31 replies to this topic

[maryquant]

Our kwikfit guys are very friendly, and helpful - done loads of fixes on our polo Breadvan for free, but couldn't track it either as it was too old for the "computer" lol

[Bungle]

Kwik fit  couldn't set the tracking on my mates 1968 VW camper because it was left hand drive

 

 

the fact that it had a steering box and no rack didn't confuse them

[CityEPete]

So I have been to ATS today and they said their arm would not fit, he said this whilst it was fitted to my wheel? I suspect he did not want to do it! Local tyre place has the tool but no one to work it! Jeez how hard can it be?

 

I have altered it from too much toe in myself but I think I have overdone it and got too much toe out now, I had various strings set up and the wheel straight but as soon as I drove off all the wear in my arms must have moved! The only old bushes up front are in my arms but I dont want to do them yet really.

 

I have measured across from each front wheel as best as I could about a third of the way up the front wheels using a block of wood across each wheel as a straight edge after a run and driving down my drive straight, I now have about 1453mm at the rear of the tyres and 1465 across the front (including the wood blocks remember), I have set the wheel straight now, should I leave it at that for now folks or maybe adjust one side a tad to try and pull the toe back in a little? any idea what anyone else gets in this crude way?

[Daviewonder]

If you have a couple of milk bottle crates and two straight lengths of metal or timber, plus a tape measure you can easily track it yourself. That is what I was taught to do back in the '60's and it worked fine - still does.

 

Sounds interesting. How would I go about doing it?

[lucas1amps]

old string method works well from personal experience. Kwick fit/ easy fit complete waste of time with an old car had a chap last week come into work saying easy fit did his tracking after fitting a new rack and was complaining of poor handling. the fact that they had set the car up with 1.2 degrees positive camber was rather worrying.  i used to work for a garage where my bosses son was manger of a local kwick fit some of the stories i heard was awful. its all about hitting there completely unrealistic targets and staff rushing or not even doing jobs as there on a bonus system.... well at least they were at my local branch any way. I agree also with earlier comments see Neil Slark or a local classic car centre to yourself never a bad thing changing to someone who has a passion for minis rather than a "normal" garage. best of luck. 

[CityEPete]

Where is my nearest Mini specialist from Stafford these days? I could have all the arm bushes and tracking done in one go if the price is right, every bush would be new and or polybushed then, the front subby looks ok so it just wants painting when it comes off for the rebuild if I do the bushes now instead of then.

[lucas1amps]

Neil slark is in Salisbury shame your not closer i work for Ian Slark just outside Bristol we could of helped you out no doubt other wise i think Ryan cowley is close to you look in the back of mini magazine  i think they have a list of mini centres and a maps of there locations.

[CityEPete]

I go to bristol a lot but in my Bini not the City E :)

[Big Sam]

http://www.minimine.co.uk/index.php

 

See them advertised a bit atm, they are in Stoke.

[l_jonez]

I ended up buying the kit myself, after 2 uses. Its paid for its self.

[CityEPete]

http://www.minimine.co.uk/index.php

 

See them advertised a bit atm, they are in Stoke.

I use them for most of my parts, I did not realise they had a workshop!

[CityEPete]

I ended up buying the kit myself, after 2 uses. Its paid for its self.

I did think about this, got any links? ta

[l_jonez]

I ended up buying the kit myself, after 2 uses. Its paid for its self.

I did think about this, got any links? ta

This is the kit I bought http://www.demon-twe...alignment-gauge
Its not the best thing in the world but it works and that's all that matters to me. I've seen it cheaper on eday

[grck1]

minimine in stoke has a workshop but i dont know about tracking as they dont fit tyres etc.good guys though,

think theres plenty of places in stoke who would be able to help with the tracking. i use alpha tyres which is five minutes or so from minimine. they did my tracking on my city e with ten inch wheels. good bunch of guys and a bit cheaper for the tyres as well.

[coopdog]

I wouldn't trust them to wash my car