Ferrari Mailing List: Re: Specialty Shops

[Charles G. Perry IV (charles]

I had the same thing happen with my TR. AC quit working some years back. 
Consensus was that the expansion valve had stuck. Quoted 19 hours labor to 
remove dash, time to replace part and 19 hours to reinstall dash. Looked to 
be about a $4500 repair.

At Clyde's suggestion (1 for Clyde!) I took the car to an AC specialty shop 
and had the receiver/drier replaced and the lines blown clean. Total repair 
was about $450 and it worked great for 2 years after that.

With the exception of my Dodge daily driver, I avoid dealerships whenever 
possible for repairs. And with the Dodge, it's only because they've earned 
my trust over time...

-- charles


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Martin Stark" <MStark [at] Copper.net>
To: "Charles G Perry IV" <charles [at] carolina-sound.com>
Cc: "The FerrariList" <ferrari [at] ferrarilist.com>
Sent: Wednesday, September 20, 2006 11:21 AM
Subject: [Ferrari] A8 service experience [NFC]


> My 1998 A8 developed a pin hole leak in its a/c evaporator.  I first
> called a local Audi dealer and he quoted 15 hrs @ $102. + parts and
> supplies - figure $$$ somewhat north of $2K.  After that quote I assumed
> that the interior required removal to get at the evaporator.  I did a
> little research and found that the evaporator is removed and replaced
> from the engine compartment.  I went to a local a/c & radiator shop and
> they said they would do the job, but preferred that I supply the
> replacement evaporator.  I ordered one from an auto parts supplier on
> the internet for $217. and received it two days later.  (The replacement
> is German, the defective oem one is a Denso from Japan!)   I just picked
> up the car and the bill from the shop was $405. for 5 hrs labor plus the
> recharge. Total cost of the repair came to $622.  that's about 70% less
> than the Audi dealer wanted to charge. There is a lesson here.
> _________________________________________________________________
> To unsubscribe or modify your subscription options, please visit:
> http://lists.ferrarilist.com/mailman/options/ferrari/charles%40carolina-sound.com
>
> Sponsored by BidNip.com eBay Auction Sniper