replacing backseats with stereo equipment...

[Broadfield]

Unfortunately it is quite the opposite! I charge $55/hr. So a custom job that takes 50 hours would cost $2750 labor. My standard charge for a head unit install is $55. If it takes me 1/2 an hour, then I have effectively made $110/hr. Now if I could bid the custom job to the customer for "x" amount of money/time and get it done in a lot less time, then that would be great..... but it ALWAYS takes longer than you think.

I have been considering, per the advice of many, to raise the hourly rate for "custom" work. Some say even $85/hr is not unreasonable. We'll see.

Thanks for the props though!

[audtatious]

I would wait for the economy to recover first

[keith0486]

I would wait for the economy to recover first

i agree he could make a killing with the work you do.

sorry to thread jack but broadfield do you work for a company or for your self?

[Broadfield]

A business partner and I own a 6 employee, including him and I, small high-end car audio/home theater business. He does the home theater sales/installs and accounting/office type stuff. I do the car audio installs, along with another installer, and I do some sales if needed and sales on this site.

[PyR0NiAk]

so.. how much did you charge to redo that backseat if you don't mind me asking? also, you may have said it, but if so, i missed it... where are you located?

[Broadfield]

I really don't remember what I charged.... that was several years ago. You have to keep in mind that whatever I charged him included installing all speakers, wiring, fabrication etc. So it's not like I have a break down of what just the back seat part cost. You also have a lot of money in materials.... vinyl, plexi, LED lighting, mirrored plexi, paint, wood etc. If I were to guess I would probably charge $600 labor to fabricate the back seat section. That is ONLY labor... not materials.

My shop is in Bloomington/Normal, IL

[PyR0NiAk]

Well I can definitely see it being worth it for a show car... Very nice..

[sebazztard]

Look for automotive textile stores. They will also have vinyl dye, adhesives, leather, vinyl, etc. Anything you would need for an interior.

Menards sells carpet that works well for sub boxes.They will cut it off a big roll however long you want it.I have built quite a few boxes with it.

thanks guys

broadfield, you are a master of your craft.

i enjoy doing stuff like that too, so i can relate when you list down all your materials, but your work looks so factory and clean, even when its supposed to be flashy.