Mark S. Lepore, MD wrote:
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What have I done?
My '71 Tr6 that I bought less than a month ago needs major work, or so a
recent mechanic says. I'd like people's opinions on these prices, and
alternatives, aside from me doing it myself, which I'm not confident I
could do. Symptoms: lots of play in the steering; the car sags to the
passenger side; carb leaks fuel, and idle is too high. My gut feeling
is that their labor rate is too high, and perhaps some of the things
really don't need to be done:
1)Install a new rack, new tie rod ends, a new shaft and u joint and
align the front end. Parts $535, labor $205
2) Install front springs - Parts $76, Labor $220
3) Install rear springs - Parts $90, Labor $138
4) Install front end "major suspension kit", which replaces all the worn
bushings and things like that. - Parts $638, Labor $550
5) Carb rebuild (both carbs) Parts - $86, Labor $330
6) Install new vacuum advance $65 for used part, $55 labor
Any and all input would be appreciated.
Sirmoog
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Dear Dr Mark,
Is this a hobby? If the answer is yes then you need to attack this
incrementally. Remember these automechanics are accustom to working
on cars that folks need every day and will not tolerate return trips
to the shop. A feiend of mine had a problem with his car battery
running down and he took it to the shop. They replaced: 1) the
alternator, 2) the regulator, 3) the battery, and 4) the battery
cables. And lo and behold the problem was fixed. Well of course
the problem was fixed. IT WA A WHOLE NEW SYSTEM!
You, on the other hand, can afford to "try" the cheaper
fixes first and see if that works.
*lots of play in the steering
Probably the steering rack mounting bushings (cheap parts, quick
replacement). Also the tie rod ends are a common maintenence item.
These racks rarely go bad. And I've never seen a bad stearing shaft or
U-joint. I'd say replace the bushings and tie rod ends and see what
results you get.
*the car sags to the passenger side
The most common cause is rear suspension bushings. Change those first.
I'll bet the springs are fine.
*carb leaks fuel, and idle is too high
There is a guy in Oklahoma, Jim Taylor - I think, will do a total
rebuild for about $150 per carb. And this includes rebushing the
throttle shafts. I think. At $75 per hour, $330 is 4 hours which
must include learning curve.
On another note, the labor quotes are for individual operations. If
you do decide to have the springs and bushings replaced at the same
time you will be paying for twice for some operations. The labor for
replacing the bushings includes R&R of the springs since that is
a necessary operation.
Lastly, and I know that, as a Doctor, you hate to hear these words, ;)
but, get a second opinion. I think these guys saw Dr at the end of
your name and read it as "Boat Payment."
Good luck and keep the faith. Take two parts catalogs and call me in
the morning.
Dave Massey, St. Louis MO
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