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Ford 9N, 2N & 8N Discussion Forum

Am I getting shafted here?

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TomT (NH)

04-01-2006 18:41:07

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I bought a 51 8n a few years ago � its been good to me so I decided to have the engine rebuilt (compression was low and it was smoky and noisy). I talked with a local retired guy (he worked on Fords for his career, and from what I�ve heard he is good). He gave me a price of $3175 to go through it: rebuild the engine with a engine overhaul kit, carberator repair kit, ring gear, wire harness, clutch (if needed), machine shop work, valve job, straighten out the radius rods (they had a slight curve to them. He said $3175 was probably on the higher side but wanted to protect himself in case any surprises came up. After some sole searching I agreed (although it was more than I really wanted to spend) he felt pretty comfortable (based on his initial assessment of the tractor) that he could stay within the discussed price and hopefully below.

So he started the work and ran into some issues. 1) the engine was an earlier model that what he expected so the sleeves didn�t fit. He got the overhaul kit that did fit and it when in fine 2) He had to order a new (rebuilt) head because the other one was an earlier version which didn�t have the correct mounting holes for the generator (mis-positioned in relation to the fan belt) 3) the timing gear cover had a crack in it so he had to order another one and 4) he had to have the radiator re-cored. Turns out the clutch was ok.

So I stopped by yesterday to see how things were going. Everything seemed to be coming together and then said the changes increase the original quote to $4000. When he said that I was shocked to say it kindly. Especially since I told him that $3200 was the limit at our initial meeting. Am I getting shafted here? I don�t mind paying a fair price for good work but it seems high to me. Note - I�ve had limited dealings with tractor mechanics and 8n work so I�d appreciate some honest feedback.

Thanks

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dave guest

04-02-2006 14:59:49

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Re: Am I getting shafted here? in reply to TomT (NH), 04-01-2006 18:41:07

There are re builds and there are rebuilds. In Motor City some shops call rebuilt replacing one rod bearing and grinding crank. Somedo as much as possible to build reputation and bucks! A rebuilder I personally knew told me one of his engines would probably last only 20 to 30 kmiles. This was cars and trucks about $1200 in 70"s. Better shops wanted $1200 plus parts. Might be a reason for every price. I like doing it yourself and know what you got. Found out tractors aren't too fussy if you just want a workhorse. You gotta earn 1000 to pay somebody $500(after taxes) Don't forget FICA the hidden tax. $70 hourly around here(Detroit)

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Dachshund

04-02-2006 12:08:01

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Re: Am I getting shafted here? in reply to TomT (NH), 04-01-2006 18:41:07

He's hosing you! He should have KNOWN (if he was as good a mechanic as he claims) what "year" to order, or waited until he had it apart to ensure the right parts were ordered. It was his fault he ordered the wrong parts, not yours! I had the same thing come into play a few years ago when I hired a guy to rebuild my Ford Ranger motor. I told him NO ADD-ONS before he started and to call me if he ran into a problem. We had a written contract. Went to pick it up and found $1800 in add-ons! I paid him the original price agreed upon and left. I found out that he can legally charge 10% over the estimate, but not 75%. I was glad to see him go out of business a year later because so many people "owed" him money. He had put the shaft to so many people that they refused to pay and ruined his reputation. He also had to fix my Ranger when it didn't run right later (before he went under).

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Fordfarmer

04-02-2006 11:50:16

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Re: Am I getting shafted here? in reply to TomT (NH), 04-01-2006 18:41:07

As a comparison, a rebuild on our 7000 a few years ago was just over $2500, including labor. Bored for sleeves, a sleeve set, pistons, rings, bearings, gaskets, etc. Granted, this was a few years ago, but it had to be bored to accept the sleeves, and it's still a 4-cylinder, and a bigger one at that.

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Tom(ID)

04-02-2006 10:24:47

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Re: Am I getting shafted here? in reply to TomT (NH), 04-01-2006 18:41:07

Here is Idaho, my brother in law talked to a retired mechanic about re-building his 8n motor and the front spindle bushings. The guy told him he charges $65.00 an hour and with the parts it would cost my BIL about $3000. This doesn't include the clutch. So far we haven't called back. I told my BIL that he could sell his 8n for around $2000 and with the additional money buy a nicer one.

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hvw

04-02-2006 09:32:57

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Re: Am I getting shafted here? in reply to TomT (NH), 04-01-2006 18:41:07

Most good mechanics and machinist are going to charge you what they feel their time is worth or they won't do it at all. It's pretty plain the fellow your dealing with has put a high value on his services. Down the road we have a marine mechanic who quoted me $2500.00 to rebuild a 1950 Chris Craft transmission almost 20 years ago. More than the boat was worth at the time. He does perfect work but won't do it period unless he gets his price.

I expect your engine will be perfect but the reality is you could have got that same thing for about $1500.00.

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Lytemup

04-02-2006 09:09:01

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Re: Am I getting shafted here? in reply to TomT (NH), 04-01-2006 18:41:07

I have seen completely rebuilt Ns, painted polished and spit shined, motor etc all done, for less than's he's charging you for a rebuild of just the engine.

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crazy8

04-02-2006 05:31:46

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Re: Am I getting shafted here? in reply to TomT (NH), 04-01-2006 18:41:07

Thats a high price to pay to not see a little smoke.

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Dave H (NY)

04-02-2006 04:35:58

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Re: Am I getting shafted here? in reply to TomT (NH), 04-01-2006 18:41:07

He could have done the job correctly for half of that. Engine rebuild kit with everything if you figure $500.00 and double for labor, so $1,000.00 for the job plus his incidentals is fair. Is he looking for you to pay for his mortgage for the next few months? Way out of bounds here.

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guest

04-02-2006 04:03:52

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Re: Am I getting shafted here? YES in reply to TomT (NH), 04-01-2006 18:41:07

Sometimes you get into a situation
where you shouldn't have, and you
learn a lesson. I feel your pain
as you will never be able to recoop your
loss. However, you should have a tractor
that will run well and give you and your children and then your grandchildren many
years of use.
It is too bad that you did not contact the
forum sooner to be able to steer you in a less costly direction. But at this point
what is done iS DONE.
ENJOY YOUR TRACTOR!
GEORGE

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Denny (WI)

04-02-2006 04:02:37

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Re: Am I getting shafted here? in reply to TomT (NH), 04-01-2006 18:41:07

Yes he ripping you off. This is at time to get your stuff and think about suing this moron. Way to much money for this job. Are you paying for his retirment? Good luck Den

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alg

04-01-2006 23:33:26

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YES!!!!!!!!!!!!! in reply to TomT (NH), 04-01-2006 18:41:07

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Tom.NC

04-01-2006 21:03:46

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Re: Am I getting shafted here? in reply to TomT (NH), 04-01-2006 18:41:07

Holy smokes..is he going through the WHOLE tractor or just the engine?

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Empennage

04-01-2006 20:47:20

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Re: Am I getting shafted here? in reply to TomT (NH), 04-01-2006 18:41:07

Tom,

4000.00? Wow. Ouch. That smarts. What part of NH are you in?

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Mr. Bill No. Mn.

04-01-2006 20:02:24

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Re: Am I getting shafted here? in reply to TomT (NH), 04-01-2006 18:41:07

Had mine rebuilt here in Minnesota for 1600 anf I thought that was high. That mechanic must have worked for Grappone ford and had good teachers. I think you are definitly getting ripped off. Good luck and let us know the outcome. Used to live in New Hampshire.-Bill

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Dave L

04-01-2006 19:41:43

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Re: Am I getting shafted here? in reply to TomT (NH), 04-01-2006 18:41:07

3200 is high,4000 is unacceptable.A new radiator is 154.00,complete rebuild kit w/sleeves and adjustable tappets I think I paid 495.00,the radius rods ten minutes ea. with a press to straighten,as far as the wrong parts his mistake not yours.The rest is labor.Just my opinion but 3000.00 plus in labor seems high.
Dave

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Jack - Illinois

04-01-2006 19:41:09

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Re: Am I getting shafted here? in reply to TomT (NH), 04-01-2006 18:41:07

I think you are getting the shaft!! If he is such a great Ford mechanic, then he should have know what he was getting parts for by the serial number. He should have seen the wrong head when he first looked at it. He should have know what he had to do before he tore it apart and given you a new estimate then. Since he did not, then he should stick to his original estimate. Don't pay him without a good fight for fair play!

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old

04-01-2006 19:37:05

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Re: Am I getting shafted here? in reply to TomT (NH), 04-01-2006 18:41:07

You can buy a BRAND NEW engine for an N for $2630, plus shipping. Thats not a rebuild. You can buy a rebuilt one for $1859. So yes hes giveing it to you big time.

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Ken Crisman

04-01-2006 19:33:17

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Re: Am I getting shafted here? in reply to TomT (NH), 04-01-2006 18:41:07

Well my friend you have just gotten a good reaming . Be sure to take the KY jelly with you on the next visit . He worked for a dealer remember & saw how it was done . You're not the first sucker & you won't be the last . Even with a written agreement you can get a hosing . Have been there many times , with a paper & without . As the magistrate said , that paper is only good for toilet paper . Sorry , but you'll have to either bite the bullet or give him the tractor .I lost a good carb for my 1952 Ford 6 cyl, that way . When I sent it to the guy he gave me a quote of 125.00 to rebuild it. Then later-on I got a bill for 425.00 . I gave the butthead my carb . God Bless , Ken

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StahlMaster

04-01-2006 19:31:11

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Re: Am I getting shafted here? in reply to TomT (NH), 04-01-2006 18:41:07

This link should be of interest to you....

Rebuilt Engine Block Assemblies

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9n1411

04-01-2006 19:24:50

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Re: Am I getting shafted here? YES in reply to TomT (NH), 04-01-2006 18:41:07

This job takes about 25 to 30 hours for one mech. Parts about $1000 maybe $1500 in your case, but I don't understand why some of the parts were needed

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seeyalatergator

04-01-2006 19:13:49

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Re: Am I getting shafted here? in reply to TomT (NH), 04-01-2006 18:41:07

A complete engine rebuild in Mississippi would be between $900-$1200. The carb rebuild should be less than $150. You could convert to 12 volts,get a new wiring harness and electronic ignition for around $400. I don't have a price to straighten the radius arms. In short, in my humble opinion, $4000 is a little excessive.

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Rick H. Ga.

04-01-2006 19:00:30

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Re: Am I getting shafted here? in reply to TomT (NH), 04-01-2006 18:41:07

Hi Tom,

I"m no authority on 8N engine rebuild cost, but I think you are getting shafted.

Maybe things here in Georgia are a lot cheaper than New Hampshire. Maybe that is why many of the unionized companies are moving down south; things are cheaper.

Good luck with the rebuild.

Rick

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Mike S

04-01-2006 18:50:15

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Re: Am I getting shafted here? in reply to TomT (NH), 04-01-2006 18:41:07

For some reason, rebuilding tractor engines seem to cost more than car engines. I am having a very reputable mechanic completely rebuild the 289 in my 66 Mustang and it will be less than 1600. New crank, pistons, etc. Of course, no sleeves since I don't think it had them. I think your guy is high, but others can chime in with their experiences.

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