I need to replace all my hoses for my top (and may as well get the rebuilt rams and latch for a total of $1,100 with upfront shipping from Top Hydraulics). I have kind of dreaded all the tedious work involved with doing the full replacement myself I am not worried that I can't do it, it's just all the frickin' crap involved with doing it (removing A-pillar/seat/carpet/whatever).

So yesterday I was talking to a friend at work who owns a 2000 xj8 and he said he had a local mechanic guy here who was very knowledgeable and very reasonable. I figured I would check with him to see if he was up for the job if I supplied the parts and if so, what would he charge. He's probably around 60 years or so and seemed very knowledgeable about the system, he is ASE certified and has been around forever working on european cars out of a "storage unit" type building right near where I work.

I figured it was a stretch, but if he would do the whole job for $600 or so I would just let him have at it and save me the aggravation. I spoke with him this morning and he said the full job is quoted as around 10.5 hours but he thought he could get it done quicker and he normally charges $75/hr (bonus!!) but he would cut that a little and do the whole job for $600 plus any parts (oil or whatever).

I think I want to give this guy a shot (and I told him that I would probably have others that would take him up on the offer as well)... what does anyone think? I think it is easily worth $600 (assuming he does quality work), but I figured I would bounce this off all of you awesome forum members who have been there before and paved the way for us... what do you think???

 

$600 is indeed a bargain for this job but I would do my due diligence on this guy before I handed him my keys. Does he have a name for his business? If not, you'll need to Google him by name and ask for plenty of references. Good luck....

 

The $600 is indeed a great price for the labor. Besides the system working at the end there are a lot of potential appearance issues involved. Good reports from satisfied customers would hopefully tell the tale.

 

Hi Chris. I used Top Hydraulics and was very pleased. Quality work.
I'd guess it would take a good 10 hours. Did mine over a few days when I had the chance.
The replacement hoses are thinner ( also feel stronger) which makes for easier install.
TH supplied a little plastic junction to connect the old hose to the new. This enables you to pull the new hose threw while removing the old. Nice little touch which works well. In addition, I found no need to remove the fuese box.
I'd do it again. Worked like a charm. You may do a better and move careful job... Rich