End run time!

[Mainemantom]

Get some other quotes. That sounds like dealer rates or the shop that quoted you doesn't want to do it.
I am sure someone is hungry enough to give you a fair price
Wonder what the flat rate manual quotes it at ?

[VicCrownVic]

Up there it makes sense. It probably books at about 6 or more hours. Core should be less than $100 (especially since they will using an aftermarket one). The rest, as you say.....WTF!

That's why I'm glad I do as much of my own work as I can, and if I don't know how I either figure it out on my own or ask my dad and he teaches me.
The highest priced heater core I could find for an 86 MGM is about $130 (average is about $40), and if they also replace the heater hoses that would be at most another $50. I don't see how they can be installing anything more than $200 in parts, so that still leaves $600 in labor if they go out of their way to find the most expensive parts possible.

If I lived near you I would help you replace it or do it for you and charge a huge amount less.
On my 91 I spent about $30 and did the job myself in about 4 hours tops, but the 91 seemed easier than what I remember of the 89 and older cars. I wouldn't be surprised if the estimate for older boxes is 6-8 hours.

[gadget73]

Its a pain in the ass. 5-6 hours is believable. I've done mine twice, and its a crap job.

Pressure test the core before you install it. The reason I did mine twice is the OEM Ford one I put in the first time had a leak. I ran it for 2 years before getting tired of the stink and replaced it again with another OEM Ford core. The second one I put 15 psi of air to it and stuck it in a 5 gallon bucket. No bubbles. The leaker I did the same thing with and it bubbled.

[Toploader]

Looked up the labor in All DATA, MITCHELL, MOTOR, and CHILTON, on average all say between 6-8 hours labor, plus core. Green Sales had a NOS core foam surround insulation which I have. No more FOMOCO cores so I purchased one from four seasons. Will have pressure tested before I start, wish it were copper!

Yeah, price sounds about right. They'll probably charge "book rate" so even if they know a few shortcuts they charge the longer time. Just make sure they don't damage anything else since there are many wires and vac lines back there. Need to re-use the insulation around the core or better yet, if any damage, replace it.

[Toploader]

Labor rates in metro NYC are all pretty much at least 95.00 per hour, so yea I hope eight bills at the most!

$800!?
So like $750-$770 in labor?

[Toploader]

Another reason to do before it gets cold is damage, I fear lots of plastic parts getting cracked/split in the cold, not a concern in the summer heat!
I know somewhere on this site is a blow by blow write up of R&R heater cores, we should have this printed up and sold for copy costs to all who may need ( )

And yes, Vic if I lived closer, I would gift you with the job, hey eight bills is not chopped liver

[gadget73]

Just be aware there are 2 different cores on these. I think it was 88 or 89 they went from the copper/brass core to an aluminum one. The aluminum core is actually more efficient but its a little smaller and won't sit properly in the box. I think the real difference is the foam surround, but not 100% sure on that. I just know that it does matter what you had originally because the other one won't fit right. The pipes on the brass one are a yellow-red color, the aluminum core has grey-silver pipes.

[87gtVIC]

Scott is always looking for work up at Skippyville. Drop him a line and see if he is up for it. He has done them for many members on the board. 2.5hr drive over to his place hang out while the work is getting done, check out the property stay the night and leave the next day sometime if all goes well. Definitely ask him about it, everyone up there is very accommodating.

[VicCrownVic]

http://www.grandmarq.net/vb/showthre...-Core-Write-Up
That's the thread you're looking for.

I need to finish my writeup for my 91 heater core replacement. It's been a while since I worked on it but it's probably 90% done. I've got some time off next month maybe I can get it done then.

[sly]

if the shop wants to discharge the AC, tell them to stop looking at a fox body and look at the full-size. should knock down the price some.

only $500 around here to swap the heater core.