Sheetmetal Replacement Estimate

[SSuper Dave]

I'm interested inthe ESTIMATED time in labor hours to replace both 1/4 panels, full trunk pan, rear taillamp panel, both trunk drop offs and the panel under the rear glass. I know there wil be variances, but 20, 30, 40hours or more? Work would be completed by an experianced resto shop, not a collision repair center. I'm trying to get some comparisons. Thanks a lot!

[Ark68SS]

I have an old Michell Collision manual, here are the times that it gives for a '68~'69-
Qtr panel replace- 13.3 hr ea.
Panel lower rear-below lid- 2.0 w/One qut removed, 1.5 w/Both qtrs removed
That's all the times it has. The parts prices are pretty cool, quarters were $128.35, rear panel $24.90, trunk floor $108.75, panel under rear glass, $17.25.
BillL

[BlueSS454]

Dave,

You're looking at probably around 100 hours to do 2 full quarters, both rear wheel houses, full trunk floor with braces, both drop offs, and the tail lamp panel. That's the general rule of thumb the guy I know that does Chevelles goes by. Sometimes it's a little more, sometimes a little less.

[SSuper Dave]

Thanks gents, that EXACYLY the type of info that I was looking for.

[Dave Birdwell]

I'm doing just about that right now, I think Tom's gonna be pretty close. I think I got 55-60 hours in it now, and am just about ready to start welding... so I think another week is about right.

[LS_5]

Dave,

You're looking at probably around 100 hours to do 2 full quarters, both rear wheel houses, full trunk floor with braces, both drop offs, and the tail lamp panel. That's the general rule of thumb the guy I know that does Chevelles goes by. Sometimes it's a little more, sometimes a little less.

I assume that's just for the sheet metal work itself. Not the blocking, sanding, smoothing, etc. Correct? I would think that's where time for a resto shop would differ significantly from a regular body shop.

[JerryA]

I must have spent 100 hours just scratching my head when I replaced quarters on my 65. lol

[BlueSS454]

I assume that's just for the sheet metal work itself. Not the blocking, sanding, smoothing, etc. Correct? I would think that's where time for a resto shop would differ significantly from a regular body shop.

Correct Andy, that's for metal replacement only, and that's only tackling the rear half of the car. That does not include a floor install, roof skin, firewall, outer cowls, etc if it needs work. The filler work and primer/blocking can vary in hours depending on how good the guy doing it is.

[TechNova]

I must have spent 100 hours just scratching my head when I replaced quarters on my 65. lol

That's funny.
If only I could get paid for scratching.

[CDN70SS]

For $2K this is what I got done to my Chevelle:
Pick up Chevelle from my garage, remove engine, tranny, remove body from frame, remove entire floor from original weld spots, clean weld spots, install new one piece floor, install 1/4 drop offs, place Chevelle back on frame, fix dent on 1/4 and leave it in primer, return chevelle back to my one car garage.

[Dave Birdwell]

Luis, your guy works too cheap... :) Sounds like you got a deal if it was done well.... :yes: