I have pulled my starter out of my 71 Bug and gave to a friend to test. He states , it does not always turn, and says its the bushes not always making contact? Where do I go in Sydney to get it reconditioned. Or has anyone any better ideas of what to do. I am a total novice.

they are very hard to bench test properly as they don't have a front bearing,most auto electricians can fix them up,either that or buy a new one or maybe try and get a second hand one,its too bad that Rivo auto electrical has moved to tassie as Paul was good at fixing Vw stuff

Am surprised you can actually buy new ones! But anyway will try an auto electician as there is an industrial site near where I work. Thanks for that.

Get quotes.

A new one is $199 from Classic. always great to deal with!!

I just had our starter motor repaired. The auto electrician I went to had a look and said the starter was in good condition, it was the solenoid which is part of the starter that was no good and just did a repair of starter and replace of solenoid. $55. Yeah new $200 is good insurance that it is all new. They are a Bosch item, being an external company that makes the part is why they are available new. Like tyres, winscreens or oil filters. they become a service item from other makers.

Thanks guys for all your great help. I am actually wondering whether my mate was able to bench test it properly now you mention the front bearing. He is a great friend but more your ford/holden type. Anyway I will take it to an auto electrician and then decide on best course after. Will let you know what I decide and again many thanks for all your input.

Think prices have increased a bit since you lot done them. Exchange is $240 from Veedub (never asked new price) and recon from a bit of shopping around has so far been 190 bucks. I may just pull it apart and see if I can do it. If not can exchange anyway or get someone to do the job proper lol
Still open to suggestions tho

Dont suppose any of you dubbers in Sydney has a starter for sale?

Take it to Vintage at Campsie for an exchange

new ones arnt as good as the old ones

Thats probably what I will be doing. I am out of the country for a few weeks so nothing gonna happen till i return. But I may just buy some brushes as these look really worn and not evenly either, and if that fixes it then all good. If not then gonna exchange it.

Theres not much too a starter really. Main things that need replacing over time are the bushes, bearings and commutator ring. Tho the commutator is a right pain to do just the same as alternators. Oh yea, the commutator is the ring that the brushes make contact with. If the copper is almost worn thro then do an exchange otherwise you can buy new brushes and bearings so give it a go.