So running on mid 70's and been working the 34 since 1995 means I'm slow and $$$$$$$ challenged. Sold my Rivi to complete my Hi-Boy and am considering turning it over to a shop to finish. What's a good shop rate here in Western Washington?? <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ 34 Larry <!-- / sig -->
Don't know about Washington but, here in central California my shop rate is $65 for mechanical, body work, paint, etc. and $85 for customizing, fabrication and welding. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
It is $85 in CA, in the rural areas. In the cities and inner-suburbs, it can be up to $100, for custom work. Real estate is expensive.
I would expect between $50 and $125. About the same as any shop. Its all about how much it costs to run a shop$$$. Like Gimpy said "Real estate is expensive". Also time can be an issue, if you need it today it is likely to be more expensive. I know a Guy that only charges $50 an hour but he does it on his schedule so it takes time. Check out Street Rod Vision they are good guys and do proper work plus they know this stuff inside and out. If you just need fab work I know a guy that does great work for a reasonable price but he is in Stanwood.
Thanks all. Going to Foss'es in Montasanto (sp?) on Wednesday. Saw their work, down in Phoenix. Car is almost complete. Hardly any real metal fab or body work. I did all that myself. Just need interior stuff, hook up hear and there, some skimming, sanding, paint etc.
Depends on the overhead. Some small shops located on the same property they live on have pretty low rates around $50-$60 and hr., but shops with big buildings, and monthly leases can double those rates to cover overhead. But hourly rates can be deceiving. I know some guys that can get twice as much done in an hour, so even if they charged $100 an hr. it would still be a bargain. I use a local guy when I have to, and his rate is $500 a day, but his work is timely, and the highest quality I could expect.
When I mentioned that real estate is expensive, it is not just the shop rent that plays a role in overhead, but payroll, too. $100 might seem high, but the average one-bedroom apartment here will set you back $25,000/year. Paying your employees $15/hr. might fly in Austin, or Cedar Rapids, or Sioux City, but here, it might leave them homeless, unless they have mad financial skills. Location and cost-of-living, are everything. No direct comparison of rates, regardless of quality, or rapidity, is possible if you do not take these into account.
Exactly! Some guys complete more in an hour than others do in four. [I fall in the latter, or more, but I only do it for a hobby] Also, from what I hear people say about paying someone to do the work for them, they forget [or don't know] how long it can take to do what seems like a simple job. Make sure you are comfortable with the shop you hire.
Productivity if a function of management, skill, and tooling. You will usually get more productivity for your dollar if the shop has good management, skilled employees, and the right tools and equipment for the job. Shops that have all three will likely have a higher hourly rate and give you more value per dollar.
It seems to me that no one has asked the right question, How can you be cash strapped one minute then pay someone to fix your car? Ican learn alot if I am paying someone $100 an hour.
I was reading through and thinking the same thing. If your cash strapped I would not be looking for a shop to finish or you may be losing a project for non payment.
Not to hijack the thread but I started a social group for you shop guys and owners of rod/auto/resto shops. Los Jefes Cansados is the name. I hope to get a good cross section of guys from across the states discussing shop rates, productivity, accounting, what not...Tyler
In DFW our rates are 65/hr for body work, teardown, and 85/hr for fab, welding, mechanical, and re***embly.
When i was doing mostly fab work i was charging $75/hr for ch***is work and $50/hr for maintenance like new brake shoes and oil changes, with a minimum of two hours for all work done unless i did it in less than 30 minutes then it was negotiable. Had lots of old timers come in with a bent rim or a "could you weld this tacked piece up" and cut them a break. I would suggest being nosy and stopping into the shops and talk and look around at the work, alot can be be said with what you see and at***udes you endure.
The Jalopy Journal
