Can you trust chain alignment shops? (chicago area)

Just recently did my tie rods and camber plates in my e30. It needs an alignment terribly - it already needed one before and even though I tried to set the tie rods to the same length I didn't do the greatest job. The issues are much worse (and I'm figuring all alignment related).

Most of the decent shops are closed until tuesday (weekend plus memorial day). Only places that seem to be open this weekend are chains (firestone, midas, goodyear, car-x). I already know what baseline alignment specs I'm looking for (-2.5 degrees front camber, 0 degrees toe, rear not adjustable). Can I trust a chain shop to do it right or should I just wait until tuesday? I'd prefer to have the car functional this weekend but i'd rather not pay 100 bucks for an alignment only to have to do it again.

Thanks!

A lot of the chain stores will only do "standard what's in their computer" alignment settings.  And you probably won't be able to talk to the tech either so you can't even bribe the guy to use your settings.

In my experience, No. It sounds like you can probably do an alignment at home on that car. All you need is a flat area, and string.

In reply to triumph7 :

Well that sucks. Kinda seems stupid to me, if you have an alignment rack it's not hard to set it to whatever specs. 

In reply to Racebrick :

Damn. 

I probably could do a string alignment but my driveway is nowhere close to flat and I don't have ramps or a good way to keep the suspension loaded. And Im not sure how well I could adjust camber. The plates have markings and they're set to right amount but I'm not sure how exact it is. 

The only thing most shops will adjust these days with the standard alignment is tow.  Anything else requires parts for which they charge $$$.  

A chain will get it in vaguely drive-able shape. Occasionally you get a tech who cares at a chain. I'd go to ask if someone know a tech at a chain on the windy city bmw Facebook page. That or the Chicago Region SCCA members and friends facebook page. (Or just search on those, its a frequent question) I'm in Chicago, but its been a long time since I went to a chain.

Interested

My experience is that it really depends on the location, the employees, and how well you get along with them.  Most chain places have at least a couple of car enthusiasts working for them, and if you can connect with them and interest them in your project then they'll often be willing to bend a rule or two if necessary to help out.

Getting that connection can be hard, about the only way is local word of mouth.  Talk to the folks in the autocross club, where do they go for alignments?

For camber, you can use a tool like this angle tool you use the magnet side of the tool to hold it to the brake disc. They are very accurate, and most cars you can do ot with the wheels on the car, on the ground. You can also use your phone with an angle app.

I found a chain with a car guy as a manager and he'd do whatever alignment I asked.
Other chains have been weird even with little stuff like, "I can't align your mercedes because MB wants it aligned with weights in the seats and we don't have weights."

Yeah I have found it really depends. I found a Firestone in New Mexico that didn't get me what I wanted, and when I asked, I was allowed to walk back there and literally turn the wrench for him. It was great. Other places that will never happen, it's toe and go.

Yep, as everyone else said. "It depends"

If it were me, I'd probably just wait a few days and have it done properly the first time. I don't like paying for work twice. 

Just antidotally, but one time I wanted my '71 Chevelle to actually drive straight. After replacing everything to do with the steering and front supension, I went through a set of front tires about once a year - and used a different alignment shop each time. Finally I took it to the local "Guru" European shop. They agreed to try.

Evidently it took 3 hours and most of the shop's personal, but the alignment was perfect. They charged me the usual price for an alignment and told me to never come back, lol

Evanuel9 said:

In reply to triumph7 :

Well that sucks. Kinda seems stupid to me, if you have an alignment rack it's not hard to set it to whatever specs. 

It's all about liability.  If they burn up a set of tires or there's a serious accident and something isn't totally factory then the lawyers are circling.