Syncro alignment SF Bay area

[fatboypaul]

I'm needing an alignment on my Syncro camper in the SF bay area.
ASAP!
Any suggestions as to a shop that knows what it is doing, these are apparently hard to align, (I have Derek Drew's instructions).
Thanks, Paul.

[guavajelly]

I would call up the bus-lab in Berkeley.
they are pretty good guys. They are always super busy, but they might even point you towards someone that can get to it faster.

adam

[RCB]

Have you tried Freds Garage in Redwood City? Very reputable and professional, and have been reviving VW's since 1960.
I get my 2 wheel drive serviced at their shop and I know they did a wheel alignment after a change of control arm bushings.
Not 100% sure about a syncro though. (650) 368-5343.

[dougnlina]

Reviving this topic. I have done some recent suspension work and just put new tires on the syncro. Does anybody have any decent referrals for an alignment in the bay Area, Preferably SF or Peninsula? Unfortunately Freds garage has closed

Thanks for the help...
_________________
"Olive" a '60 Ragtop Beetle
"Grover" a '87 Syncro Poptop 1.8T

[Syncronoid]

Five Points Tire in Redwood City. Had mine done there years ago and still straight as an arrow.
_________________
'90 Syncro Westy w/GW2.5L

[jberger]

United performance in SSF. They did a good job on my van.. although I had the Green Book with me and was under the van with the tech.

J

[1988M5]

As a mechanic myself it’s not always just the shop or their equipment, it’s having the experienced “old guy” do the actual work and be able to spend as much time as needed to do it right. With that when making an appointment with whoever, tell the service writer or Forman that you’re willing to wait until their “yoda” is available and that your car is weird and old. Also tell them you’re willing to spend the money for actual labor time and not try to pin them down on a price over the phone.

Brian

PS bring donuts for the whole shop when you arrive.

[1988M5]

Furthermore I should add. Bring the van in as it would normally be loaded. All the gear you normally carry, half a tank of gas and normal passenger load. Yep they will (should)want the weight of each and where they sit 90% of the time, most shops won’t allow live humans sit in the van while they align it but can replicate their weights with dumbbell weights. There is one other factor and it’s really important, how do you intend to drive it most of the time. Mostly highway, mainly a city bopper, off road, etc.. you see with that info the “yoda” can preload your suspension to replicate your intended driving state. No alignment is perfect, it’s a compromise between values and conditions. These vans are old and have slop/play in all of their joints, rebuilt or not. The intention of educated preload (can take 4 men to preform at times during the alignment job) is to align it best to suit most of your driving conditions.
Perfection isn’t possible, best compromise is but you need to find the men to do it and pay them.
Good luck, tech rant over.
Brian

[jberger]

[dougnlina]

Thanks for the referrals and some good advice.
The Samba Rocks!
_________________
"Olive" a '60 Ragtop Beetle
"Grover" a '87 Syncro Poptop 1.8T