Anybody have a front pan replaced in/near Md, Pa or Delaware?

[berettafan]

I've seen reports of the cost to do the front pan range from $1200 to $3000 on this board. The recommended place in NoVa told me approximately $2500. Has anyone had quality work done for less in the Md, Va, Pa, Delaware area?

I was fired up to do this stuff myself but if i can write a check for $1,500 and be done with it i may be willing to do so just to get the car up to snuff quicker!

Thanks!

Erik

[bt1211]

It's really not that hard. The best tool you'll need is a sharp spot weld cutter. I've done 3 different cars. You should be able to do it in a weekend( or in at least in two week-ends).

Save the $1500 plus for for go-fast goodies

[berettafan]

Well the big issue is i don't know how to weld. If i had welding experience i might feel more comfortable assessing the amount of work that needs to be done.

[cfc]

you can learn can't you?

[NY65912]

It really is not that terrible of a job.

After all the spot welds are drilled out and the old pan removed the new pan can be indexed by using the front torsion bar mounting points. Take some maesurements and start welding.

I suppose you could drill holes and plug weld most of the pan. I went a little overboard and did continuous welds.

Would I have paid someone $1500 to do this job? Maybe, if I felt confident they knew what they were doing.

I am kind of anal about these type of things. I felt that if someone else could do it then I could as well.

[BK911]

I have to disagree with the others. This is a big deal. I've seen too many pans totally screwed up, either in the alignment, the welding, or the future rust prevention. In fact, I try to avoid cars that had the pan replaced. I'd rather buy one that needs replacing than one that somebody else learned to weld on. If you don't feel comfortable welding, a front pan is not the place to learn. There are a few ways to do a good job, but many ways to screw it up. Just my opinion.

[berettafan]

i appreciate the input guys. i am signed up for a welding class starting late April and hope to have a better handle on the difficulty of welding after that. at least i should be able to make a more informed decision at that time.

i imagine i could find some junk sheet metal to practice welding to see how well i do before attempting my own pan.

'while you're in there'itis has got me all screwed up right now. rebuilding the carbs has got me thinking i'd like to pull the tank and have it boiled, etc and replace some fuel lines. of course pulling the tank means i might as well get a wire wheel in the trunk and see exactly how bad the corrosion is on my pan, which means i might as well be ready to do the replacement which......well you all get the idea!

[EarlyPorsche]

Karosserie.

[berettafan]

EP that's who gave me the quote. I felt very good about the place after talking with the guy.