Daniel wrote in article ...
A person who understands front end geometry is MUCH MORE important than a computerized rack.
The advantages of the computerized rack are really targeted towards the shop owner, who can - within an hour or so - have a minimum wage earner taking front-end alignment readings due to the simplicity of operating the machine.
Virtually anybody who posts on this board can be taught to set up a computerized alignment machine in an afternoon, but there are very few people here whom I believe understand HOW to make the proper adjustments and manipulate the steering and suspension geometry correctly.
The operator plugs the car year, make and model into the computer, which asseses the readings against the database for that car.
The operator then adjusts things in the direction that the machine instructs them to, until the machine says it is okay.
If the machine operator doesn't understand front-end alignment theory....
.....and he doesn't have to, since the machine does the work.....
....or if he doesn't know the specifications....
....again he doesn't have to, the machine takes care of things.....
.....chances are that he will not be able to align a vehicle that does not have its specifications stored in the computer database.
I have been aligning race cars for 40 years with a two-wheel alignment machine and string.
Locals with unique cars such as street rods and muscle cars come to me when the local chain turns them away because there are no specs in their computer database for a '36 Ford with a Mustang II front end.
Finding someone who knows what they are doing should be your primary concern.....
If they know what they are doing, the equipment they use to get the job done is a moot point.