Kids Vexilar rebuild?

[lakevet]

Had a relative give the kids a FL 8 slt head only that "lights up but not working quite right". The relative had called Vexilar and was told it was $100 for complete rebuild. They went and got a new FL 18 instead. What are the least cost options to convert this head into a working unit for the kids. Could send in to Vexilar for rebuild. Or is it better to sell head as is and put $ towards another unit. What would the head be worth as is? Heard of someone in Anoka that buys/recycles Vexilars/parts of Vexilars in any condition, repairs units and sells new units. Anyone know about that business? Any thoughts are appreciated.

lakevet

[Ed Carlson]

Depends on the nature of the rebuild required?

The Vexilar service department will look it over, and only replace what is required. The $100 quote was for a complete overhaul...A-Z...it likely will not require that unless it is in really tough shape.

More likely it will just need a cleaning or a brush kit, and that would run less. They will check with you before putting anything in it if you have a cut-off on how much you wish to invest in it.

Considering since you got the unit for free, and a rebuild would make it as good as new, or even better than new if they also update the IR, and under a new full service warranty, ...that is still a darn cheap investment. Far cheaper than a new FL-8 SE right off the shelf, they run $299.99.

[EBass]

I ran over my FL-18 and Vexilar fixed it up for me. It's like new again and they did it in less than 4 hours. I paid around $125, but they overhauled it. New everything cept for the case which was used, but that looked good as new. I was impressed with their service, so I bought a Vexy hat. I can not be more pleased with their product and their service. (Heck they even fixed my trolling motor)

Ed is that 3 FL-20's now?

[dabaer]

i have had my fl-8 for 7 or more years now and it seems the colors are fading and it is getting hard to see the screen. i was just wandering where you guys are bringing your vexilars to get them fixed up? is there a place around duluth that does them?

thanks

[NCLaker]

If it does actually need a rebuild - I would suggest going with a used FL8 SE if you can. After you rebuild, new iceducer, battery, something to mount it on (like genz pack or propack), you could find a decent used FL8 SE (newer unit, I think it has upgraded intererence reducion).

If you want to persue fixing the unit, bring it to the Vex store in Bloomington - may just need the brush clean/replacement kit that you could do your self an save some money.

[Finlander]

dabaer, I would check out the transducer as my old FL-8 had the same issues. I just tried on a friends transducer and it was bright.

Went to the store and bought a new transducer and it runs like new!

[dabaer]

hey thanks for the info, i'll go give a try and see what happens thanks