A/C Install Cost

[jasonmcc]

Does anybody have a rough estimate of what a man could expect to pay in labor cost for a vintage air a/c install in a coyote bronco?

 

[steelefx4]

Depends on your location and the going hourly shop rate.

Cheapest where I'm at is $65/hr...minimum 6hrs for the install, more likely 8, so that's over $500, then another $150+ to charge the system.

Do you have the compressor already on the Engine?

-Jake

 

[73azbronco]

Unless it's a specialty shop working on old cars, I doubt anyone would take the job, it's not book.

You are up in Kindig territory, call them and ask for other shops, Kindig is booked years out.

 

[steelefx4]

And that. I don't think i'd trust just any shop to work on a Bronco with a Coyote in it.

 

[bcmbcmbcm]

Best is to find an AC specific shop. Better yet a vintage AC repair shop. As much as California has issues...we do have some great shops.

http://theairshop.com/gallery/

 

[JeepGuy]

Pretty sure Vintage Air in these Bronco's was called rolling the windows down or taking the doors and top off.

I know I know... someone had to say it.

 

[Madgyver]

Given that all parts are available for the task, I'd say it's an all day job just with a fresh build without a dash in place. at $100.+ per hour plus charge rate for R134A at say $200. that's over 1K. and then you get shop charges and taxes. Ask around and you'll probably get 2k to 3k quotes, and that would be considered cheap at specialty shops..

 

[Broncobowsher]

I would be scared of any shop that would do it for under $1k. Either giving there time away or be prepared for a hack job.

Do you even have a place for an A/C compressor? Often the compressor is removed to install a power steering pump. Now there is a LOT more work. Special (and somewhat expensive) brackets. Convert to electric power steering pump. The Coyote factor really adds to the work and parts involved over a conventional small block A/C install.

So not only 4-figure price, but deep into that 4-figure price.

 

[sprdv1]

Definitely do the research in your area for shops, and best price/reputation

 

[cannunz546]

I am in the Chicago area and had an old school top notch mechanic hand build an entire new A/C system. I have not looked at the invoices in a while but I believe the total time was about 40 hours (60/hr) and parts ran about 1500 to 2k.

 

[bigmex]

Depends of your location, in Austin I got a quotes from 1k to 2k for labor (depending under dash, in dash, hiding hoses, etc)

 

[Madgyver]

I got quoted for an OEM AC replacement at a dealer for another vehicle and it was over $5K. and this is only a "remove and replacement" of the evaporator unit.

 

[jasonmcc]

Thanks, that helps!