The last shop in USA that doesn't take CC.....
08-22-2012, 11:09 AM
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
The last shop in USA that doesn't take CC.....
So, after installing new brakes, shocks, turbo tie rods, and a front strut brace, I managed to get the front end of my 911 boogered up enough that it needed at least a basic alignment. Only trouble is finding someone in or near Augusta that is even willing to work on it........
Firestone, where I bought my tires, has a beautiful new laser alignment machine, but the manager says it won't work on my car, because the software doesn't have cars that old in the database. Huh?
Mieneke? Ehh, I don't think so.
So, then I remembered this old indy alignment shop that has been around since the 1930s or so and I give them a call. Some cranky old lady answers and says they can do it and I have to make an appointment. I made one for 1430 yesterday.
Luckily it was only a mile or so from my house, as the car was darting all over the road. I get there, and there is a cardboard sign on the door that says that they don't take credit cards. Granny says they take checks. Back in the car, drive home to get checkbook. Back to alignment shop.
I swear, this place has not changed since the Stone Age. No lasers, no fancy machine, but they did have a stick. And a pit with huge metal beams that my little car was driven on.
All they asked me was what it was doing. Not what I wanted. Never opened the frunk, even after I told them it had a strut tower brace. Never checked the camber or caster; I watched. Just adjusted the toe-in.
On the plus side, it only took 20 minutes and it was cheap. And it does drive normally now. Good enough to drive it somewhere to have it really checked?
Anybody used:
Franz Blam in Tucker, GA?
Autometrics in Charleston, SC?
Porsche dealers in Greenville, Hilton Head, or Columbia, SC?
Firestone, where I bought my tires, has a beautiful new laser alignment machine, but the manager says it won't work on my car, because the software doesn't have cars that old in the database. Huh?
Mieneke? Ehh, I don't think so.
So, then I remembered this old indy alignment shop that has been around since the 1930s or so and I give them a call. Some cranky old lady answers and says they can do it and I have to make an appointment. I made one for 1430 yesterday.
Luckily it was only a mile or so from my house, as the car was darting all over the road. I get there, and there is a cardboard sign on the door that says that they don't take credit cards. Granny says they take checks. Back in the car, drive home to get checkbook. Back to alignment shop.
I swear, this place has not changed since the Stone Age. No lasers, no fancy machine, but they did have a stick. And a pit with huge metal beams that my little car was driven on.
All they asked me was what it was doing. Not what I wanted. Never opened the frunk, even after I told them it had a strut tower brace. Never checked the camber or caster; I watched. Just adjusted the toe-in.On the plus side, it only took 20 minutes and it was cheap. And it does drive normally now. Good enough to drive it somewhere to have it really checked?
Anybody used:
Franz Blam in Tucker, GA?
Autometrics in Charleston, SC?
Porsche dealers in Greenville, Hilton Head, or Columbia, SC?
08-22-2012, 05:39 PM
#2
Instructor
Join Date: Jul 2009
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I can recommend Gordon at Autometrics, they are a top notch shop and should be able to assist you with your alignment, no problem.
I am sure that you will be pleased with the end result.
Erik Johnson
I am sure that you will be pleased with the end result.
Erik Johnson
08-25-2012, 12:27 PM
#5
So, after installing new brakes, shocks, turbo tie rods, and a front strut brace, I managed to get the front end of my 911 boogered up enough that it needed at least a basic alignment. Only trouble is finding someone in or near Augusta that is even willing to work on it........
Firestone, where I bought my tires, has a beautiful new laser alignment machine, but the manager says it won't work on my car, because the software doesn't have cars that old in the database. Huh?
Mieneke? Ehh, I don't think so.
So, then I remembered this old indy alignment shop that has been around since the 1930s or so and I give them a call. Some cranky old lady answers and says they can do it and I have to make an appointment. I made one for 1430 yesterday.
Luckily it was only a mile or so from my house, as the car was darting all over the road. I get there, and there is a cardboard sign on the door that says that they don't take credit cards. Granny says they take checks. Back in the car, drive home to get checkbook. Back to alignment shop.
I swear, this place has not changed since the Stone Age. No lasers, no fancy machine, but they did have a stick. And a pit with huge metal beams that my little car was driven on. All they asked me was what it was doing. Not what I wanted. Never opened the frunk, even after I told them it had a strut tower brace. Never checked the camber or caster; I watched. Just adjusted the toe-in.
On the plus side, it only took 20 minutes and it was cheap. And it does drive normally now. Good enough to drive it somewhere to have it really checked?
Anybody used:
Franz Blam in Tucker, GA?
Autometrics in Charleston, SC?
Porsche dealers in Greenville, Hilton Head, or Columbia, SC?
Firestone, where I bought my tires, has a beautiful new laser alignment machine, but the manager says it won't work on my car, because the software doesn't have cars that old in the database. Huh?
Mieneke? Ehh, I don't think so.
So, then I remembered this old indy alignment shop that has been around since the 1930s or so and I give them a call. Some cranky old lady answers and says they can do it and I have to make an appointment. I made one for 1430 yesterday.
Luckily it was only a mile or so from my house, as the car was darting all over the road. I get there, and there is a cardboard sign on the door that says that they don't take credit cards. Granny says they take checks. Back in the car, drive home to get checkbook. Back to alignment shop.
I swear, this place has not changed since the Stone Age. No lasers, no fancy machine, but they did have a stick. And a pit with huge metal beams that my little car was driven on.
All they asked me was what it was doing. Not what I wanted. Never opened the frunk, even after I told them it had a strut tower brace. Never checked the camber or caster; I watched. Just adjusted the toe-in.On the plus side, it only took 20 minutes and it was cheap. And it does drive normally now. Good enough to drive it somewhere to have it really checked?
Anybody used:
Franz Blam in Tucker, GA?
Autometrics in Charleston, SC?
Porsche dealers in Greenville, Hilton Head, or Columbia, SC?
But honestly, some of the best mechanics know what is wrong just by listening 
Good Luck 
08-25-2012, 11:46 PM
#6
Rennlist Member
Robert's Automotive in Bolingbroke GA,..they know they're stuff,..Serge De Le Bruyer will be installing a new steering rack, TT rods and H/W,..new bushings throughout the front,...4 wheel alignment and corner balance....in two more weeks,..she'll be loaded with fresh sneakers.....
Reasonable,..and very professional.
Best,
Doyle
Reasonable,..and very professional.
Best,
Doyle
08-26-2012, 07:30 PM
#7
Rennlist Member
There is a very good chance that the franchise store with there fancy new machine would do a worse job than the old coot with his tape measure. I have a $20.000 alignement machine and can reset it 3 times and get 6 different measurements. You defenitly need to take it to someone who knows Porsches. The new machines are great in a production invironment, very fast setup and simplicity,but are not the most accurate. All of the race cars I do are done manualy with turn plates and strings.
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08-27-2012, 02:08 AM
#8
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
There is a very good chance that the franchise store with there fancy new machine would do a worse job than the old coot with his tape measure. I have a $20.000 alignement machine and can reset it 3 times and get 6 different measurements. You defenitly need to take it to someone who knows Porsches. The new machines are great in a production invironment, very fast setup and simplicity,but are not the most accurate. All of the race cars I do are done manualy with turn plates and strings.
I'm not sure if it was the windshield banner, but 3 lane hogs actually moved over into the slow lane without me having to flash! I couldn't believe it; that hasn't happened to me in years.
I do plan on eventually having a full corner balance & alignment. Unfortunately, I just balanced my checkbook and Porsche ownership has officially busted the bank. I'm broke for a couple of months.
08-27-2012, 03:49 PM
#9
Racer
We typically don't endorse a shop but....Both Blam and Autometrics are exceptional. Autometrics are experts in everything from street to Grand Am, and they are on the "Good Guys" list.
