Hey Jim, thats a good question. I admit I certainly spent a lot of time. Whats my or your time worth? To me it was worth it. A major benefit was what I learned from the experience which in some situations that knowledge is priceless. Im sure it does not pay to try something like this if you strictly look at the dollars and cents. But my best reward is knowing that the job was done right. I also was able to easily overhaul the starter, steering gear, power steering pump and hydraulic lines, steering dampener, and degrease the entire area while I was down there.

Every time I have had to take my car in to have it worked on I have major concerns about the quality and accuracy of work. For example, when I had the tranny done on my 91 costing $2600 after an estimate of $2000, I reviewed the parts that were replaced. I noticed that he charged me for 24 friction disks. But the transmission only has 13. Almost 2x. At the time I picked up the car, I didnt know any better so I just paid the bill and left. But now I wonder what else he charged me for that was not necessary or parts that he did not put in. Who can argue about what was or was not done with internal transmission parts if you dont know anything about it. This type of thing is where knowledge is valuable.

So I saved some dollars and traded time for a whole bunch of knowledge. Education is expensive any way you want to figure it. Its one thing if you dont have the time, and another if you do. I have yet to do something like this and regret it.

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I got too many cars!! Insurance eats me alive. Dave

78 Corvette Stingray - 3k
82 242 Turbo Volvo - Manual - 270k
86 300e 5 speed manual - 210k
87 420sel - 240k
89 560sl - 78k
91 420sel - 205k
91 560sel - 85k
94 GMC Suburban - 90k
97 Harley Davidson Heritage Softail - 25k
00 GMC Silverado 1 ton 30k