Hi I need a estimate or guesstimate on the labor time on a complete front & rear suspension rebuild & time to install new metric motor.The work has been done since 12/15/2015 & ive been trying to get the invoice for final payment.With labor times I can have a idea of cost as I have priced parts involved. The car has been at the shop since 1/18/2014 ! Thanks
Not that long!
I rebuilt my front and rear suspension over a couple of weekends, by which I mean I replaced all of the bushes, shocks, etc. Rebuilding the kingpins can be a pain at the front. The rear doesn't really consist of much unless you've asked the garage to replace the rubber/steel bush on the rear axle. This involves axle removal and stripping and so takes a while. But even for someone doing it for the first time (me) it was the work of a few weekends. If you're not replacing that bushing, then shocks, springs, and other rubber around the rear is no more than a day or two. Throw in new brakes, brake lines and hoses, and you'll add more time of course.
As for the engine, there are many threads here that discuss the time taken to remove and replace. Varies from 4-6 hours by the ninjas, and up for those with less experience. Refitting takes longer, of course and there could be issues to address along the way to ensure proper running, as well as running in the rebuilt engine. But in excess of 2 years seems excessive!
I would personally ask them to stop all work and get the price as at today, whilst trying to maintain a good relationship with the mechanic. Having re-zeroed you'll be able to determine whether to settle up and go elsewhere, or negotiate for the remaining work.
Let us know how you get on, and good luck!
