Fan clutch restoration
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182 Posts
From Hemmings Oct 06 352-796-9069 Services Offered Section. I talked to Vinny, claims he is one of a few in the country rebuilding them. Quoted 190.00 to rebuild but I have not used him yet so I cannot recommend. Said was moving back to New England sometime in the spring
Mike
Mike
Doug;
Here's a recommendation from JohnZ for restoration.
Vintage Automotive Research
http://www.gate.net/~foliva/
Maybe John can comment
Todd
Here's a recommendation from JohnZ for restoration.
Vintage Automotive Research
http://www.gate.net/~foliva/
Maybe John can comment
Todd
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1,480 Posts
I just ordered a New Fan Clutch today from Summit $65.95 + S&H. Not original equipment, but okay for getting down the road. Charlie
I left two messages at Vintage Automotive Research and didn't get a return call. Maybe they took the week off. Any other suggestions??
Didn't try Vinney yet.......Would like some first hand experience with the restoration person........
Thanks
Doug
Didn't try Vinney yet.......Would like some first hand experience with the restoration person........
Thanks
Doug
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5,772 Posts
I would be interested in what all is involved in rebuilding one, and if it is possible that it is something someone can do themself.
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835 Posts
Just curious - how can you tell when they've gone bad?
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1,953 Posts
Keep trying Vintage.
Vintage Automotive Research
http://www.gate.net/~foliva/
Fred Oliva is the owner, and he is a very busy guy these days.
Best would be to email him. He took a "regular" job in addition to this restoration stuff.
I don't know of anyone else who rebuilds them as completly, and correctly as Fred does?
He is not so fast, but he is the best.
Vintage Automotive Research
http://www.gate.net/~foliva/
Fred Oliva is the owner, and he is a very busy guy these days.
Best would be to email him. He took a "regular" job in addition to this restoration stuff.
I don't know of anyone else who rebuilds them as completly, and correctly as Fred does?
He is not so fast, but he is the best.
Mark,
In my case at first I could tell the fan was not spinning fast enough at an idle. Then later grease from inside the clutch started flying around my engine compartment and then it locked up. Now the fan will never stop spinning even at a high RPM.
Doug
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835 Posts
Thanks Doug! Bought a correct used one a while ago and I don't know what the expected lifespan of a fan clutch is - that's why I was wondering what to watch for.
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1,480 Posts
Doug & Mark, I'm in the middle of a rebuild and had the clutch fan sitting up on the bench for a couple of days before noticing a pool of oil around the center. It was a non-original replacement unit. I ordered another replacement from Summit Racing Equipment, but noticed from the outside of the box that the actual manufacture is local to me: Flex-a-lite Consolidated Tacoma, WA 98409. You might try contacting them to see if they by chance restore original units or have any information on restoring them. Charlie 69 RS
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1,480 Posts
Doug, my Mopar mechanic told me yesterday, that Vintage Automotive is the only one he is aware of that actually restores original clutch fans. Evidently, Chrysler (his speciality) copied the GM clutch fan, although their machining is not as exact, more "one off". Charlie 69 RS
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1,953 Posts
Talked to Fred today. He is traveling on business.
He will be out for another week or so.
He is very busy, he says he can't return all the calls and emails he gets every single day.
I have known Fred personally for many years.
If anyone would like to send him their clutch, (UPS with tracking please)
I will personally guarentee that he is a stand up businessman and will put you in the line up for rebuilding
(8 months lead time however).
When he recieves your package. He will call you to tell you he has it - I promise, and Fred promises.
There is just no one else that can do the same job that Vintage does.
And he has WAY more projects then he can handle.
Fred feels bad, but he can not trust this stuff to a helper.
He does each clutch himself.
I don't know what else to tell everyone. - Sorry
He will be out for another week or so.
He is very busy, he says he can't return all the calls and emails he gets every single day.
I have known Fred personally for many years.
If anyone would like to send him their clutch, (UPS with tracking please)
I will personally guarentee that he is a stand up businessman and will put you in the line up for rebuilding
(8 months lead time however).
When he recieves your package. He will call you to tell you he has it - I promise, and Fred promises.
There is just no one else that can do the same job that Vintage does.
And he has WAY more projects then he can handle.
Fred feels bad, but he can not trust this stuff to a helper.
He does each clutch himself.
I don't know what else to tell everyone. - Sorry
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84 Posts
Just an update in case anyone is still searching.
kirkconnellcorvettes.com
Out of the Tampa area. I've heard nothing but positive things. I have yet to use them and I've only spoken with a guy named Doug. Very nice, friendly and helpful guy.
kirkconnellcorvettes.com
Out of the Tampa area. I've heard nothing but positive things. I have yet to use them and I've only spoken with a guy named Doug. Very nice, friendly and helpful guy.
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11,154 Posts
Unlless you are a number person, why don't you order one from Heartbeat City.
http://www.heartbeatcitycamaro.com/...an-clutch-302-350-396-GM-1965-1966-1967-1968/
http://www.heartbeatcitycamaro.com/...an-clutch-302-350-396-GM-1965-1966-1967-1968/
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