Re: C2 front suspension upgrades
Joe.........
My apologies for my poorly worded post. It lacked specificity.
I am at least vaguely aware of the increase of 4 wheel independent suspensions found in contemporary grocery getters, and the technological advances in alignment equipment. I think most know what happened in Mr. Pickens case. The tech in short may have been as you say gun shy. Or just honest about his/her ability. I'm relieved to learn the OP was not charged for work not completed maintaining some of the shops integrity. At least in my eyes. It is rarely safe to assume, but i will guess they offered to have a look. Having done so they decided against proceeding and risking a negative result do to a lack of expertise.
I agree most shops are geared to get 'em in and get 'em out. If they have to spend too much time their profit margin is narrowed and time to get another one in and out is lost. Both reducing their bottom line. Sadly too many techs are parts replacers and lack the understanding of principles about how a system works in order to affect a proper repair.
Respectfully I disagree with your application of the word obsolete. New parts are still available and there are shops, mostly specialized, that still rebuild Corvette trailing arms, differentials, 4 piston Corvette/Camaro calipers, steering boxes and so on. Just not on every corner. One would be ill advised to take their late model exotic even late model Corvette to a chain shop or local garage (with exception). Similarly taking ones mature specialty car for service to a chain or corner garage isn't likely to get them where they want to go. Even when these cars were more contemporary I shied away from most general repair shops favoring those I knew had specific experience. Most here are well aware of the attrition of technicians with knowledge of carburetors, ignition systems with points and so on.
I will cite a Mid Atlantic Chapter member that found a General repair shop within reasonable distance whose owner is a long time mid year owner. They managed to perform the required suspension repair to his mid year. I think he was satisfied. They are out there. You have to do the research.
I was merely trying to get a clear picture of Mr. Pickens alignment experience and direct him with suggestions which he may already know.
But thanks for the insight anyways.
Joe.........
My apologies for my poorly worded post. It lacked specificity.
I am at least vaguely aware of the increase of 4 wheel independent suspensions found in contemporary grocery getters, and the technological advances in alignment equipment. I think most know what happened in Mr. Pickens case. The tech in short may have been as you say gun shy. Or just honest about his/her ability. I'm relieved to learn the OP was not charged for work not completed maintaining some of the shops integrity. At least in my eyes. It is rarely safe to assume, but i will guess they offered to have a look. Having done so they decided against proceeding and risking a negative result do to a lack of expertise.
I agree most shops are geared to get 'em in and get 'em out. If they have to spend too much time their profit margin is narrowed and time to get another one in and out is lost. Both reducing their bottom line. Sadly too many techs are parts replacers and lack the understanding of principles about how a system works in order to affect a proper repair.
Respectfully I disagree with your application of the word obsolete. New parts are still available and there are shops, mostly specialized, that still rebuild Corvette trailing arms, differentials, 4 piston Corvette/Camaro calipers, steering boxes and so on. Just not on every corner. One would be ill advised to take their late model exotic even late model Corvette to a chain shop or local garage (with exception). Similarly taking ones mature specialty car for service to a chain or corner garage isn't likely to get them where they want to go. Even when these cars were more contemporary I shied away from most general repair shops favoring those I knew had specific experience. Most here are well aware of the attrition of technicians with knowledge of carburetors, ignition systems with points and so on.
I will cite a Mid Atlantic Chapter member that found a General repair shop within reasonable distance whose owner is a long time mid year owner. They managed to perform the required suspension repair to his mid year. I think he was satisfied. They are out there. You have to do the research.
I was merely trying to get a clear picture of Mr. Pickens alignment experience and direct him with suggestions which he may already know.
But thanks for the insight anyways.
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