tompass

Requesting info on estimated number of hours for body shop to remove and replace the entire right side headlight assembly on 2013 Base GS350. I do know that part itself OEM is around $1200 but curious to know what to expect with labor charge.

AJLex19

The bumper will need to be removed to get the headlamps. I think they will charge at least 2hrs of labor for replacing one headlamp. The shop I went to charged $60hr here in NYC - but the owner is a family friend.

I recently had my front bumper replaced with them using a new OEM bumper, had the new bumper painted and had them replace both headlamps - the paintwork and labor was $1700 owed to the the body shop (i bought my headlamps off mylparts.com with discount code CL5 for $2500+ for the pair).

tompass

Thanks. Front bumper cover needs to removed no matter what as I tagged truck in rear so have large pushed in area and a parking sensor that was pushed out of the bracket and is hanging down although after checking, does still work. Headlight lens cover gone and although headlight and DRL and turn signal work, will likely need to be replaced because some pieces missing from the surround. Lowest price for headlight assembly that I found was around $1150.

EAST

If they're already going to remove the bumper for the other work, you'd think they would only charge you for the time to remove the headlight?

Either way, bumper doesn't take that long to remove. Looking at time stamps, the first time I did it (having never moved a bumper before), it took me 50 mins with me looking at a YouTube video and taking pictures. I would imagine a pro would take 20 mins to take off. I can't imagine the headlight taking much longer to remove.

They'll give back the damaged headlight right? You could probably get a couple hundred on eBay for it if it's not too bad. The cover is replaceable.

tompass

Had some damage to the bottom plastic grill on bumper back in January and the shop charged, without the grill which was $50, $650 to remove bumper, remove dent, replace the grill, paint, and reinstall. $65/hour is their labor charge. So I know I am looking at $700 without the headlight assembly replacement which I would think with the bumper already removed may only be another hour of labor plus cost of OEM headlight which lists for $1700 but can be had at $1150 through some discount sites. Not sure they will order from any of those sites or insist on list price order from their supplier.

EAST

I've never taken a car to a body shop so I don't know the usual procedure. But why would the body shop care where you get your parts especially if they are OEM.

I could see a mechanic doing that, since they usually give some warranty on the work, but a body shop for a non-body shop component like a headlight? Heck, you could save a little more by going with an eBay OEM part. Then again, I don't know your circumstance (maybe you're going through insurance). Just my two cents.

tompass

Thanks for your feedback. Just left the shop and they are "working" on the estimate. Unfortunately, will also need a new bumper cover. Manager seemed not to be too enthusiastic about me getting the parts but said he would make some phone calls and get back to me. Good shop and do good work. Used them a couple of times. We shall see.

jgscott

iTrader: (1)

Why not upgrade both Headlight with the lower cost aftermarket Triplebeams while at it. They can be had for down in the $800 range now.

tompass

Interesting. I assume those would not be OEM though. Some alterations to bumper cover required, I would think.

jgscott

iTrader: (1)

Nope they sell a direct fit 13 - 15 and a 16 - 20.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...eadlights.html

tompass

They certainly are impressive!