How much would you charge???

RUN LIKE HELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A dude stops by while your wrenchin and wants you to do a rewire?
I'd help a stranger change a starter or a flat on the hiway but not a rewire.
Youre takin time away from your stuff, ol'lady, your stuff etc.
I understand the economy and all, but thats a big bite.
And if it dosent bite, it'll suck.
been there, done that,still tastes fuuuunky.

 

Lots of good advice here, even the ones looking at the negative side.

I do it because I find rewiring cars relaxing, enjoyable and a way to be artistic. The money's OK, but if I charged my standard rate of $40/hr I'd be way overpriced.
I love it when the owner is happy with the work done and they tell 'em who did it.

 

50C/S
I was once a promech also, however nowhere near your level.
The profile states simply "central Ca".
No mention of skill, history, big red heavy box, what kinda dodge.
Wiring freaks me out. I'm not afraid of it but this scenario dosent sound right to me.
I had a 46 Military (WC26) and I wired it like a HD.
I call it chasing gremmlins. I usta do alot of side work but got bit too many times. Bitter like a lemon,bro.

 

Labor and time guide calls for 16 hours and its ten years old. Only way to do it right is with factory replacment wiring harnass. If you want to tackle the job,no less than $50 an hour. If you decide to do the job ,money up front for parts and half labor. Cover your butt just tell him to give you the title to the car and he gets its back upon final payment.If he ain"t good with that go back to work on your own car.If you don"t own a licensed shop walk away.Doing work for other people all they have to do is report you for running a business out of your house,they get their car and you get a hefty fine and hassle.

 

I know a guy that is having a high end '40 Ford Coupe built and the shop wanted $5K for everything electrical including lights, stereo, etc.
remember, you home owner insurance will not cover you if something happens to "customer's car" while at your place.

 

When people found out I was a mechanic, they would ask about me doing something on the side for them.
My stock answer was that I'd charge them 1.5 times the local shop rate. They always had a shocked look on their face!
I explained that I worked 48 hours a week at the shop, so any time I was doing side work was overtime.
I also explained that I must be better than the average shop, since they trusted me enough to ask me to do the job instead of going to the local shop that spent all that money building a business, keeping the doors open all week and advertising.
I finished with the explaination that since I didn't have all the pro equipment that the shop did, that it took me longer. I also didn't have the legal status and volume to afford a lawyer in case they sued me, which they would probably win since I was not licensed for doing to work at home.

Everyone that asks you to do side work expects 3 things; cheaper price, be able to talk to you at any time and however long they want, and quality at least as good as a shop. I don't like talking to some dummy at 10 PM when I lost my ass on his job 3 weeks ago...

 

My instinct in revisiting this post is more aligned with the idea of passing on the job, but only because you're doing your own thing at home. Not only do I do these old cars as a daily job, I do them at home as well...FOR ME. I gave up side work forever last summer with the exception of woodgraining. Last job was little to no support from the out-of-state customer and grossly underestimated as to what it needed to be finished. I could have easily been the bad guy on that score except for documenting everything and taking pics. The job before that, the douchebag paid for parts, bling, a trailer, etc. When the time came to pay up for labor due and an advance to cover the next move (full build) I was the bad guy because I wanted money. "I'm good for it...". Yeah, he was so good for it I sold his fuckin car that he abandoned at my place after being stuck with it for just short of 3 years. So why does this happen? Human nature. You're at home, you like doing it, you don't really need the money, you took too long, you're not a real shop so gimme my car and fuck you, I'm calling the cops...it happens. For those of you with a good following and even better talent that's kept you successful, I wouldn't believe you if you said nobody ever gave you grief. Doing work solo, like at home with no certs, gives some the impression that they can jamb it up your ass. WRONG. You have rights as an "Artisan". Never forget that. YOU HAVE RIGHTS. For those of you who got screwed thinking you didn't have rights, well now you know. Some states have different guidlines or standards but even nationally, you're considered an artisan. Just an FYI...

 

Good points there. I'm fully ASE certified, and get paid up front.

 

I can tell you from exp that if it goes great (and you know it never does) then you'll make some bread and it will be good. If there are any gremlins or if the dude is a whiner this could turn into a huge headache.

I work on quite a few peoples cars but it is generally because they are a friend and I am helping.

otherwise for me its always a headache.

 

Hell, I'd do it. Brad has the right idea. Factory harness would connect the way it is supposed to be unless there are tons of modifications - you'd just be taking minor stuff apart and running wires in designated locations.

The only other thing I could say would be to do the work at his house. What tools really do you need to install a factory wiring harness? Use it as a 'learning opportunity' to teach the guy as well as use him for an extra pair of hands. Plus, tell him food and beer are on him! Cut him a decent flat rate for your help, and just tell him it's to cover your time away from home and your projects, and that you're only doing this to buy this one thing for your ride.

Just a means to an end.

So many talk about how this hobby is dying, yet when an opportunity comes along to help someone who doesn't have the means or understanding to do this, so many want to break it off in his ass and send him on his way? Crazy. If you're worried about the liability stuff, have the dude sign a liability release.

Help the dude out, make a few bucks, and possibly gain another pair of hands on your future projects.

 

...Parts plus an hourly rate, a portion paid up front and the vehicle is turned back to the customer only after the bill is paid in full. I charge 1/2 the door rate at work (65/hr) plus a markup on parts i supply from my jobber. Cheaper than paying 130/hr plus shop supplies plus environmental fees, etc. Some advice: when you see a minister in the background beware! That means you will soon be married to the project. Make sure you REALLY want to do the job...any doubts will see the light of day as soon as you tire of the job or possible phone calls. (...I know you said you were busy with family stuff this week, but i was wondering when you think it will be done...Oh. Really? Hmmmm....do you think you can look at it sooner? Would it be faster if I helped?)

 

a shop gets $65 or up around here to do work on a car , charge him for a kit and ask to be paid by the hour ,

 

As they say " You touch it and then you own it". I would be cautious with this opportunity. Looking past the monetary benefit to you remember that there is a huge liability that goes along with working on other peoples cars.

 

Iam doing the color code right now .......IT SUCKS.
"AND THE BOWTIE ROLLS ON"