Hi everyone, I'm looking for someone that can do a correct alignment on a C3 in the Houston, Tx area for my 76. I've had one shop screw me already. Any recommendations? Thanks.

 

Hey there,
If you are on the west side of Houston, you might try Tripps on Kingsland Blvd.
I've only used them after I installed a lift kit on my wife's Jeep (suggested by Elevation Jeep). While I was there I asked the older experienced technician and he assured me he had experience with classic cars. I still have work to do before I take my Vette up there, but they will be where I go when the car is ready.

 

Ok, thanks. I may give them a call and try to figure them out. The last shop I went to (near Hobby airport) told me (actually assured me) the same thing that they can do it but still screwed me up.

 

You don't need someone who can do classic cars....you need someone who specializes in C2/C3 Corvette's.......
Give Billy at Gulfcoast Corvette's a call and see if he does it or knows someone who can.....they are in Humble.....

Jebby

 

Good idea - I've bought parts from Billy before. I will check with him. Thanks.

 

No luck with Billy at Gulfcoast. He recommended Charles at Corvette Doctor here in Houston which I already knew did not have the equipment anymore.

 

I’m no help but feel your pain. I took mine to the local Chevy dealer (alignment) after they assured me they “had it”. I took all new shims when I dropped it off, received a call a few hours later they said my rear camber rod bushings were worn out and the adjustment bolt was stripped. I just stripped, painted and replaced every chassis component. I hope I’m not high jacking your post, just want to make members aware what can happen when some throws an impact wrench on your meticulous chassis components. Good luck finding the correct shop, I’m currently looking also.

 

Hi grumman41, you are not high jacking my post. Thanks for the input. You shared very good information. There just does not seem to be a lot of shops that know what they are doing on C3 alignments. My experience was similiar to yours. I replaced every bushing, shock, ball joint, etc. on my car. The shop I took mine to stripped brand new bolts, cracked my windshield, left a brace off and screwed up the alignment where it came out way worst than when it went in. On top of that, they are an alignment specialty shop. SMH .

 

Do not rule out a local tire chain store or other literally behind my house. they have new equipment and always get a readout.. I would not rule them out. They are state of the art alignment tools you just need a guy that cares and is knowledgeable.

that said here are the best chances for success IMO
- call around and communicate your needs.. a detailed conversation on phone THEN a conversation with the person doing the job to be sure they understand the rear alignment adjustments
- BRING YOUR OWN REAR SHIMS. unless they truly are a c3 shop and have shims (unlikely)
- MAKE SURE ALL COMPONENTS IN GOOD SHAPE AND EASY TO ADJUST like tubes for tie rods etc.. this includes trailing arm bushings. and bolt, you do not want anyone jacking with nuts bolts or frozen parts and spend time aligning your car.
- Bring your own alignment specs.. i printed out the factory service manual for resetting of alignment to tightest specification, not the warranty or inspection settings. they may not have them in computer.
- I also printed out the AIM that literally shows how each nut and bolt is positioned and torque specification especially for the rear locks. Why not give them the best chance to succeed to reference something that is rare.
- hang around
- consider buying the 1 year unlimited plan. I rebuilt rear end and replaced spring and brought back several times.
- KEEP YOUR GUY YOU FOUND.. i ask for this person (typically the only alignment guy in tire store and or mechanic). My alignment specs are in an envelope with a very healthy tip inside when i drop off. The manager said he's never seen him spend so much time tweaking and rolling back and forth..

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-advice-2.html

 

All great points, but these two are probably the most important IMHO...

 

I did the same thing as above in Post #9, went to the local NTB store and talked to the manager. He had a young kid doing all the alignment work and after talking to this young kid and explaining the process he was excited to do the job, The rack didn't have computer specs for my Vette (1965) but he had no problem doing all this manual. I dropped the car off, left him with the spec's, AIM pages, maintenance pages etc. and additional front and rear shims. Even walked with him under the car and pointed out how to adjust everything including the rear shims.

Dropped back by a few hours later and the car was ready with a fresh computer printout of the alignment, it was refreshing to see a young kid with the drive to just get it done.

Disclaimer - This was a fresh frame off restoration so no rusted hardware or worn-out components to deal with.