getting someone to install my rockers and floors

[jackag91]

If I decided to go the route of having someone install my rockers (inner and outer) and floorboards, how much would I be looking at spending?

I think this might fall into the "worth the money, to get it done right" category.

 

[toysrrus]

Hi There jakag91;

I`ve never had it done but a friend of mine did his own & swore He would "Never, Ever" do it by Himself again!

It`ll probably be Big $$$ but I`m sure Well worth the $$$:

Have Fun Shopping;

Regards, Russ /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/banana.gif

PS: I guess I`m going to have to change My Avatar soon!

 

[jackag91]

Yeah that was kind of my thought. I might be able to do it, but then again I don't think it would be good place to scrimp and it will probably be a much bigger pain that I would want to deal with.

 

[DNK]

The more "you do" the cheaper it will be.

 

[Guest]

Re: getting someone to install my rockers and floo

Remember, you are basically cutting your car in half when you take out the floorboards and the rockers. Make certain that you properly brace the car together at the door openings, something you can do yourself with some welding equipment. Cutting out rockers may expose other rust damage. Be prepared for the worse. I changed out my floorboards (90%) without repainting the car. Wasn't that bad, wish I had more work area. Are you gonna leave the sills in place?

 

[IanF]

Re: getting someone to install my rockers and floo

From what I've read about this job (quite a bit since Volvo 1800's suffer badly from this condition) is that while it's not terribly hard to do, it needs to be done carefully and in stages. In other words, don't cut out and replace everything at once, but so as to keep as much of the body rigidity as possible while each part is replaced. Keep the doors installed in order to check alignment. On the 1800, the general idea isto repalce the sill first, then the floors because there's a near 100% chance some of the subframe members need replacing as well, which are welded to the inner sill.

I had planned on doing this job on my 1800ES, but time, space, money and general desire have sine convinced me to move on to other things. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/frown.gif

 

[Tinster]

Re: getting someone to install my rockers and floo

Hey Ian-

I don't know about the rocker panels, but the floors are
something you can do yourself. Several methods have been
demonstrated here on the forum. I know almost nothing
about auto mechanics and even less about body work.

I replace a gaping hole in my floor with good, strong
results. It took me three weeks but was well worth the
effort. Saved me well over $1,000.

 

[IanF]

Re: getting someone to install my rockers and floo

<sigh...>

I wish the floors in the Volvo looked as good as what you started with... /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/frown.gif

 

[Tinster]

Re: getting someone to install my rockers and floo

Ah Ian, that a bummer.
Could you post a photo(s)

regards,

d

 

[IanF]

Re: getting someone to install my rockers and floo

I'll what I can dig up... the car I have the most photos of I have since sold... the even rustier car I still have still has it's interior and therefore doesn't photograph as well.

 

[BIBBER]

Re: getting someone to install my rockers and floo

just a suggestion...I have a local MOM and POP muffler shop here in town and they will do odd jobs for me at welding...they even do the work right while I'm there to watch (makes sure it's done the way I want it). It's worth a call if you have any around...they have the lifts and cutting/welding equipment...know how to make strong seams and they're always looking to make a buck and usually negotiate...

 

[jackag91]

Re: getting someone to install my rockers and floo

I will post pictures of what i have to work with this weekend. Both rockers are shot. The floors have nice holes in them.

I was just kind of hoping for a ballpark. Am I looking at $1000 for labor? $500? $2000?

 

[TR6oldtimer]

Re: getting someone to install my rockers and floo

I will post pictures of what i have to work with this weekend. Both rockers are shot. The floors have nice holes in them.

I was just kind of hoping for a ballpark. Am I looking at $1000 for labor? $500? $2000?

IMHO, if you do all the disassembly work, and if you can find someone who has done this before, then it's probably a 32 hour job, else it's easily 40 or more hours.

So at $50 per hour you are looking at $1600-$2000+

 

[jackag91]

Re: getting someone to install my rockers and floo

Thanks oldtimer

 

[Jon80spit]

Re: getting someone to install my rockers and floo

I would do it yourself. Wasn't that hard on my 80 spit. Most of the rocker replacement can be done with a spot welder. Got a cheep one at Harbor Freight. Instant weld gratification!
The floor needs a gas, mig or tig welder. The cost to have it done would probably be more than a welding outfit. I made my floorboards, but would buy new ones if I did it again. The above comments are great. Keep the doors on and align the doors and body. Then weld in braces. Another thing I would do next time is to use weld-through primer where the metal touches and regular epoxy primer every where else. These cars rust from the inside out!