Centre Gravity - Probably the best Geo in the world
Discussion
sportsandclassic said:
So he test drove the car and found that it understeered... Well there is something we have never heard before. Made some adjustments on a worn innner track rod.
Then replaced it and did a wheel alignment and found that the tracking was out... Well maybe that was something to do with the joint he just replaced as it would need a tracking adjust any way.
This really is not rocket science and as someone has already said about not being good with the practical side I can vouch for that on a number of levels.
Glad you are happy but that wheel alignment should only take a couple of hours and 1 hour to replace the inner steering knuckle. You also mention that the figures are within porsche specification now. So no magic there then...?
Mike
This is what I don't get? The OP is happy, and COG have a lot of happy customers, but like you say it's not magic. I like where I get my Geo' done, and it does transform the car when it's done right. I don't understand the people I know driving down from Scotland, just get it done at COG?Then replaced it and did a wheel alignment and found that the tracking was out... Well maybe that was something to do with the joint he just replaced as it would need a tracking adjust any way.
This really is not rocket science and as someone has already said about not being good with the practical side I can vouch for that on a number of levels.
Glad you are happy but that wheel alignment should only take a couple of hours and 1 hour to replace the inner steering knuckle. You also mention that the figures are within porsche specification now. So no magic there then...?
Mike
Chris has a business model that works, and good on him for earning an honest living through hard work.
No it is not rocket science, but it is engineering - Chris is passionate about achieving engineering perfection and I understood this by watching him and discussing the same educational background we share.
The most successful people I have met give their absolute best to what they do, and it is clear Chris does the same. He has fixed my car, given me fantastic service, and I am very happy - he will continue to get my custom and I shall continue to recommend him to everyone.
The most successful people I have met give their absolute best to what they do, and it is clear Chris does the same. He has fixed my car, given me fantastic service, and I am very happy - he will continue to get my custom and I shall continue to recommend him to everyone.
I am taking my 993 there tomorrow having taken my 997 C4S there a couple of years ago. I went to Chris in the first place as I was unhappy with the Geo done by my OPC. Chris really did make a huge difference. I can't compare him to anyone else other than the OPC but I know how painstaking he was and I know how happy I was with the results. For me getting up at 5.30 and driving to Warwickshire is a small price to pay.
One of the great things about our cars is the incredible enthusiasm and dedication of the people who help us enjoy and maintain them. I've met many as a result of recommendations on this board and others. Chris is one of the best but as Mike notes, other geometry services are available!
One of the great things about our cars is the incredible enthusiasm and dedication of the people who help us enjoy and maintain them. I've met many as a result of recommendations on this board and others. Chris is one of the best but as Mike notes, other geometry services are available!
SonnyM said:
No it is not rocket science, but it is engineering
Please don't offend engineers by calling basic vehicle mechanics, engineering. Chris is a good bloke but these threads are like a plague on this forum. There must be at least 20 different outfits in the country that could have done this work just as well.Angelus said:
This is what I don't get? The OP is happy, and COG have a lot of happy customers, but like you say it's not magic. I like where I get my Geo' done, and it does transform the car when it's done right. I don't understand the people I know driving down from Scotland, just get it done at COG?
Chris has a business model that works, and good on him for earning an honest living through hard work.
So did the guy who flogged magic beans Chris has a business model that works, and good on him for earning an honest living through hard work.
hornetrider said:
Angelus said:
This is what I don't get? The OP is happy, and COG have a lot of happy customers, but like you say it's not magic. I like where I get my Geo' done, and it does transform the car when it's done right. I don't understand the people I know driving down from Scotland, just get it done at COG?
Chris has a business model that works, and good on him for earning an honest living through hard work.
So did the guy who flogged magic beans Chris has a business model that works, and good on him for earning an honest living through hard work.
NJH said:
SonnyM said:
No it is not rocket science, but it is engineering
Please don't offend engineers by calling basic vehicle mechanics, engineering. Chris is a good bloke but these threads are like a plague on this forum. There must be at least 20 different outfits in the country that could have done this work just as well.Over to you for the rest
Stop thinking of it as a geo, it isn't... Do all the rest remove your wishbones to ensure they drop under their own weight with no play?
My car had a full four wheel geo before it went to Chris, it was within tolerance. The difference he made is night and day
How much would you pay for a set of dampers? Chris is better value IMO
Seems the only people who don't appreciate the transformation Chris can make to a car are the ones who have never been there
BliarOut said:
NJH said:
SonnyM said:
No it is not rocket science, but it is engineering
Please don't offend engineers by calling basic vehicle mechanics, engineering. Chris is a good bloke but these threads are like a plague on this forum. There must be at least 20 different outfits in the country that could have done this work just as well.Over to you for the rest
Stop thinking of it as a geo, it isn't... Do all the rest remove your wishbones to ensure they drop under their own weight with no play?
My car had a full four wheel geo before it went to Chris, it was within tolerance. The difference he made is night and day
How much would you pay for a set of dampers? Chris is better value IMO
Seems the only people who don't appreciate the transformation Chris can make to a car are the ones who have never been there
I was resisting wading in. As an Engineer that has worked in vehicle ride and handling, I can tell you that Chris has a very methodical, Engineers approach to his work. Disconnecting, linkages to check if they are binding and assessing freeplay is standard practice when developing suspension on vehicles. Most places will assume everythng is moving as it should and only bother to change parts if they are obviously worn or deemed MOT failure points.
I am sure there are many places that can provide excellent geometry services. However, as someone else has mentioned, Chris has an excellent business model and he has found a real niche. On top of that he comes across as a thoroughly decent bloke, can fully articulate what he is doing, and his explanations are devoid of any BS. He provides a complete service to improve the ride and handling of vehicles. Many, like myself, are happy to pay for this.
pp
I am sure there are many places that can provide excellent geometry services. However, as someone else has mentioned, Chris has an excellent business model and he has found a real niche. On top of that he comes across as a thoroughly decent bloke, can fully articulate what he is doing, and his explanations are devoid of any BS. He provides a complete service to improve the ride and handling of vehicles. Many, like myself, are happy to pay for this.
pp
sportsandclassic said:
BliarOut said:
NJH said:
SonnyM said:
No it is not rocket science, but it is engineering
Please don't offend engineers by calling basic vehicle mechanics, engineering. Chris is a good bloke but these threads are like a plague on this forum. There must be at least 20 different outfits in the country that could have done this work just as well.Over to you for the rest
Stop thinking of it as a geo, it isn't... Do all the rest remove your wishbones to ensure they drop under their own weight with no play?
My car had a full four wheel geo before it went to Chris, it was within tolerance. The difference he made is night and day
How much would you pay for a set of dampers? Chris is better value IMO
Seems the only people who don't appreciate the transformation Chris can make to a car are the ones who have never been there
As I said, mine was completely within tolerance when it arrived, had all new bushes underneath and brand new shocks yet the difference when I left was night and day. Best money I spent on the car IMO.
uktrailmonster said:
SonnyM said:
and the ride was much better (PASM button on and off).
I'm sure Chris does a great job. My own car was set up there (by previous owner) and it handles great. But I'm curious how your car's ride quality improved presuming he didn't change springs or dampers?Binding in the suspension that has been freed?
Several reasons why ride can improve.
PP
..I would have thought the ride would be harsher, as you will have less padding in your back pocket.. !
Seriously tho', he's not reinventing the wheel, just doing an honest job properly, for a fair price and making the checks a good mechanic should make before starting, sloppy joints = wasting your time doing a geo'..
Good luck to anyone carving our a niche business for themselves..!
Seriously tho', he's not reinventing the wheel, just doing an honest job properly, for a fair price and making the checks a good mechanic should make before starting, sloppy joints = wasting your time doing a geo'..
Good luck to anyone carving our a niche business for themselves..!
Pickled Piper said:
I was resisting wading in. As an Engineer that has worked in vehicle ride and handling, I can tell you that Chris has a very methodical, Engineers approach to his work. Disconnecting, linkages to check if they are binding and assessing freeplay is standard practice when developing suspension on vehicles. Most places will assume everythng is moving as it should and only bother to change parts if they are obviously worn or deemed MOT failure points.
I am sure there are many places that can provide excellent geometry services. However, as someone else has mentioned, Chris has an excellent business model and he has found a real niche. On top of that he comes across as a thoroughly decent bloke, can fully articulate what he is doing, and his explanations are devoid of any BS. He provides a complete service to improve the ride and handling of vehicles. Many, like myself, are happy to pay for this.
pp
This, + 1000. I am sure there are many places that can provide excellent geometry services. However, as someone else has mentioned, Chris has an excellent business model and he has found a real niche. On top of that he comes across as a thoroughly decent bloke, can fully articulate what he is doing, and his explanations are devoid of any BS. He provides a complete service to improve the ride and handling of vehicles. Many, like myself, are happy to pay for this.
pp
What's the point in having a 'precise' geo put on suspension you only assume to be in good condition? It could be a mile out within yards of leaving the ramp.
And for those who think test drives/strip-downs/inspections are irrelevant, please can you tell me how you asses the condition of suspension without? Quick push/pull with a pry-bar and a 'nuffink wrong wiv it gov'?
Sorry but my money goes to CG for careful, thorough work that will give me the results I want/need and will continue to do so for some considerable time afterwards - not a quick 'tweak job' done on an uneven ramp with uncalibrated equipment on suspension that might be completely shag*ed, but the garage couldn't be ars*d checking!
Above comments not aimed at anyone on here - just the great 'unwashed'
Ian_UK1 said:
Sorry but my money goes to CG for careful, thorough work that will give me the results I want/need and will continue to do so for some considerable time afterwards - not a quick 'tweak job' done on an uneven ramp with uncalibrated equipment on suspension that might be completely shag*ed, but the garage couldn't be ars*d checking!
+1However, having been there several times I can see why there are antagonists.
First of all - yes he is a great guy and does a great job, BUT you can clearly see if you think about the whole process, that he knows exactly how to make sure you will never go to anyone else again. (And that includes me). I think at times he can come across as just an engineer - but in fact he is far more than this. . . I think he is very clever man in terms of a business sense, which is not immediately obvious - it is a little difficult to explain!
An example I will point out...why does he not check tyre pressures when you get there BEFORE he takes you out on a drive? He does this at the end just before he takes you on the final drive to show how it is improved. Of course, if they were slightly out to start with, he has instantly made the car feel better by adjusting the pressures to factory setting, without turning a spanner!
Also would be interesting to see how many people end up roped in with the extra replacement parts...and corresponding extra labour to fit them!!! I am not saying they are not needed - but may not be fully worn at the time, but seeing as you are there and have booked him and will have to pay him the £300 geo fee anyway, you may aswell spend the extra couple of hundred and stick the part on! Would be silly not to wouldn't it!?
Please nobody take this the wrong way - I am not knocking him, he provides a great service and has done for years. he has many regular customers and is booked for weeks! That speaks for itself! Just pointing out a couple of pointers which may partly explain the antagonists...
Zzzzzzz
Yes. I'm sure there are many great places in the UK for this type of work. And Chris is certainly up there on the list. These forums are unbelievable. Somebody compliments good work (which surely we would all want to know about), and then a load of people steam in, who have never used the service, criticising it.
Can we 'go talk about something less boring instead' now?
Yes. I'm sure there are many great places in the UK for this type of work. And Chris is certainly up there on the list. These forums are unbelievable. Somebody compliments good work (which surely we would all want to know about), and then a load of people steam in, who have never used the service, criticising it.
Can we 'go talk about something less boring instead' now?
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