I have a trusted mechanic I've known in San Antonio for 31 years (Wynn's Automotive, on Sentinel Dr…read moreby the airport, also 5 stars!). When my alternator went out, I had problems finding the very specific alternator I needed. The alternator is out of a 2007 Ford Freestyle. My particular vehicle has the rear/auxiliary air conditioning, and therefore needs the higher output 130A alternator. Wynn's recommended that I check out Big Moe's, and I am thrilled for the recommendation, and for the end result!
Back story:
Unfortunately, FoMoCO/Motorcraft no longer support alternators for this vehicle. You can find some remanufactured units out of Chinese factories, but I don't trust them, especially when you consider how hard it is to pull out un/reinstall this alternator from inside the engine bay, behind the passenger front wheel well! Online forums ALL make it very clear that this vehicle is very susceptible to "electrical glitches" if you do not use a high quality, OEM unit, and that inferior units create problems and burn out quickly.
Out of desperation I contacted Wynn's, who told me that Big Moe's specializes in rebuilding alternators to factory specifications. An American company that rebuilds alternators to factory spec, using quality parts, and has been in business in San Antonio since 1975? SIGN ME UP!
From my first call with David to my last pick up from Steven, this business was amazing! Professional, knowledgeable, and FAST! A beautifully maintained shop with friendly staff and a chill canine mascot! I handed over my gnarly, burnt out, charred and ragged alternator one morning at the start of my lunch break. Before I got back to work I got a call that they had opened it up and had run an initial diagnostic, the windings were wasted and the regulator toast. They gave me an estimate of $279 and I was thrilled as that was what I had seen online for Chinese remans. I gave them the go-ahead and the next day I got a call that it was complete. I had to wait one more day to pick it up due to my own schedule conflict, but what I picked up was a beautiful, better than new, factory spec alternator, for less than the Chinese rebuilds of the lower amp/incorrect 120A units that I was finding on the internet. I'm super excited to get my ride with 243,000 miles on it back on the road for just $280.XX out the door, right at the price I was quoted, and better than the "out of stock" prices for the same discontinued units you cannot find online!
Big Moe's does alternators, starters, wiring harnesses, battery cables, and more! I have a project car (1976 Ford/Mercury Capri II) that I will one day get around to working on. Big Moe's will get my electrical system business first!
Thanks again to Wynn's for the always honest recommendation, and to Big Moe's for being the real thing, in the age of cheap knockoffs and shoddy workmanship.
Wynn's and Big Moe's are the real thing!