69 Fan Clutch Restoration

[A L.]

Does anyone know who restores/rebuilds fan clutches? I have tried but have been unable to reach Vintage Automotive Research(Fred Olivia}.
AG

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 Fan Clutch Restoration

AG------

As far as I am aware, he has "the only game in town".

[Kent K.]

Re: 69 Fan Clutch Restoration

Have you tried 954-755-1161 ? This is the number listed on his web page

http://www.gate.net/~foliva/clutch.htm

Kent #6201

[A L.]

Re: 69 Fan Clutch Restoration

Thanks Joe. I'll keep trying to get him.
AG

[A L.]

Re: 69 Fan Clutch Restoration

Thanks Kent, that's the info I have.
AG

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 Fan Clutch Restoration

AG-----

My understanding is that he's so "backed-up" with work right now that he's not really seeking more work. That may be why he's "hard to get in touch with".

Having "the only game in town" can be a "two-edged sword". From a business perspective, it's always nice to have no competition and lots of business. However, if one is overwhelmed with work, it can generate all sorts of problems. I think that Fred has a "regular job". That only leaves so much time for fan clutch restorations.

[Dave S.]

Re: 69 Fan Clutch Restoration

AG,
I just had a fan clutch done by Pampered Corvettes in Florida. They advertise in the Driveline. I compared it to one that Fred did for me and both are pristine in appearance. They claim to have internals that are equal to or better that what Fred uses. Obviously there is no way for us to know for sure. The turn around time was 2 weeks and they were a pleasure to deal with.

[Joe C.]

Re: 69 Fan Clutch Restoration

Fred has my clutch for about 11 months now. Good thing that I've got a good backup, and I'm in no hurry for it! He does have a "day job" and is severely backlogged. I must say that he's the "real deal" and, if you manage to get hold of him, he can give you the name of his "competitor". Kind of like the Henny Youngman line: "take my wife, please" , only "take your clutch to "??????", please.
??????? (I can't remember the other guy's name at the moment).

Joe

[A L.]

Re: 69 Fan Clutch Restoration

Thanks everyone, I'll keep trying Fred and to find the Pampered Corvette fellow.

[John H.]

Re: 69 Fan Clutch Restoration

Must be the same guy that advertises in "Vette Vues" - "Vinny", (352) 796-9069, www.pamperedglasscorvettes.com; sez units receive upgraded components for longer life.

[Jim R.]

Re: 69 Fan Clutch Restoration

Thaks for this thread aj, i also have left at least 12 messages for fred with no call back, i hope everything is ok with him ,i am sending mine to vinny i spoke with him recently and he is a very nice man , i was glad to see that someone responded to you about vinny and that he does good work. jim

[ed styczynski]

Re: 69 Fan Clutch Restoration

All is well with Fred, I spoke to him twice in the last month. His only complaint was his being backed up. He seems to be on the road all week and only home on weekends - at least that's the only time I have been able to get ahold of him. I didn't know that his idea of being backed up might mean 11 months, good thing I have a spare.