C2 8" Harmonic Balancer

[Joe S.]

While apart for rebuild, it was detected that the harmonic balancer on my 63 FI was coming apart and not spinning true (8" with fins on the inside). It was actually rubbing up against the gunk on the front of the timing cover. IT looks like there is some ring of rubber or something between the hub and the outer balancer. This is all cracking and the outer balancer is wobbling.

I "assume" this cannot be rebuild (or can it) and needs to be replaced. Any source recommendations? Paragon has a repro for $350 (ouch) before discount. Checked eBay and none currently out there. Have seen other "replacements" for $90 but don't know what they look like.

Thanks




Joe's 63 FI Convertible

[Jack U.]

Re: C2 8" Harmonic Balancer

I recently (with the last month) purchased my correct balancer on Ebay for $270 (included shipping) for my 1963 FI Coupe restoration project.

There was another one out there about a week ago. I didn't see how much it went for but was at about $190 4 days before the end of bidding.

I guess you never know when one will show up. To get an original at Paragon was going to run me between $450 - $475 plus shipping.

Jack

[Mike M.]

Re: C2 8" Harmonic Balancer

Harmonic balancers can be re-rubbered. had the one in my 32 Dodge 8 cyl done about 5 years ago. came across an outfit in calif who did it for about 100 bucks. can't remember their name but i got them out of hemmings and i seem to recall seeing this service offered in a recent hemmings.good luck, mike

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 8" Harmonic Balancer

Joe------

These balancers can be rebuilt by folks with the expertise, tools, and parts to do it right. I don't know of one that does these, particular, type of balancers but I'm sure that, as Mike mentioned, a cruise through Hemmings will reveal more than one source.

I should also note that the balancer that you require is still available from GM. Of course, it lacks the "ribs" on the rear of the balancer hub section that originals have, but it's 100% NEW, 100% FUNCTIONAL, and it's a LOT less expensive than a reproduction with the "ribs". By the way, these "ribs" are just that-----reinforcing ribs. They are NOT cooling fins. A cooling fin of the configuration and placement of these things couldn't cool anything. Not to mention that there's nothing for them to cool.

[Joe S.]

Re: C2 8" Harmonic Balancer

Thanks all for the info. I have a Hemmings book here so may take a quick shot at it. I've been trying to preserve as much of the original car as I can but of course cost/benefit analysis goes into each decision.

If I can get mine rebuilt for about $100 as opposed to buying a replacement for about $100 I would be inclined to rebuild. If I can't get it rebuilt, I would buy the replacement before spending upwards of $300-400 bucks (ouch).

Thanks again




Joe's 63 FI Convertible

[Gary B.]

Harmonic Balancer restorers; Damper Dudes

Joe,

One company that can rebuild/restore your original harmonic balancer is:

Damper Dudes
5509 Cedars Rd # 2
Redding, CA 96001-4466
(800) 413-2673
(530) 244-7225

I haven't used them, but I've heard they do a good job at a fair price. If you contact them, could you let us know what they quote you to restore your balancer? I'm considering having mine done as a precaution, since it is original and going on 38 years old.

Thanks,

Gary

[Joe S.]

Re: Harmonic Balancer restorers; Damper Dudes

This message was posted at the same time I just got off the phone with Damper Doc. Not sure if they are the same. Name and address slightly different but both in Redding.

Damper Doctor
1055 Parkview Ave.
Redding, CA 96001
(530) 246-2984 or Fax 530-246-2987
EMAIL: damperdoc@aol.com

He knew the damper and exactly what was wrong with it and what it needs. Quoted $69.95 to make it like new. I'm going to give it a shot.




Joe's 63 FI Convertible

[Gary B.]

Damper Dudes & Damper Doctor

Jon,

I believe these are different companies. It is odd that they are located so close to one abother.

Gary

[Richard E.]

Re: Harmonic Balancer restorers; Damper Dudes

Gary - I had the Dudes restore my 8" finned balance in 1997 for $80 plus shipping. It's worked great for me since. They are very obliging and will call you if there is any doubt about what needs to be done. Can't give you a guess on cost in today's dollars would be. Regards...Dick Eaton