My 98 coupe needs a new slave cylinder and clutch. My friend, who is a mechcanic and my self are doing the job. What is the going rate for labor, and what do you think I should pay him. I know he will say give me what you think is fair or wont charge me but I want to give him something. Any advice?

 

$$$$$$$$$

 

When I asked Chevy service the cost to install they said 10 hours and I think their rate is $175@hr.

A non-Chevy company I spoke with said $1200 for the install which included slave and master cylinders, pilot bearing, flywheel, and clutch assembly. That works out to $120@hr.

I think most "normal" shops are $75-$100 an hour.

 

I'd give him a gift certificate for something he likes. I would do at least $500.

 

I just had mine done in my 98 this summer. I had estimates from $700 - $1200 if I remember right. I took the lowest bid and things did not turn out so well
It will take you guys all day to do the job so I agree with Bill, give him at least $500

 

Thats what I was thinking. I mean we always help each out but this is a pretty big job so I don't think a case of beer and a thank you will cut it.

 

The last thing you want to do is offend a friend that is willing to give up at least one day of free time to help. If compensated fairly he will be more willing to help again if needed. I had a friend and my son rip and re shingle my roof, both were given more than a case of beer for the job. Now they ask if I need any help

 

I don't think a gift certificate will cut it either.

If you are using his tools, shop, jacks, labor etc.
I think $600 cash would be not too little or definitely not too much.
Money can buy the things that he may want or need.


If you are not familiar with the (change out) procedure involved, the safety aspects & turning wrenches, etc.
That $600. goes a long ways in regards to money well spent & learning
things about your car.
Good luck & above all, be safe.

 

$600 is about half what a shop would charge. It seems just right.

 

$500-600 sounds reasonable to me. Good luck with the repair.

 

I've received 2 quotes from local shops in my area and both quoted me about $1300

 

Maybe I am missing something, but if he is a "friend," why do you need to give him >$500? I understand it is a labor-intensive job, but is he doing it at work or on his day off?

 

Maybe I'm missing something too....
And your suggestion is?

True, the OP, hasn't really given too much in particulars.

 

"Friends" generally help friends out. How much is the mechanic friend in question's time worth? Because $500 is a lot of coin for somebody doing you a favor. Maybe I'm not understanding the situation, but I am picturing 2 guys doing the clutch swap in a driveway, and his friend is helping out. If the OP is having his friend do the work at his shop with his own equipment and tools, on his work time, then it is a different story. There is a difference between giving you a deal (i.e. 1/2 off the labor) and doing you a favor by helping you out.

 

Sorry guys if I didn't give enough info, Torch red rocket is right except we will be doing it in his house garge. I will be helping him turn wrenchs but he will be the "lead wrench" because I haven't done a clutch job before.

Yes, your right. I wouldn't give him a gift certificate I would hand him cash. I'm thinking $500?? I will be doing alot of the work but just need him to steer me along and to take over when I cant do some of the things.

 

Well, see how it goes the day you guys do the clutch. Chances are, it will be a full days work. After the job, depending on his mood, bruises, bleeding, etc determine then what to give him. I think the consensus here is $500 cash but have a little bit more $ in case you feel he deserves more. Definitely provide the days meals and beverages

 

About half way through doing this job myself I would have given someone $1200 to finish it!

 

okay I am with a lot of these guys after your last post 5bills is good also I would follow this link to get you a game plan to do this I did it this way in my Garage and was able to do it in two days but I found some other issue's and took my time and fixed many other things.

http://www.cajundude.com/dopeinstall.doc

This is a old post from back in the day it is very correct as many people have used it with no issue's here are a few things I did when I did mine.

I changed all fluids in my Tranny and rear end with Royal Purple cost was another 160.00.

What clutch are you putting in ? my thoughts is if your car is stock / lightly modded I would get the G.M. LS-7 Clutch and I would also put in a new slave and a remote bleeder this is money well spent.

Next ? is how many miles do you have on the car if it above 75k I would look at doing a rebuild on the Torque Tube as you dont what to take it apart again in 5k miles hell 35k miles the reason I say this is if you are not the Org. owner you dont know how the car has been driven and this will save you time and money down the road.

I would also check your Tunnel plate if it is stock look at getting a thicker Tunnel plate many to choose from.

Since you have the car up in the air I would look into the ANTI-VENOM MOD. it does make a differance and is only about 5.00 to do

Pops

 

My clutch job was a nightmare. 3 day job. Friends were eager on day 1. Beer was gone. Day 2 found me on my own. I had been quoted $700. labor and i was rethinking my decision. But afterwards it wasn't so bad and I'm glad I saved the $.

All that said I'd pay a friend $500. for the job. You may need him again

 

Understand your point, but swapping out a clutch in a C-5, is nowhere near as simple as doing one in a C-3.....