Rebuilding BJ8 Generator - Star Auto Electric??

[BrandonBJ8]

Hey everyone. I think the generator in my 67 BJ8 needs to be rebuilt. I found a place in California, Star Auto Electric (www.starautoelectric.com) that will rebuild it for $165. They said they replace the bushings, brushes, coils, and armature. I called an MG Shop here in Phoenix and spoke with a guy. He said he can do it for $70 an hour and it will take a couple of hours. He said that he does not replace the armature and that the place in California is lying if they are saying they can do it for $165. Is he correct or does that sound about right? Any suggestions?

Thanks!
-Brandon

 

[Keoke]

HI Brandon, I think maybe them CA folks jest might be stretching the truth a bit.However, I would prefer using a local source in case problems were encountered.---Fwiw--Keoke-?

 

[BrandonBJ8]

Re: Rebuilding BJ8 Generator - Star Auto Electric?

Thanks for the reply Keoke. I've actually found a place here in Phoenix, www.phoenixgenerator.com that will rebuild it for $93. You can buy one from them and turn in your core or they can rebuild yours. I think I'll give them a shot. Anyone have any experience with them?

Thanks!
-Brandon

 

[Keoke]

Re: Rebuilding BJ8 Generator - Star Auto Electric?

NO Experience with them Brandon.But it just might be best to have yours rebuilt as you know what you have but don't know what you get if exchanged.-Fwiw---Keoke /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yesnod.gif

 

[Editor_Reid]

Re: Rebuilding BJ8 Generator - Star Auto Electric?

[ QUOTE ]
...it just might be best to have yours rebuilt as you know what you have but don't know what you get if exchanged.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'll second that. In any "exchange" you are providing the shop the opportunity to keep your nicer item and return to you a less-nice item, or even an incorrect-but-it-will-fit item (even if rebuilt/refurbished). Been there, done that.

 

[anthony7777]

Re: Rebuilding BJ8 Generator - Star Auto Electric?

reid, your so correct!take shocks for example.i always try to monitor the stuff i send out,at least you know were you want/need to go with what allready exist,rather then chase down unspacific unfamiliar problems,did i say that right?anthony7777 bj7 3000 M.K.II /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yesnod.gif

 

[Keoke]

Re: Rebuilding BJ8 Generator - Star Auto Electric?

"Did I say that right"-No---Keoke- /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[BrandonBJ8]

Re: Rebuilding BJ8 Generator - Star Auto Electric?

What about that Phoenix Generator place? They can either rebuild mine or I can do a core swap. It's either that or the MG Shop where he will rebuild my old generator.

Thanks,
-Brandon

 

[Keoke]

Re: Rebuilding BJ8 Generator - Star Auto Electric?

Hi Brandon, have the Phoenix or the MG shop rebuild your unit. Do not swap it for one of theirs.---Keoke- /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nonod.gif

Just a thought; The MG place may be more familiar with the Lucas hardware, But generators are not that complicated.

 

[vettedog72]

Usually the armature is not replaced when the generator is rebuilt. Instead, the copper part of the armature, the commentator, is cut down with a lathe just enough to insure it is round and not pitted and each of the spaces between the copper segments is cut down so the brushes ride smoothly on the commentator. Since the armature is such an important part of the generator, I would not allow it to be replaced (unless it is defective). I wonder if the shop ment to say the armature would be rebuilt or repaired rather than replaced or the "replace" was being used as "remove, repair and replace". Frankly, 2 hours of time seems excessive unless they plan to powder coat the case /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif