86 Alternator rebuild?
Thread Starter
Slingshot
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 24
From: Charlotte NC
86 Alternator rebuild?
I have the original alternator for my 86 roadster and want to have it rebuilt. Can anyone recommend a good shop that can be trusted to do a good alternator rebuild?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,858
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria CA
They sell alternator rebuild kits to do it yourself. I bought a kit from Autozone that came with new bearings, new rectifier, and new brush assembly. I bought the voltage regulator seperately.
Look in your phone book. This CS-130 alternator is a common unit that most shops should be familiar with.
Look in your phone book. This CS-130 alternator is a common unit that most shops should be familiar with.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 15
From: Wallingford Vermont
Check your phone book. Altenator/Starter shops are everywhere. Most deal with good parts (unlike the cheap discount part stores that sell offshore junk remans). Most offer a good price - just don't mention it came off a Vette. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,858
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria CA
Thanks. But that Autozone rebuild kit has turned out pretty reliable or I would not be recommending it.
My alt has been running strong for at least 3 years now without a hitch. Not bad for a $16 kit.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,642
Likes: 5
From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas
Got to be some good shops in a "speedway" town.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 15
From: Wallingford Vermont
(unlike the cheap discount part stores that sell offshore junk remans).
I think most would rather not rebuild their own; thats why I suggested a local shop.
Last edited by DanZ51; Apr 18, 2008 at 06:39 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,858
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria CA
Indeed.
I got the kit since I was swapping the guts off my old alt to a new chrome alternator case anyway to match my polished TPI. But even outsourcing the job to a shop, it should still cost well below the price of a new unit. It's true, some of these rebuilt units from the parts stores apperently have no quality control. I got a chitty water pump twice in a row for my other car. It came with a lifetime warranty which seems more like a lifetime of replacing low quality items. I'm switching brands.
