mk3 alignment

[sgall36]

i am looking for someone in the northeast by philadelphia pa that specializes in alignments on ffr cars any information would be greatly appreciated

[skullandbones]

Sorry, I don't have local info for you but I think I understand your concern. So I will give this advice. You should interview the shop personnel or manager who is going to align your MKIII as carefully as you would choose a painter. I took mine to a shop that is known for their expertise in mechanicals on cars. They did the body work and paint on my wife's Camaro and did a perfect job. However, when I took the roadster to have it aligned, the experience was not as good. Their electronic aligning equipment was acting flakey so they finally had me coming back the next day. I did not go back because I could see they were not familiar with or comfortable with the situation. I got a tip from a local roadster guy who sent me to the Firestone shop in the area. There was a guy who had done multiple roadsters. It took him over an hour to get mine right but he did (extra castor). So I think you have the right idea but it will probably be a local source to get the right shop most likely (hope you find a good lead). The guy who helped me had tracked his car so he was at this place more than once and a lot of his friends had used the "expert" as well.

Good luck,

WEK.

[cgundermann]

Great advice - like the painter analogy! I have always done a pre-interview with the shop/mechanic concerning my other cars and personally get the alignment pretty close to minimize things...

[Ram4x4sprt]

As a alignment tech, I would suggest doing your alignment in go kart stage as it really helps get access to the upper control arms. We didn't do it on #8442, but you could put weight in the trunk and passenger/drivers floor to counter not having the body and trim on the car. Make sure the tech knows how to set up custom alignment specs in the alignment computer. Tires, power steering or manual steering all make a difference on drivability. #8442 is running billboard bias so we went a little more toe and manual steering so we went a little light on caster. As skullandbones suggests, make sure they are excited about the task and willing to go the extra mile to get it right, even if it costs a little extra.

[frankeeski]

Get in touch with Mark Dougherty, the Traveling Builder. He can most likely do an alignment in the comfort of you own garage.
Mark lives in Hersey, PA.

[Jeff Kleiner]

X2 what Frank said. Not only alignment but corner weights too. Your car will be more sorted when Mark is finished than what any alignment guy will deliver.

Jeff

[Mark Dougherty]

Thanks guys I would love to help

[David Hodgkins]

I'd like to chime in here to recommend Mark as well. You simply can't find anyone better at getting the alignment right and as noted, he can corner weight your car in the same session. He IS the man.

:)