Honest reasonable cost valuation

[Lazarus88]

Afternoon everyone! First post here. Just looking for opinions here. My neighbor is a tech and just put my rebuilt 72 4.9 300 back together. I paid for everything from the machine work to the new head, rebuild kit, all parts and fluids and stripped it myself. He did the internal work to put it all back together and fire up. We are about to start talking money. What do you feel is a reasonable cost for his labor and knowledge?

Thanks all!

[71PA_Highboy]

what are shop rates in your area? Is he a friend or a neighbor, and did you supply food, beer, entertainment while he was working or was it more of an employer employee type thing?

All of these go into the right decision.

[sargentrs]

The local engine builder in my town charges $500 to mount an engine on his test stand and run the cam in, tune the timing and carb, etc. That's if you build it yourself and take it to him. He'll charge at least that much on top of it to assemble it if you buy all the parts. It's a small town shop with 1 guy who's been in business there for many years and has an excellent word of mouth reputation in the performance crowd. Just don't be in a hurry.....

[Lazarus88]

Well, yes. he is a friend / neighbor. We have watched his kids, etc... It was more of a friendly situation than an employer type thing. I do know he values his time, as do I. Just was wanting a few second opinions to have in the back of my mind when we sit down to chat on cost. This was my first rebuild process, and have learned a ton.

[Jbott]

I'm paying about $1500 to do a full rebuild / cleaning / painting on a 390 including replacing all other engine bay components (except battery and master cylinder) including cooling components, welding headers into exhaust, refurbing a few components, and tuning. I'm paying for materials myself and have been having them shipped to the engine builder. It's only a three guy shop but they do excellent work, and the owner is a retired mechanic who does it to keep himself busy and for fun.

[crazyhorse]

I M O A BALL PARK $1200---$1500..

[Mancar1]

The finale result is of course between you and your friend.
Years ago I learned the hard way that the cost of a service should always be set before the work begins.
I hope you remain friends after all is said and done.
I M O I would say 1/2 of what a local shop would charge.
Not much overhead when done out of one's garage.

[Lazarus88]

The finale result is of course between you and your friend.
Years ago I learned the hard way that the cost of a service should always be set before the work begins.
I hope you remain friends after all is said and done.
I M O I would say 1/2 of what a local shop would charge.
Not much overhead when done out of one's garage.

Ha ha, I agree, in hindsight I should have. i am hoping this is all fair and we do remain friends. But it is a 72 f250, so none of my money spent should ultimately be lost (if I were to decide to sell)

[cstoyer]

Well like another member has said you should have worked out the cost before but hey now you just have be cautious because you both have some investment here. Friends, Money and Neighbors are a tough pickle. He has is time, skill, and you have your grunt work, part prep and part sourcing to wash out here. So if he is reluctant to say what its worth to him offer him a $1000.00 and he'll do one of three things. One he'll say that's to much (Friends), two he'll say that works for me, (Neighbors) or three he'll drag his feet (Money), which should prompt you to add another $200 and see if he goes for that.