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I took my lifted Toyota truck (easy access) in for a simple Y-pipe custom bend to connect both of my headers into one pipe that connects to an existing hanging muffler, not three feet back from the one header. I included the header flanges with bolts and gaskets.
After ten days, I checked in since I had heard NOTHING. I was told he didn't have the correct flange to connect it to the existing muffler. Did he order one? No. Had anyone called me? No. So I told him I would get one myself. A few days later, I delivered two flanges, just in case! Four days later, the project is done.
Did he screw the hanging O2 sensor back in? Nope, just left it hanging. So, we had a small exhaust leak until we got home.
THIS: for 200 dollars per hour.
Special equipment? No. Special training? No. Parts in stock? No. High-tech computer diagnosis? No. Amazing welding/bending? No, but sufficient.
$200 per hour? Yes.
Final cost - over 700 dollars.
When I asked our front guy how that price was justified, he told me the owners set the prices and that he's just doing his job (collecting the money). Tristen, the welder, nice enough guy, friendly, competent. I like him. But it is amazing that the owners believe their work and shop is so precious that they demand that kind of hourly rate for muffler work. To be fair, I noted later that it is posted in a small frame behind the counter. But even at that price, this service did not come close to $200 per hour. Would other specialized services that require a 10K+ diagnostic computer, subscription, and experience, etc., justify it? Perhaps. But pipe bending and welding? No. To be clear, Tristen's work was fine, after I provided all the parts but the pipe.
This kind of blanket rate is what informs customers to keep shopping if you need exhaust work done timely and fairly.
