KS install and Low Core Support replacement in Chicago area
Hi There:
I have been a member of this forum and an avid gearhead for over 20 years. I have recently taken on the lower core support replacement on Maxihari77SE96's vehicle since I will have to replace mine in the spring or summer of 2008. The project was nicely outlined in alcatranz518's thread and I even learned a thing or two do doing it myself.
As practice and in preparation for replacing mine, I am offering to replace any local member's lower core support for $250.00 labor. I also have access to discounted OE factory replacement parts from a Nissan Dealer for a total of approximately $148.00. If you chose to reuse your bolts and rubber bushings it will be a little cheaper. If you want to pull a used support section from a parts car, I will gladly install it for you, but I make no guarantees against rust out. *** Keep in mind, Maxihari had a guy replace the low core support from a used car and that same piece rusted out completely within 15 months. I have the pictures to show you upon request.
For that labor price, you get the entire rusted, corroded section cut out and a brand new piece properly welded in place, along with a thorough undercoating of that entire and surrounding section. Plus, I will take step by step pictures for the member to see what exact work was performed from start to finish. Now is the time to get your ride driving the way it should and minimize the chances of damaging other parts, including your expensive motor mounts and hoses.
For this project, I will need to vehicle for 1-2 days over the weekend for complete teardown and replacement. The job will be performed at my home garage using professional tools. Maxihari dropped his car off on Sat a.m. and it was pretty much finished by the end of the day, but because his front end had been in a previous accident and the bumper sections were welded (not bolted) I spent extra time to cut them out. He picked his car up Sun a.m. and was back on the road again. Now, his car shifts smoother and there is no creaking metal on metal sound up front. Plus, the front cross member is in line again as it should be.
In addition, I will also install a member's KS for $50.00 labor without removing your intake manifold if you bring the car to my house and let it cool down for a few hours. If I travel to your place, I will only request a reasonable amount for gas/toll money. I believe I charged a member $15.00 to travel from my place in Downers Grove to Rogers Park. Although some members claim to be able to install their KS in 15 mins or less, I take the proper time to soak the bolts and hoses that I need to remove so that it minimizes the chance of breaking something and throwing a CEL. It will take me about an hour to 1 1/2 hours to do this job right. Once I install your new KS, you car will feel like a new car with nice pick up and especially the added bonus of increased mpg (miles per gallon). A replacement OEM Nissan KS can be purchased online for about $60.00 including shipping.
Granted I am simply supplying the labor on these jobs, while the members are responsible for obtaining the replacement parts. If anyone needs either of these jobs done and are located in the Chicagoland and nearby western suburbs, PM me and I will contact you promptly. My prices are not set in stone, but I believe they are fair for the amount of work involved. Make a reasonable offer and I will consider it. I have a nice garage, but the earlier you contact me the better -- I don't like to work in the winter!!
Hopefully I can help out a member or two from getting bent over at the shop for these jobs. Typical prices are $700-800 for lower core replacement, $250.00+ to replace the KS (most places will not replace this part w/o removing the entire IM, which leads to leaking gaskets and other issues).
I look forward to hearing some of you who have been putting these projects off for too long. Don't you miss the way your car drove when you first got it??
Take care,
Ted
Last edited by Tfvesquire; 10-26-2007 at 09:26 AM.
I just wanted to add that I have rec'd several PMs about the lower core support replacement and have even gotten a couple of referrals to other non-members who need this part replaced. Some people wanted to know whether I would replace their core support with an aftermarket one. IMHO, I think the aftermarket ones use thinner metal and I don't recommend them. For $125, you can purchase a genuine Nissan part that is not only stronger than aftermarket, but fits correctly. I will take it a few steps further than Nissan and actually undercoat the entire part to at least minimize any future rust out. However, as with the members who asked if I would install a part cut off of a parts car, I will install it, but make no guarantees against rusting. Keep in mind, most of these parts cars have been sitting with open front ends exposed to the elements. They are usually rusting from the inside out so you can't see it until it starts to poke through -- then it's too late. I've said my peace.
Anyway, I still have a few weekends open before it get's too cold out, so if anyone knows someone who needs this part replaced, have them contact me. I will also be doing this job (along with my own car's support) in the early spring.
Hope I can help some more people out.
Regards,
Ted, Downers Grove
Last edited by Tfvesquire; 11-12-2007 at 09:24 AM.
I have replaced three lower core supports since my post. There are also a couple people who were going to wait until the spring to set this up.Thanks for the referrals from friends, etc.
I still have a couple of open weekends left before I shut this service down until next spring. If you have been needing this replacement done for awhile, but have been putting it off, contact me for an appointment.
In preparation of the winter season I am cutting the labor price to $225.00 for the complete install of the lower core support. The price will go back to $250.00 in the spring. Once again, as I stated in my original post, my prices are not set in stone -- give me a reasonable offer and I will consider it depending on the condition of your front end (ie: prior accident? excessive corrosion in front end? missing/corroded bolts?
Now's the time for you to get this part replaced, so you can do your engine/performance mods over the winter without the added headaches down the down the road. Plus, it will save your top engine bay mounts and hoses the added wear from having to support of the entire engine and transmission.
I know there are more of you out there that need this done. PM me or contact me directly at 312-259-9342.
I am moving up the core support work on my Max so I can finish detailing it and put it up for sale. I should be able to cut out the small rusted section (the size of a dime) and weld a small piece and then undercoat the entire lower section. I picked up a torpedo heater, so my workspace is good to go. I am looking to buy a 98-00 Q45 so it's time to retire the Max and move on to something more high end. You can't beat heated seats and traction control in the NE Illinois winters.
I will still be offering the lower core support and KS replacement depending on how many people are interested. PM me and I may have some open wknds until March/April.
BTW, look for my for sale posting here and on Autotrader.com. 2 Owner, 1998 SE, Sage Mist Green w/ Tan Cloth. 135K miles, fully maintained and documented since new. The photos will confirm it's excellent condition both in and out.
Take care and have a great holiday. This forum has been great.
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