Air compressor

[Gene M.]

Got a 67 big block that requires an air compressor be rebuilt. I want this unit rebuild not exchanged. Where do I send it to be rebuilt? thank you

[mike cobine]

Re: Air compressor

If you have a local air conditioning service guy you trust, ask him about compressor rebuilders. Specify that you want it rebuilt, not cosmetically changed, and that you want that particular one back.

Most car repair guys understand people restoring now, unlike 20 years ago, and will accomodate.

They won't restore it, but they will make it work and leave it cosmetically unchanged.

[Gene M.]

Re: Air compressor

Thanks for the resonce Mike, but I have not had past experiecne with any type of air condition work. And I don't want someone learning on my part. Is there someone who has had previous experience with someone who does just that (rebuild old GM air condition compressors) in the NCRS or restoration world.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Air compressor

Gene,

I believe Classic Auto Air is in Tampa (see below), and Old Auto Air (or similar) is in Texas. They're familiar with the restoration world too.

Patrick

Classic Auto Air Manufacturing Co
2020 W Kennedy
Tampa, FL
33606
813-251-2356 or 813-251-4334

[mike cobine]

Re: Air compressor

In that case, just stop at a few independent AC shops and ask who rebuilds compressors. Tell them what you want done and they will probaby begin to point to the same guy or shop after a few of them.

If you have a real auto parts store, and not the chain AutoZone, Pep Boys, Advanced Auto, etc, they will probably know who supplies the warehouses around.

It is more legwork, but I find that frequently local rebuilders (local meaning within 75 miles or so, depending on area) are just as good as any restoration specialty shop (probably do a lot more a month that restorations shop do a year) and are cheaper because of the larger volume, as far as functional rebuilds. It also saves shipping costs.

There is the added security that you know where this item is, and can go retrieve it if need be, unlike shipping a part 2000 miles away and never seeing it again.

As to cosmetics, rarely will they make them look like original or like new, but they usually respect your desire to keep what is original original, and won't glassbead, repaint, resticker, etc. the unit if you don't what them to AND REMEMBER to tell them.

And that goes for almost any item - compressor, alternator, PS pump, etc.

Just start with a phone book and start calling a few places.

[Richard L.]

Re: Air compressor

Gene,

Agree with Patrick's recommendation on Classic Auto Air down in Tampa...

They restored my system last fall and they are great to do business with, plus they stand behind their work...

They will repair your unit if instructed to do so...

Good Luck,

Rick

[Gene M.]

Re: Air compressor

Patrick,
Thank you, that is exactly the type of shop I was looking for.
Gene