Why can't anyone align a C3?
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
From: Austin Tx
I took mine to a place recommended here on the forums to work on my 68. I called like 3 times and said it was a 68. I got there, and they were a little hesitant, but they said they would do it and wouldn't be an issue.
I sat in the garage bay and watched the guy, and after about 10 minutes, I could tell that it wasn't gonna work. I took it to the guy the Corvette shop said to use that was farther away. He did a great job.
That said, check if there is a Vette shop in town, and see who they take them to.
I sat in the garage bay and watched the guy, and after about 10 minutes, I could tell that it wasn't gonna work. I took it to the guy the Corvette shop said to use that was farther away. He did a great job.
That said, check if there is a Vette shop in town, and see who they take them to.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 627
Likes: 1
From: Naperville IL
a lot of the shops with the high-tech computerized alignment machines just won't do it because the machine only has specs for cars built after a certain year and they don't know how to find anything manually. You still might have better luck if you walk into a place with the specs you want in hand. I'm sure another reason is many of these cars haven't had alignments in a log time and all the bolts are rust-welded together. When I was replacing my strut rods I ended up breaking off both the nut and bolt head of those cam bolts because they were so seized up. You think a shop is going to want to deal with that for only $100 alignment charge?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 1
From: west babylon new york
i have been a mechanic for 35 plus years and i would not work on anyones car that has to hang around, it takes twice as long to explain what i am doing and sometimes you have to make some extra unexlpainable motions to get to the end results, you just don;t need customers hanging arround asking when are you getting to working on their car or why you aren't, didn;t mean to hijack but just professional opinion
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
a lot of the shops with the high-tech computerized alignment machines just won't do it because the machine only has specs for cars built after a certain year and they don't know how to find anything manually. You still might have better luck if you walk into a place with the specs you want in hand. I'm sure another reason is many of these cars haven't had alignments in a log time and all the bolts are rust-welded together. When I was replacing my strut rods I ended up breaking off both the nut and bolt head of those cam bolts because they were so seized up. You think a shop is going to want to deal with that for only $100 alignment charge?
Pro
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 515
Likes: 66
From: Grosse Pte. Mich.
It's a hike, but if you can make it to the Detroit area,
I've got just the shop for you. Good luck.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Fort Thomas KY
Try giving Leach Brothers a call located in Cincinnati. They do allot of work on Vette's and were recommended to me. Actually my 82 is there now having rear seals replaced. All older guys. There are two shops, one sells high performance parts and the repair shop is down the street. Ask for Carl.
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Instructor
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Dundee MI
Pro
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 515
Likes: 66
From: Grosse Pte. Mich.
A very knowledgable group of guys down there. I've used them in the past before I got my Vette.
They do a lot of high-end performance work.
I got a thorough 4 wheel alignment from a guy who clearly was an expert on Corvette suspensions.
Came with a print out of all alignment related specs.
Talk to Dave. 586.775.7765
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Dundee MI
Slim's Alignment Service in Eastpointe. Also known as Slim's Hot Rod.
A very knowledgable group of guys down there. I've used them in the past before I got my Vette.
They do a lot of high-end performance work.
I got a thorough 4 wheel alignment from a guy who clearly was an expert on Corvette suspensions.
Came with a print out of all alignment related specs.
Talk to Dave. 586.775.7765
A very knowledgable group of guys down there. I've used them in the past before I got my Vette.
They do a lot of high-end performance work.
I got a thorough 4 wheel alignment from a guy who clearly was an expert on Corvette suspensions.
Came with a print out of all alignment related specs.
Talk to Dave. 586.775.7765
Racer
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 488
Likes: 0
From: Fremont,CA
I took mine to a local Chevy dealer who is a big Vette dealer, and has a couple of C-2/C-3's on display in their lobby. I asked if they could do an alignment, and they said yes, they had an older mechanic who loved to work on the older Vettes.
They did a great job. Unfortunately for you, they are in GEORGIA!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,140
Likes: 7
From: Ohio
The big problem is if the trailing arms and shims are total rust. In the rust belt no old vette can be aligned untill new parts are installed. If you have all new parts and pay by the hour for extra work like moving rear shims most shops have one person who can do the job. I take a bag of rear shims and front shims for them to use when I take the vette in. I have never payed more than $150. for a four wheel alignment. You need to search out the car guy running a shop and have your car ready and not rusty.
Read some posts about sawing off trailing arm bolts and shims that are rust dust and you will know why shops just say NOOOOOOOOOOOO.
Read some posts about sawing off trailing arm bolts and shims that are rust dust and you will know why shops just say NOOOOOOOOOOOO.
Last edited by LYLE; Oct 12, 2007 at 10:00 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 899
Likes: 1
From: Kansas
The big problem is if the trailing arms and shims are total rust. In the rust belt no old vette can be aligned untill new parts are installed. If you have all new parts and pay by the hour for extra work like moving rear shims most shops have one person who can do the job. I take a bag of rear shims and front shims for them to use when I take the vette in. I have never payed more than $150. for a four wheel alignment. You need to search out the car guy running a shop and have your car ready and not rusty.
Read some posts about sawing off trailing arm bolts and shims that are rust dust and you will know why shops just say NOOOOOOOOOOOO.
Read some posts about sawing off trailing arm bolts and shims that are rust dust and you will know why shops just say NOOOOOOOOOOOO.
Most shops know a older vette can be a pain ,Because of rust and stubborn bolts ,they would spend all day fixing ,repairing ,and choose not to mess with it.So if your going to get a alignment make sure your bushings,shims and bolts are in good condition,or replace everything then get the alignment,youll need it sooner or later.
When I call to make an appointment at the alignment shop they always say they might not be able to do the 4 wheel, but I tell them it's no problem on mine,everything is new and adjustable,they say bring her down.
Or you can still just get the 2 wheel ,if your on a budget
