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Estimate for front end rebuild

select-fire
74' Vette has original worn A arm bushings. I want to totally have the front end rebuilt. New ball joints (4), tie rod ends ( 4 total ), idler arm, control arm bumpers, sway link bushings. Going to use polyurethane bushings. Any idea how much Labor will be, I will supply the suspension rebuild kit to do it.
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Comments

14 comments

Date Votes
  • aramisvi
    original equipment or aftermarket parts?
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  • select-fire
    My question answered your question. Polyurethane bushings were not offered as original equipment. And Parts have nothing to do with my question. I am asking for Labor cost only
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  • 1911a1-fan
    hard question to answer, what your local shop rate?, you are looking at 2-300 bucks with proper alignment, you may have a tuff time finding someone to to it with a guarantee if you supply the parts, if they will do it at all {insurance, and they want to make money from the parts mark up}

    it is really not hard to do it yourself, then have it aligned for 35-70 bucks
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  • swamp_thing
    Select, I haven't had my nose in a labor manual in about 10 years now, but I'm thinking it would give about 8-10 hours total to do everything you listed. Take that times whatever the going labor rate in your area is and you will have a ballpark idea of the labor cost. Add the cost of alignment and remember that since you have the parts the shops are not going to give you a break on labor rates. Going to get expensive I'd say, but it really is more involved than one might think. swamp_thing
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  • select-fire
    I have a local shop that owes me money. Trying to get an idea what credit they will allow for this job. Chevrolet garage is 85 bucks an hour. Local shop is less.
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  • bobski
    parts MAY effect labor if the oem parts require special tools other than what the mech has in his shop, or vice-versa for new replacements.[;)]
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  • swamp_thing
    Do you know what their labor rate is per hour? If so, just take that times the approximate hours I quoted you and you will have an idea.
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  • select-fire
    $480-$600 plus alignment
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  • cpermd
    Eight hrs X $60/hr + $120 alignment = $600
    I have a 1972 LT-1 convertible and that is what it cost for labor last summer.

    CP
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  • aramisvi
    well, ploy bushings are one thing, the rest could still be bought under original guidelines....

    the reason i asked that is that some garages charge more for OE parts work because they are special order deals. if something broke as they were putting it on they'd have to way to get a new one.

    but, judgeing strictly on the parts listed...12-15 hours @ est. $55-$80 per hour. i know that's a big ballpark, but you're not gonna find many that charge a flat rate. if you do, make sure their certified and credentialed. don't go to a commercial garage (firestone, goodyear, sears, other big named places) because they will not use your parts.

    where do you live boss? if you live anywhere near columbus, i know the perfect garage. good guys, great work, good prices.
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  • select-fire
    quote:Originally posted by cpermd
    Eight hrs X $60/hr + $120 alignment = $600
    I have a 1972 LT-1 convertible and that is what it cost for labor last summer.

    CP


    Did you do rear trailing arm bushings at the same time? To some questioning the $120 alignment it is a 4 wheel align..
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  • swamp_thing
    Yep, I'd say that's real close. Each part of the job is going to be broken down in the labor manuals, example: R&R upper control arm bushings, each side, 1.2 hrs, tie rod ends .6hr, each additional tie rod end, add .2hrs. They will take all these rates and total to come up with the time. I had figured you were looking at 500.00 or more.
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  • select-fire
    I was thinking it would be an all day job for a mechanic to do it. They are certified mechanics in a local garage. They do work on an occasional Corvette. Going to be just about even money wise with them when they get her rebuilt. Thanks for the responses.
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  • cpermd
    quote:Originally posted by select-fire
    quote:Originally posted by cpermd
    Eight hrs X $60/hr + $120 alignment = $600
    I have a 1972 LT-1 convertible and that is what it cost for labor last summer.

    CP


    Did you do rear trailing arm bushings at the same time? To some questioning the $120 alignment it is a 4 wheel align..


    Rears were done and yes 4 wheel alignment
    I live in Arkansas and work is cheaper and quicker.

    CP

    CP
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