Cost differences between DIY and not DIY. - Page 2 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

19car69 · 01-15-2014, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldfriend

But you forgot , conveniently the cost of those two beers !

He already had the beer and was going to drink it anyway, so no need to count.

DesertCamaro · 01-15-2014, 08:47 AM

If I do it myself, I found I'll never be happy with it (always find something wrong, even if very minute). If I let someone else do it, hey, at least I can b*tch and blame someone else

But, I'm also cheap.

the_fast_one · 01-15-2014, 08:48 AM

When I was diesel mechanic I paid to have somebody do my cam install and tuning. Last thing I wanted to do when I was off work was work on my car. I did the easy stuff like headers, springs, and sway bars though.

Smokey jr. · 01-15-2014, 08:58 AM

Did all the work on my car...it was the pride factor...and the cost...and knowing it was done right...and nothing will give you more satisfaction when somebody walks up and asks who did it?

Fish-man · 01-15-2014, 08:59 AM

also depends on what you want to:
1- spend your time on
2- spend your $ on

Some projects you can spend as much in tools as the parts... some projects you spend a lot of time trying to figure things out and learn. I always consider those things in determining if I want to do it myself...

And no, not everything is DIY-able. Can't make tires in your garage. Casting a wheel or engine block would be shitty. Those are extreme cases, but just something to explain my reasoning.

sscamaro · 01-15-2014, 10:22 AM

I change the oil & filter myself, cost $45.00. I've installed all the other mods, listed below, myself with the exception of stripes and dyno tune. The ones not listed below that I also did are the Heritage Grille, lower grille, ceramic brake pads, floor lighting and afterburner LED taillights. As soon as the weather gets warmer I'm installing a clutch reservoir relocation kit and Gen5DIY backup camera kit. I'm retired so time isn't a problem and I get the satisfaction that I did it myself.

strych9 · 01-15-2014, 10:35 AM

I've done all the work to my car myself. Savings as follows:

Headers & exhaust system: $300
CAI: $75
Cam, springs, oil pump: $1500+
Differential: $500

Net savings: $2375. This savings will go toward more mods. Total personal time spent on projects: 15 hrs. A small price to pay. Oil changes aren't included even though I do them myself, but labor is usually minimal at the dealer.

Jcm · 01-15-2014, 12:19 PM

I had grey leather seats and wanted black leather seats..the upholsterer wanted $1000+$400 labor..I found the black leather covers, here for $600.
I did it myself with help from the DIY section..in about 3 easy hours..
Then sold my grey covers for $600 here..
What a great blog site ...thanks..
Also did my gm dove tail spoiler, that was a challenge @ 3 hours.
Vinyl bow ties..easy.pick up scraps at any vinyl sign shop.or couple $ at hobby lobby,,Cut a piece a little larger than the bow tie, pull backing ,stick in place,,use a sharp utility knife to trim...

derklug · 01-15-2014, 12:40 PM

Everything depends on the skill of the DIY'er. You have to be honest with yourself on that aspect. I've seen people who would need a total kitchen rebuild after making themselves a PBJ.

01-15-2014, 08:47 AM	#16
DesertCamaro Drives: Fast Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 785	If I do it myself, I found I'll never be happy with it (always find something wrong, even if very minute). If I let someone else do it, hey, at least I can b*tch and blame someone else But, I'm also cheap. __________________ 2014 SS

01-15-2014, 08:48 AM	#17
the_fast_one Drives: 2017 red hot zl1 Join Date: May 2012 Location: IL Posts: 857	When I was diesel mechanic I paid to have somebody do my cam install and tuning. Last thing I wanted to do when I was off work was work on my car. I did the easy stuff like headers, springs, and sway bars though. __________________ 2017 ZL1 built by GPI. Way to many mods to list 855rwhp/720rwtq

01-15-2014, 10:22 AM	#20
sscamaro Drives: 2010 2SS, 2017 Silverado LTZ Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Denver,PA Posts: 3,195 View My Garage	I change the oil & filter myself, cost $45.00. I've installed all the other mods, listed below, myself with the exception of stripes and dyno tune. The ones not listed below that I also did are the Heritage Grille, lower grille, ceramic brake pads, floor lighting and afterburner LED taillights. As soon as the weather gets warmer I'm installing a clutch reservoir relocation kit and Gen5DIY backup camera kit. I'm retired so time isn't a problem and I get the satisfaction that I did it myself. __________________ 2010 2SS/RS Victory Red, MN6, 1-7/8 Kooks LT Headers, SLP Axle Back, Edelbrock E-Force S/C, ZL1 Fuel Pump, 72# Injectors, JRE fuel rail upgrade, Roto-Fab CAI, Elite Catch Can, Billet Hurst Shifter, DSS 1000HP axles, Spohn Trailing Arms, Toe Links, Lower Control Arms. Chrome American Racing Torq-Thrust wheels. 546/rwhp & 522/rwtq & 10.9# boost Tune by Jeremy Formato. Last edited by sscamaro; 01-15-2014 at 10:32 AM.

01-15-2014, 10:35 AM	#21
strych9 I'll be back... Drives: Subaru, HD Road Glide Special Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 3,036 View My Garage	I've done all the work to my car myself. Savings as follows: Headers & exhaust system: $300 CAI: $75 Cam, springs, oil pump: $1500+ Differential: $500 Net savings: $2375. This savings will go toward more mods. Total personal time spent on projects: 15 hrs. A small price to pay. Oil changes aren't included even though I do them myself, but labor is usually minimal at the dealer. __________________ Bye bye, Bumblebee! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Build Journal My Garage GoPro Mic Hack

01-15-2014, 12:40 PM	#23
derklug Drives: 12 Boss 302 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Grand Rapids, Mi Posts: 1,369	Everything depends on the skill of the DIY'er. You have to be honest with yourself on that aspect. I've seen people who would need a total kitchen rebuild after making themselves a PBJ. __________________ The biggest mistakes in life come when you know exactly what you are doing.

01-15-2014, 08:58 AM	#18
Smokey jr. Drives: 2011 inferno orange camaro Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: West Bend, Wisconsin Posts: 207	Did all the work on my car...it was the pride factor...and the cost...and knowing it was done right...and nothing will give you more satisfaction when somebody walks up and asks who did it?

01-15-2014, 08:59 AM	#19
Fish-man Drives: too many to say! Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: S.E. Michigan Posts: 1,013	also depends on what you want to: 1- spend your time on 2- spend your $ on Some projects you can spend as much in tools as the parts... some projects you spend a lot of time trying to figure things out and learn. I always consider those things in determining if I want to do it myself... And no, not everything is DIY-able. Can't make tires in your garage. Casting a wheel or engine block would be shitty. Those are extreme cases, but just something to explain my reasoning.

01-15-2014, 12:19 PM	#22
Jcm Drives: 2011 ss Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Smyrna tn. Posts: 166	I had grey leather seats and wanted black leather seats..the upholsterer wanted $1000+$400 labor..I found the black leather covers, here for $600. I did it myself with help from the DIY section..in about 3 easy hours.. Then sold my grey covers for $600 here.. What a great blog site ...thanks.. Also did my gm dove tail spoiler, that was a challenge @ 3 hours. Vinyl bow ties..easy.pick up scraps at any vinyl sign shop.or couple $ at hobby lobby,,Cut a piece a little larger than the bow tie, pull backing ,stick in place,,use a sharp utility knife to trim...