saplumr

I never realized we had so many experts on this forum. Simply amazing.

KingCorvette93

The front door bezel is that silver piece that the push-button opener resides in. It's just a bit scratched up from the previous owner. I will not have it replaced, but they billed it just because they noticed it and thought I might want to know the pricing.

I will further discuss with the shop the possibility of not needing the condenser!

cadyshac

It's your car but if you didn't think the estimate was high I don't think you would be asking on here. Why not take it to another shop for a second estimate? You might be able to figure out for yourself if your compressor is locked up. Again, as already said, do a little research online and on youtube.

Good luck!

Sox-Fan

Am I an expert? I don't know. maybe not. Did I used to price auto repair jobs out for a living? Yes. Does it take an expert to do that? There are no less than a dozen labor guides on line. Doesn't take an expert to google automotive labor guide and look it up. Mitchell is the most commonly used in the industry, as is All Data, but there are at least a dozen that are free.

Does it take an expert to realize that billing for belt r&r on a job that already includes belt r&r in the book is double billing? No, it does not. It's not genius level, it's common sense. It's also there in black and white if you look it up.

CRNA15

Your sarcasm is obvious, but you've been on this forum long enough to know people treat these cars like they're an exotic. No offense to the OP, he may not have the tools or time to do this, completely understandable. However the principles of an A/C system are the same for any other GM vehicle or any manufacturer for that matter.

Bottom line, get a second or third opinion. Just do it bro, doesn't cost you anything to do that other than a little time. Yes recharging/evac is special equipment, but there's nothing about the vette with regards to the A/C as a whole that isn't the same as any other car. Find another shop that deals with A/C and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with a much lower price.

saplumr

I’m in the Plumbing/HVAC business. Here is the problem at hand. No two jobs are identical.

Sox-Fan

That is not true for cars.

People are trying to help this guy. So why the sarcasm? Do you think it's helpful to him?

saplumr

it’s pretty simple to me. If you’re not an expert in the field don’t give dish out advice.

Sox-Fan

Advice you should take. Sounds like a cry for attention to me. Mommy issues?

saplumr

Gotta love people with class.

jimijam

Let me guess, you are the only expert here?

KingCorvette93

Alright folks, thread is off track now. Let's keep it focused, please

I appreciate the advice of all.

I am looking at one of the newer estimates compared to an older one (we have exchanged many emails and documents setting up appointments and confirming what needs to be done). New estimate is about $2200, whereas the old one is about $2350 ($2450 less $100 for the door trim thing). I sent an email to identify the difference... I will keep you all posted.

saplumr

No. I’m not an expert in auto A.C. My point is these people are not either but yet they’re giving advice. Makes no sense.

jimijam

There is no reason to be paying a Corvette premium on this a/c as it nothing special and the same as just about every other similar year Chevy out there. Get a second option by a different shop. Did you take it to Newman's already? Do not tell them what you believe is wrong with it, or what the other shop has told you. Just drive it in and tell them the a/c does not blow cold. And don't let a commercial or residential plumber/hvac guy work on your vehicle's a/c system.

saplumr

Just a little FYI. Plumbing or HVAC techs don’t waste time working on something they’re not trained for. We leave that for CorvetteForum experts.

Sox-Fan

@KingCorvette93 what year is your car? Auto or manual?

C6ToGo

Check me if I am wrong but I think the condensor also includes the receiver-drier so I would replace it with the compressor.

Point of reference....I came across an open box Delco compressor for $68 and a no-name condensor for $20. Add a $5 can of freon and my eventual DIY repair will be less than a hundred bucks. So glad I turn my own wrenches.

phileaglesfan

I would definitely make sure you are not paying for labor twice, the belt is one clear case you are. Also it costs $160 or so to find a leak? Are they charging you a diagnosis fee also? Chevy dealer was about to charge me $54 because they looked at my 2 year old Malbu's seat tear and Chevy determined that it isn't covered saying I cut it. $415 repair they wanted me to pay just so it can fail again in 20k miles.

I don't trust the customer appreciation cards Their goal is to make you feel happy about selecting their business for this job.

I don't know about the condenser if it needs to be replaced or not. I know someone who had their LS7 failed. Dealer didn't replace the oil tank so the new engine failed due to contamination. Condenser might be the same.

KingCorvette93

2010, manual

hmmmm16417

looks like they are billing for labor for each individual task even though some of them will already be completed . Example, the quoted hours for replacing the compressor is "x" which probably includes removing and replacing the A/C belt.

Like someone above said, there are probably some double charges in there because of just looking up the labor hours in the book for the job. Most shops can do it much faster than the "average" quoted in the book. that's how they make their money. however , there are times the jobs take longer and they lose out...... which is why they always quote on the high end.

If you trust the shop and they do good work and you are a returning customer with a good standing relationship , then by all means try to negotiate as long as it doesn't cause them to cut corners and do a sub par job. . worst they can say is no.