I had an issue with a starter on my low mile 1976 Corvette yesterday! Not sure where to post this since it's not for an Oldsmobile so move it if needed! The question is, does anyone know of a good, reliable, trustworthy rebuilder of starters for cars within 100 miles or so from the Dayton, Ohio area?? I'd really like to keep the original on the Vette and don't want to switch it out! I just don't want someone to half *** rebuild it.

Thanks for any info.
OLE442

 

There's got to be several "old timers" left up in that area. Locally here, there are two left, one is a Guy in his late seventies, getting ready to hang it up, and a younger Spanish guy, who is a generalist, and does a lot of newer stuff.

 

What problem, exactly? I usually just replace brushes, solenoid, and starter drive and reinstall it.

 

Beautiful Corvette. Is it a targa-top or does it have t-tops?

As Joe mentioned, rebuilding the starter is pretty easy. I'm sure you could find parts for it since it's a SBC.

 

Ask your local farmer. Rebuilding starters and alternators is still a common practice. My local guy rebuilds delco 10si alternators for $45 out the door.

 

Yup, my cousin’s old Vette! He owned it from the early 80’s until he passed! It has not quite 50,000 actual miles!

Joe, it has already had what I’d call a hang start! Turn the key and there’s maybe a second lag in the motor turning over! Only yesterday at the gas station, it didn’t turn over but moved the motor maybe 6 or 8 inches but nothing firer!Started fine before I left the house! The battery checked out fine, even added a jump starter after we cleaned the terminals! When I get it on jackstands.I’ll check the starter connections but I suspect that not it since the early 80’s it’s been in a garage and not driven in bad weather!
Joe, I’m not an electrical guy and would prefer a seasoned rebuilder to do it! At 73, I’m Leary of things I wasn’t 30 or 40 years ago!
This issue will be a bit less important than finishing up the few items left on the 442! I’m sure I’ll be on here asking questions about brakes, tune-ups, power windows and other silly things but I do appreciate the info!

 

There is a private rebuilder in Trenton NJ. If you ship the starter Dean will rebuild yours and ship it back. Been using Dean's services for years and have always been very satisfied.

Hopefully you can find one local, if not PM me for Dean's contact info.

 

Thanks I’ve been given the name of a company that rebuilds starters and have had two people recommend them! Once I check the battery connections and the ground to the frame, I will proceed!

Thanks again!
OLE442

 

That sounds typical of a bad set of contacts in the solenoid. You can replace the solenoid by dropping the starter and removing the two small bolts that hold it to the nose casting. You don't even need to disassemble the rest of the starter (though I would). If you do elect to replace just the solenoid, once you remove the screws, rotate the solenoid about 15 degrees in either direction to disengage the tab that holds it in place. The spring will try to send it across the room, so apply pressure on the solenoid until you relax the spring. You actually used to be able to buy repair kits that were just the solenoid contact disc and a new plastic end piece, but these days just replace the solenoid.








Edit: apparently you can still buy the repair kits. They just cost the same as a whole new solenoid, at least from NAPA.

 

I've found the coils on these old solenoids get pregnant and swell causing friction or binding. It's better to replace it as a whole unit.

 

Properly trouble shoot. Dont just assume the starter is bad. Bench test it. Do not turn it in for a core charge.

Are both cables tight on the battery???
Does the battery pass a load test?

Vettes are notoriously worse than steel bodied cars as far as loosing grounds.
Follow the negative cable through the floor to where it attaches to the frame. Clean it. Ohm it out is it good?
Next, verify the ground strap from the engine block to the frame is good on the passenger engine mount. (it looks like a short battery cable...at least it does on my 68). Obviously check and clean the connections on the starter too.

Both the neg and positive cables are accurately reproduced. The pos cable is a ROYAL PITA to replace and should be done on a lift.
Starters are not hard to rebuild if you are mechanically inclined, have patience, pay attention to the details and use USA replacement parts.

Get the 1976 AIM, Service and Fisher body manuals. They will help with every aspect of trouble shooting and servicing your 76.

I know this vendor is not around the corner from Dayton but they are one of the best in the business.
Ask for Rick. He usually is the one answering the phone. Tell him Steve sent you.
https://www.prorebuilders.com/

Get on line with NCRS.org I recommend joining. As much information on Vettes as this site has with Olds.