how long should it take

[Ralph A.]

I have my 65 in the shop to get the ac fixed. Just to pull off the compressor and take out the evaporator to send it out it get repaired, 10 hours labor, at 100 dollars an hour that's 1000 dollars just to take those two pieces off. Does that sound right.

[Wayne P.]

Re: how long should it take

Ralph you might want to take it off yourself . Labor rate seems high . I would get them to evaperate the system first. I am no expert at a/c.
Good luck . Wish I had air 90deg today.

[Mike M.]

Re: how long should it take

removing the evaporator on a c-3(with engine in place) is a dreadful job. would never do it again. mike

[Ralph A.]

Re: how long should it take

removing the evaporator on a c-3(with engine in place) is a dreadful job. would never do it again. mike

yes mike if i was to do it myself but for an expert to take 10 hours I don't know thanks ralph

[Wayne P.]

Re: how long should it take

this is a c2 we are talking about 1965 correct?

[Edward J.]

Re: how long should it take

Ralph, being in the auto repair Business the labor sounds fair. and labor rates are different all over the U.S.

If your car is a big block or even a small block C2 its still a tough job on the evap. core removel.

[Larry M.]

Re: how long should it take

Ralph, being in the auto repair Business the labor sounds fair. and labor rates are different all over the U.S.

If your car is a big block or even a small block C2 its still a tough job on the evap. core removel.

Evaporator core removal is a real pain. The compressor is a piece of cake. I think the man-hrs are realistic....even for a pro. The labor rate ($$$) is a bit high, but that depends on the shop and where you live.

Why do you need to remove the evaporator?? Does it leak, or you just want to clean or replace due to age?? If it doesn't leak, leave it.

Older AC cars are a money pit.

Larry

[John D.]

Re: how long should it take

If anyone has an old Chilton's flat rate labor guide that would give you an idea of how many hours got paid for the job back in the day.....

[Edward J.]

Re: how long should it take

Evaporator core removal is a real pain. The compressor is a piece of cake. I think the man-hrs are realistic....even for a pro. The labor rate ($$$) is a bit high, but that depends on the shop and where you live.

Why do you need to remove the evaporator?? Does it leak, or you just want to clean or replace due to age?? If it doesn't leak, leave it.

Older AC cars are a money pit.

Larry

Larry, I sometimes find when small shops do restoration work the labor rates are higher, at least in my area. it tends to to be take more time knowing that you cannot break or make mistakes-Hence no air tools, rusty nuts and bolts etc.

Although the question of evap. core needing replacement is a good one. As this is one part that you should be sure that its got a leak,they seem to always have signs of a leak when just looking a the core itsself. Oil generally will leak out with the R-12 and dust collects onto that area of the leak. sometimes you'll find that a look inside the box through maybe the ballest resistor hole, if no signs there then its the electronic sniffer but there also not fool proof, they will false sense alot.

[Ralph A.]

Re: how long should it take

Evaporator core removal is a real pain. The compressor is a piece of cake. I think the man-hrs are realistic....even for a pro. The labor rate ($$$) is a bit high, but that depends on the shop and where you live.

Why do you need to remove the evaporator?? Does it leak, or you just want to clean or replace due to age?? If it doesn't leak, leave it.

Older AC cars are a money pit.

Larry

Hi Larry the evaporator has a leak the compressor seal also has a leak. You know, I'm just checking because Ive owned this car for 6 years and it has been in different shops for half the time I'm owned it, 5 months hear 5 months their and 6 months in another shop and mow it has been in this shop 1 month already. I got a feeling it will be their for another 4 months thank Ralph

[William C.]

Re: how long should it take

Old Motors (1970) for a '66 says 5 hrs just for the evap. plus the other items that have to be r&r to get at it. 10 hours doesn't sound out of line for all that is involved.

[Jean C.]

Re: how long should it take

Ralph, are you a member of the Florida Chapter? If you haven't done so already, I suggest you ask some of their members for a recommendation for a shop in your area. Sounds like some of the shops you have used are parking garages, not service garages.
Best regards,

[Dick W.]

Re: how long should it take

I would not put much faith in repairing a 45 y/o evap core. Between the oil and typical corrosion of aluminum, it will be a tough repair. I believe that I would have a source in mind for a new core.