I'm trying to get everything together so I can simply put my car back together next month.

Prior to breaking down my 442, the starter sounded a little strange. So, as everything else will be either rebuilt or new, I figure I should do something about this.

Should I get the one I have rebuilt? Or should I buy a rebuilt one? Not sure what I'm looking at on cost for either. I'd rather keep the original one with the car, if it's possible. Or, does it really matter (are the rebuilt ones original looking?)

If I should have it rebuilt, can someone recommend to me a place in the Phoenix area that can do it?

thanks

 

Go with a quality remanufactured starter, they look the same and are cheap compared to having a starter rebuilt

 

Where do you recommend I get it from? Rock Auto?

 

If you want to maintain the originality of your 442, and if your old AC Delco starter has the part number 1108348 stamped into it, along with a date code that should be consistent with the build date of your car, I would recommend getting your old starter rebuilt. A good rebuilder will probably charge $70-$80 to do it. You might later regret trading in your old, possibly original, starter for a non-descript rebuilt unit. There isn't a whole lot of info on Olds starters out there but, if you have a Product Information Manual (PIM) (i.e., assembly manual) for your '68 442, the little chart in the upper right hand corner in manual section 6-0, page 110, specifically identifies the 1108348 starter as the correct unit for the "658" engine. The "658" engine is the 400ci block.

 

OK, thanks for the number for that. When I get back to AZ, I'll check it. I found a place called A&M Alternator Service who rebuilds starters. Said it only takes a few hours and they only charge $52.50, so that's pretty darn good.

 

Price check the starters at your local auto parts stores. They are probably competitively priced with that shop. $52 is a good buy. However, you can get a lifetime warranty starter at any national auto parts chain. Ask the shop if they offer a lifetime warranty on their work.

 

I am a rebuilder and there is a national auto parts store next to me. I get quite a few of their customers that get tired of changing their life time starter. Keep the reciept you will probably need it. The national chain next door also sells a higher quality starter,but it does not come with a lifetime warranty. I guess they need some kind of gimmick to sell poor quality. It is also called a limmited lifetime warranty. Check out the fine print. They know as well as you do that nothing lasts forever. If people keep buying the cheap imported stuff the Chineese will not only own your bank, home, and property, but also your 442. They have already bought all of our scrap including all the old starters alternators and generators. So keep your starter especially if it is an original number. Its value will only go UP. Mark Rebuilding for 35 years.

 

Good input, Thanks Mark. The remanufactured starter I bought was built in the states, so I guess I was lucky

 

Thanks Mark X2

I am fortunate enough to live not too far from a quality rebuilder who have these starters rebuilt ready to go for 50 bucks and that's all they do is sell rebuilt starters.

" You get what you pay for.......................if you're lucky."