Reasonable labor rate for strut install? (all fours, bilsteins)

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03-25-2008, 08:59 PM

#16

j.kenzie@sbcglobal.net

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Jadz928

Talked with a local mechanic today, Glen Kryock out of Richmond, VA. He quoted shop rate by the book, 3 hrs front, 5 hrs rear ($98/hr).
So, $800 in labor. I already have a new set of bilsteins ready to go on.

Typically, I would do this myself, but I'm jammed up right now. I'm asking because it's been a long time since I've had to use a mechanic. Thank goodness. This would be my first time using this guy and I figured it might be a good way to "test" him out and meet-n-greet.

Opinions welcome. I am open to be convinced this is an easy job. I have air tools and a spring compressor. Thanks.

I did this and I felt like I was a hostage being tortured. It took me 8-10 hours and I was sweaty and dirty and wanted to get drunk. $800 with a guarantee sound not so bad, but competitive still.

Good luck

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03-25-2008, 10:13 PM

#17

Bill Ball

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Quote:

Originally Posted by j.kenzie@sbcglobal.net

I did this and I felt like I was a hostage being tortured. It took me 8-10 hours and I was sweaty and dirty and wanted to get drunk.

Good luck

Yep, one of the easier jobs on the car. Not half as bad as motor mounts.

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03-25-2008, 10:47 PM

#18

Lizard928

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very easy job imo,

4 hours out, swapped parts and back in all 4 corners for me.

That is with air tools and on the garage floor.

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03-26-2008, 01:06 PM

#19

Jim bailey - 928 International

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This is one of those jobs which is much harder the first time you do it especially if you think you MUST take the entire front suspension off or completely pull apart the rear uprights to get the shocks out.

Jim bailey - 928 International is offline

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03-26-2008, 01:33 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim bailey - 928 International

My old book shows 3.5 per side front and 2 hrs per rear shock which is generous.

My program shows 5.4 for both on the front and 2.7 for both on the back.
I would quote this at 9 hours IF there were no issues, because it is a 25 year old car.
So we would start out at $675 min.

Greg Nettles

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03-26-2008, 01:51 PM

#21

Jim bailey - 928 International

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Right Greg like if replacing Boges and the adjuster sleeves are frozen on the old shocks ....

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03-26-2008, 02:39 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim bailey - 928 International

Right Greg like if replacing Boges and the adjuster sleeves are frozen on the old shocks ....

That is why the "IF there are no issues" is always put into my quotes.

When I take in a new customer I always tell them that I will be fair with them, but the flip side of that is they are going to be fair with me also.

The parts and labor guide is just that, a guide, a starting point if nothing goes wrong.

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