USCT Level 1 kit installation

[rikkitik]

 Hello all. I'm looking for shop installation recommendations for a USCT Level 1 kit, in the Manteca/Modesto California area. '71 Challenger.
 I took the car and parts by a shop in Salida (if you're local you'll know who). The car is extremely clean underneath, only paint removal needed, and the parts look to fit well.
 I was estimated 30-40 hours ($4200-$5600) installed but unpainted, which seems outrageous to me.
 Any recommendations for local second
 opinions, alternative shops?
 Thanks in advance.
 - Rick

[PLUM72]

The USCT kit doesn't just fall into place like it should.  It needs to be properly fit, there's time needed to do that.  The 30-40 hours probably isnt too bad.  California is generally a pricey area, so the $140/hr makes sense.

Want ways to save...Did you remove the interior or will they do that?  Maybe clean the area where they will install the reinforcing member. Things like removing undercoat, paint, rust, etc.

[Brads70]

My advice would be to go buy a quality mig welder with a gas kit. Won't take long to learn to weld and do it yourself. Save a ton of money, learn a new skill, and the satisfaction of doing it yourself.

[rikkitik]

My advice would be to go buy a quality mig welder with a gas kit. Won't take long to learn to weld and do it yourself. Save a ton of money, learn a new skill, and the satisfaction of doing it yourself.

Actually,that was my original plan, which I may return to.
I knew the USCT wouldn't "fall into place", but I didn't see 30-40 hours in the trimming and welding after we had the parts and car on the lift.
I would be removing the interior myself. The car is fresh, rust free, and clean underneath.
Anyway, I did find a shop that has done a few USCT's on Mopars, so I will decide on what direction to go after I hear back from them.
I've done everything on the car myself (short of paint, body, and alignment), so yeah, I might have to "complete" my resume...lol
Thanks 

[CudaA39]

"Are they hard to install" is very subjective based on how well you want them to fit.  I installed the frame connectors and torque boxes and it took a lot of time and, with the car on blocks, a lot of down up trim down up trim repeat.  I probably don't have 40 hrs in mine and they turned out ok, even better that I won't see them while driving it.

[Xghobo]

30-40 hours sounds in the ballpark if you want them to be nice and correct. I did level 2 on my car and would say it was close to 80 hours to be ready for paint. I would buy a gas 110 mig welder either a Lincoln or Miller and you will have it forever. You can get a nice welder cart and bottle and a must have good auto darkening hoodfor about 1500 maybe less if you shop well. Get some steel stock the same thickness as the car tool parts and some sheet metal the same gauge as the floor and won't take you much practice to throw some decent mig welds down. You will need to practice