Author |
Message |
GreenMachineVW Samba Member
Joined: August 08, 2008 Posts: 645
|
Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2021 12:39 pm Post subject: Front end alignment in Seattle area |
|
|
I am in the process of rebuilding my front end on a 1983 air cooled Vanagon. I have all the parts stripped off the vehicle. The large parts have been powder coated, all rubber parts, bushings, ball joints, manual steering rack and fasteners replaced with new. When I put it all back together I will try and match the old parts as much as possible as far as positioning for the alignment. However, I will still certainly need a complete front end alignment and all the geometry adjusted.
Does anyone have any suggestions for a shop in the Seattle, or preferably Tacoma area that will give all the settings a once over and make adjustments as needed? A Vanagon specialist would be prefered, but I am open to any shop that will look at all the pieces involved.
Thanks in advance. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Crankey Samba Member
Joined: July 11, 2004 Posts: 2659
|
Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2021 3:22 pm Post subject: Re: Front end alignment in Seattle area |
|
|
I went to Fosters frame and axel for my bushings and alignment, excellent shop.
I would also go to True Line on cap hill if it was closer.
I'd expect excellent work at either shop. I went to Fosters because they're very close to my work. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Butcher Samba Member
Joined: December 05, 2015 Posts: 1285 Location: Right Here
|
Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2021 7:19 am Post subject: Re: Front end alignment in Seattle area |
|
|
Tru-line in Bellevue is my go to when I need to have it done right. They are not cheap but the best rarely is. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Microbusdeluxe Samba Member
Joined: July 26, 2003 Posts: 980 Location: Bellingham, WA
|
Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2021 1:07 pm Post subject: Re: Front end alignment in Seattle area |
|
|
^^^^^What he said ^^^^^ Tru Line Bellevue _________________ '69 Squareback RIP
'65 21 window deluxe sold before the price spike, damn it.
'70 rhd bay now a taxi in South Sudan
'81 Westy sold
'89 hightop Westy Joker syncro 16" now with Bostig! |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Franklinstower Samba Member
Joined: September 21, 2006 Posts: 1896 Location: PNW
|
Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2021 1:20 pm Post subject: Re: Front end alignment in Seattle area |
|
|
Omni in kirkland.
I have used both tru line and Omni. Both are good, wildly different in cost though, with tru line the more expensive.
Pat at omni also owns a vanagon (as does pete? At tru line) _________________ '89 Westy - EJ25/22 Frank 4.44 5mt
'75 Miami Blue Sunroof FI Standard Bug |
|
Back to top |
|
|
do.dah Samba Member
Joined: August 27, 2015 Posts: 447 Location: Washington
|
Posted: Sun Nov 28, 2021 12:19 am Post subject: Re: Front end alignment in Seattle area |
|
|
Tru-line Bellevue. Yes, Pete' daily driver is a Vanagon. They do a total alignment, not an "alignment lite" like you get from most shops that say they do alignments. And, if you mention what all you did, Pete will put a wrench/check your work. More expensive,, but you get more. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
jimf909 Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014 Posts: 7468 Location: WA/ID
|
Posted: Sun Nov 28, 2021 4:28 am Post subject: Re: Front end alignment in Seattle area |
|
|
Quote: |
Does anyone have any suggestions for a shop in the Seattle, or preferably Tacoma area... |
If Bellevue is too far out of your way (traffic, etc.) you may try calling Small Car in Fife to see if they'd recommend someone in the Tacoma area. _________________ - Jim
Abscate wrote: |
Do not get killed, do not kill others.
|
Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
|
Back to top |
|
|
GreenMachineVW Samba Member
Joined: August 08, 2008 Posts: 645
|
Posted: Mon Nov 29, 2021 7:17 pm Post subject: Re: Front end alignment in Seattle area |
|
|
Thank you all for your replies. That gives me what I need to make a few calls. Having Pete check my work sounds like a smart idea. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
rag63 Samba Member
Joined: March 08, 2007 Posts: 57
|
Posted: Mon Nov 29, 2021 8:56 pm Post subject: Re: Front end alignment in Seattle area |
|
|
I took my ‘81 Van to a Les Schwab after doing a front end refresh. It was aligned right the first time.
Les Schwab is everywhere in the PNW.
In my experience, the guys that work in the alignment shop are good.
Cheers,
Dave |
|
Back to top |
|
|
do.dah Samba Member
Joined: August 27, 2015 Posts: 447 Location: Washington
|
Posted: Mon Nov 29, 2021 9:42 pm Post subject: Re: Front end alignment in Seattle area |
|
|
I'll use Les Schwab on vehicles that I FEEL are basically close to being in spec. But, they're not really capable of doing a true 4 wheel alignment, especially on an older vehicle like ours. Not to disparage Les Schwab, but, I feel they do an "alignment lite", "good enough, close enough, may be a wee bit outta called for specs, but you'll never notice" kinda deal. A shop that specializes in alignment, that will get all measurements into specs and adjust them to newer updated info, and check previous work,, priceless. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
VeeDubn Samba Member
Joined: May 31, 2019 Posts: 120 Location: Olympia, Washington
|
Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2024 2:54 pm Post subject: Re: Front end alignment in Seattle area |
|
|
I see these posts from 2021 recommending Tru-Line Bellevue for a front end alignment . . . still a preferred recommendation? Others? I am in Olympia, so would need to set the day aside, but willing to do so.
Thank you!
~ Judy |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Christopher Schimke Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2005 Posts: 5391 Location: PNW
|
Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2024 3:38 pm Post subject: Re: Front end alignment in Seattle area |
|
|
You would be well served to go over to the M-Shop in Kirkland. Pete, who used to work at Tru-Line, now works at the M-shop. He's a Syncro owner and is the absolute best alignment tech I know. _________________ "Sometimes you have to build a box to think outside of." - Bruce (not Springsteen)
*Custom wheel hardware for Audi/VW, Porsche and Mercedes wheels - Urethane Suspension Bushings*
T3Technique.com or contact me at [email protected] |
|
Back to top |
|
|
VeeDubn Samba Member
Joined: May 31, 2019 Posts: 120 Location: Olympia, Washington
|
Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2024 4:00 pm Post subject: Re: Front end alignment in Seattle area |
|
|
Christopher Schimke wrote: |
You would be well served to go over to the M-Shop in Kirkland. Pete, who used to work at Tru-Line, now works at the M-shop. He's a Syncro owner and is the absolute best alignment tech I know. |
Thank you Chris! Exactly what I was looking for -
~ Judy |
|
Back to top |
|
|
|