Fair labor costs?
September 23rd, 2018, 04:48 PM
#1
"I need a couch"
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Brandon, Mississippi
Posts: 177
Fair labor costs?
I have a 68 Vista Cruiser. I added aftermarket cruise control, a new brake booster, converted the a/c to 134, re mounted the weights on the wheels from outside to inside and changed the oil and filter, I paid for all parts. The car is mint. What would you guys estimate the man hrs required on such for a good mechanic and what is a fair labor rate? I live in the South.
thanks
thanks
September 23rd, 2018, 04:58 PM
#2
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
As far as labor and shop rates go, almost everything now is done by a flat rate schedule. The mechanic isn't part of the process of billing hours anymore - it's done by computer or a manual that quotes the minimum number of hours and pricing for a job. Often a good mechanic can do a job in less time than the flat rate states, but that's how the shop makes money. They won't give you discount for your antique car, nor will they give a discount if they finish in less time. A lot of the mechanics now probably would have trouble working on your car as it would confuse them by it's simplicity. Oh, except for the brake booster - it's a real PITA to get those bottom nuts. I should mention that most shops don't like customers bringing in their own parts because they can't mark them up. Some shops I know will actually add a surcharge if you bring in your own parts.
I honestly hope you find a qualified mechanic who will give you a good deal. Shop rates aren't cheap anymore.
I honestly hope you find a qualified mechanic who will give you a good deal. Shop rates aren't cheap anymore.
September 23rd, 2018, 05:33 PM
#3
Hookers under Hood
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 3,543
I agree with Allan when he mentioned, supplying the parts. Most if not all shops in my area will not install customer supplied parts. For the part kickback costs along with warranty reasons.
Having said that, I think you will be into about 6-6.5 hrs for the work you stated above, plus brake fluid costs if not supplied .
Shops here are anywhere from $95.00 - $110.00 / hr .
Good luck with the repair !
Eric
Having said that, I think you will be into about 6-6.5 hrs for the work you stated above, plus brake fluid costs if not supplied .
Shops here are anywhere from $95.00 - $110.00 / hr .
Good luck with the repair !
Eric
September 23rd, 2018, 07:43 PM
#6
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: southeastern Michigan
Posts: 14,150
September 24th, 2018, 08:38 AM
#8
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: USA Ohio
Posts: 708
Flat rate factory books exist for most every modern year of Oldsmobile, for common shop jobs. I have them from I think 1949 to about the mid sixities, someplace. The rates take in to consideration the varying aptitude of mechanics, who hopefully had access to factory tools to expedite any job. Look up the job, multiply by shop rate with nuisance factor added. There is your total cost plus parts and shop materials.
Last edited by coldwar; September 24th, 2018 at 08:43 AM. Reason: thought
September 24th, 2018, 08:42 AM
#9
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Brazil Indiana
Posts: 11,498
I only do work on the side now and then and I will not touch something for less than $50 per hour. That is likely going to change to $60 in the near future. I try to not work on other peoples stuff any more. I try to find something low enough priced that I can buy it and work on it for myself. It has to be low enough priced that I can cover my labor in my selling price.
September 24th, 2018, 10:12 AM
#10
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
September 24th, 2018, 11:34 AM
#14
Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Delta BC Canada
Posts: 3,688
September 24th, 2018, 11:50 AM
#15
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Braceville, Ohio
Posts: 1,972
First, I wouldn't even know anyone in my area that knows/works on Oldsmobiles and/or mechanical work on 1960s cars. Pretty much everyone that knows these cars are "older." Being younger (only 68) I'm still working on my own stuff. That being said, I'm curious about how much they charged him.
September 24th, 2018, 11:56 AM
#16
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Yes, brakes, tires and oil are pretty much a no brainer, same with coolant change/flush, transmission rebuild and service. (betcha there are a lot of shops out there who don't know how many grease zirks they would have to grease either) diff fluid/gear change etc. But most shops look at the convenience factors and throw away parts now rather than anything else. So if you were a shop owner, how would you factor in things like specialty Gardner exhaust or a factory rear defrost on glass (which is not reproduced) etc? A shop isn't going to take the time to source out these items and wait for them to arrive. I know a shop can't find an NOS Cruise control like the one I have so that's why it gets installed by me; it's not all that hard with the right tools.
September 24th, 2018, 02:43 PM
#17
"I need a couch"
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Brandon, Mississippi
Posts: 177
As always thank you for all the feedback. Many were perceptive as I failed to make my post clear.
My pals call me "The Most Dangerous Mechanic." After 20 plus yrs of chasing old stuff I am still learning the difference between the open & closed end of a wrench. So, beyond changing oil, I do very little. Sad, I know. Sometime I question my manhood. I walked around my 1st National Meet in Gettysburg drooling but dazed and confused..Ha But I do love old Olds!
Anyhow, I have a friend that is a full time ASE certified mechanic (35yrs or so), is an ole gear head & has done a good bit of work on my cars for yrs. Always believed him to be reasonable on his charges. He has a shop at his residence and will work Sat evenings and Sundays for folks like me. He, like many here in Mississippi is a Chevelle enthusiast. But knows old cars in general.
So I took my wagon to him, gave him a list of things I wanted done & provided everything in the way of parts. After a couple of months (he had to care for a dying brother) he told me the Vista was ready. I asked him how much I needed to bring in cash and he said $900. I didn't say anything because I have had such good and fair dealing with him for a long time. After thinking about it, I wondered if the bill wasn't several hundred dollars too high. Thus, my post. Mainly to ask how long would some work like that take on a mint wagon.
i believe I got my answer from you guys.
i will provide a final post after I pick up the wagon, speak face to face and ask what was so darn expensive...or what took the most time, and what he is charging on an hrly rate.
p.s. Y'all know the wagon. I found it on this site. I met the owner at Nationals. What a great guy!
My pals call me "The Most Dangerous Mechanic." After 20 plus yrs of chasing old stuff I am still learning the difference between the open & closed end of a wrench. So, beyond changing oil, I do very little. Sad, I know. Sometime I question my manhood. I walked around my 1st National Meet in Gettysburg drooling but dazed and confused..Ha But I do love old Olds!
Anyhow, I have a friend that is a full time ASE certified mechanic (35yrs or so), is an ole gear head & has done a good bit of work on my cars for yrs. Always believed him to be reasonable on his charges. He has a shop at his residence and will work Sat evenings and Sundays for folks like me. He, like many here in Mississippi is a Chevelle enthusiast. But knows old cars in general.
So I took my wagon to him, gave him a list of things I wanted done & provided everything in the way of parts. After a couple of months (he had to care for a dying brother) he told me the Vista was ready. I asked him how much I needed to bring in cash and he said $900. I didn't say anything because I have had such good and fair dealing with him for a long time. After thinking about it, I wondered if the bill wasn't several hundred dollars too high. Thus, my post. Mainly to ask how long would some work like that take on a mint wagon.
i believe I got my answer from you guys.
i will provide a final post after I pick up the wagon, speak face to face and ask what was so darn expensive...or what took the most time, and what he is charging on an hrly rate.
p.s. Y'all know the wagon. I found it on this site. I met the owner at Nationals. What a great guy!
September 24th, 2018, 03:03 PM
#19
Hookers under Hood
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 3,543
I think $900 is a high for the work performed on a "MINT" car. Rusty nuts can bring the price up some but... none of the work performed would involve rusted nuts or bolts to get out or needing heated, drilled and possibly easy outed/re-tapped or heli-coiled .
Some older cars require extensive time getting some rusted stuff out, especially here in Ontario Canada.
On a side note:,
If you are happy with his work and know that the job was done properly on your Old wagon then... It will be worth the price just knowing it was done properly IMO.
I hope the work is up to your satisfaction, enjoy the new cruise control, nice braking and air !
Eric
Some older cars require extensive time getting some rusted stuff out, especially here in Ontario Canada.
On a side note:,
If you are happy with his work and know that the job was done properly on your Old wagon then... It will be worth the price just knowing it was done properly IMO.
I hope the work is up to your satisfaction, enjoy the new cruise control, nice braking and air !
Eric
September 24th, 2018, 03:12 PM
#21
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: southeastern Michigan
Posts: 14,150
1. added cruise control
2. new brake booster (but we assume nothing else? No new master cylinder or other brake parts?)
3. converted the AC to 134. This is a loaded statement because "converting the A/C to 134" can mean as little as changing a few seals and recharging with new refrigerant to a revamp of the entire system (new or rebuilt compressor, new evaporator, and more). This alone can easily cost the $900. You need to provide more details than simply "converted to 134." Exactly what parts did you provide, and what, exactly, did he do?
4. rebalanced the wheels. $20 at Firestone
5. oil and filter change. $30 at Firestone
The last two are nothing. The first two are probably $100 to $200 labor total. The real money is in #3. I had the A/C system in a '73 Custom Cruiser "converted" to 134, total cost, including a replacement compressor, was about $1200.
September 24th, 2018, 03:38 PM
#22
Hookers under Hood
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 3,543
[QUOTE=jaunty75;1126883]So you had done the following for your $900:
2. new brake booster (but we assume nothing else? No new master cylinder or other brake parts?)
3. converted the AC to 134. This is a loaded statement because "converting the A/C to 134" can mean as little as changing a few seals and recharging with new refrigerant to a revamp of the entire system (new or rebuilt compressor, new evaporator, and more). This alone can easily cost the $900.
I couldn't agree with you more on the , " Loaded Question"
We can only assume he supplied the parts, seals etc.
The only shop cost I can see from the post, would be some lead stick on weight IMO,
Eric
2. new brake booster (but we assume nothing else? No new master cylinder or other brake parts?)
3. converted the AC to 134. This is a loaded statement because "converting the A/C to 134" can mean as little as changing a few seals and recharging with new refrigerant to a revamp of the entire system (new or rebuilt compressor, new evaporator, and more). This alone can easily cost the $900.
I couldn't agree with you more on the , " Loaded Question"
We can only assume he supplied the parts, seals etc.
The only shop cost I can see from the post, would be some lead stick on weight IMO,
Eric
September 24th, 2018, 03:40 PM
#23
"I need a couch"
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Brandon, Mississippi
Posts: 177
Now keep in mind I do not know exactly what he has done...yet. Other than announced it to be ready.
the Dakota digital was around $300 from Summit. I provided it.
The new Brake booster was simply to enhance the looks of the engine bay. I provided it. Nothing else needed brake wise.
All the components of a/c were functioning per last owner who is on this site. He is a Complete straight shooter. I had several cans of R-12. My mechanic said to covert over to 134.."it would be nothing to it." He bought no compressor, dryer, evaporator or condenser. Otherwise, I am assuming his costs as minimal. I did not provide the 134.
Heck I spent over $30 bucks on oil and filter. Bought just what the experts on this site use. I provided oil and filter.
i was trying to post the picture.
the Dakota digital was around $300 from Summit. I provided it.
The new Brake booster was simply to enhance the looks of the engine bay. I provided it. Nothing else needed brake wise.
All the components of a/c were functioning per last owner who is on this site. He is a Complete straight shooter. I had several cans of R-12. My mechanic said to covert over to 134.."it would be nothing to it." He bought no compressor, dryer, evaporator or condenser. Otherwise, I am assuming his costs as minimal. I did not provide the 134.
Heck I spent over $30 bucks on oil and filter. Bought just what the experts on this site use. I provided oil and filter.
i was trying to post the picture.
September 24th, 2018, 03:48 PM
#24
Administrator
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Poteau, Ok
Posts: 40,521
I can see $900 in labor for the service he provided. 3#'s of freon minimum, is over $100, change seals, vacuum system, etc... probably 3hours. Brake booster, at least an hour. Cruise control is probably a couple of hours. Tire rebalance, he's not Firestone nor a quick lube place, 3 of hours. Cleanup, some shop supplies, I'd say $900 is probably cheap.
September 24th, 2018, 05:47 PM
#25
"I need a couch"
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Brandon, Mississippi
Posts: 177
Again, thanks. I'll give you guys the details when I get her this week. The man has been mighty good to me in the past. But I was guessing between 5- $650.
i am headed to Cruisin the Coast, a weeklong party along our gulf coast through most coastal cities. I think they had 8,000 registered cars with untold unregistered cars.
Good food, parties, tunes and some great cars and Cruisin.
Anyone ever attended?
i am headed to Cruisin the Coast, a weeklong party along our gulf coast through most coastal cities. I think they had 8,000 registered cars with untold unregistered cars.
Good food, parties, tunes and some great cars and Cruisin.
Anyone ever attended?
September 24th, 2018, 08:25 PM
#27
same but different
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Central Missouri
Posts: 2,861
At least were not talking about dentists. You can get a lot of work done but only every six months, (insurance) and you'll never know it was done right..er correctly. No pain right?
Prices for work are all over the place geographically speaking. The final quality is always open to interpretation depending on the miles consumed and the quality expected.
\
Your mileage will vary. Clear as mud compared to smiles per gallon.
Nice Wagon! Happy cruising.
Prices for work are all over the place geographically speaking. The final quality is always open to interpretation depending on the miles consumed and the quality expected.
\
Your mileage will vary. Clear as mud compared to smiles per gallon.
Nice Wagon! Happy cruising.
September 25th, 2018, 08:11 AM
#29
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,257
Hi Ken,
Paul from Mass......glad to see the wagon being improved.
$900 for the work you outlined is not outrageous.
If any of the repairs "go wrong", time can add up quickly.
"The sweet taste of low cost is quickly replaced with the sour taste of low quality"
If the work is done right, then you did OK.
Paul from Mass......glad to see the wagon being improved.
$900 for the work you outlined is not outrageous.
If any of the repairs "go wrong", time can add up quickly.
"The sweet taste of low cost is quickly replaced with the sour taste of low quality"
If the work is done right, then you did OK.
September 25th, 2018, 03:10 PM
#32
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
September 25th, 2018, 04:44 PM
#33
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Seneca Falls, NY
Posts: 5,258
BTW that's a beautiful wagon
Last edited by allyolds68; September 25th, 2018 at 05:18 PM.
September 25th, 2018, 04:59 PM
#34
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Seneca Falls, NY
Posts: 5,258
Are you sure about that? I didn't think you could get the 4 bbl 400 motor in the Vista but I don't have the options list for 68 vistas to know for sure
Last edited by allyolds68; September 25th, 2018 at 05:07 PM.
September 25th, 2018, 06:34 PM
#35
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: southeastern Michigan
Posts: 14,150
September 26th, 2018, 11:20 AM
#36
"I need a couch"
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Brandon, Mississippi
Posts: 177
Verdict on Labor Costs
$350 on cruise control installation..said going into steering column and making it so nothing could be seen under the hood took a while. Sorta looks factory though not chrome..but nice.
$200 on brake booster install. Said a couple of nuts were a pain, plus the 1st booster from In-Line would not hold vacuum. So he had to install twice.
$200 on a/c conversion and duct work although I still have to find the part that affixes to driver side vent. What is the part?
$100 to repair battery tray..I failed to ask about this..
$50 for the oil change.
Original 400 4 barrel..Edelbrock intake
Turbo 400
thanks guys!
$200 on brake booster install. Said a couple of nuts were a pain, plus the 1st booster from In-Line would not hold vacuum. So he had to install twice.
$200 on a/c conversion and duct work although I still have to find the part that affixes to driver side vent. What is the part?
$100 to repair battery tray..I failed to ask about this..
$50 for the oil change.
Original 400 4 barrel..Edelbrock intake
Turbo 400
thanks guys!
September 26th, 2018, 01:45 PM
#37
Hookers under Hood
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 3,543
Good to hear you have it back and in good working order.
Other than the battery tray repair for $100., I think the price was reasonable for the other work performed.
Very nice vista ! Well worth the investment in repairs !
Enjoy the cruise, food and fun !
Eric
Other than the battery tray repair for $100., I think the price was reasonable for the other work performed.
Very nice vista ! Well worth the investment in repairs !
Enjoy the cruise, food and fun !
Eric
September 26th, 2018, 11:04 PM
#38
Rocket Renegade!
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Vancouver Island
Posts: 4,388
September 29th, 2018, 08:01 AM
#39
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Norfolk, Va
Posts: 1,363
$350 on cruise control installation..said going into steering column and making it so nothing could be seen under the hood took a while. Sorta looks factory though not chrome..but nice.
$200 on brake booster install. Said a couple of nuts were a pain, plus the 1st booster from In-Line would not hold vacuum. So he had to install twice.
$200 on a/c conversion and duct work although I still have to find the part that affixes to driver side vent. What is the part?
$100 to repair battery tray..I failed to ask about this..
$50 for the oil change.
Original 400 4 barrel..Edelbrock intake
Turbo 400
thanks guys!
$200 on brake booster install. Said a couple of nuts were a pain, plus the 1st booster from In-Line would not hold vacuum. So he had to install twice.
$200 on a/c conversion and duct work although I still have to find the part that affixes to driver side vent. What is the part?
$100 to repair battery tray..I failed to ask about this..
$50 for the oil change.
Original 400 4 barrel..Edelbrock intake
Turbo 400
thanks guys!
October 3rd, 2018, 07:10 AM
#40
golden rocket
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Broken Arrow Ok
Posts: 140
Had the factory A/C installed in my 67 Delmont88 425. Most parts were in trunk when I bought it. However no mounting brackets, bolts, or condenser. POA valve was toast, also. due to my (medical) limitations, had a shop do the install. Upshot was compressor was froze up, POA valve had to be "converted", since there is no replacement, add in cost of condenser, brackets and bolts, came out to $1895.00, but I have cool air conditioning. Makes the wife happy! Shop rate is $85.00 an hour.
POPS1958 you did good pricewise for all you had done.
POPS1958 you did good pricewise for all you had done.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ThyPlumber
General Discussion
4
April 27th, 2009 12:55 AM
