I just got my Elky back together from the wreck that I told you all about before. When I was finished, you wouldn't believe how bad the camber was, it was way positive. I took it to the alignment shop and they did the best they could but they said I would have to replace the tie rod ends and center link. They are charging $300, just wanted to know if you guys think thats a reasonable price?? Thanks

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Justin 72 El Camino SS

http://genxrodsandcustoms.8m.com/ELKY.jpg

[This message has been edited by 72Elky (edited 07-27-99).]

If the tie rod ends and center link need replacing it is possible you can do it your self and save the labor and mark up on the parts, then take it in to be aligned, and those being bad shouldn't affect the camber, you sure something isn't bent?? Maybe get a second opinion from another shop.

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Philip Valentine
Team Chevelle Member #42 GOLD
philip@chevelles.com

I vote with 64elcamino. Take it to another shop for a second opinion. If you have any doubts about anything in your frontend then replace the bits. It's the piece of mind factor and if you have any doubts, then you won't be comfortable cruisin. If possible do the work yourself and save on the markup and labour.

I just ordered a new centerlink for my '70 (same as '72) and it cost $100. Add in some tie rod ends,labor, and an alignment and $300 doesn't seem all that outrageous to me.

I agree with the above posts, though - you could save some dough by doing it yourself. Fairly easy projects.

The thing that disturbs me is that the tie rods and center link have nothing to do with camber. Camber is set by shimming the upper control arm shaft position.
The last center link I purchased (year ago) was $40 by mail order. Tie rod ends are about $15 and shop time is maybe $50/hour.Maybe $300 is not to far off the mark.

JWagner-

Yeah, thats what they did, shimmed the control arm shaft. But to align the front end, one tie rod was screwed all the way in, and the other side was screwed all the way out. They said they we're bent (which they are) and that the center link was bent to. I just would rather be safe than sorry so I think I'm just going to let the alignment shop handle it all. Any other thoughts??

I did that to my 71 back in 89 and it was $300, so i'd think that's fair since the price has't gone up on 10 years.