I need a new radiator core support installed in my 96 F-150 (4.9L).

I got a quote from a local shop for $1900
Is that the going price for this?

($400 for the core support itself, $400 for the bushings and mounting hardware, and $1100 in labor). The guy said that he'd be willing to let me source the parts and he'd just charge the $1100 labor.

Holy crap!

I was planning to head to Maaco for a 2nd opinion after the holiday.

Anyone have a shop recommendation? I'm up near Lowell, MA, but I'm willing to drive a bit to find with a reasonable shop.

Thanks all and have a happy Turkey day.

 

You can try trombly brothers in North Andover, MA

Trombly Home

I used to have a friend in Pelham, nh that did work like that but I am pretty sure he closed his shop.

 

My son has just bought a used radiator core support off CL for less than that and says Rock auto has them new for $220 shipped.. LMC had all the bushing and bolts for $100 shipped..

He is replacing the one on his 97 F250 soon..

You could do it yourself and save the labor..

My son is in Dracut and may be interested in doing the job..

PM me if you want his info to contact him..

 

Thanks for the replies guys. I love these forums.

I am thinking about doing the job myself. However, I don't have any welding equipment and I haven't welded since high school shop class.

I'm worried that the core support mounting brackets are rusted out and I need to replace those. They're welded to the frame on the F150's rather than bolted (like on the F250's). I'm worried that I'll tear it all apart and then realize that I need to replace those brackets.

You can see the brackets at 6m 37s in Wes's video

 

Maybe you will luck out and yours won't be as rotted requiring welding