I have a 1988 IROC Convertible that I had the rear shocks replaced. I was wondering how much that should cost? I had figured maximum 1-1 1/2 hours but unfortunately was charged 3.2 hours I didn't get an estimate which is shame on me. I am just trying to figure out if i missed something that made it 3+hours. All the rear shocks I have replaced in the past only had 2 bolts holding the shock on, one top and one bottom. Any help on this is greatly appreciated. Just FYI I furnished the shocks.

 

WOW, you did more work typing this up than if you replaced the shocks yourself. Like you said, 2 bolts per shock.
If it were the front struts, then yeah, I could see 3.2 hours.

 

Where are the convertible top and brackets located in the car? That may have had something to do with the install time. The reason is that the top of the shocks are located inside of the car. Need to fold the rear seat down and pull up the carpet to access them.

RBob.

 

Labor rates at decent independent shops where I live are about $85.00/hour (dealerships are considerably higher). So @3.2 hours, that works out to about $272.00. If that's what you were charged just to replace a couple of shocks (about as non-technical a job as you'll find on a 3rd gen), you wuz robbed.

I've said this many times in the past on this site; I'll say it again. Anyone who owns a 30+ year-old car needs to take responsibility for maintenance/repairs and obtain a FSM and a basic set of hand tools, and then start learning how to work on the car himself. Any job you can think of has already been detailed within the various subforums on this site, likely many times over; help is readily available. Otherwise, be prepared to be charged similarly in the future, and likely frequently.