Keep old starter?
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Keep old starter?
Should I keep my old starter which looks original to the car? I want to keep the car as original as possible and will keep all parts that I replace if need be. I would rather give it to Auto Zone to keep the garage as neat as possible. Not to mention get $15 bucks back. 
77 L48.
Thanks!
77 L48.
Thanks!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 205
From: Lewes Delaware
To keep up the value of the car and to keep it " original", yes, hold on to the starter. But to make that decision the starter must be correct for your car. Search the forum - there is a web site that list starter numbers for each car.
I thought my starter was oriigan to my 73 - wrong. It came off an 80 Buick.
I thought my starter was oriigan to my 73 - wrong. It came off an 80 Buick.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,112
From: Crossville TN
{ 
}The original starter can be rebuilt for just a few dollars and a little time. All it needs is a new set of brushes, a new [or rebuilt] starter solenoid, and some clean-up/repaint. If necessary, the bearings/bushings can be replaced, but if it isn't excessively noisy or show any high wear in the bushings, you should be good to go. There is nothing a rebuilt starter will provide for you except a lighter wallet.
Let me put it to you this way: It is easier to rebuild the starter than to remove it from the car...
Last edited by 7T1vette; Jun 30, 2012 at 06:58 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 10,628
Likes: 132
From: Duvall, WA
If you go to the 12:00 mark at the below link, they show you how easy it is to rebuild a starter. I'd keep it even if you decide not to use it in your car.
http://www.spike.com/full-episodes/l...eason-4-ep-099
http://www.spike.com/full-episodes/l...eason-4-ep-099
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,228
Likes: 895
From: Myrtle Beach SC
Here are the numbers to determine if its a 77 starter and whether to keep it...
1109052 automatic
1108775 early production 4 speed
1109059 late production 4 speed
1108796 automatic
Part number should be followed by a digit for the year "6" or "7", letter for month and digits for day. or
1108775 6 A 23
1109052 automatic
1108775 early production 4 speed
1109059 late production 4 speed
1108796 automatic
Part number should be followed by a digit for the year "6" or "7", letter for month and digits for day. or
1108775 6 A 23
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 893
Likes: 7
From: Orange Park Florida
Not to be disagreeable, but if you replace all the internals within the starter, is it still "original"? I am not sure of all originality rules, such as replaced carpets, door seals, radiators, radiator hoses, brakelines, rotors, bearings, bushings, etc, but it would seem at some point, unless you have a $100,000 concours correct car, don't worry.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 278
From: Olmsted Falls, Ohio
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Joined: Aug 2006
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From: mount holly NC
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If your going to rebuild the starter yourself then take the cap off the solenoid and turn #1 180 degrees and clean up #2.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Selma Alabama
PLEASE SEND ME THE OLD STARTER, If the "needed shims" there is a defferece in the starter housing. The 77 has the lowest setting so the distance to the flywheel is correct. Most rebilders forget there is a defference. Then they sell you a starter that "FITS" mast small block chevys. But They grind and eat flywheels. And we wonder why... Old chevy flywheels are smaller than new ones, but the starter is " inter changeable". And Thats a lie.
If the old starter didnt make the ginding noise it is CORRECT. at min change the nose section out to the new one or welcome to 70's chevy starter hell
If the old starter didnt make the ginding noise it is CORRECT. at min change the nose section out to the new one or welcome to 70's chevy starter hell
Last edited by Michael MacPherson; Jul 1, 2012 at 12:17 PM.