I wanted to share an LOL moment with you guys. I recently purchased a set of the Eibach Prokit springs. For now I'm just looking for a modest drop (7/8") and I got a good deal on the set from TireRack. (also picked up alignment kit from Summit Racing for cheap)
My regular mechanic quoted me a price of $250 for installing the springs and performing an alignment. His normal alignment is about $80.. so I figure he was charging about $40ish a corner for the springs. I thought it was a little high - but he's always done a good job for me in the past so I'll likely go with his shop (he alway's busy - so it will be next week before he can get to my car.)
So I figure I'd spend some time and ride around to see what other shops are getting for a spring swap and alignment. To my surprise, most of national chain shops would not perform the swap unless I bought springs from them... "Can only install parts we sell". Needless to say - none of those shops will see my business.
Of the ones that would do install the prices ranged from ridiculous to f-ing idiotic. I had 3 local shops that quoted between $250 to $400, which made my regular guy's quote look like a good deal.
But the one that took the cake was Pep-Boys, a recommended Tire Rack installer no less, that quoted me $812!!! and that did not include the alignment! LOL. I looked at the guy and laughed at him. I told him it was maybe an hour's work for a good mechanic... two at the best. No way in hell was it worth $812... let alone half that. As I left the store I drove by their shop area - all 5 bays were empty and they had at least 4 guys standing around with their hands in their pockets... LOL - I can't imagine why. (I doubt I'd have the courage to let them work on my ride to being with... but that's another topic)
Anyway, thought I'd share that with yall. I'll stick with my regular guy and just wait till he has the time to perform the install.
