Classic · Vintage · Alignment

Classic car alignment,
Sacramento. Set by hand.

Shims, sleeves, kingpins and a tech who's done it before. Drop off with KC, he sets it by hand and road tests it, and you drive it home the same day.

7 Days · 8am–6pm · By Appointment · Usually same or next day

KC's Auto WorkService notes
PRICE
$300–550
TIME
Same day
METHOD
Manual
One tech. A number before the work starts.
What KC does differently

Old cars need a different feel.

Measures manually

Most classics aren't in the rack's database. KC measures and sets them by hand.

Inspects the front end first

Kingpins, ball joints, drag link, idler arm, steering box play. Loose parts get flagged before alignment.

Adjusts the old way

Shims, eccentrics and tie-rod sleeves instead of cam bolts.

Sets caster for how you drive

Radials and power steering want more caster than the 1968 spec sheet says. KC explains the trade-off.

Sets toe for tire life

So the car tracks straight and the tires last.

Road tests for real

Not just a rack reading. He drives it and comes back to fine-tune.

The Process

  1. 01
    Drop off with KC; front end inspected, play checked
  2. 02
    Measured by hand, all four corners
  3. 03
    Shims, eccentrics, sleeves adjusted
  4. 04
    Road test, fine-tune, printout
Why the chain shops say no

It isn't in the computer.

Read more

A modern alignment rack looks up your car and tells the tech which cam bolt to turn. Pull up in a 1966 C10 and the screen goes blank. The front end has kingpins, the adjustments are shim packs behind the upper control arm, and the spec sheet assumes bias-ply tires and manual steering. Most techs have never seen it, so the shop says no.

KC has. He measures the car himself, checks the wear parts that make old front ends wander, and sets it up for the tires and steering you actually have. Then he drives it, because a classic that reads perfect on the rack can still pull on Watt Ave.

Bringing it on a trailer? Text ahead and he'll have the bay clear so you can roll straight in.

Book an alignment over $200, add
$39.99
Full synthetic oil change

Same visit, same lift. Oil, filter, and the written twelve-point inspection. Regular price $85.

Tell KC when you book, or tap:
Text KC
One per visit, with any job over $200. Four-cylinder cars up to five quarts; larger engines quoted.

Classic Car Alignment FAQ

Why won't most shops align my classic?

Their rack pulls specs from a database, and cars from the '50s through the '80s often aren't in it. Adjustments are shims, eccentrics and tie-rod sleeves instead of cam bolts, and the front end has kingpins or worn idler arms the tech isn't used to. KC measures manually and sets it by hand.

Do you set to factory spec or to how I drive it?

Your call. Factory caster on a lot of old cars was set for manual steering and bias-ply tires. If you're on radials with power steering, KC will usually recommend more caster for stability, and he'll explain the trade-off before he touches anything.

What if my front end is worn?

KC inspects kingpins, ball joints, drag link, idler arm and steering box play before aligning. If something is loose, an alignment won't hold, and he'll tell you what needs to be replaced first.

Can you do it same day?

Most classic alignments are done same day. Big front-end rebuilds may need to stay overnight. KC quotes before you commit.

What does it cost?

$300 to $550 depending on the car and how much hand adjustment it needs. Most land around $400.

What customers say
5.0 on Google · 15 reviews
We were referred to this auto shop for my daughter's hybrid car. They quickly found the problem and had all the things fixed in 24 hours. The owner was very friendly and honest.
Roxx A., Yelp
What a fabulous experience! The shop was clean and organized. Honest and had compassion for me and my car. And the problem in my car was solved! I rate this shop a 10 out of 10.
Google customer, Google
One less thing to worry about

Let's get you back to your day.

Tell KC a little about the car. He'll take it from there.

KC's Auto Work4946 Watt Ave Ste 15, North Highlands, CA 95660

(916) 465-5955 · 7 Days · 8am–6pm · By Appointment

Tucked inside the business park, not on the street. Call or text before you head over and KC will have the bay ready.

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