Alignment with soft lip wheels?

[formula]

Hey guys,

I'm just getting ready to move to a more agressive alignment, and this is the first time I've had to think through the difficulties of having a shop do my alignment with my forgelines. As I recall, my favorite shop uses equipment that attaches to the wheel lip normally-- does anybody know what sort of gear is out there that won't risk wheel damage? I live in a very small town so I know that unless I keep an eye out for the right gear, they'll just "engineer" something.

[Chad-1stGen]

There are adapters for the aftermarket caster/camber gauges but the shops that I've seen have the ability to rotate the piece that sticks on the lip of the rip 180* so they can use the outside lip for softlip wheels instead of the inside lip.

There are tons of soft lip style wheels sold these days.

[Nine Ball]

I have painted soft-lip wheels on my Z06. I simply bring a roll of blue painters tape with me, so they can put it on the lip prior to attaching the wheel module. Works no problem.

[thedodgeboys]

thats a great idea about the paint, I used an extra set of old wheels last time I had an alignment.

[DAK]

When clamping on the outside of the rim its sometimes difficult due the sidewall or side wall rim protector in the way. Simply letting the air out of the tires helps to get the clamps on.

[formula]

great advice from all sides--thank you guys!!

I think I'm ready:

[elitecustombody]

I never had any problems with getting alignment done with all custom wheels,painted,powdercoated,chrome or polished, my part-time employee works at a shop that specialize with custom wheels and suspension, I don't see a big deal at all, just get it done

[CHRIZ28]

Haha awesome!! Don't think you have anything to worry about now LOL! Let us know how it went.

Chris

[supernovabjt]

If you havent had it done allready, call around and see if you can find a shop that uses "true align adapters" we used them at my old shop, they use extensions that bolt to the lug nuts. A mounting wheel bolts to the extensions and the alignment head mounts to the wheel. No risk of wheel damage, and you get a slightly more accurate alignment.

[formula]

If you havent had it done allready, call around and see if you can find a shop that uses "true align adapters" we used them at my old shop, they use extensions that bolt to the lug nuts. A mounting wheel bolts to the extensions and the alignment head mounts to the wheel. No risk of wheel damage, and you get a slightly more accurate alignment.

....but then i wasted a sh*tload of blue tape!! Oh well, I'll just leave it on for RTTH, start a new trend!

Thanks for the tip, man!

[supernovabjt]

No problem, have fun at RTTH.

[Nine Ball]

LOL at how much tape you used! You only "need" four pieces, just under where the four mounts touch the wheel. ;)

[MonzaRacer]

At most Pep Boys they have John Bean/FMC equipment, they should be able to do a rim clamp where it squeezes the rim and with blue tape or duct tape shouldnt scar the rim. I have also checked shops selling rims and see if they have the plastic rim lip protectors from custom wheels, these also help but you need ones in your size.
Also looking into a shop with Hunter DSP alignment machines with the flashing lights on post around the ccd cameras, these should be able to be rim clamped. The Firestone and Expert Tire in Bloomington Indiana I work in had these units.
Try this store: Firestone Complete Auto Care Store
Store #28371
510 Bypass 72 Nw
Greenwood, SC 29649-1300
(864) 942-7202
or these:
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(864) 676-1365
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(706) 733-7686
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Augusta, GA 30904
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Broad River Road
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