter.

ROD NOCK

The previous owner replaced it, and busted it down from 61A to 32A. (whata bubba) So needless to say I'm going to upgrade it soon! :smash:

Fevre

Went to a 100 amp when I switched to dual elec fans. Prolly have to go 140 like Norval when I go to FI.

timbo79

Went with a 140 for TPI

Jim Shea

Mine had the original alternator until about a month ago. Then it had to be rebuilt.

SnoDrgn

Original as far as I know but the only reason it was replaced was I wanted to go chrome :cool:

burners

I replaced mine because the bearing died. Otherwise it was working fine. I'm not sure if it was the original.

Wrencher

I overhauled mine myself (to keep the original case) a few months ago. All the bearings, the brush pack and regulator are readily available and no special tools are required. As long as the armature is OK, it's cake and even a used armature (no numbers to worry about) would be no problem...

Hans

yellow 72

The original 60,000+ mile unit on my car needed brushes and a little armature touch up but still works fine in it's new chrome case....

Mike :cheers:

LiveandLetDrive

I replaced mine (stock amperage) when the original bit the dust during my cross country roadtrip (fortunately I was already at my halfway-point destination) Works fine.

-Chris

djcwardog

On my previous '73 Vette, I took my alternator to a guy who rebuilt and upgraded on his bench while I watched. It was interesting to see the work being done. So far so good with my current car...

Gary79

I had mine rebuilt locally about 7 yrs ago by a fellow who rebuilds starters and alternators for a local trucking company along with other outside work. he's also a car nut like myself and restored a vette yrs ago. he restored my alternator to original condition, no problems since, $60. guaranteed forever. He's rebuilt several for me for other vehicles since then, i 'll never go anywhere else. I once pulled an alternator off my 87 suburban a little after 5 pm on a friday evening, hitched a ride to his house with a neighbor, dropped the alternator, hitched a ride back over to his house a little after 6 pm. he finished up, I rode back home, installed the alternator, test drive around the block, and was eating steak and a baked potatoe at home at 6:45 pm.

Jvette73

When I bought my car it had a Motorola 60 amp unit on it which I assume is not original. It was still working when I replaced it with a 100amp crome unit from summit. The Motorola is on the shelf as a backup.

theandies

I have done both to GM alternators. I replaced mine on my C3 because 2 of the 3 front bearing retainer screw holes were shot. One day it started ticking and when I took it apart one screw was missing, one bent over and the retainer was held in by only one screw. I went down to the parts store and got a new one.

MN-Brent

I did the classis goof with the alternator.

One a ride one day last fall, the voltage meter dropped to 12v so I figured the alternator died. I went to a local auto store to get a rebuild kit and rebuilt the alternator myself. Ive been an ET (electronic tech) since 87 so Im positive I did everything right. Reinstalled and still no 14V. So I think there is something going on with the stator or the windings and I go to get a replacement alternator.

Get home install it and still no 14V. Now im going WTF. I do a little readup on the alternator and find there is a field excitation voltage required to power the alternator and this runs through the dash to the idiot light.

I rerun the wire from this point through a firewall grommet back to the alternator and presto- 14V like magic is back. Turns out my alternator was probably OK but I couldnt get it back from the local parts store as they had already sent it off with the other cores to alternator heaven.

Brent....

OkeeGuy

i had mine rebuilt by a "reputable" builder and it took a crap a couple of months later...
bought a NEW one (not a rebuild) from Auto Zone and its been great ever since...