Americas Finest Corvettes (AFC) / Michael Mermelstein WARNING

[Frank D.]

Re: Americas Finest Corvettes (AFC) / Michael Mermelstein WARNING

This was about three years ago, but as I recall:

First, Bill instructed me to remove the plate on the back of the water pump. There were two or three different types of fasteners, Bill said that the rebuilder (subcontracted by Goat Hill, usually a cheap place near him) probably just grabbed whatever was lying around when putting back together. Maybe not inferior, but shoddy. I think he also said something about the gasket material or perhaps the gasket sealant ( either it should be used or shouldn't be used, I don't remember ).

Then, he asked me to look at the impeller. It was not the c`ast iron type. Bill said that was inferior ( I'm not a water pump expert, so by this time I figured he knows pumps so I trusted him ). I had to take Bill's word that the Goat Hill rebuilder uses a crap bearing assembly and seal that would leak in a fairly short period of time.

Like I said, I'm not a pump expert. But, per Bill's suggestion, I joined NCRS and saw some nasty comments about Goat Hill and lots of praise for Mr Mock.

I'm not totally against Goat Hill, they seem to have a decent inventory of NOS and rare parts, and the stuff I ordered ( repro fuel pump with correct markings, don't remember what else ) was delivered quickly and seemed fine. Maybe some of the shops Goat Hill uses to rebuild parts are ok, but based on my limited experience, I wouldn't use them again for rebuilding anything or to purchase something like one of their rebuilt alternators or pumps.

I had a similar conversation on the phone with Bill about a 609 pump I was looking at. Turned out it was a poor quality rebuild. I bought a rebuilt one from Bill and the quality of the work was apparent...

I think some vendors start out with good intention and either start taking short cuts to bump up the bottom line or take on more work than they have the bandwidth to handle in a timely manner....its too bad.

[Gene M.]

Re: Americas Finest Corvettes (AFC) / Michael Mermelstein WARNING

Rebuilding a water pump is not rocket science. As I recall it is covered in the old GM service manuals. Web seal has the ceramic seals or one can buy a replacement pump (fairly inexpensive) and remove the parts required if you only have a core.

[Jim D.]

Re: Americas Finest Corvettes (AFC) / Michael Mermelstein WARNING

Rebuilding a water pump is not rocket science. As I recall it is covered in the old GM service manuals. Web seal has the ceramic seals or one can buy a replacement pump (fairly inexpensive) and remove the parts required if you only have a core.

I agree. They are simple to do and high quality rebuild kits that come with a cast impeller are readily available.

[Anthony F.]

Re: Americas Finest Corvettes (AFC) / Michael Mermelstein WARNING

Thanks for the info. My water pumps typically last about 25 years, so if I'm still around I will rebuild it myself