Alignment shop
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Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 58
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From: Tampa Florida
Alignment shop
I’m looking to have the 1973 Vette with a 4 wheel alignment job, or at least try if there’s a shop that knows what they’re doing. Any of you Tampanians (Tampa, Fla.) out there knows of and recommends a shop for this? Been here only 2.5 years, and still feeling my way around. Any info on this is appreciated.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,707
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From: S.E. MI
St. Jude Donor '15
Van Steel is in Clearwater. They should be able to tell you where to go if they don't do it themselves.
https://www.vansteel.com/
https://www.vansteel.com/
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,114
Likes: 597
I’m looking to have the 1973 Vette with a 4 wheel alignment job, or at least try if there’s a shop that knows what they’re doing. Any of you Tampanians (Tampa, Fla.) out there knows of and recommends a shop for this? Been here only 2.5 years, and still feeling my way around. Any info on this is appreciated.
If they don't ask you.
Are you supplying the shims for the rear trailing arms.
or
ask them if they stock the shims for the rear trailing arms.
If they give you a dumb look they will only adjust rear camber and front toe.
No front caster / camber and most important no rear toe adjustments.
So before getting your alignment have a complete shim kit for the shop to use. Count the total shims and check what they used.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 58
Likes: 3
From: Tampa Florida
Here is the easy way to determine if they know how to do a complete alignment.
If they don't ask you.
Are you supplying the shims for the rear trailing arms.
or
ask them if they stock the shims for the rear trailing arms.
If they give you a dumb look they will only adjust rear camber and front toe.
No front caster / camber and most important no rear toe adjustments.
So before getting your alignment have a complete shim kit for the shop to use. Count the total shims and check what they used.
If they don't ask you.
Are you supplying the shims for the rear trailing arms.
or
ask them if they stock the shims for the rear trailing arms.
If they give you a dumb look they will only adjust rear camber and front toe.
No front caster / camber and most important no rear toe adjustments.
So before getting your alignment have a complete shim kit for the shop to use. Count the total shims and check what they used.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 58
Likes: 3
From: Tampa Florida
A
Hey Bruiser, fyi: called Van Steel and they recommended the Goodyear shop in Clearwater. Also recommended that I take my own shims as they won’t have any in stock. I’ll give them a try. Thanks again.
Van Steel is in Clearwater. They should be able to tell you where to go if they don't do it themselves.
https://www.vansteel.com/
https://www.vansteel.com/
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,513
Likes: 1,949
From: Temple Terrace Florida
Call Advanced Performance on Linebaugh Ave. Mike owns the shop and does all of my cars. If you want him to do the rear, make sure the bolts and shims are not rusted. PM me for further information. Jerry
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Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 58
Likes: 3
From: Tampa Florida
Thanks for the info Jerry, good to have another source to look into. Btw, sorry took so long to respond, was out of town visiting Mom on her day. Just got back. Thanks again.
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Advanced
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 73
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From: Dade City Fl
I live just 40 min north of Tampa. These are all good leads. Get a printout before and after and watch them. Bring a shim kit and long cotter pins. Make sure there is no positive camber on the right front. These roads are crowned for all the rain down here and will smoke the RF tire off.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 294
Likes: 10
From: Palmer Alaska
I would be interested in what machine/method the shop you choose uses. I just replaced TA bushings and finished up my DIY alignment. Used string to get thrust and toe close. Started building tools for laser level method. Have digital angle meter for camber. Caster...well thats another story. Anyway a shop here has a new alignment machine and offered to align my car. I know the owner so I will be there and assist with the process.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 73
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From: Dade City Fl
I worked down in West Palm for 20 years. 77-97 Did 22k alignments. I have only been in the Tampa area a couple years so its all been hearsay. Their machine may or may not have specs. Doesn't really matter. Bring your own spec sheet. The specs are too generous and could cause issues anyway . On the front go -.50 degree neg on the right front. .00 to .25 positive on the left front. Total toe 1/16 th in. Caster .50 degree more positive on the right side or she will pull.NO negative caster on either side. Rear neg on both sides camber .50 or a little more if you want to super handle on turns. 1/16th total toe rear is good also.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 58
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From: Tampa Florida
I live just 40 min north of Tampa. These are all good leads. Get a printout before and after and watch them. Bring a shim kit and long cotter pins. Make sure there is no positive camber on the right front. These roads are crowned for all the rain down here and will smoke the RF tire off.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Tampa, Florida
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 58
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From: Tampa Florida
Therein lies another problem. There are so many specs when I did research. I was thinking of using Van Steel street specs, but I don’t know if the fact that I’m running 255/60/15 tires has any bearing on different specs, and handling/tracking changes. Stock I believe was 225/70/15 tires.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 58
Likes: 3
From: Tampa Florida
I worked down in West Palm for 20 years. 77-97 Did 22k alignments. I have only been in the Tampa area a couple years so its all been hearsay. Their machine may or may not have specs. Doesn't really matter. Bring your own spec sheet. The specs are too generous and could cause issues anyway . On the front go -.50 degree neg on the right front. .00 to .25 positive on the left front. Total toe 1/16 th in. Caster .50 degree more positive on the right side or she will pull.NO negative caster on either side. Rear neg on both sides camber .50 or a little more if you want to super handle on turns. 1/16th total toe rear is good also.
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Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 58
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From: Tampa Florida