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 Posted: Apr 19, 2015 05:00PM
Total posts: 1716
Last post: Oct 18, 2020
Member since:Oct 18, 2011
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You just need to find an old fashioned mechanic who knows how to use his tools.  An old fashioned aligner will do just as good (probably better) than a shop with the latest whizz bang laser machine.

The new machines are designed to be used by minimum wage kids off the street.  So if your car isn't in the machines software it can't provide the instructions they need to do the job.

A Mini setup is pretty simple; however, if you're relying on the machine for instructions then you're s$%t out of luck.

A few years ago I took my (borrowed Mini to a shop in northern Va for an alignment.  When I came back to collect it, they had it up on the hoist and were scratching their collective heads trying to work out why they couldn't get the car to match the standard MINI (ie BMW) specs the machine was demanding.... It hadn't even occurred to them that a Mini was not a MINI...

Cheers, Ian

 

 

 Posted: Apr 19, 2015 05:34AM
Total posts: 4134
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Member since:Oct 8, 2011
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US

I recently checked alignmant of a 13 X 7 shod mini. It also had hi los and when I rolled it across the wheel scales it showed 100 lbs more carried on the right front than the left without a driver. Adding a driver helped but it was still way out of wack. Do not be surprised if the rears won't come in without tweeking the rear brackets. Not unusual for me to remove and fiddle in the milling machine a couple of time to get what I want. 

Having run Solo 2 on a national level in both 10 inch and 13 inch minis, I found the 13s were far more sensitive to it's setting. You are putting a huge foot print down a little outside of the normal point. They just about have to hook up well but when right ( correct alignment ) they really work. When ever I drive a customer car I'm surprised at what they put up with cause they don't know any better. Steve (CTR)

 Posted: Apr 18, 2015 07:27PM
Total posts: 2510
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Member since:Jul 15, 2010
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US

Jacob, your profile is pretty much blank. All it shows is an American flag. It's a big country but, you never know if someone close by could steer you in the right direction.

Also, any race prep shops in the area? They could sort it..... for a price.

 Posted: Apr 18, 2015 06:53PM
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Last post: Apr 24, 2024
Member since:Jul 26, 2000
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US

Let me tell, for me it was NOT easy. I have 12"s and a fully adjustable setup like you. needed all 4 wheels done to my specific numbers. I called up one place And they said SURE! I towed it down to them only to find out they couldn't. Then the next and the next and the next. 5 places total. I finally found a local import specialist that could actually do it. Wasn't cheap but I was happy to have finally found one. I guess the problem was the car was too short for most and some the wheels were too small. 13s or even 14s where the limit. In the end, my tired didn't wear properly (R compounds wear out fast!!!) so I am kind of in the same boat again. 

 Posted: Apr 18, 2015 05:12PM
Total posts: 146
Last post: Dec 16, 2023
Member since:Feb 18, 2013
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I have 12" rims and never had a problem with a shop wanting to do an alignment. Keep shopping. Funny that a shop that does this to make money won't take your money.

 Posted: Apr 18, 2015 04:46PM
Total posts: 10335
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Member since:May 13, 2001
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I know alignment shops won't touch Minis with 10" wheels. You might have to do it yourself.

The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it. G.B.S. Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit. Oscar Wilde

//www.cupcakecooper.ca/

 Posted: Apr 18, 2015 04:02PM
Total posts: 1
Last post: Apr 18, 2015
Member since:Apr 9, 2015
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Hello Anyone can help me i just installed complete new 13x7 ultralights on my car with ned front tie rods, adjustible lower arms and rear negative camber the hole deal any one knows the specs to align the car nobody seem to want to touch this car..