[getmygoat]

I had this bright idea to have my suspension rebuilt by a shop instead of doing it myself.. the logic was that it would cost more, but I'd have it done in a week instead of a year. Plus, I took it to a guy who specializes in old Pontiacs.

So... $3,000 to rebuild front and rear suspension in a 1970 GTO.... What do you think of that?

New bushings, ball joints, front springs, and sway bar bushings... does not include tie rods, center link, or idler arm. (nor shocks)

Also sandblasted and painted the rear for $250.

Some of the more aggregious parts charges:

Front sway bar to frame bushings... $26.00 each - i.e. $52 for the pair. (don't these come in a set)
Front springs $159
Two ball joints $104.

The original plan included detailing the front end.. then after he took it all apart he said the parts were too rusted and he wanted to replace all the control arms (all, front & rear, upper/lower). He also wanted to replace the spindles, steering knukle, brake calipers) - I said yeah right.

Lesson learned - Its not just the cost, but now the car is not how I wanted it. No detailing, and it sits too high in the front, he probably used the wrong front springs.

Just venting. It really does seem if you want it done right, do it yourself (I can remember fretting that buying all the parts from Ames (including tie rods, center link, idler arm) was $1,000.)

Fred

[fyrebird68]

Originally Posted by getmygoat

Just venting. It really does seem if you want it done right, do it yourself (I can remember fretting that buying all the parts from Ames (including tie rods, center link, idler arm) was $1,000.)

Fred

WOW. That IS a lesson learned. Next project, ask the board members whether you should do it yourself - we can talk you into doing just about anything! :old:

[67 Lamnas]

Originally Posted by getmygoat

I had this bright idea to have my suspension rebuilt by a shop instead of doing it myself.. the logic was that it would cost more, but I'd have it done in a week instead of a year. Plus, I took it to a guy who specializes in old Pontiacs.

So... $3,000 to rebuild front and rear suspension in a 1970 GTO.... What do you think of that?

New bushings, ball joints, front springs, and sway bar bushings... does not include tie rods, center link, or idler arm. (nor shocks)

Also sandblasted and painted the rear for $250.

Some of the more aggregious parts charges:

Front sway bar to frame bushings... $26.00 each - i.e. $52 for the pair. (don't these come in a set)
Front springs $159
Two ball joints $104.

The original plan included detailing the front end.. then after he took it all apart he said the parts were too rusted and he wanted to replace all the control arms (all, front & rear, upper/lower). He also wanted to replace the spindles, steering knukle, brake calipers) - I said yeah right.

Lesson learned - Its not just the cost, but now the car is not how I wanted it. No detailing, and it sits too high in the front, he probably used the wrong front springs.

Just venting. It really does seem if you want it done right, do it yourself (I can remember fretting that buying all the parts from Ames (including tie rods, center link, idler arm) was $1,000.)

Fred

Pontiac specialist???

Please furnish the name of the business so others don't get hosed.....

[getmygoat]

Originally Posted by fyrebird68

WOW. That IS a lesson learned. Next project, ask the board members whether you should do it yourself - we can talk you into doing just about anything! :old:

Yeah, I had done it myself on my other GTO... I just got lazy, and I'm busy, and I have no room in my garage...... but now I need to take it all apart anyway...

[firebirdcrazy1959]

and it sits too high in the front, he probably used the wrong front springs.

Only good thing is the front will settle after a while.