Blower motor rehab....

[Jim S.]

Hello Ladies and Gents,,

As my restoration continues "Summer in Arizona dictates restoration only on things that can be done inside" , I felt an R&R on the blower motor couldn't hurt. After finding nothing in the archives, I appeal to you directly !

Are there any step by step articles for the rehab of a 66 Blower motor? if so where? If not, whom should I sent it to ?

With A/C if that matters any .

Thanks ,

JIm Schwering

[Jim S.]

Re: Blower motor rehab....

I just looked up the motors on Corvette Central and noticed they are only $39.99. Perhaps they are not worth rebuilding.

Anybody here bought one of these after market ones? How do they look compared to original ones ?

Jim

[Larry M.]

Re: Blower motor rehab....

Jim:

I don't know anyone who has had a blower motor rebuilt. Most just buy new ones.

That being said, I think there are a few folks who advertise in Hemmings that MAY rebuild them. I gave my current Hemmings to a friend, so I won't have another until late September. If you don't have anything before then, let me know and I will search for you.

Larry

[Jack H.]

Re: Blower motor rehab....

I've rebuilt them because some versions are hard to find (e.g. the one year only '63 std or A/C). Others want to preserve the factory original part number & date codes embossed on the blower assy mounting plate. The job is a PITA!

You have to get the squirrel cage off (sometimes a challenge) WITHOUT pounding on the motor shaft (you'll kill the bearings). Once removed, you'll see the bolts that hold the motor to the blower assy's mounting flange. From there, it's a matter of disassembly and repair.

The things that typically go 'south' are carbon brushes wearing out and carbon dust + atmospheric 'trash' gumming up the shaft bearing. You USED to be able to walk into your local hardware store and purchase replacement brushes but that's pretty much a thing of the past!

[Chuck S.]

Re: Blower motor rehab....

Is there a trick to getting the squirrel cage off without pounding the motor shaft?? I just did a 1957 passenger car deluxe heater motor and had to trash the cage to remove it from the motor shaft. There was a capnut retaining the cage and the lip tore away when I was trying to remove it (capnut) from the motor shaft

[Jim S.]

Re: Blower motor rehab....

Larry,

Thanks ,I just may call on you .

Jack,

Are you sure there are bolts behihd that squirrel cage. I just took apart an extra , older ( 8-65) spare I had loose, and the squirrel cage came off pretty easily. The motor however was welded all the way around the entire mounting flange. I will have to see if the 66 is the same once I take it off the whole box assembly. Lets hope the cage comes off as easily. But, if it is welded as well I am S O L.

If not , you said it wasn't easy to get brushes anymore, but is it just tougher or damn near impossible?

Jim

[Loren L.]

Re: Blower motor rehab....

Jim, call Genstar on about 63rd Avenue & Glendale - I'd be surprised if they can't do it; they just did 3 starters and 4 headlight motors for me.

[Jim S.]

Re: Blower motor rehab....

Hi Loren,

Thanks , I will do that .

"3 Statrers and 4 headlight motors " ?......... Starting your own Parts Store ?

Jim

[Jack H.]

Re: Blower motor rehab....

Yes, once you get the retaining clip off, the squirrel cage should lift up/off the motor shaft with little resistance. But, that's almost NEVER the case as age/rust results in oxidation growth that can DEFY attempt(s) to pull the squirrel cage.

Usually, repeated application of a good 'rust buster' penetrating oil will eventually free the fan from the shaft.

On where retaining screws are located, the basic fan assy changed over the years, so much depends on specfically WHICH version of the fan we're talking about. Some come apart from the motor's rear bearing end. Just use your eyeballs and common sense.

Plus, understand that once the motor case is apart, you're going to have to either cut wires or de-solder to fully separate the motor case and free the armature. That's another reason for why few bother to rebuild these critters vs. buy a replacement...