12 replies to this topic

[will_nic]

Hi there!

 

I'm due for an alignment on the mini soon as I will be installing a MiniSpares camber kit (along with some new wheels and tires). I was wondering if anyone had any experience taking their mini to a normal garage (Kwik Fit etc.) or would recommend a more specialist outfit. 

 

I'm near Coventry if anyone has some recommendations near by.

 

Thanks in advance,

Will.

[TheFabMini]

From my experience the chain garages like Halfords/Kwik fit are ok for a cheap MOT on a modern car but I wouldn’t feel comfortable letting them work on my mini... incorrect jacking points leading to damaged sills seem to be common for garages who are not familiar with old cars.

My method when I moved was to either put a message on your local mini clubs Facebook page. Or go to your nearest industrial estate and see what place has classic cars outside. It’s not a scientific method but it’s the way I do it and so far so good.

[A-Cell]

Southam Mini and Metro centre is only 25 mins from Coventry.

Southam Mini & Metro Centre
Unit 1, Baird Park, Brickyard Rd, Napton on the Hill, Southam CV47 8NT, UK
+44 1926 815681
https://goo.gl/maps/TGARX4F9Tvsnmegb8

[will_nic]

Yes, this was my gut feeling as well. Thanks for the advice.

 

From my experience the chain garages like Halfords/Kwik fit are ok for a cheap MOT on a modern car but I wouldn’t feel comfortable letting them work on my mini... incorrect jacking points leading to damaged sills seem to be common for garages who are not familiar with old cars.

My method when I moved was to either put a message on your local mini clubs Facebook page. Or go to your nearest industrial estate and see what place has classic cars outside. It’s not a scientific method but it’s the way I do it and so far so good.

[will_nic]

Perfect. Thank you! It's not too far from where I live too, so thats great - I'll give them a call.

 

Southam Mini and Metro centre is only 25 mins from Coventry.

Southam Mini & Metro Centre
Unit 1, Baird Park, Brickyard Rd, Napton on the Hill, Southam CV47 8NT, UK
+44 1926 815681
https://goo.gl/maps/TGARX4F9Tvsnmegb8

[Ade-Cooper]

I tried a few tyre fitting locations near me and the only place able to do it was Quick-Fit. 

[CityEPete]

My local kwik rip couldn't get their machine to fit onto 12s, so anyone running 10s would have no chance.

[will_nic]

Any success with Kwik Fit?

I tried a few tyre fitting locations near me and the only place able to do it was Quick-Fit. 

[Ade-Cooper]

 

Any success with Kwik Fit?

I tried a few tyre fitting locations near me and the only place able to do it was Quick-Fit. 

 

They were the only company in Redditch who could fit onto my 12" wheels - seemed to do a good job in all fairness 

[cal844]

Ideally you want the old Dunlop sight glass type and someone who knows how to use them

[mini1955]

Just had mine done  at trade tyres shenstone nr Lichfield £30 all in

They told me tracking  was 25% out the mini drives a lot better now I would recommend  this place

[will_nic]

Thanks for the replies. I'm on 10"s so I can imagine I might have trouble at some chain wheel alignment garages. I'll let you know how I get on with the local mini garage.

 

Cheers.

[A-Cell]

Rod and Colin will sort it.
This is them working on Alistair Vines ex-works Mini....
https://www.google.c...30.fecGK1Xs584#