How much to charge for mechanic work??

A neighbor asked if I would convert one of his Farmall H's from 6 volt to 12 volt alternator. He's wanted it done for years and has asked a couple different mechanics to do it but they never get around to it and he's tired of waiting. No fee was discussed, just get it done. I wanted to bring it over and work on it in my shed but it doesn't run so I have to go there to work on it.(3 miles away). I picked up the parts which he will pay for. He is there when I work on it and we venture off onto other stuff he wants done also. I should finish tomorrow, just need to get the belt on and put the last end on the wire to the alternator and some wire ties and it should be done. I have no idea what to charge him. I have remade the alternator bracket and tightener and a bracket for the resistor. I have about 6 1/2 hours in it so far and another hour or so should have it running. Independent mechanics charge about $75 to 90/ hour, dealers are way over $100/hour. I'm not a certified mechanic and don't expect top dollar but would like fair compensation for doing work that he can't. If it makes any difference, He is 78 and money is no object, he can buy anything he wants. I've known him forever but no close ties. How much do you charge for your time?? Thanks, Chris

I charge 50 a/h. Around here people are happy with that. RB

I charge 50.00 hour plus 20.00 fuel surcharge for travel time. Havent had any complaints other than some think need good buddy discount.

To me this is more of a flat rate job. Quote your price for the job. Dont matter if it takes u 2 hrs or 6 hrs. To me I feel 300.00 is a good figure. Remember if u have not done this before you will be spending more hrs than if u specialize in changeovers. A qualified guy can easily do that in 2 hrs.

Depends on if I want to work or not. If I don't want to work, at least $400/hour, if I do want the job, I charge way less. As low as nothing if I like the job and who Im working for. In your case I would charge enough to buy yourself a toy of some sort.

For a 3 mile neighbor, $150.00+parts. If you like to have him be there, 100.00. if a pain to have him in attendance, 175.00 Jim

No one is ever happy on either side of the equation when a price is discussed after the work is done.

A lot of variables here.

For one thing, a guy doing nothing but oil changes probably makes way less money per hour than a guy doing nothing but engine overhauls. Not sure where a 12v conversion fits into that, but guessing it's not on the top end on skill required.

Another thing is, sounds like this neighbor is somebody you know. Almost kind of like a friend. Do you charge your friends the same as other people?? I personally don't. If it's a friend that's been known to help me out, I probably wouldn't charge anything, or not very much.

If your thinking about charging this guy a full hourly rate as he'd pay like at a dealership, then you need to only charge him for the time it SHOULD of took for the job, and not for how long it actually took.

Not sure what other stuff he has you venture off to do over there, but if not other mechanic work, you probably shouldn't charge a mechanic rate for doing that other stuff.

If it were me, I'd just charge a fare to both sides price. Your not going to get rich on a 7 1/2 hr mechanic job, no matter what you charge. But, you'll likely tick this guy off if you overcharge him thinking you will.

Charge the going rate or do it free, don't do it cheap for a price, thats experiance speaking. We, the sons and I had to put the brakes on mechanic work on the side. Started out doing favors, then we figure out that we are using up shop supplies, electric, wearing out tools etc so we charged a bit and lost the super cheapskates but gain quite a few average cheapskates looking to get work done on the cheap via word of mouth. Things got out of hand so the shop rate went back to free and then I had no problems telling people NO! I'm not talking about your friend here but he will tell others. So don't feel bad about charging him 50 to 75 per hour or more. In the long run you are not making a dime at that rate and its high enough that the super cheap will leave you alone.

I assume this is a cash , folding money job, and as such you can pocket the money and forget about the job. No warranty no guarantee. Also no overhead cost or related business expenses. So ask yourself, did you earn $50.00/hour at your last job doing similar work ? And I think you will find the answer. Dont worry about what other shops charge, think of what other mechanics get paid. $50.00 plus out of pocket cost and travel might be fair. And the cash can go right into your Oliver.

I agree. It's respectful to both sides.

How much do I charge?

I only work for close friends.
When I finish my friend asks how much?
Whatever you think it's worth is fine with me.
If friend doesn't ask, I feel that's OK too.
I spent almost a year helping a friend restore a barn.

Friend didn't ask and I didn't care that I didn't get paid. I did it for a friend and his 3 horses.
I can't upload the finished barn.

Wow, I cant believe the prices being quoted, I use to do those conversions in about 2 - 2 1/2 hours and didnt charge but $100 bucks plus parts to do them.

Some jobs just don't pay well you either decline it are suck it up its gonna eat your lunch.

Case in point. I put aftermarket towing mirrors on a ford truck and added front fog lamps and roof mounted spot lights. For such a simple job I had 2 plus days work in it. I had nothing to go by as far as where to mount parts and then as you say while you are there fix are clean up other issues.

He put ordering the parts on me I am not gonna spend my time and it turn out its something he doses not like. I ordered the switches and panel for the lights and the mirrors, he got the lights and wiring harness that I did not use. It was easier to make the harness, I had already ran a custom made harness for the roof lights.

What some deem as simple they forget you are tooled up and have the necessary supply's on hand to help move the job alone. That alone saves hours of time . I invested my time and money in my business I did it looking for a return in the investment.

I have always made good money on his other work, he pays well and returns for more. All I can say is I hope he sees it as value added to the service.

I will add I would like a nice set of towing mirrors for my truck as his was the same truck. I got paid a bit to experiment on his truck : ).

I use to charge many years ago.
Now I only do work for me, family and friends.
All done for free.
Richard in NW SC

Fair compensation can only really be assessed after the job is done, unless an example of your previous work can be provided. Some guys who consider themselves experts dont know how to double flare, and use a 30 inch piece of brake line where a fifteen inch piece should go; stuffing the excess tubing wherever it can be made to disappear. Same is true for custom electric work. There are the meticulous and there are the slobs. Many times the customer does not pay attention to detail and are not concerned with pretty, but they should still get the same quality of work as the ones who can tell the difference.

I'd say Rustred gave the best advice ..... quote a price and make sure it's done ahead of the job .... well I guess a quote means that right? For me, unless a guy really needs the money, sometimes it's best to stay away from doing paid work for friends for sure and maybe even acquaintances. There's always the possibility of something going south on you or on the job.

Sometimes its best to say,,,whatever he thinks is fair,,,if its more than you would ask,,,good,,if its less,,than next time your too busy,,this way,,you wont loose a neighbor,,,and it might just go well ya never know

I would agree with Larry on this one.
Bottom line is--are you doing it to make money, or are you doing it to help out a neighbor/friend?

Well I hope the conversion to 12v makes it run....