Alignment Pics - Code One
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 166
Likes: 23
From: Colorado Springs Colorado
Alignment Pics - Code One
I had read on the forum about the difficulty finding a reputable place that would do quality alignment. But I got lucky! Went to Gipson's Tire in Prattville, AL (near Montgomery) and Brian did a great job today.
Things sure have changed over the years with technology. Looked like a precision targeting laser guided contraption. My War College paper is just going to have to wait, because this 'Vette has an FCF and a cross country scheduled for this weekend!
Swede
http://s78.photobucket.com/albums/j1...ACS/Alignment/
Things sure have changed over the years with technology. Looked like a precision targeting laser guided contraption. My War College paper is just going to have to wait, because this 'Vette has an FCF and a cross country scheduled for this weekend!
Swede
http://s78.photobucket.com/albums/j1...ACS/Alignment/
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 428
Likes: 1
From: West Des Moines Iowa
how much did he charge for the alignment??? With the charge, did it include any needed shims for front or rear??? How fast was it done??? Curious about all of this, since mine might need aligned...thanks
Gonzo
Gonzo
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Gotta love the Hunter digital aligners...when I worked there, I hated using the old-style electronic heads. Whenever I was in the training shop, I always used the target/camera system to do my alignments. EXTREMELY accurate, if the tech knows how to use it.
As a technical note, it isn't a laser system. That large bar visibile in this pic: http://s78.photobucket.com/albums/j1...nt=aligned.jpg has a pair of cameras and a bank of LEDs in a "figure 8" configuration on each end. The LEDs flash against the reflective targets on the wheels and the cameras pick up the changes in the reflection.
As a technical note, it isn't a laser system. That large bar visibile in this pic: http://s78.photobucket.com/albums/j1...nt=aligned.jpg has a pair of cameras and a bank of LEDs in a "figure 8" configuration on each end. The LEDs flash against the reflective targets on the wheels and the cameras pick up the changes in the reflection.
Last edited by I'm Batman; Mar 31, 2006 at 03:17 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 166
Likes: 23
From: Colorado Springs Colorado
The alignment was $59.99 and took only about 30 minutes. Most of that was set up time. The put the reflector doodads on all 4 tires, make sure they're talking to the computer. Then it has a cbled assembly that he takes with him under the car to be able to see the read outs right there on the floor by his tools.
The Toe wasn't perfect. Both rears were barely canted to the right. He told me that as long it's within a certain tolerance, and both in the SAME direction it would be fine. I guess the real problem is if the rears point out or in like < >. He was able to nail the camber dead on.
PLUS, the whole time he's looking up under my baby's skirt (STS), he's going on about what a nice job I did. Kinda wish it took longer than 30 minutes...I coulda listened to those compliments all day.
I didn't know it was a camera set up, but whether it's laser, electro-optical, or whatever, it sure was cool. I was worried someone was gonna whack it with a hammer and say, "I think that looks about right".
This was a very slick operation, that when you see it really gives you a sense of confidence in their professionalism and accuracy
Swede
The Toe wasn't perfect. Both rears were barely canted to the right. He told me that as long it's within a certain tolerance, and both in the SAME direction it would be fine. I guess the real problem is if the rears point out or in like < >. He was able to nail the camber dead on.
PLUS, the whole time he's looking up under my baby's skirt (STS), he's going on about what a nice job I did. Kinda wish it took longer than 30 minutes...I coulda listened to those compliments all day.
I didn't know it was a camera set up, but whether it's laser, electro-optical, or whatever, it sure was cool. I was worried someone was gonna whack it with a hammer and say, "I think that looks about right".
This was a very slick operation, that when you see it really gives you a sense of confidence in their professionalism and accuracy
Swede
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: burlington wi
Originally Posted by I'm Batman
Gotta love the Hunter digital aligners...when I worked there, I hated using the old-style electronic heads. Whenever I was in the training shop, I always used the target/camera system to do my alignments. EXTREMELY accurate, if the tech knows how to use it.
As a technical note, it isn't a laser system. That large bar visibile in this pic: http://s78.photobucket.com/albums/j1...nt=aligned.jpg has a pair of cameras and a bank of LEDs in a "figure 8" configuration on each end. The LEDs flash against the reflective targets on the wheels and the cameras pick up the changes in the reflection.
As a technical note, it isn't a laser system. That large bar visibile in this pic: http://s78.photobucket.com/albums/j1...nt=aligned.jpg has a pair of cameras and a bank of LEDs in a "figure 8" configuration on each end. The LEDs flash against the reflective targets on the wheels and the cameras pick up the changes in the reflection.
Last edited by cherrybomb78; Apr 5, 2006 at 03:33 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Any competent alignment shop can do it, especially if they have one of the Windows-based Hunter computerized aligners - they give step-by-step instruction for all major vehicles. I'm pretty sure the C3 Corvette instructions are in the system.
