Snorkel Install. Am I being ripped off?

Chris Cordes

Expedition Leader
So a local store is selling safari snorkel for my H3T for 350. I think it is a decent price but when I asked for how much it would cost to install it they told me $500 :Wow1: Does this seem reasonable to anyone? Also does anyone have any recommendations for someone that installs cheaper? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
 

TangoBlue

American Adventurist
I don't know how complicated an install on an H3 is, but for a Toyota Land Cruiser, FJC, or Tacoma a skilled off-road shop could easily do it within 1 hour, maybe 2. Let's assume shop labor is $75 to $100 per hour.

Charging you $500 sounds like a rip-off to me. Unless it's being done by 4 bikini-clad Swedish models while you're being served Mai-Tai's while you watch from a complimentary ARB camp chair, then I would say that's about right.
 

Buliwyf

Viking with a Hammer
Any job I don't want to do starts at $500 labor. I doubt it takes 5 hours to install a snorkle.
 

Chris Cordes

Expedition Leader
The shop charging 500 is 4 Wheel parts which is why they are charging a ridiculous amount. I just am not sure where else to go to. There's a place called Mikes off road here in Fort Worth that could maybe do it but back in Prescott there's no one I can think of.

I don't know how complicated an install on an H3 is, but for a Toyota Land Cruiser, FJC, or Tacoma a skilled off-road shop could easily do it within 1 hour, maybe 2. Let's assume shop labor is $75 to $100 per hour.

Charging you $500 sounds like a rip-off to me. Unless it's being done by 4 bikini-clad Swedish models while you're being served Mai-Tai's while you watch from a complimentary ARB camp chair, then I would say that's about right.
Hahaha now that Id pay 500 for
Seems like a lot to me.You don't want to try it yourself?

I dont really have the tools or experience to attempt anything like that. As much as I'd like to I feel I would be over my head without experienced help.
 

RangeBrover

Explorer
Might be able to find a local expoer to help you out with the install, I find that everyone in the community is always willing to lend a helping hand. A lot of off road shops overcharge I think mainly due to the fact that the majority of their clientele is the mall cruiser crowd. Thus they can get way with it because they don't know any better.
 

ReconH3

Heavy Duty Adventurer
It's not to complicated, but it is time consuming because it goes inside the fender. You have to disassemble the wheel well. You could do it yourself if you have a drill and a file. An extra pair of hands would definitely help.


"Ex Umbris Venimus"

Sent from my iPhone
 

hizen

New member
The shop charging 500 is 4 Wheel parts which is why they are charging a ridiculous amount. I just am not sure where else to go to. There's a place called Mikes off road here in Fort Worth that could maybe do it but back in Prescott there's no one I can think of.


Hahaha now that Id pay 500 for


I dont really have the tools or experience to attempt anything like that. As much as I'd like to I feel I would be over my head without experienced help.

If your ever in the Lake Havasu City, AZ area hit me up. I can help you with it.
 

s5m

New member
My advice is, go to the local body shop they should be able to install the snorkel I have work
In body shops for 29 years people come in with all kind of things to get installed and the best part is the labor rate is lower than mechanical rates.
Read the instruction if you have to drill a large hole in the side go to home depot and buy the right size and let the shop used it I would estimate two to three hours to install.
 

scrubber3

Not really here
You can buy every tool needed for the install and pay a helper for less than that. 500 is way too much.
 

tradman

Observer
Buy some tools and figure out how to do it yourself. They come with instuctions. If you are going to head places that you need a snorkel you need to start getting handy. If it's going on for looks then please disregard.
 

Corey

OverCamping Specialist
It took ARB about one hour or more to do my FJ Cruiser, and the tech had never done a snorkel install before.
There was a lot involved though such as popping out the rivet/snaps that hold the plastic wheel well in, sealing up the holes in the drain area of the snorkel with silicone, adding Locktite to the threads on screws, ect.
 

Chris Cordes

Expedition Leader
If it was anything that didnt involve the engine I would probably do it myself but hitting deeper water and not having it installed correct would cost me a lot more. I think I may wait for now until I REALLY need it. Theres been a few times that it would have been nice to have but after looking into other options first I think I would be better investing my money in an air compressor and better storage system for the camping gear I already have. Thanks for the help guys!
 

PirateMcGee

Expedition Leader
My advice is, go to the local body shop they should be able to install the snorkel I have work
In body shops for 29 years people come in with all kind of things to get installed and the best part is the labor rate is lower than mechanical rates.
Read the instruction if you have to drill a large hole in the side go to home depot and buy the right size and let the shop used it I would estimate two to three hours to install.

exactly what I was going to suggest
 

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