Cab conversion - labor question

[widebody911]

I have someone who wants me to do a cab conversion for them. What's would be a fair price for this? It's pretty much a solid 8-10 hour day of cutting, fitting, swearing and welding. I think I had 12 hours into mine.

(continually whoring myself out to fund the track car project)

[PorscheGuy79]

Originally posted by widebody911
(continually whoring myself out to fund the track car project)

No shame in that, if you have the skill you might as well extort it for profit...kinda like an attractive woman using her...nevermind that was going downhill fast.

[john walker's workshop]

breaking even sucks.

[code7rpd]

That sounds like an interesting project. Let me know what you end up charging - I would like to have the same thing done to my coupe.

[aigel]

Thom:

Add at least 50% for safety. So, let's say 20 hours. Then multiply with half the rate a body shop charges locally. That's what I'd call fair. It should get you a few track days.

code7rpd :

No need to cut up a good coupe. You really want to start with a targa to do the conversion. The windshield portion on a targa is identical to the stock cabrio, so are other areas...

Cheers, George

[Joeaksa]

Thom,

Agree with George. Leave some extra "fudge" factor in the mix in case you run into something that you did not with your car. If you end up taking less time then cut the guy a deal.

Nothing like saying "I estimated it would take 20 hours but completed it in 16 so the price is a bit less" as opposed to "I had some problems and it will cost you xxx more than we discussed"...

Your time is worth something and most all of us equate it in someway to money. Its time that you will never see again in your life, so make it worthwhile!

JoeA

[widebody911]

Thanks guys. The conversion candidate happens to be another Pelicaneer.

[RickM]

Is it a coupe?
If so then the windows have frames around them as well. New doors/windows? Then there's the structural reinforcement....but you're the expert in that area.

[JeremyD]

Originally posted by code7rpd
That sounds like an interesting project. Let me know what you end up charging - I would like to have the same thing done to my coupe.

Here's your opportunity for a coupe Thom - do a trade for time/cars - swap drive lines - you both leave happy. and you can still install your 935 doors!

====================

As far as the Targa to to cab.

Call around to get an hourly rate from local body shops - then compute your time at 60-75% of that rate - with a caveat of - this is how many hours I think it will run - unless I run into issues with your car - That's how I would do it - he get's a deal - by someone who has done it before. - You get some green to fund your addiction.

[Joeaksa]

Thom,

Thats fine and you can even show him this thread but you are not working for the fun of it. You need to make some bux here to make it worth your while. Not saying to charge him too much but your time is worth something and his taking it elsewhere would cost a lot more.

Shoot him an estimate and tell him that there is a fudge factor in there. It could be a bit less and may be a bit higher but this is not an oil change and if you want me to do it then here are the ground rules.

JoeA

Thanks guys. The conversion candidate happens to be another Pelicaneer.

[Kurt B]

Thom, you could possibly make more money to help fund stuff by coming up with a decent price for a copy of the Coup shell you're getting. 2900 is way too much, but I know of at least one buyer who'd be willing to shell out 800 bucks for a copy that looks good on the outside, but who doesn't care how it looks from inside the car.

[aigel]

In my area a body shop would charge about $100 an hour. So, 20 hours at 1/2 price will make it 1k to do the work. Around here, with someone that isn't my friend, I'd think a grand to do the conversion would be fair. You have to see it in the light of the total cost for the conversion (e.g. 2500 for a top and mechansim?), and the money we generally spend on our cars.

George