Sand bags?

[blinkwatt]

I called a local PCA sponsor to schedule an alignment for my Boxster since I just installed the RoW 030 suspension on it. Here is how the conversation went;

PCA Sponsor- 'O.K. Tire & Automotive how can I help you?'
me- 'Hi,I'm calling for an estimate for an alignment on a 99' Boxster.'
PCA Sponsor - 'Can you hold?'
me- 'Sure.'
(comes back like 30 seconds later)
PCA Sponsor- 'we need your V.I.N. and tire widths to see if we can do it.'
me- 'My V.I.N.? Can't I just give you the tire widths?'
PCA Sponsor- '........,my service manager informed me that we can't do it because we would have to use sandbags on the seats.'
me- 'o.k. thanks anyways.'
(click)

What in the world? My V.I.N.? Did someone try to scam me?

[Chills]

Now, I only learned this by reading the threads on this forum, but I am pretty sure they need the sandbags to simulate your weight for the alignment. That way the car is set up perfectly to you. Pretty cool, IMHO.

[CJ_Boxster]

Interesting, The porsche dealer here in Torrance ca, claims they dont use sand bags at all, only thing they might do is put a 40lb weight in the front trunk if the cause isnt full of gas.

[BobMarley1]

lots of sand bags for me

[kabel]

I do not know why they would need your VIN, perhaps to verify the make/model. I would assume the sandbags are for ballasting the car. There are many purists that will absolutely insist that you ballast the car for your weight when having an alignment performed, I am not one who subscribes to this. I'm not bragging but I do not weight much and the change in camber due to me being in the car I expect is quite minimal and I would never be able to tell the difference.

So after they asked for your vin did they ask you your weight?!

[SC986]

Sandbags? I know I'm kind of simple but couldn't one of them just sit in the car if they didn't have any?