Georgia Fiero Club Forum
All Things Fiero => General Fiero Discussion => Topic started by: Fierofool on October 20, 2012, 11:10:30 am
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This would probably be of interest only to those on the NE side of Atlanta as it relates to experiences with the Lawrenceville NTB store located just off Collins Hill Road at Ga. Hwy 316.
For years I'd used Lanier Tire in Cumming for alignment. My favorite technician got promoted so I sought a new shop. Since I buy my tires from Tire Rack and have them mounted and balanced at NTB in Lawrenceville, I gave them a shot at alignment. They've aligned my Dakota, Grand Prix, 87GT and 86SE.
When I left with the Dakota, it was pulling to the right, so I immediately returned. They readjusted it and when I left, it was pulling to the left. Not exact, but not a major bother. Tire wear hasn't been unusual. The printer was broken so I don't know what the settings are.
The Grand Prix alignment revealed that it needed new rear rotors and brake pads. I could see no wear on the rotors so I bought pads. When I removed the wheels to replace the pads, I just couldn't justify throwing away a set of pads that still had about half their pads remaining, so the new pads have been residing in the trunk for over a year. Again, I couldn't get a printout of the settings because the printer was broken.
The 87GT got all new rear ball joints, and tie rod ends, new shocks and struts prior to RFTH 17. At alignment, they found it needed a front ball joint. When that was replaced, it was returned for alignment under their warranty policy of 6 months or 6000 miles. The tech spent 2 hours, most of the time sitting in a chair while talking to 2 people who were working on a truck in the adjoining bay. He eventually came to me and said he couldn't align the car because the rear wheels needed to be removed to make adjustments. Since the alignment appratus attached to the rear wheels, he couldn't align it.
I left without an alignment and returned when I knew the original technician (Aaron) was on duty. The wheels didn't come off, and the readjustment was made in short order, under their warranty. The printer was working at that time and it revealed that after alignment, only 1 wheel was really within specification. Even with all new suspension components, it still wiggles and wobbles a little at highway speeds.
The 86SE was a a basket case. The suspension on it was beaten to death. Any little imperfection in the roadway made it feel like it was going to swap ends. Like the cradle wasn't even bolted into the car.
Once removed, the rear ball joints and tie rod ends actually rattled if you shook them. So, after replacement, off it goes to NTB. They found a front ball joint to be bad and did a rough adjustment to get the two rear wheels somewhat upright and pointed straight ahead. They told me to replace the front ball joint and bring it back for final alignment under the 6/6 warranty.
This is about the point where Chaz got to in this thread: http://gafieroclub.org/bbs/index.php?topic=1289.msg12631#msg12631
I've replaced the bad front ball joint and Thursday I returned with the 86SE and was told that they would no longer align a Fiero for the standard $80 due to the problems they encountered on Chaz's car. The price would be $120. Since Aaron wasn't there, I elected to return another time. Once this adjustment is made, the cars will go elsewhere for alignments in the future. I just can't recommend them for alignments, any more.
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We Use Kaufman Tire For All Of Our Tire Issues.
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NTB...I've got nothing good to say.
I've used Jim Hardman in Gainesville for my alignment for 15 years and have never had a problem.
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my problem with kauffmen tire is they told me my "frame" was bent on my 86GT and when jen took her truck there they told her the same thing about her 05 chevy silverado that has never been wrecked, she is the original of the truck and me and her dad are the only ones to do ANYTHING to that truck other than alignment...and yes this was three different sores that told us the same thing. So needless to say after NTB and kauffmen we will be on the look out for another location for alignment and our business.
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Roger, what is the cost of a Fiero alignment at Hardman? Are they open on Saturday?
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Call them at (678) 707-8286 and ask for Matt Rogers. Tell him Roger Newton referred you. I don't know what they charge but it is reasonable.
You'll get a printout of before and after settings.
If you need any parts or repairs though they will tell you they no longer perform repair work on vehicles over 10 years old.
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how far out is this place? i may be interested to take it to them to see what they say about my alignment.
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Jim Hardman - Buick / GMC is in Gainesville (30501) at1592 Browns Bridge Road.
Go to
http://www.hardmancars.com/?pageName=HomePage&cs:pro=cgt2&cs:dma=524&cs:loc=en_US&cs:s=gmps-hardman&cs:e=g&cs:gn=s&cs:cid=13021245736&cs:kw=jim%20hardman%20buick&cs:kt=4300201100&gclid=CO_u9czGmLMCFRRynAodZXwAlg
In the middle of the page you'll find: Hours of Operation, then, Map & Directions.
Call the Service Dept. FIRST @ 678-707-8281
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I spoke with Mr. Rogers and he said their price for Fiero alignment is $69.95 and carries a 6 Month/6000 mile warranty. Open Monday thru Friday and on Saturday until 2PM. No appointment needed.