I went through 2 el crappo "lifetime warranty" rebuilt units in as many months on my last car (85 300TD). The first one had bad rectifiers that went in about 2 days, so I pulled it and replaced it with... the second one that had a bad solder on the voltage regulator and failed 2 weeks later. So, I pulled it again and replaced the regulator with a spare I already had. Two months later all four case screws backed out while on the highway and caught in the fan blades on the pully, causing it to seize and melt two belts in about 30 seconds. So, I pulled it AGAIN and removed the bolts, added lock-tight and reassembled. I didn't want to exchange it for fear of getting another one with bad electronics. Fortunately, I had bought replacement belts earlier and had been to lazy to replace them.

But all that is beside the point. It just sets the stage for my distrust of lowest possible bidder, third world, zero quality control, "life-time warranteed" rebuilt parts.

I picked up a "new" car (84 300TD), that is not charging. I haven't had an opportunity to do a full diagnosis yet, so it may just need a voltage regulator. But in the mean time I did take a quick peek, and it appears to still have the original alternator (bosch with a mercedes star on the label).

So, does anyone know of a shop that can do a quality rebuild on my original alternator? (Assuming that I determine that it needs it.)

I'm near New Haven, CT. Local would be better, but I could ship it if I have to.