Harmonic Balancers

[Chuck R.]

I have a harmonic balancer off of a 427 that came apart due to a fire damage.

My question is if there are any outfits out there that actually rebuild harmonic balancers, or should I just use the two halves to help keep my Christmas ornaments from being blown over in the wind?

Thanks,

Chuck

[Joe L.]

Re: Harmonic Balancers

Chuck-----

Forget the balancer; it's not worth repairing even if there is someone with the capability. Most 427 balancers are still available under the original part numbers and the current versions are virtually indiscernable from the originals.

[Chuck R.]

Re: That's What I Figured

I thought it would be a stretch but just couldn't help asking the question anyway.

Thanks for your input Joe,

Chuck

[Dave Suesz]

Rebuild- No Problem...

I have sent a number of balancers with age-rotted rubber to Glazier's Mustang Barn for rebuild, with 100% sucess rate. Typical cost $100-125. Then you have the original balancer on your engine, preserving balance and originality.


Glazier's Mustang Barn

[Richard E.]

Re: Rebuild- No Problem...

Or....Damper Dudes out of California does this service. They did my finned balancer 6 years ago and it has held up well for me. They advertise in Hemmings;1-800-413-2673. Regards...Dick

[Jack H.]

Plus...

Paragon offers the service as well. But, I tend to agree with Joe Lucia, unless this is a very rare/hard to come by part and you're SERIOUS about restoration/preservation, I think I'd pop for a fresh new balancer with factory warranty.

[Craig S.]

Re: Plus...

Plus the GM uints can be had for $92-$110 on gmpartsdirect.com depending on which one you choose. Given the importance of the balancer on cranshaft longevity, why bother to rebuild for that price!...Craig

[Dave Suesz]

Beware...

I was shopping for C1 Delco shocks last year, and the best price by far was from gmpartsdirect.com. However, when I compared the price from the Chevy dealer to the website price the shipping price was an outrageous! I ran some other part numbers, and apparently the website feels they can price their parts below wholesale, then jack the price to above retail by charging huge shipping and handling. I have worked on the shipping end of auto parts, and I can tell you they are charging 5-10 times the actual UPS rate. I bought them over the counter and saved a bundle! (In fact, the price was better that the same shocks from well known national Corvette catalogs).

[Chuck R.]

Re: Thanks Folks

Appreciate the feed back.

I guess for now it will remain as is.

BUT... I'll hold onto it anyway just for grins and giggles.

Kind of like the New York Lotto's slogan, "Hey, You Never Know"

Thanks again,

Chuck

[Terry Van Slooten]

Re: Rebuild- No Problem...

I had my 8" finned balancer re-built at the Damper Doctor in Calf. Did nice, neat and fast turn around. Compair them with the Damper Dudes before you make up mind, as they were parters. Good luck.

[Craig S.]

Re: Beware...

Dave - in this case, the damper shipping was about $15, on top of $92...still better than local with green trade discount...but it does pay to check each item. I have found that high ticket items usually are better through gmpartsdirect.com than local by a long shot, even with shipping. Get the order up around $200+ and you will save a fair bit. Buying $10 parts is terrible through gmpartsdirect.com. By the way, they are up front on this cost if you look at the Q&A on the website, they say they use this shipping to pay for the online systems, processing, and staff for the online orders, and it is not just shipping. Granted, it gives you an initial rush though! Generally, I have found I can beat or match my local price, and I have a buddy for years at the local Olds parts counter, who I still use a bunch, unless the cost difference is too great. Also, Scoggin Dickey has higher prices than gmpartsdirect.com but the shipping not addititive on each item, and very reasonable, usually only $15 for a whole LARGE order. I am building up a BB 66 and need valve springs, dampers, oil pumps, etc etc, and I found Scoggin-Dickey about $12 better than gmpartsdirect.com on a $500 order, and this was probably about $50 better than I could do through my parts buddy with a 25% discount. Now, maybe your dealer does better than 25% off list...Craig

[Dave Suesz]

I would say so...

The 4 Delco shocks cost me $75, which is about $10 more than gmpartsdirect, but as I recall, gmpd was going to charge me over $10 each for shipping.