1979 Water Pump

[Michael M.]

For a 1979 L-48 Auto w/AC, who can I get a quality correct 'new' water pump from, that will satisfy judges for originality. Everyone in my layman circles just tells me any parts store will do; but I don't want some made in China P.O.S. that I'll have to R&R a year from now. My present original is broken at the shaft and leaking out of the front, don't know what happened but it may not be rebuildable and I'm driving the car now and want it to be dependable. Any serious suggestions would be helpful.

[Edward J.]

Re: 1979 Water Pump

Mike if the casting is good, you may find a rebuilder in your area. Just google water pump rebuilders.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1979 Water Pump

Agree with Ed.
It's not an uncommon casting. You can probably find a used original with a correct date, have it rebuilt or do it yourself, and reinstall.
That's what I would do.

If your current paint "flows" with the engine color some rebuilders will do this without repainting so its not obvious that the water pump was touched.

[Michael M.]

Re: 1979 Water Pump

The casting seems to be good. But all the shops around here are crooks using cheap crap. Do you know of an NCRS recommended rebuilder of water pumps?

Michael

[Michael M.]

Re: 1979 Water Pump

Patrick,

Do you know of a 'proper' rebuilder? In the Southeast? I'd like to keep the pump as it has it's yellow paint marks on the fan mount and the studs, and everything, but I am considering a replacement to drive with.

[Owen L.]

Re: 1979 Water Pump

Patrick,

Do you know of a 'proper' rebuilder? In the Southeast? I'd like to keep the pump as it has it's yellow paint marks on the fan mount and the studs, and everything, but I am considering a replacement to drive with.

How about the opposite corner of the country? This summer I had 3 original water pumps rebuilt by these guys: http://www.autofriction.com/ at about $100 each. They're a real small shop with wife and mother holding down the office with the old guy and maybe one or two other employees in the machine shop. They cater to the agricultural and forestry businesses here but do these auto pumps as well.

I asked them to keep the same hub but change out the bearings and shaft. I didn't have any paint markings on my hubs but if I did I'd photograph them before sending off to any rebuilder. Photos of the overall pump with casting # and date wouldn't hurt to have too though they assured me I'd be getting my own pump back. They hot tank the casting and return the rebuilt pump to you without paint but a protective coating to keep it from rusting. I sprayed engine orange over two of them without any issues of paint rejection - the other pump is stored away.

[Edward J.]

Re: 1979 Water Pump

Mike, you can google Chevy Cool, a lot NCRS members use him.most rebuilders charge about 100. Plus. If you don,t have someone trust worthy near. By you will be paying shipping both ways. To rebuild a water pump does not take a lot of time, but most rebuilders cater to guys like us in the hobby.. I think you find that there are not a lot of choices for water pump bearings, it seems that China has taken over in manufacturing of automotive parts. I have been in auto repair business for 40 + years and saw what was coming.so no matter who you use it’s likely made overseas.

[Michael M.]

Re: 1979 Water Pump

Thank you Owen,

I'll keep them in mind, as I search. I appreciate the lead.

Michael

[Michael M.]

Re: 1979 Water Pump

Thank you Edward,

I've never rebuilt a water pump, but I'm pretty sure I'll need a press to properly seat the bearing on the shaft into the housing...just don't have the right tools. I'll look into Chevy Cool as well as some other recommendations and see which way to go. Thank you.

Michael

[Owen L.]

Re: 1979 Water Pump

I'll look into Chevy Cool as well as some other recommendations and see which way to go. Thank you.

Michael

I purchased a water pump from ChevyCool (Phoenix, right?) and found the experience very positive. As to shipping across the country, even though I prefer to deal locally, it's only $20 each way going via USPS large flat rate box.

[Michael M.]

Re: 1979 Water Pump

Owen,

Thanks for following up with the info.

Michael

[Dave H.]

Re: 1979 Water Pump

I got a proper date coded and rebuilt piece from Bill Mock (Bartlesville, OK). I'm sure he would rebuild yours with your directions (no repaint). Not cheap, but worth a phone call?

[Joe L.]

Re: 1979 Water Pump

Agree with Ed.
It's not an uncommon casting. You can probably find a used original with a correct date, have it rebuilt or do it yourself, and reinstall.
That's what I would do.

If your current paint "flows" with the engine color some rebuilders will do this without repainting so its not obvious that the water pump was touched.

Patrick------

Yes, it's not a really difficult to find casting (GM #330813). However, it had very limited original applications. Those applications were L1972-82 Corvette and some L1972+ MD/HD trucks.

[Michael M.]

Re: 1979 Water Pump

Thank you Joe.

Michael

[Michael M.]

Re: 1979 Water Pump

Thank you for the lead Dave.

Michael