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Couple of questions...
Relatively new V8V (2008) owner here. I am looking for a competent indy mechanic in my local area (Forest. VA - about 2 hours SW of Richmond, 1 hour east of Roanoke, and 3 hours from Charlotte, NC). There is a local dealer/shop called Hammersley that professes to work on exotics, including most British and German cars. Anyone know of them? Any other close options? Also, can a “normal” shop perform a 4 wheel alignment, or are AM-proprietary specs or tools required? Is charging AC system routine? Newb questions but appreciate any replies. I’ve been unsuccessful to date downloading the service manual. Thanks, DRW |
4 wheel alignment is not normal. I was told a shop that can do Dodge Vipers can do the vantage. I went to dealer for $200.
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You don't need an Aston specialist for either of those jobs. I'd go to a well regarded alignment shop that does alot of higher end cars (not Midas). Dealers often sub contract AC and alignment work. You might want to ask your dealer for a recommendation or see any AC specialist.
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Originally Posted by blue2000s
(Post 4725957)
You don't need an Aston specialist for either of those jobs. I'd go to a well regarded alignment shop that does alot of higher end cars (not Midas). Dealers often sub contract AC and alignment work. You might want to ask your dealer for a recommendation or see any AC specialist.
There is nothing special about the AC system, any competent AC shop should be capable of charging and troubleshooting the system within the engine compartment. |
Both of these jobs can easily be done by a good local shop. Better to find a place and build a relationship. Exotic cars don't comprise of all exotic parts...
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Thanks, all. I am going to get my state inspection at Hammersley and strike up a relationship with them. They’ve got a 2015 Vantage S sitting in their showroom right now, so hopefully they know something about AMs. I also purchased a pdf copy of the service manual off eBay, for future reference. DRW |
Originally Posted by Redpants
(Post 4725987)
That said, dialing in the rear camber can often be a challenge if your car is lowered.
. +1 If the car is lowered (or installed with large wheel spacers) there is a good chance the rear camber cannot be brought back to factory specs. The rear camber adjustment, IMHO, is extremely small. |
Kind of along the same lines.... is it a no no to get tires (and possibly new wheels) installed at Les Schwab or similar place? Would hate to have to drive all the way to the dealer for that....
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Ole Lester may be able to get you set. My go-to is always Tire Rack if you're in a dilemma. Prices are good and you can enter your info to find a local installer. Not that its 100% but an option.
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Originally Posted by BDubbs
(Post 4726162)
Kind of along the same lines.... is it a no no to get tires (and possibly new wheels) installed at Les Schwab or similar place? Would hate to have to drive all the way to the dealer for that....
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My AM dealer matches TireRack prices, plus if you buy from an AM dealer, they'll own any issues there are instead of saying "sorry on that, but you didn't buy those tires from us."
I've gone to NTB with success on other cars. Make sure you speak to the manager (or at any other chain) when ordering the tires so they can ensure their top guy does the work when you do bring your car in. |
The dealers match TR pricing but they also charge $90/tire for mount and balance instead of $40 the TR indi installers do. So you pay $200 in insurance they don't scuff a rim. Jack points are a non issue because we're [should be] all aware of what can happen at Firestone and have pucks and enough sense to micro manage the installer when lifting the car.
I firmly believe in dealer service as the most qualified to work on the car, but with tires the specialist is actually the tire installers who do nothing but install tires 10 hours a day. |
Originally Posted by HabitualOffender
(Post 4726316)
I firmly believe in dealer service as the most qualified to work on the car, but with tires the specialist is actually the tire installers who do nothing but install tires 10 hours a day.
I do like having my car on a lift at the AM dealer and someone qualified giving the underneath a visual once over that NTB does not. |
Originally Posted by brightoncorgi
(Post 4726340)
I do like having my car on a lift at the AM dealer and someone qualified giving the underneath a visual once over that NTB does not.
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