How long does it take for a shop to complete a 5 lug conversion for a Civic EX w/ factory drum brakes? I am getting the 5 lug conversion, master cylinder, booster, new brake lines, and parking brake cables. The guy at the shop says it may take more than one day, but he isn't sure. I would prefer that the job is finished in one day so I can hang around and watch the install. Anybody have any idea how long this job would take?

 

I'm guessing at least 5 hours depending on if they have any problems. Just out of curiousity, how much are they charging you?

 

More than likely, he's right. Shops lag. They usually have more than one car there, so it's not like you're priority. I would expect about a day and a half or so.

 

You could try doing the conversion in your garage/driveway. There have been quite a few threads on how-to install a 5lug. Also, search http://www.google.com for 5lug install instructions, I have seen quite a few people showing how. If you have the tools and a free afternoon, it would be a fun project, not to mention you save money and have the joy of knowing you installed your own 5lug conversion

 

they give themselves a day or so just incase something goes wrong...if they tell you it will be ready in 5 hrs and you come get your car its not ready...your pist right. they just give themselves sometimes so they dont rush either...trust me you dont want them rushing on your car...i know when i work i hate to have customers watch me work

 

If the guys doesn't know enough that he needs a shop to install a 5 lug, I think he is better off taking it to a reputable shop to get it done.

The last thing you need is for you breaks not to work.

That being said, 2 guys could do it in their own garage with a @$200 set of tools in half a day.

I figure a busy shop should be able to do it in less then 2 days.

And most mechanics don't really like you to watch them work on your car.

 

I did my own 5 lug conversion myself. i took my time and only worked like 2 hours before work everyday for about 5 days...and that includes bleeding the brakes, changing out the master cylinder, and the proportioning valve... it's very easy if you ask me..all you need is some common sense....

 

The last thing I'd want is for the brakes to fail. That's why I'd prefer to have somebody who knows what he doing work on my car. Also, I don't have the tools needed. Thanks for the replies. After hearing that mechanics rather me not be around, I think I won't stick around and watch the install. Oh well, just though I could learn something by watching. He told me back in November that he'd charge $300 to $400, but I'm not sure if he knew that my car has rear drums.

 

Damn man. That's a lot of money. Pay me and my friend to do it, and we'll charge you half of that. And you can watch the whole thing

 

Mine 5 lug only took half a day. Front and rear ITR on a 00 hatch, and I got to watch!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by b18c_ek &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Damn man. That's a lot of money. Pay me and my friend to do it, and we'll charge you half of that. And you can watch the whole thing </TD></TR></TABLE>

Every shop I called in my area (So Cal) charged that much. One shop told me $350 and another said $450. These are reputable shops. Are prices inflated in So Cal or something?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EricUSC &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Every shop I called in my area (So Cal) charged that much. One shop told me $350 and another said $450. These are reputable shops. Are prices inflated in So Cal or something?</TD></TR></TABLE>

yup

 

It shouldn't take more than one day if they concentrate on getting the job done, if not then... well it could take a while. I did my Type r brakes on my hatch, but I didn't have the whole day nor all the parts all at once to do it. If so with all hand tools in a limited space in my garage, I think it would have taken 2 days given that I probably wouldn't get my *** out of bed until 2. I think It would go past midnight if it's the first time you're doing it.