Diputado

I agree that the labor estimate is way high. A few months back, I installed a COMPLETE new parking brake system in my '65. I bought all the parts from NPD. I think the parts cost me around $300. As for the labor, I can't tell you what that cost me, because I had the car in a local shop having all steering, braking (including new front discs), and front suspension components changed out for all new parts....labor total for all this ran me $850. The parking brake was only a small part of this. In fact, I would've probably done that part myself if the car wasn't already torn down for all the rest.

ProblemHouston

Well now I'm really not happy with this shop. They charged me $1k (and a lot of parts from my old car) to install my front discs and grab-a-track front and rear suspension kit. I am going to start looking for a new mechanic for sure now.

Diputado

Well..I just went back and checked my parts invoice from NPD...the parts (ALL of them) to completely reconstruct a missing '65 parking brake system ran just slightly over $400. My labor costs were likely lower than yours would have been, since I took my car to a retired classic/antique car restorer who had a shop at his house. "Commercial" operations have way too much overhead, payroll, etc. to give really good deals. Took him about a month to do all the work I listed in my previous reply...but I think I came out way ahead. Everything works perfect, too.

69mach1377

Where was this work done?

ProblemHouston

Check your PM

I notice you are in ABQ did you have your work done at a shop here in town?

69mach1377

I don't trust shops per se...it's either me or my bro-in-law for the big stuff.
Sounds like that shop should be avoided in the future.

ProblemHouston

Yeah I will just start looking around for a shop that works on older cars and see what I come up with. I pick this shop cause they mostly deal with Mustangs but I have learned my lesson.

I can't seem to find anyone that will do a T-5 converson for me in town. Did you and your brother-in-law do your converson?

groho

May I add some perspective to this, please. Shop labor is roughly $75 an hr. $1K of labor is only good for 13-14 hours of work; that's one tech two full days. I can say personally, pulling a complete suspension (front and rear) and replacing it, and install new brakes, and bleeding the system. . .that's a very realistic cost for labor. Please, I'm not trying to be rude, but if you don't like the cost of labor, buy a service manual and some tools, in the end, you will save allot of money, enjoy it, and have pride in work you did yourself.

These cars are extremely easy to work on with a little motivation and reading. They're great because they're very basic, none computerized, completely mechanical. For that same $1k, you can buy a complete set of tools, floor jack, jack stands, service manual, and probably still have money left over.

ProblemHouston

I completely understand what you're saying. There was more given in trade for work along with the $1k. And that is where I am a bit confused by still having to pay $1k.

69mach1377

He did the conversion, along with hydraulic actuation. There are many threads and websites on this.