It's impossible to determine a rate as evidenced from the above post. From the east to the west , north to south , and as Russ brought to our attention it will make a difference if it is a resto shop or a collision shop. Oh, you may be able to collect say a 100 different hourly quotes and average them out, but even that average mau be $10.00 to $20.00 off either way from your part of the country. I will tell you a job quote is probably your best way to go, but get it in writing ! I realize not all owner/operators are the same. but you can't tell me that the age and kind of car will make a difference when it come to pricing, especially on any one specific task. Case in point, there is a local trim shop who does excellent work. Years ago I had them do a vinyl roof for me on a Scamp, later I had them do some seat repairs on the same car. Then after the Chally was finished I called to get an estimate for labor to install carpet, the car was fully gutted out, only the drivers bucket was still there for obvious reasons, and I already had purchased the made to fit (form fitted) carpet from Legendary, so......instalation was all I wanted done. The quote was $50.00, but when I was called and told the job was done, the owner said that will be $250.00 please. Now what caused this sudden inflated price? These shops are not sitting around with their heads stuck in the sand, when they saw a flreshly restored E-bod roll into their shop with a mild custom paint they obviously felt, "Hey this guy just spent some major bucks restoring this Mopar, we can get more than $50.00 for this job". Well, as it turns out I had talked to the owners son who really runs the shop and does 75% of the work there, he and his dad went round and round and I payed only the $50.00. Shame, that is an excellent quality shop as far as their work goes, but as long as the bastard old man is living I'll drive 100 mile if necessary if I need any trim work done on any of my cars.
