Average cost/time for SFC install?

I just picked up a pair of SFC's for the Cobra, and need them welded in, got a quote from a speed shop and the guy said anywhere from 5-7 hours and about 400-500 bucks for the install. Those both seem way to high for someone who knows what they are doing, any ideas about how much something like that should cost? I mean hell, you're just welding two bars to the under side of the car... :p



Seth

He has no idea wtf hes talkin about. I guess it only really takes a couple hours. I paid 125 which seemed a little bit high, but the guy i went to knows his ****. (had a 9 second camaro). Look around, some places you can probably find for slightly under 100. All though it could be different on a mustang, but id say not terribly so.

I agree with ttop1986, that price is insane.
Find someone who has done it before; do not trust a newbie to be welding on your pride and joy.
Also, if you prep before, by removing the paint from the weld spots, it will go quicker and cheaper.

I'm doing it now to both my cars. It can be more work than you might initially think if it's done right.

The weld in tubular sfc that I bought do not fit real well against the rocker panel and rear sub-frame mounting area. I have to make gussets to get good contact between the chassis and the connectors. This is going to take me a few extra hours. I could just clean the areas and weld whatever is convenient but then I don't feel I would have a good installation. Also you have to consider those gas and evap lines on the driver's side. They absolutely have to be carefully adjusted before welding or the fire would be devastating.

Depending on the area you live, the condition of your car and the fitment of the connectors you can look at a price of $60 to $200 for simple tubular installation. Personally, If I could trust an installer to do a premium job, I would gladly pay $200 here where shop rates are $50 to $75 an hour.

my 2¢

I thought he was full of it. Looks like I'll be checking around a little for a different shop. Strange cause the guy came recommened by an old guy who used to own and operate a frame shop. Maybe he was just jerkin me around and didnt want to do the work, or maybe he saw a young guy with a nice car and thought he could bend me over? Kinda makes me upset thinking about that.



Seth

It used to be that the sub-frame connectors (or better termed then as frame supports) used to be manufactured in house. It was not uncommon for welding shops to charge a lot of money because they had to design and fabricate the parts. Perhaps this person is thinking he needs to fabricate what you want done rather than just doing the welding.

No doubt, it isn't hard to find shops anxious to gouge a customer. Almost every person I had talked to wanted to see the car and connectors before committing to a price. If a weld shop assumes they will be building the connectors from in house stock and then welding them in, the prices you were told aren't unreasonable. If he saw the parts you already have and your car and still gave you that price, then he's hoping to make a killing.

The ones that gave me a ball park figure without seeing the car and parts were way out of line. Perhaps this is what happened with you?

regardz

One would asume he had to smelt his own steel to make his own SFC's from the price he quoted me, but no. I brought the car with the SFC's down to his shop and showed him, he was poking around looking under the car when he gave me that price.



Seth

I had my muffler guy weld it. Took him 30-45 minutes and cost $20. Its not hard at all, and he did an awesome job. I have the umi sfc btw.

make sure your welder has enough heat. took me ****ing forever without the right heat.