Need Labor Time for Domestic Auto Repair

asphaltgambler · 11-09-2021, 06:55 AM

Anyone have access to current online Chilton or other relative / credible source for Domestic labor repair operation. Please reply or PM me, thanks!

fastfredracing · 11-09-2021, 07:17 AM

I can forward you anything you need. Pm me if you want, or just ask here. Im home sick today, and bored .
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asphaltgambler · 11-10-2021, 04:22 AM

Hey guys- we'll we're past a crossroads of sorts with our beloved Jeep. One of the issues is the rear main seal started sweating a while back, which has turned into actual leaking. In a former post we had decided to move onto the current generation of Dodge Durango RT's.

Of course, it's the worst time to buy. Originally the plan was to trade this past Spring, but thought to wait the market out until September. Complications are 1of of 3 color choices, 1 interior color choice, and under a certain mileage AND in our budget.

All the ones we looked at had issues, including 1 that was 'fixed but then immediately sold. I am looking as far as 200 mile radius, but my wife does not want to go even that far given the experiences so far.

So I'm strongly considering a local Euro shop replace the seal, and continue to 'hold' the vehicle. I'm not interested in doing it as I don't have a lift, and the vehicle needs completed in 1 day.

VINMAN · 11-10-2021, 04:32 AM

Just got a price on Monday to replace the rear main seal on my 07 Wrangler . Shop quoted me.$640. A little less than I expected.

Don't feel like doing it myself, like I normally would.

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GH85Carrera · GH85Carrera's Garage

One thing for sure, for me, it takes me 9 to 10 times longer than book time, and I only work on my cars that I have had forever. If I was a pro mechanic I would starve to death.

I recently had to replace the starter on my 86 El Camino. Even with a lift, it was a struggle. It weighs about 900 pounds, (OK maybe only 100 pounds

) and I have to hold it exactly in place and get the first bolt started. And of course I make it harder on myself, and insist on putting a nut on the bracket on the rear of the starter. My transmission shop tells me I am the only G body owner that uses the bolt the factory installed. My arms hurt for several days after the swap. The good news is it was free, no cost at all except the trips to the parts store to pick up the new one, and return the old one. I love lifetime warranties.

asphaltgambler · 11-10-2021, 06:06 AM

So the Euro shop I'm referring to are a small group of guys, including the owner, all of whom I used to work with. There is a fair amount of trust established, but as always want to know what 'book time' is going in

fastfredracing · 11-10-2021, 06:16 AM

Book shows 6.4 hours.

asphaltgambler · 11-10-2021, 07:11 AM

Fred - thanks so much!

Steve Carlton · 11-10-2021, 10:24 AM

Isn't book time very inaccurate oftentimes?

asphaltgambler · 11-10-2021, 10:39 AM

Case-by-case basis; based on brand, model, equipment, etc

Steve Carlton · 11-10-2021, 10:45 AM

Seems like a no brainer if your labor is in the $500-1,000 range. Labor rates in the SF bay area are around $200+/hour. Being a Chrysler product, at least you know what you have in terms of reliability so far. How many miles are on your Jeep?

asphaltgambler · 11-10-2021, 10:52 AM

Just clicked over 200K. We've owned it since 40K / ten years, replaced or rebuilt just about everything on it but for anything engine related believe it or not.

fastfredracing · 11-10-2021, 01:54 PM

Id probably toss an extra few hours on if I was bidding that job. Here in pa, you can be sure, I would be fighting rusty manifold bolts, rusty transmission lines, and rusty linkages. It is called a labor " guide ".

asphaltgambler · 11-10-2021, 02:12 PM

We don't have rust issues like that here thank goodness, plus I keep it clean top, bottom, inside & out. I'll wait on the market a few more weeks see if a vehicle comes around. If not, we'll definitely fix it and hold a little longer.