Alignment Shops
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: Stafford VA
Alignment Shops
So the end is finally in sight for my frame-off resto of my 64 vert. 
Of course I one of the first things I will do once I get it started is to get he alignment done. my question is can a typical alignment shop be trusted with the job, or this this something that requires a specialist?
Thoughts?
Of course I one of the first things I will do once I get it started is to get he alignment done. my question is can a typical alignment shop be trusted with the job, or this this something that requires a specialist?
Thoughts?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 58,061
Likes: 7,145
Army
Most alignment shops won't even have the specs so far back for your car in their little computer databases and many won't know how to correct for radial tires (if you run them).
Find an old f@rt alignment guy (maybe chewing tobacco) and have him do it on older equipment. WORST CASE; take your shop manual to anybody else and hope they have the brains to read and understand it.
These cars also need a 4-wheel alignment so that complicates things even more...here's my '63 getting the @ss end aligned.
Machine is from the '60s; the technician from the '40s....
Find an old f@rt alignment guy (maybe chewing tobacco) and have him do it on older equipment. WORST CASE; take your shop manual to anybody else and hope they have the brains to read and understand it.
These cars also need a 4-wheel alignment so that complicates things even more...here's my '63 getting the @ss end aligned.
Machine is from the '60s; the technician from the '40s....
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; May 16, 2015 at 10:30 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 381
From: Freehold NJ
IMO it's not rocket science but you definitely want someone who has some experience with these cars. Post up where you are from, you could get lucky and get a glowing recommendation for a nearby shop from a local CF member. That's what happened to me - someone on the forum recommended a great shop near me and it turns out he is one of my long time customers (I run an Audi parts department) and I never knew he was a Vette guy!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: Stafford VA
Thanks for the insights! I will stop in a couple of the more reputable shops here in town and see what kind of vibe I get from them.
For what it is worth, I live in Northern Virginia in the town of Stafford.
Thanks again!
For what it is worth, I live in Northern Virginia in the town of Stafford.
Thanks again!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,461
Likes: 18
From: cooper city florida
I had my alignment done at Goodyear. They had the correct specs and they did a beautiful job.......75 dollars. By the way, the specs they have are for bias ply tires, which is what I have........ adjustments should be made for radials.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,461
Likes: 18
From: cooper city florida
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,171
Likes: 335
From: Homewood Alabama
Most alignment shops won't even have the specs so far back for your car in their little computer databases and many won't know how to correct for radial tires (if you run them).
Find an old f@rt alignment guy (maybe chewing tobacco) and have him do it on older equipment. WORST CASE; take your shop manual to anybody else and hope they have the brains to read and understand it.
These cars also need a 4-wheel alignment so that complicates things even more...here's my '63 getting the @ss end aligned.
Machine is from the '60s; the technician from the '40s....
Find an old f@rt alignment guy (maybe chewing tobacco) and have him do it on older equipment. WORST CASE; take your shop manual to anybody else and hope they have the brains to read and understand it.
These cars also need a 4-wheel alignment so that complicates things even more...here's my '63 getting the @ss end aligned.
Machine is from the '60s; the technician from the '40s....
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Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 38,897
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From: Washington Michigan
So the end is finally in sight for my frame-off resto of my 64 vert.
Of course I one of the first things I will do once I get it started is to get he alignment done. my question is can a typical alignment shop be trusted with the job, or this this something that requires a specialist?
Thoughts?
Of course I one of the first things I will do once I get it started is to get he alignment done. my question is can a typical alignment shop be trusted with the job, or this this something that requires a specialist?
Thoughts?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,214
Likes: 447
From: NJ Hockey beer league
All the advise above is good. On the 64, I had also found an old time shop and right from the start, I came to an understanding with the guy that I was NOT looking for a flat rate job but would be willing to pay him for his time to get it to my satisfaction. He let me work with him and the job took 4 hrs with 2 or 3 drives off and on the machine to tweak it till it DROVE perfect. Best money I spent.