Quote:
Originally posted by mrmustang
Bern,
Since each of these cars is a custom built item, if your not certain what is wrong with the car, or it's tune in the first place, your most certainly not going to be able to estimate what the cost of repair before actually looking everything over to see what the problem is in the first place......
Bill S.
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Bill:
What you are saying is very true, up to a point. However; hardware is a fixed cost and labor is a part of the equation; coupled with the unknowns which become the additional cost. A carb, wires, valves, etc are fixed costs at his price and I was just trying to draw out a rough estimate and then leave myself some margin for the over-runs. He had a game plan in mind after he looked at the motor and blueprint, and he said as much. He just wouldn't elaborate on anything except "the carb has to go". It's simple enough to layout the list of the basics and go from there. I inquired about a dollar ceiling, but that doesn't solve anything with a half finished job and then neither of us are happy. Please don't get me wrong. He's not a bad guy and I didn't mean to give that impression. He can be insulting and he doesn't even know he's doing it, so I know it's not intentional. Your characterizaton of "quirky" is probably well stated. I'm still planning to use the guy, but he just doesn't get an open cash register or clock with me.
Josh: In my opinion; Cobra, Mustang, T-Bird, Vette, etc. doesn't matter on body and general maintenance. The kits aren't that unique. Actually, most are better made than the originals. Brakes are brakes whether they're on a Cobra or a Vette. Motors are different. If YOUR block is Ford then a guy that has 25 years experience in performance Fords obviously has an edge over a guy with 25 years in Chevys working on a Ford. Manufacturer's engines all have issues or nuances related to a particular series or the year manufactured. i.e., Mines a Cleveland not a Windsor and that raises eyebrows cause there aren't a ton of them around. A 351C can have oiling issues with performance modifications but a Chevy guy wouldn't typically know it. It's easily addressed with restrictors.I'll check out this Richy Gurkin guy that USrowboy mentioned too and there is a Performance guy at Lowman Ford, Parsippany that's been around a long time also. Rocky at Rocky's Rod Shop in Highbridge is real good but he's predominently a Chevy motor guy. You have to nose around a little bit and don't be bashful with questions. Your're entitled; it's your wallet. Use the board; there's a ton of information here thats meaningful to us all. BTW: My only demand is a time commitment on the Project. No commitment; no deal. I been that "hurry up and wait" route before. You blink and summers over. Good luck with it.