My wife and I took the 54 down to Granbury this weekend for our 51st anniversary getaway. When we stopped before getting home I had a clattering under the hood. I first thought it was a water pump but no, it is the harmonic balancer. This is a rare 4 groove balancer that come on air conditioned cars. Does anybody have a recommendation for a rebuilder?

Thanks

 

Everything I have found keeps saying 3 groove for A/C.

http://www.forwhatyouneed.com/Vibrat...0balancers.htm

 

Seems to me they could rebuild it either way. I am wondering to where all the belts go. My guess is crank to WP, crank to WP and gen, crank to AC by itself, and, uh, did they have power steering that year?

 

It is 4 groove for sure. There is one belt for the generator, one for the power steering and two for the AC compressor. I believe on the 371 or 394 they changed to 3 groove but kept two belts on the AC compressor. Thanks for the referral Randy. I will give them a call. I will have mine rebuilt since the 4 groove pulleys are so hard to find.

 

I used Damper Dudes in Anderson Ca. (could be Redding) They know dampers and do old stuff. I'll try to find a link..... Tedd

http://www.damperdudes.net/ As you know that is one hard to find unit. You might insure it before you ship.

 

Thanks Tedd. I was hoping I would hear from you. I will give these guys a call. Good idea on the insurance since this is a rare piece.

 

X2. I used a guy in North Carolina two times. One time was perfect and the other time he lined up the timing mark in the wrong place. After that I have heard nothing but great things about Damper Dudes and will be using them in the future.

 

I used Damper Dudes to rebuild a balancer on my 1970 LT-1 Corvette. I asked that they not disturb the original paint.

They left the paint in place.

I checked the timing slot with a degree wheel and it was spot on.

The silicone-type material they used in place of the rubber belt was applied neatly and the ring was concentric to the hub.

Its all good for Damper Dudes from my experience.

 

I also used Damper Dudes, very happy

 

Thanks guys. I spoke with Ron at Damoer Dudes and what a nice guy. He said they usually have one day turnaround. Now I just have to get it off this weekend and boxed and shipped.

 

Glad to hear this is all working out for you. And by the way, happy anniversary!

 

Thanks Frank. We had a very nice anniversary.

 

51 years is as rare as that 4 grove balancer. Happy anniversary, you are a lucky man to have had both..... Tedd

 

Thanks Tedd. For a couple kids that were 19 and 18, my wife and I have been blessed.