Best place to buy AC comp?

[quikv6]

Guys,
Im looking for the best place to buy a new or reman. AC compressor for 87 GN. I was wondering if anyone had any experiences with the local chain stores?(Autozone, NAPA, pepboys, strauss..etc)
Thanks in advance
Chris

 

[Red Regal T]

I've heard bad things about re-manufactured units. Even with a warranty, what good is that if you have to do the whole job over again? Best way to go is find the cheapest place to buy a new Delco unit...........around $300.

Of course, I get mine at the junkyard. $25

 

[Little6pack]

The dealership.. But it will be PRICEY! I had one quote at $500-

Going with the re manufactured ones will require you to also change another part for them to honor the warranty. I think that part would be the Accumulator?

 

[Red Regal T]

Find a Delco-Remy dealer in your area for the approximate $300 price...........or dare I say, call around to some junkyards. Pay no more than $50. AC compressor for 88 thru 91 Camaro/Firbird 2.8 V6 with serpentine belt. It's always wise to install a new dryer ($32) with a new or replacement compressor. Also a new orifice tube ($2).

 

[Bescurred]

I got one from advance, all you gotta do is add some pag oil and its ready to rock. Mine blows pretty cold. .02 Cents

 

[Woody]

I bought a new compressor for my 87 GN off ebay for 157.00 shipped........A company in central Texas (south of Ft Worth/ Dallas)......included were all o rings and orfice tube.

Woody

 

[quikv6]

Thanks

thanks for the replies, guys. I may be making a silly decision.....but I think Im gonna tough out the rest of the summer heat w/o a new compressor. The dealership ones seem real pricey...and the remans arent that much cheaper. Theres only a little more than a month to go month. Guess ill leave the windows down. Thats ok....dont mind listening to that whistle anyway.

 

[tim87tr]

I just ordered new GM AC lines from this guy for about $70 shipped. The seller told me he sponsered Bristol in 99. Anyway a board member told me he just bought a compressor from him for $241. Website is http://www.vandevere.com/ This guy told me he beats GM by 30 to 40 percent. I'm sure someone else can verify there transactions as the seller related that he sold a lot of parts to Buick guys. I just ordered, so can't confirm a total transacton.

 

[1of1547]

Is there any way to tell if a used compressor is still good?

 

[Red Regal T]

Basically, all you can do is make sure the clutch spins. If they're junk, they're usually locked up. Also put your finger over the ports in the back. One will suck and the other will blow as you turn the clutch.

 

[1of1547]

Thanks, John

 

[Silver 6]

"dal slabaugh" <lockitup@bright.net>

Dal is our parts contact for Vandevere. He used to work at another dealer and had a conflict. So he found Vandevere who wanted a whole load of internet orders. He works from home, takes the orders, does the customer contact and order entry, and all the dealer has to do is ship the parts. Everybody wins.

Dal starts early and quits about mid afternoon to get orders for the day into the system.

He knows GM cars and can cross reference parts to suit what we need. I get Cop car Caprice and Impala SS parts to fit my LeSabre S/C. He is a GM parts pro.

He is honest, fair and very knowledgable.
Prices work out to about 10% over dealer cost.
Shipping at actual cost.
Billing when part ship.

Many of the Chevy, Pontiac, Olds and other Buick site guys have been using him for years.

The gnttype site has a GM part vendor list which includes Dal.

http://www.gnttype.org/vendors/gmparts.html

You may have figured out, I think Dal is great to work with.

Dal keeps a customer card file and can track what you have ordered in the past, remembers where you need it shipped, and you only need to give him your personal information once.

 

[87 Pete]

I've been ordering parts through Dal for the past 5 years or so. He is excellent to deal with especially if you don't know the part numbers, and he really knows his turbo buick parts.

Pete