What shoul I charge the guy
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 345
Likes: 0
From: SELDEN NY
What shoul I charge the guy
A friend of a friend wants to pay me to install a create motor in his 79 he wants every thing painted as per factory and wants me to spray the engine compartment while its apart he wants the job to look completley factory utilizing all the factory bolt Ons do you think between 1200 to 1500 is in line to perform this service I have never done a C3 before so any insight of obsticals would be helpful. I will say he wants me to do the job beacause he knows Im completley **** when it comes to engine work. And he has seen my work . I cant base this on hours because I will spend the time needed untill Im completely satisfied and when Im done it will look as if no one was ever there, He also wants me to install a new a/c condensor, compressor and expansion valve while its apart, Also what is the desired paint finish for the engine pay flat? or satin?
Best Regards
SteveZ
Best Regards
SteveZ
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 4
From: Fairview Heights Illinois, near Saint Louis MO, STL C3 Shark
$1200-$1500 is a little low in my opinion to do all of that. If it was just putting in a new engine, I'd say a couple hunred, but the ac stuff, painting the engine bay, etc, Id expect to pay $1500-$2000 for that service.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 4
From: Slidell La
Be fair!
Ok,, I think of a/c work as add on to the job you are doing. You really want to be fair to the individual and yourself. What would the $$ be to take the car,, minus engine to a shop and have the a/c parts installed. My guess labor for that alone will be in the $500 range. Now for the engine installation. Probably $1200 or so for R/R. But not all the painting. Probably $350 or so for painting which requires removal and reinstallation of a "bunch of stuff". So now total not including parts is $2050. I think around $2000 
is probably closer to "fair". But you are the final judge of your time. I am sure you will spend more time and 
than the $2000 will pay for which makes it a good deal for the car owner. But it is a bit steep so that would look like fair. Caution If he is a nit picker and you aren't you might lose a friend on the deal if he thinks you did not do the museum quality he was expecting. Your work will have to exceed his expectations for the $$ for him to feel he got a good deal. And only you are the right judge of your work. Let us know how it worked out.. 99 Nassau Blue
is probably closer to "fair". But you are the final judge of your time. I am sure you will spend more time and than the $2000 will pay for which makes it a good deal for the car owner. But it is a bit steep so that would look like fair. Caution If he is a nit picker and you aren't you might lose a friend on the deal if he thinks you did not do the museum quality he was expecting. Your work will have to exceed his expectations for the $$ for him to feel he got a good deal. And only you are the right judge of your work. Let us know how it worked out.. 99 Nassau Blue
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
Time and materials
When I do restoration work for others (which is not often and I'm VERY selective), I charge time and materials with at least 25% of the estimated cost up front. My hourly rate is $40.00/hr. (half the prevailing shop rate in this area), and I keep a detailed log (usually in a spreadsheet) documenting every little thing, even if I choose to not charge for it.
In your case, I'd give him a $2,000.00 estimate, making it clear that it is only an estimate and then keep him updated often on the progress. If you come in under, great, but your covered if it's 'gonna cost more. I've also found the buyer also appreciates the detail and frequent updates. Good luck.
Hans
In your case, I'd give him a $2,000.00 estimate, making it clear that it is only an estimate and then keep him updated often on the progress. If you come in under, great, but your covered if it's 'gonna cost more. I've also found the buyer also appreciates the detail and frequent updates. Good luck.
Hans
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
Originally Posted by PRNDL
If I could get an expert wrencher that I trusted to work on my car for $40/hr I wouldn't change my own oil!!! 
Hans
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski