Cost to weld sub frame connectors?
06-14-2011, 02:33 PM
#1
Cost to weld sub frame connectors? I recently purchased some sub frame connectors and have been calling around to a few shops to see what it would take to weld them in. Three of the four didn’t know what SFCs were 
The other quoted me $130. I thought that sounded incredibly steep for just a few quick welds - especially since this is the same shop that charged me $350 to do a complete gear swap that took an entire day. Is this what everyone else spent? I’m no expert welder, but may attempt to do it myself for that price.
The other quoted me $130. I thought that sounded incredibly steep for just a few quick welds - especially since this is the same shop that charged me $350 to do a complete gear swap that took an entire day. Is this what everyone else spent? I’m no expert welder, but may attempt to do it myself for that price. 
06-14-2011, 02:43 PM
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Local shop charged me $10 per point of weld. So $40 since subframes only have a front and rear point to weld and each side. $130 is a rip off!! The most i would realistically pay is $20 a weld. It takes only about 10 minutes each side.
06-14-2011, 02:57 PM
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Guess it depends on the shop, the quality of the work, and how much prep is needed. A hack shop can do them in 20 minutes; a quality shop it will take longer.
Hell, it takes that much time to properly prep the bottom of the car and grind/clean the weld points properly.
Personally, if it's a shop that's trusted, and you know does good work, $130 isn't a bad deal if they're doing everything and do a quality job.
By doing everything I mean:
1) Grind the clean all areas to be welded.
2) Straighten and fit any areas that need minor repair.
3) Weld Subframes.
4) Primer and paint welds.
Hell, if you want to go extreme you could do what I did... I had my car put onto a rack at a collision shop and measured, then had the SFCs welded on while the car was on the rack. (This makes sure EVERYTHING is in perfect alignment).
Hell, it takes that much time to properly prep the bottom of the car and grind/clean the weld points properly.
Personally, if it's a shop that's trusted, and you know does good work, $130 isn't a bad deal if they're doing everything and do a quality job.
By doing everything I mean:
1) Grind the clean all areas to be welded.
2) Straighten and fit any areas that need minor repair.
3) Weld Subframes.
4) Primer and paint welds.
Hell, if you want to go extreme you could do what I did... I had my car put onto a rack at a collision shop and measured, then had the SFCs welded on while the car was on the rack. (This makes sure EVERYTHING is in perfect alignment).
06-14-2011, 03:02 PM
#4
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I welded my own with a buddies welder and I'm no expert. It's been 4 or 5 years now and the welds are still holding up. Also remember, (if you didn't know already) if you have it done, find a place with a drive-on 4 post lift. You want the weight of the car resting on the wheels. 2 post lift is not a good idea. I had to drive my car up on ramps then block up the rear tires.
06-14-2011, 03:30 PM
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Guess it depends on the shop, the quality of the work, and how much prep is needed. A hack shop can do them in 20 minutes; a quality shop it will take longer.
Hell, it takes that much time to properly prep the bottom of the car and grind/clean the weld points properly.
Personally, if it's a shop that's trusted, and you know does good work, $130 isn't a bad deal if they're doing everything and do a quality job.
By doing everything I mean:
1) Grind the clean all areas to be welded.
2) Straighten and fit any areas that need minor repair.
3) Weld Subframes.
4) Primer and paint welds.
Hell, if you want to go extreme you could do what I did... I had my car put onto a rack at a collision shop and measured, then had the SFCs welded on while the car was on the rack. (This makes sure EVERYTHING is in perfect alignment).
Hell, it takes that much time to properly prep the bottom of the car and grind/clean the weld points properly.
Personally, if it's a shop that's trusted, and you know does good work, $130 isn't a bad deal if they're doing everything and do a quality job.
By doing everything I mean:
1) Grind the clean all areas to be welded.
2) Straighten and fit any areas that need minor repair.
3) Weld Subframes.
4) Primer and paint welds.
Hell, if you want to go extreme you could do what I did... I had my car put onto a rack at a collision shop and measured, then had the SFCs welded on while the car was on the rack. (This makes sure EVERYTHING is in perfect alignment).
My $40 job consists of all stated above. NO JOKE!! But then again my car was pretty straight already. Welds are not the best but good enough to take a beating for the last 4 years of DD, SCCA, Drag, Drift and many more to come.
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06-14-2011, 08:58 PM
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Welding is a good paying job, they charge quite a bit. Thankfully I learned myself, unfortunately don't have welding equipment 
But as long as you have been satisfied with their work in the past, $130 would be well spent in this area. Remember they outcome of choppy work with SFC's could cost ALOT more
But as long as you have been satisfied with their work in the past, $130 would be well spent in this area. Remember they outcome of choppy work with SFC's could cost ALOT more
06-14-2011, 09:18 PM
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I paid my local race car builder a $100 bill ... whoever you go with, be sure they know what they are doing. The suspension MUST be loaded when welding these in.
06-14-2011, 11:21 PM
#12
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I recently purchased some sub frame connectors and have been calling around to a few shops to see what it would take to weld them in. Three of the four didn’t know what SFCs were The other quoted me $130. I thought that sounded incredibly steep for just a few quick welds - especially since this is the same shop that charged me $350 to do a complete gear swap that took an entire day. Is this what everyone else spent? I’m no expert welder, but may attempt to do it myself for that price.
The other quoted me $130. I thought that sounded incredibly steep for just a few quick welds - especially since this is the same shop that charged me $350 to do a complete gear swap that took an entire day. Is this what everyone else spent? I’m no expert welder, but may attempt to do it myself for that price.old saying "YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR"
06-15-2011, 05:57 AM
#15
I charge $125 at my shop. My labor rate is $105/hr. If you think about prep, it takes a little over an hour start to finish. Put it on the lift, remove paint from car, and subframe connectors, wipe it all down.... usually have to remove the lower contro arm bolts too. Very few dont get sandwiched there....
06-15-2011, 12:13 PM
#16
If I was welding on SFCs for someone I would charge about $150. Unless they were already bolted to the car, then it would be cheaper. Or if its for a buddy, then my going rate is a case of beer 
06-15-2011, 12:34 PM
#17
damn... my exhaust guy had me pull my car over the pit (like oil change places), scuffed the area to be welded with 80 grit on a little air sander, tacked in place, ran beads, and hit with some black spray paint to prevent rust. Took 20 minutes if that... he charged me $25 and I gave him a $50
06-15-2011, 12:49 PM
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Everyone else I went to would not price the SFC install .... they just said "by the hour price" which was usually $85+/hour. I like a firm price! I would think that if you knew how to do the work, you could quote me a price instead of leaving it open. I guess if they messed it up, they wanted the option to charge you the time required to fix it.
06-15-2011, 07:19 PM
#20
I also paid him $60 to tack my u-bolts and mounting plates for my drag bar.
Everyone else I went to would not price the SFC install .... they just said "by the hour price" which was usually $85+/hour. I like a firm price! I would think that if you knew how to do the work, you could quote me a price instead of leaving it open. I guess if they messed it up, they wanted the option to charge you the time required to fix it.
Everyone else I went to would not price the SFC install .... they just said "by the hour price" which was usually $85+/hour. I like a firm price! I would think that if you knew how to do the work, you could quote me a price instead of leaving it open. I guess if they messed it up, they wanted the option to charge you the time required to fix it.
/rant