How much should I expect to pay??

[johnjr]

Well, I've got the 78 SC in the shop for some repair/maintenance issues. The mechanic says I need pads and rotors all around, which was a surprise since I thought my brakes worked just fine. But I trust the guy, so I gave him the go-ahead. On a more expensive note, my heating system is shot, which I knew. I'll need new heat exchangers, flap boxes and cables, plus the hoses. I'm waiting for an estimate.

How much bling-bling should I be expecting to pony up for all that work?? My budget would appreciate any input. Thanks!

johnjr
78 SC Targa

[Schrup]

If you did it yourself you could afford to keep all the tools you had to buy to complete the job & still be cheaper than the mechanic. My half a nickel.

[pryord]

If your budget is like mine, you're going to pass out when you see the estimate for the new heating system. At the very least, you should do the brake work. It's easy and and you need very few tools.

[ubiquity0]

heat exhangers=$$$$$
You might as well go for SSI's. Get your mechanic to switch these out (+ muffler & the replacement oil lines) as you don't want to risk breaking any exhaust studs, then do the brakes, heater flapper boxes & cables etc. yourself.

[JavaBrewer]

If you do the brakes get yourself the special box wrench for the brake lines and a brake bleeder setup. Your SC could be different but on my 86 Carrera I could not remove my front rotors without having to disconnect the brake lines first. The brake pads alone are very easy to do and require no special tools. Then again you already gave the go ahead...

[johnjr]

While I appreciate the theory that I should do part of the work myself to save the bucks, in reality I am a mechanical knucklehead who can muck up changing a light bulb. No kidding.

Any guesses on the cost?? I've already ball-parked it myself, but I'd like to see some input to see if my numbers are close to anyone else's. Thanks.

johnjr
78 SC Targa

[yelcab1]

Providing that all the work is done:
$600 for pads and rotors all around.
$200 for labor for the brakes
$1000 for all new heat exchangers, flap boxes, and the likes
$300 for labor.

Now we are talking $2000 before you drive it again.

[chuckw951]

You can save yourself some significant dough here if you do the work yourself, else you supply the parts to your mechanic if he will allow it. Some will, some will not.

Brakes: rotors and pads are available online, labor isn't too bad if you did it yourself...but then again you've given the go ahead so the price could be anywhere from about $500 on up for rotors/pads/bleed brakes and up plus labor.

Heater system: You might be able to remove and repaint flapper boxes rather then buying a new set. Put the car on jack stands and take a look at them to see what is wrong first. You can buy hoses (be sure to get hose clamps if needed) and heater control cables online...but check these first. On my car the cables are inside a rubber tube...when you buy the cable you get the cable inside and not the tube...cable broke off at the flapper box....so it was really a simple fix. I don't recommend the paper hoses...not easy to work with, invest in the more expensive ones...last longer and easier to deal with. There is also a plastic accordian thing that cracks over time. Some leaks can be fixed with duct tape in the interim!

Heat exchangers: SSI's are expensive new or used...plus you would need a new muffler 2in1 out (right?) + the oil line.
For my old 78 911SC targa I bought a used rust free set from aircooled classics in Tennessee (865) 671-4914 . Apparently they don't have emissions testing in Tennessee so folks upgrade to SSIs. Guy I bought them from said they have a pile of usable heat exchangers. You'd need new gaskets. Also the early heat exchangers on the SC have a funky crossover pipe design that rusts and falls apart...I suggust upgrading to the newer design, see what you have on your car. Other issues with doing this job yourself is if you have a pesky bolt on a stud and it breaks off...plus you'll need the tools to access the barrel nuts and regular nuts to remove the old exchangers and tighten down the new ones.

Geez I'm rambling again. Bottom line is that the work you are asking to have done will get expensive quick at shop labor and parts rates. $2000++ at the shop. Below $1000 in your garage with used heat exchangers and new rotors/pads all around. Another option would be to back date your heat system...that would simplify things, clean up the engine compartment and eliminate the electric blower that doesn't really do that much anyway.

[Schuey]

if you need a great set of heat exchangers/muffler/cat-conv, let me know, I'm going to take off my stock ones and go the GHL route soon...make me an offer...

I'm not sure, but do you require smog in Ohio? If so the SSI's probably won't pass...