time for front suspension work
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
time for front suspension work
I'm having the local Chev dealer replace shocks, coil springs, tie rod ends, ball joints on my 82 Vette. Anybody know the time involved, the dealers mechanic says it is an all day job??
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
It probably is an all-day job for the dealer. As little business as they are doing, they have to "make hay" when they see one coming through the door! I would think a good suspension mechanic could get it done in 4 hours...but that depends on how nice you want it cleaned up when he's done. 5 +/- hours is probably about right.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Do not take an old Corvette back to the dealer. Most of the guys working on them probably were not born when these cars were made. They will take you every time. Charge you to much and will rush through the job just to get it done. It is a customer pay job so they will milk it for all its worth. The suspension is not all that difficult to work on. Just takes some time and effort. That is not to big a job to do. Probably a 4 hour job or so to do. If you can find somebody local that has some experience with older Vettes to help you out. You will save a load of money and learn about the car.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
There is no doubt that taking some time to research a good local mechanic who has experience...and appreciates older Corvettes...would be the best way to go. Call a car club or Corvette club (or two) in your area to find who they recommend for mechanical work and for fibreglass/paint. You never know when that info will be needed quickly.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,592
Likes: 44
From: Gods Country WI
I align front ends for a living, we do many older cars in our shop. I generally charge between $300 to $350 plus alignment to install new bushings on all control arms, all tie rods, idler and pitman arms, ball joints, shocks, springs, etc. Don't believe anybody that tells you they are doing all this in 4 hours. I schedule a full day plus more time if needed, I charge by the job, not by the hour.
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