Has anyone had parts rebuilt by CARS (oldbuickparts,com)?

[Guest Tishabet]

I've been looking around for someone to rebuild my Carburetor and generator, possibly starter as well. I've noticed that CARS (oldbuickparts.com or buick-parts.com)offers this service. Has anyone else used them? What was the word on turnaround time, quality etc?

Thanks!

[Mark Shaw]

Where are you located?

[Guest Tishabet]

Hello Mark,

I live in Lowell, MA.

[Dandy Dave]

We have a fellow over here in Kinderhook NY that does generators and starters. He is fast ( Often the turn around is a few days.) and the work is good and you will get the same unit back. Days Repair (518)-758-6623. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Dave!

[Guest Tishabet]

thanks for the recommendation Dave! Turnaround time is fairly important... as it says in my sig, I'm trying to get this car back on the road in time for my wedding at the end of May. I'll be sure to give Days Repair a call. Any insight on expected pricing?

Do you have anyone you'd recommend for rebuilding my Stromberg AAV-1?

Thanks!

[Bhigdog]

Cars does not do their own rebuilding. You send them your part, they send it to someone else who rebuilds it. Cars then adds a nice mark up. Find your own rebuilder and save time and money. OR, better yet, rebuild every thing yourself. With the help of a shop manual it's pretty simple, all the parts are readily available, and you will save hundreds of dollars.......Bob

[Guest Tishabet]

Bhigdog,

Thanks for the info... that puts them off the list.

I actually already rebuilt the carb with a kit from Bob's and set the needles to factory specs, but it stumbles attrociously on acceleration. My guess is that I didn't do a good job on the acceleration pump.

Is it really that easy ton rebuild the starter and generator? I have some level of mechanical aptitude (I've rebuilt entire aircooled VW engines, for instance) but generators (or in that case alternators) were always a "It's not working? replace it" type of part for those cars, so I've never delved into the internals.

I'll take a look at my shop manual tonight... saving hundreds of dollars is always good incentive <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[Oxnard Montalvo]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> but it stumbles atrociously on acceleration. </div></div>

Have you given any thought to the possibility that your problem is electrical/timing related?

What if it breaks down on the way to the Church? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[Dandy Dave]

Days prices are very reasonable. I take a lot of my customer stuff to him because he has the parts and is equipt to test the unit. I am not sure on the carb as the best place we had around here went out of business. I do my own carbs myself and have for years. Check the Distributor shaft for side to side wear first. Often the wear will change the points gap and make the motor run lousy especially under power. Also it could be a weak coil, the more air and fuel that you feed it the hotter the spark needs to be. Dave!

[Bhigdog]

Starters and generators are fairly simple and usually there is not too much to go bad. The brushs usually need to be replaced, If the brush springs are broken they are available from napa. Bearings are generic and solinoid repair kits are also available. About the only thing you might need outside help for is getting the commutator turned if it is grooved or rough, but any local motor repair shop can do that at a nominal cost.......Bob.

[Mark Shaw]

Lowell??? Have you had Shaw's ice cream from Dracut? It's the best in New England....

Yes, my cousin runs Shaw Farm Dairy.

[gfw2]

Hi you have hobbs carburater in pelham n.h.for your carb and the place i would use for the starter and generator is ace generator in medford ma. or there is a place closer to you by the tingsbough bridge called chelmsford alternator. all three should be in the phone book . There is also a buick restorationshop in lowell just out of the center off andover st. Close by where old mother hubbard used to be.I think he advertises in the buick bugle.

I hope this helps

George

[Guest Tishabet]

Mark,

I've never gone there for ice cream, although I am familiar with the location. It will be on my short list of places to visit once the car is back on the road <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> There is also a buick restorationshop in lowell just out of the center off andover st. Close by where old mother hubbard used to be.I think he advertises in the buick bugle.

I hope this helps

George </div></div>

You're kidding! I'll have to look them up... I get the "Torque Tube" publication from the 37-38 Buick club, but I don't get the Bugle as I'm not a member of the BCA. Guess I should join and find out more of this kind of stuff!

Thanks for the info!