I highly recommend using the remanufactured Bosch alternators you can purchase through Phil at FastLane. Here in Austin, they are the same product the dealership uses when they install a remanufactured alternator.

About three years ago my alt failed and I had it rebuilt by a (formerly reputable) rebuilder here in the Austin area. The remand alt lasted just over 6 months before failing...pulling the regulator revealed an 80-grit finish the rebuilder had applied to the sliprings. This crappy work caused premature wear of the brushes on the regulator.

The local warranty was pro-rated (surprise) so, I was in for another $60-$70 and a crap shoot on the quality or, spend 2x that and get one from Phil. I opted for getting the part from Phil. It's performed perfectly ever since.

The local rebuilder used to be much like the shop Jim described: excellent service, great work, etc. Apparently, things have changed because the place now looks like a clothing sweatshop in Macau, filled with SE Asians at rows of workbenches, doing spray-n-pray rebuilding on alternators and starters.

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.