Goat Hill Classics

[BLACKLS5]

Has anyone had any dealings with the above lately. An acquaintance said he sent him a check 6 months ago for a rebuilt 40768 fuel pump and hasn't received it. Stopped answering emails and supposedly blocked the guys phone number. I see he has one on Ebay at the moment. Thanks for any input.

[X66 714]

I just talked to Paul yesterday. Ordered a fuel pump. I guess I will see what happens. He said it had to be built. Suppose to be an original & not a re-creation, as he called some of his...Joe

[Motorhead848]

It took me 8 months to get mine back. I had to start calling him from different numbers. Worst person to ever deal with. I would avoid him at all costs. He sent it back to me with the vent hold still clogged with debris and the body was far from restored. So I sent it back and as a punishment, he held it for 8 months. When I asked for it to be restored and told him it was to go on a concours car. Also tried to tell me it was impossible for a June dated piece to be on a late June built car.

-Mark

[scuncio]

Yikes. Is there anyone else who rebuilds these? My 68 L78 pump is shooting fuel out the weep hole.

[Motorhead848]

I think he’s the one sadly. There was another gentlemen on one of the other forums offering services but wasn’t a known person. They weren’t really made to be rebuilt....

If any of the parts houses have rebuilt ones, they likely came from him and you’d be better off buying one from them in my opinion....

Yikes. Is there anyone else who rebuilds these? My 68 L78 pump is shooting fuel out the weep hole.

[parkbrau]

Raed this: https://www.yenko.net/forum/showthread.php?t=135992&highlight=rebuilt+pumps

The guy that can do this updated the thread in 2019, so maybe he is still at it?

[mssl72]

Raed this: https://www.yenko.net/forum/showthread.php?t=135992&highlight=rebuilt+pumps

The guy that can do this updated the thread in 2019, so maybe he is still at it?

The last I had heard, he was still in the business, but one of his machines was down and needed to get it repaired. Contact him and let us know his status.

[X66 714]

Fred Ballard is still in business. I spoke to him the other day. That machine is repaired & ready to go. He didn't have the core I needed. He can do rebuild for survivor cars or restore/rebuild for the concourse cars. Fred did raise the prices. The price 250 plus 25 shipping. I've had one done by him....Joe

[BLACKLS5]

I'll pass along Frank Ballard's info to him. Maybe he will get a pump from Goat Hill eventually if it took Motorhead 8 months. Not responding to emails and blocking phone numbers doesn't sound like a recipe for success IMO. Thanks guys.

[olredalert]

----Unfortunatly Goat Hill has had that reputation for quite a while in Corvette circles.....Bill S

[Salvatore]

I heard a company called Hite's in Columbus, Ohio. I got this info from Schonye and the Copo Cartel. They do water pumps if anybody needs one done.

614-272-5115

[WILMASBOYL78]

Given the needs of the restoration hobby...it would seem there would be other choices :hmmm:

I have used Goat Hill....many years ago...they weren't fast.

-wilma

[Jonesy]

Glad I read this. I was about to send my z28 pump out. Wont be doing that.

[X66 714]

Glad I read this. I was about to send my z28 pump out. Wont be doing that.

Send it to Fred Ballard...Joe

[Jonesy]

Got it. I will also paste his info

Fred Ballard
28916 Flowerpark Drive
Canyon Country, Ca. 91387-1801
661-251-2362

[Viz]

A major thumbs up for Fred Ballard. He did mine, beautiful job and flawless operation. Don't waste your time with the other guy, Fred's a pleasure to deal with.

Viz

[jl8z28]

He used to sell at carisle i brought one form him there

[scuncio]

Just pulled the severe leaker AH 40568 off the L78 last night. Going to send to Fred Ballard...thanks, guys, for the recommendation!

https://photos.smugmug.com/Cars/1968-L78-Camaro/i-xQZZN6P/0/26eab299/X2/6C41322D-BA76-428F-BFBC-0E40591E8C7C-X2.jpg

[X66 714]

January 68. Your original?...Joe

[scuncio]

Yes, never been off....

[Jonesy]

wow!!

[L72Biscayne]

Back in 2006 when I was restoring my 66 Chevelle I purchased a idler pulley and bracket for my L78. The bracket legs were different lengths. When you placed it on a flat surface it wasn’t level so the belt didn’t line up with the other pulleys. I contacted goat hill and he pretty much told me to pound sand. I’ll never do business with him again. I cut one leg off and shortened it and welded it back then it was correct. I tried to tell him so no one else would have this problem but he didn’t want to hear it. Arrogant SOAB.

[Edgemontvillage]

If you are interested in more information on Fred Ballard's fuel pump rebuild service (and more of the same on Goat Hill) there is a good thread on CRG, here is the link:

http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=4322.0

I had Fred rebuild the original 40669 pump from my 1969 Z/28. If you are in need of a basic rebuild for a driver his service is unique in the industry. If you are looking for a rebuild suitable for Legends, Top Flight etc judging probably not the right choice. Unlike Goat Hill Fred re-uses the AC crimp-on base so its unavoidable there will be some crimp marks and waviness when its re-installed (I posted photos of mine - see Post #30). He re-plates the bowl gold zinc whereas AC originally used gold dichromate. Finally, Fred uses a clear coat on the magnesium casting which gives it a semi-gloss finish. I wasn't aware of that when I had him rebuild mine so I imagine he would skip that process if asked. His turn around time was reasonable and he does the rebuilds in batches so you may need to wait until he has a sufficient number to proceed.

[Stefano]

I have used Goat Hill over the years with no issues regarding their workmanship. I did recently purchase a water pump from him for a 1967 Yenko Camaro. After waiting for it a while he asked me the build date of the car and said that he wouldn’t sell or ship it to me because the date was wrong. So he has my money and the part after weeks of sitting on it. Very frustrating situation, but did finally receive it.

[bergy]

I just spoke to Fred Ballard about restoring my fuel pump. He asked that I post his contact email on this site. Also, he can restore the pumps as a survivor (no new plating) or full restoration.

Fred Ballard:
[email protected]

[mssl72]

... Also, he can restore the pumps as a survivor (no new plating) or full restoration.

The last time I was in contact with Fred about getting things done, the cost as a survivor pump or restored is the same. I don't know if he's changed that, but just a heads up. I still need to pull the pumps from my cars and get them done. The Caprice started weeping around the seam. I don't want to drive it like that.

[bergy]

yes - survivor and full resto (with plating) are the same $$. He just provides the service because some people want to keep their survivor looking correct. Also, turn around on survivor resto is a lot quicker.

[napa68]

Just getting a survivor pump back from Fred (sent in November) and sent him another survivor pump today. I asked if I could get the new one I sent him back in May and he said he would. Very responsive to emails and he follows up!

Tim

[protree68]

I had 2 different fuel pumps done at goat hill the first one took like 6 months the 2nd one over a year and he stated avoiding my calls I was about to fly to Califonia to beat his ass and it finally showed up as I was googling pictures of his location and looking at all the bad reviews online about him . Nothing like paying a guy in advance and sending your rare part to him and getting screwed around .

[KevinW]

Interesting thread! I have 3 unknown pumps, are they worth rebuilding by Fred?

336X42080, 0H6858, 219W41604

[jl8z28]

I herd that goat hill had someone making new bottoms for the pumps maybe why he was talking so long

[Edgemontvillage]

I herd that goat hill had someone making new bottoms for the pumps maybe why he was talking so long

"I herd that goat hill"...nicely played. Their advantage over Fred Ballard's rebuild service (ignoring personalities and service issues) is Goat Hill uses new crimp-on bases rather than re-using the pump's original base. From the work I have seen photos of, Goat Hill's crimping method produces a clean, OEM-like result.

[CamarosRus]

Goat Hill SCREWED ME.......

My two pumps were "restored" with Clear Zinc Plated
Crimped Bottoms and NOT correct Yellow Zinc.......

[Xplantdad]

For your viewing pleasure...the Yelp reviews....




https://s3-media0.fl.yelpcdn.com/photo/2eQ8_4DR2qi4V3UTSvKYkQ/60s.jpg (https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=vjBknFRyBX1tkZO9uIwg4A)


Sandy M. (https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=vjBknFRyBX1tkZO9uIwg4A)San Francisco, CA






1 star



3/16/2020


When building a classic car you are always happy to run across good parts, and you are glad to pay for them. What you don't expect is to be unjustly treated. We'd all like to think everyone's not bad. In the case of Paul Baker he's beyond bad, he's demeaning, degrading, and down right and purely honest an asshole. My husband ordered some parts and promptly paid for them as requested, we've been waiting and waiting. When he called last week he was told they had been shipped over a week ago but was unable to give tracking info due to secretary working part time but she would be in Saturday and blah blah blah so I myself called this morning Paul answered phone i explained why i was calling he said he had spoken to my husband and ask me so rudely don't you talk to him. Well fire shot out my ears and I said of course that is why I am calling to obtain tracking info he stated secretary did not come in over weekend but would be there tomorrow and this matter was at the top of the list. I guess we'll see. He's more than happy to take your money but I will be speaking to authorities later today .This is the most unprofessional, rudest individual I've ever had the displeasure in speaking with. If he treats everyone this way I don't know how he stays in business. I am a member of several automotive groups as many of us are and attend a lot of events so I will be happy to express my opinion to each and everyone of my groups, to anyone and everyone that will listen, all my friends and will encourage them to do so as well. I'm shocked at this behavior....steer clear of this company, this individual and save yourself the aggravation. Please!







https://s3-media0.fl.yelpcdn.com/photo/n21JhXknUaW4ZBuQt2dUPA/60s.jpg (https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=aKxO2lVylPtzUIQEIfiXQg)


Jimena B. (https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=aKxO2lVylPtzUIQEIfiXQg)Houston , TX












1 star



4/13/2017


don't go there if you are Hispanic or English is not your first language the owner is racist! and treat people with no respect. maybe he doesn't understand we are in the 21st century and we are citizens of the world and we make the economy grow. shame on them!







https://s3-media0.fl.yelpcdn.com/assets/srv0/yelp_styleguide/514f6997a318/assets/img/default_avatars/user_60_square.png (https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=mvLhrC1cj2rb8-MAKS1Cvw)


David M. (https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=mvLhrC1cj2rb8-MAKS1Cvw)Yorktown Heights, NY












1 star
12/30/2016





First to Review

Before you become a victim of business scamming, contact the Consumer Affairs of Long Beach CA to identify rating of Goat Hill Classics, owned by Paul Baker and managed by his assistant Annie. Consumer Affairs shows a F rating. Contact the Better Business Alliance of Long Beach and learn of open complaints. Or check eBay for the numerous negative complaints against the alias "aarchivehunter" where they had a 98.7% feedback rating. Paul and Annie will always begin as polite professional, honest. Don't pay with anything other than credit card if you are still willing and convinced that they have the part that your classic car requires. They will promise delivery in 10 days. They will not provide the method of delivery or tracking number, if that is not enough to convince you to shop elsewhere.



If you speak with Paul after the purchase he will always claim the noise is difficult to hear you. He promises to call you back. Annie will claim they have never had a complaint in their 27 plus years of business. Trust the Consumer Affairs, Better Business Bureau and Business Alliance to determine if any previous delivery issues. Ask why on the Camaro Forum technical discussion board has negatives to say about Goat Hill Classics. Did you know that even the NCRS will not allow Goat Hill Classics to advertise. Ask yourself, why. This is not an honest company to do business with. Always check companies out first before you commit. The collector car industry is for fun and enjoyment, not to rip individuals off to make a quick buck.

[MJV1953]

I just had the original crimped fuel pump for our 1969 Corvette 350/350 rebuild by Frank Ballard and could not be happier. Being this is a survivor car the fuel pump was not restored but just rebuilt. We installed it on the Corvette and it works great. Thank you Fred Ballard. Attached are some pictures of the "rebuilt fuel pump". Thanks, Mike

[classiccar68]

STAY AWAY FROM THIS BUSINESS! I did not do my research before sending the check...that is on me. I am writing this so you won't make the same mistake. This business advertises date coded classic car parts and is super friendly on the phone. They will cash your check and you will never see the part. Again, do not make the same mistake i made.

[MYSTERYCHEVELLE]

It’s truly a shame that he’s been doing this same rip off for over 15 plus years! Seriously. You can only take out a full page ad in every big city newspaper ( do people still buy those) and shout it from the rooftops that this guy. This business is despicable!

Sad

[Jonesy]

Goat Hill got me for $210 for a fuel pump he had advertised,

I still have a copy of the check I sent and the back showing he deposited in his bank account.
I did however find a used 40669 pump and sent it to Fred Ballard in June 2021. I just got word and tracking number from Fred that my rebuilt pump is done and on its way here!!

Fred takes awhile but hes a man of his word!!!

[3X24SPD]

I bought a 69 Z28 Harmonic Balancer 3947708 from him last winter on ebay.
Received a pretty nice quality piece (eventually).
American made & they did a good job on it.

Had to mail him a check as it was the only method of payment he accepted- which was a little odd- but he had enough good feedback and had been an ebay seller for a long time. Lot of feedback related to long shipping delays, but I wasn't in a hurry because the DZ motor wasn't going together until after the L71 was finished in June.

Wasn't sure I was ever going to get that balancer- ordered beginning of January & took them about 4 months to finally ship, but it did finally show up.

This thread was started about 2 weeks after I made that purchase- I remember reading it and saying "hmmm...."
Guess I was one of the lucky ones...

[HuggerSS]

Paul did two original fuel pumps for me. Each one took a while to receive back, 6-8 months. I also had to call him numerous times. I did eventually get them back and they did work good. The first one he sprayed a heavy clear coat on it. I requested the second one he did for me, for him to leave it a natural finish.

[firstgenaddict]

PLEASE RESEARCH service providers, I nearly sent my pump to Goat Hill 2 years ago until I did research. Not confident with what I heard about GH - I kept it in the box until I was sure about the person I decided to have rebuild it.
After more research and questions = I called Fred Ballard - after speaking with him I was willing to send it off.
I was not at all disappointed - Fred had my pump back to me within 2 weeks. It works great and my car runs better than ever... FWIW when it went bad it sent a bunch of crap into both sintered brass filters in the fuelbowls.

[MYSTERYCHEVELLE]

People do more research and googling before going to see a movie, out to a new restaurant or buying a Flat Screen TV then they seem to do before buying some cars or sending rare parts out to be refurbished. No reason for it in this day and age. Car community is strong and at your fingertips for advice

[CamarosRus]

GOAT HILL screwed me............
I sent him Two 70 Camaro Z28 Fuel Pumps
and he did return them with CLEAR ZINC
Lower Steel Bottoms ...NOT Yellow Zinc.....

How can I use these on a restoration ????? and I dont know what
my current options are..........Pay "Fred" To do them over ????

[luzl78]

GOAT HILL screwed me............
I sent him Two 70 Camaro Z28 Fuel Pumps
and he did return them with CLEAR ZINC
Lower Steel Bottoms ...NOT Yellow Zinc.....

How can I use these on a restoration ????? and I dont know what
my current options are..........Pay "Fred" To do them over ????

Yes. Pay Fred to do them correct.

[flyingfred]

The last time I was in contact with Fred about getting things done, the cost as a survivor pump or restored is the same. I don't know if he's changed that, but just a heads up. I still need to pull the pumps from my cars and get them done. The Caprice started weeping around the seam. I don't want to drive it like that.

This is Fred Ballard. The reason behind the pricing not being dfferent between a "survivor" and a restoration is two fold. When I am doing restorations, I do them in batches and the plating costs divided among a group of pumps make the plating fairly inexpensive and therefore not a factor in pricing. Also please note that the plating is actually zinc dichromate as done originally by the OEM. The colors of the dichromate can vary widely from green to red but mostly in the gold range. I have also reworked my assembly dies to the point that it is hard to tell that the pump was ever apart. Being as I do GM, Chrysler and Ford pumps, the disassembly machine requires different setups. This takes time and effort for a single "survivor" pump which actually takes me more time than doing a group of restorations. Therefore, it actually costs me more to do a "survivor" over a restoration. I am just trying to give everybody options. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

-Fred-

[daveg]

Recent example of Freds handiwork.
"Survivor" work.
That is his number on mounting surface, and you can see the little cut needed

Factory installed pump from "OLE BLUE".
Feb 69 L78 M22 Baltimore car.

Last pic is as sent.
It was grimy- slimy so I cleaned it with brake cleaner.

Looks same to me.

[Tuna Joe]

I just sent another pump to Fred for a survivor rebuild.
Great guy to work with.

[Bill Pritchard]

I know the guy that bought my old 69 Chevelle SS396 convertible sent the original fuel pump (which I had saved but never had rebuilt) to Fred and had it rebuilt. He was very satisfied with the work.

[flyingfred]

Recent example of Freds handiwork.
"Survivor" work.
That is his number on mounting surface, and you can see the little cut needed

Factory installed pump from "OLE BLUE".
Feb 69 L78 M22 Baltimore car.

Last pic is as sent.
It was grimy- slimy so I cleaned it with brake cleaner.

Looks same to me.

Just for reference, the "little cut" is not a cut but rather an engraved line to ensure the clocking of the fuel section to the casting. It is in a position that is not that visible once installed. The original clocking had pinched metal at the same position and 180 from there for the factory clocking. This pinched area goes away when the machine disassembles the pump. Some of the GM fuel sections are used in different applications but are clocked differently. Therefore it is important to mark the clocking before disassembly.

-Fred-

[daveg]

Just for reference, the "little cut" is not a cut but rather an engraved line to ensure the clocking of the fuel section to the casting. It is in a position that is not that visible once installed. The original clocking had pinched metal at the same position and 180 from there for the factory clocking. This pinched area goes away when the machine disassembles the pump. Some of the GM fuel sections are used in different applications but are clocked differently. Therefore it is important to mark the clocking before disassembly.

-Fred-
Makes sense to me as it did not look like a cut.
Was just going with what others told me.

Can say it looks exactly the same as sent and works fine.

It doesn't mind 110 octane racing gas either.

[CamarosRus]

I have two 40726 A/C Fuel Pumps

One has stamped CI or C1 40726
2nd Has stamped 197J 40726 (J as in Jack)

Please explain , I'm guessing that the 197J is the Original
to my 07E 1970 Z28 ????

Value of the CI pump ????? if I have Fred Restore ???

[X66 714]

The "C" in "CI" is March. The "I" is 1969. "J" should be 1970. "H" is 1968 on the 2nd letter. You can see the pattern..Joe

[CamarosRus]

X66 714 / Joe, Thanks for your decoding .........

1) Did the Julian Dating start in 1970 (with my 197J above) ??? Why is J 1970

Do you have charts or a source of info that judges use and you would share ?

What might The 40726 C (march) I (1969) have for value if Fred Restores ($295)

[CamarosRus]

Pics of the Two Dated 40726 Pumps that Goat Hill did for me several years ago

Notice how one has a Dark Finish (paint or phosphate ???) and the Other appears to have the same "Dirty" Original Finish that I sent in

Also Notice the Fuel Section Zinc is NOT Yellow (zinc) Di Chromate as was Original

I'm wanting to SEE pics of what show quality restored AC Fuel Pumps should LOOK Like

My 3rd Pic shows a AC Service replacement (undated)......What Finish is this as it doesnt look "Natural" Aluminum to me.................

Someone suggested that I have the Upper Aluminum Casting Vapor Honed........

I was thinking to Glass Bead and shake/tumble in my Ceramic Media Machine ???

[RPOLS3]

I'm wanting to SEE pics of what show quality restored AC Fuel Pumps should LOOK Like



Here is mine as received back from Fred Ballard in 2021

[169indy]

Mine 1968 302
by Fred

[CamarosRus]

169INDY, The (upper) Cast Portion appears to be coated with Aluminum Paint ?????
I need to replicate Original as mfg finish ..................

[iluv69s]

Pics of the Two Dated 40726 Pumps that Goat Hill did for me several years ago

Notice how one has a Dark Finish (paint or phosphate ???) and the Other appears to have the same "Dirty" Original Finish that I sent in

Also Notice the Fuel Section Zinc is NOT Yellow (zinc) Di Chromate as was Original

I'm wanting to SEE pics of what show quality restored AC Fuel Pumps should LOOK Like

My 3rd Pic shows a AC Service replacement (undated)......What Finish is this as it doesnt look "Natural" Aluminum to me.................

Someone suggested that I have the Upper Aluminum Casting Vapor Honed........

I was thinking to Glass Bead and shake/tumble in my Ceramic Media Machine ???



That looks more like cast paint. I’ve seen alum intakes painted that look way closer to correct.

[flyingfred]

169INDY, The (upper) Cast Portion appears to be coated with Aluminum Paint ?????
I need to replicate Original as mfg finish ..................

There is no aluminum paint on the casting. The castings are cleaned with light media and I use a low gloss clear coat to keep dirty fingerprints off of the surface. I also have an utrasonic cleaner but it is no match for some of the original staining that a lot of the pumps come in with. That way any dirt or fingerprints can be wiped off with acetone and a rag. I also offer to not add the clear coat for people who have a lot of pitting and plan to repair that part on their own. I would be interested to see how those repairs come out. The fuel sections are cleaned and then tumbled before I take them to the plater. All of these processes have been improved by me incrementally over many years.

-Fred-