'66 AC Compressor Restoration by Domenic Tallarita

[Mike B.]

Good Evening Guys,

Through the years I've farmed out to various vendors and technicians while working on my '65 and '66 Corvettes. I'm usually less than satisfied with the quality of the work vs. the money I've expended. It's rare when I find someone out there that's even more detail oriented than I am. Well, here's one of those guys.

Dom just recently finished his state-of-the-art restoration of a beautiful October '65 built compressor he had in stock to complete my 1966 Corvette's AC system. He contacted me when he finally had 2 compressors that fell in line with my long awaited casting date "wish list".

He gave me the choice between J-5-5 (October 5th, '65) or K-9-5 (November 9th, '65). I chose J-5-5 since I knew of a few cars close to my VIN build date that had early October dates. The original Frigidaire label showed a build date of October 22nd, '65. Dom meticulously replicated this date on the correct replacement label. I don't know of anyone out there who provides this extra touch.

Here's some shots of how much workmanship that he puts into his trade. Check out the exploded shots of the other compressor (K-9-5) he had disassembled as he worked on mine.

Thank you Dom for a job well done! Mike

[Gary R.]

Re: '66 AC Compressor Restoration by Domenic Tallarita

Very nice work Dom did there.

[Leif A.]

Re: '66 AC Compressor Restoration by Domenic Tallarita

Dom is certainly one of the few remaining craftsmen out there that truly cares about the quality and correctness of his restorations. He is currently helping me locate a compressor for my June '67 built car. Terrific work...and congratulations on finding your compressor.

[Mike B.]

Re: '66 AC Compressor Restoration by Domenic Tallarita

Thanks Leif,

That October '65 casting date eluded me for years. I have a September '65 compressor that I was going to have him restore, but it just wasn't up to my standards. Luckily, Dom found the October date I'd always wanted.

If anyone can find your June '67 compressor, it's Dom. Good luck with the hunt Leif. That's always have the fun anyway!

Mike

[Michael J.]

Re: '66 AC Compressor Restoration by Domenic Tallarita

Dom restored and rebuilt my original '66 compressor, it judged perfectly, an excellent job and it works like new too!

[William G.]

Re: '66 AC Compressor Restoration by Domenic Tallarita

Dom's the best. He did my 65 compressor. He is reliable and qualified.

[Ray K.]

Re: '66 AC Compressor Restoration by Domenic Tallarita

I couldn't agree any more. Dom just completed my very late '65s less than 6 weeks ago . . . .
He's very knowledgable, dependable and very trustworthy . . .

[Bob I.]

[Neal K.]

Re: '66 AC Compressor Restoration by Domenic Tallarita

Dom recently completed the restoration of my August 1966 built compressor for my September 1966 built 1967. In advance of my sending him my compressor he explained to me every detail of what goes into one of his meticulous restorations. During the process he called me with updates of what he encountered, the condition of every part, and what stage of the restoration he was at. He then followed up with photos. Who in today’s world doesn’t collect any money in advance of completing his work and sending your compressor back to you with prepaid shipping. Dom does. Who is so confident in the quality of his work that he gives a lifetime warranty. Dom does.
I highly recommend Dom to anyone seeking a high quality restoration of their A6 compressor at a very reasonable price.
Neal

[Mike B.]

Re: '66 AC Compressor Restoration by Domenic Tallarita

I had the same experience with Dom as Neal did. It was a gentleman's agreement. No money exchanged until the job was done. Same with the core that I sent to him. I had total faith and confidence in Dom. I asked for no receipt or contract. He was the guy who would do my compressor.....period.

Looks are deceiving. I sent Dom my best A6 core exchange for the October '65 compressor that he had. The compressor I shipped to him was a real nice looking C-11-5 casting dated, smooth case, slotted 440# vent with the hard to find 6 hole hub. Dom called me soon after he received this compressor with some disheartening news. The interior of the compressor had some of the worst rust he'd ever seen. He sent me photos that clearly showed the interior of my compressor. Devastating news.

Well, Dom couldn't have been more fair over the situation. He salvaged more than half of the compressor parts and we negotiated the rest. I can't be more happy with the quality of the finished product he sent me. Once I inspected his work he told me to send him the check. That's how Dom does business. The old fashioned way.

Here's the March '65 core I sent out to him. I had no clue there would be so much rust in this thing. It turned freely. Mike

[Robert W.]

Re: '66 AC Compressor Restoration by Domenic Tallarita

K-9-5 is now sitting on my workbench in the garage! Thanks for sharing these pics. Unfortunately, I now have to try to make my 1966 convertible look as good as the new compressor! It's going on a freshly rebuilt L79 so at least that's a good start.

[Mike B.]

Re: '66 AC Compressor Restoration by Domenic Tallarita

Hi Robert,

Thanks for chiming in. I was wondering who was going to wind up with that K-9-5 compressor! Pretty sure Dom's son took those disassembled shots of your compressor. Dom was already reassembling mine when those shots were taken. Wish I had the same photos of my J-5-5 compressor.

Take care,
Mike

[Mike B.]

Re: '66 AC Compressor Restoration by Domenic Tallarita

Robert,

Here's some things I found interesting about our two compressors. First off, until speaking to Dom, I never knew there was another casting date on A6 compressors. It's on the front plate under the clutch hub and not visible when assembled.

My compressor front plate casting date is: I-27-5 (September 27th, 1965)
My compressor back plate casting date is: J-5-5 (October 5th, 1965)

Your compressor front plate casting date is: K-1-5 (November 1st, 1965)
Your compressor back plate casting date is: K-9-5 (November 9th, 1965)

That's exactly a 9 day spread between the front and back plates for both compressors. Mike