Diploma in Geometry, Alignment and Stability in Classic Vehicles
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in geometry, alignment and stability in classic vehicles. 8 modules covering running-gear geometry, the particularities of classic vehicles, alignment equipment and methods, adjustment and correction, directional stability, tyres and wheels, and inspection and documentation under Directive 2014/45/EU, ISO 8855 and ISO 4138, with an assigned technical tutor.
Diploma in Geometry, Alignment and Stability in Classic Vehicles — studying from New Zealand
Vehicle restoration and classic engine work in New Zealand is supported by an active enthusiast community and a well-established network of specialist workshops, particularly around the main centres. Historic vehicle registration and compliance fall under the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, and the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand promotes preservation of historic vehicles. Restoration professionals often combine fabrication, engineering and heritage conservation skills.
Fees for New Zealand: NZ$2,960 (New Zealand dollar), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in New Zealand
Typical roles
Questions from New Zealand
Is restoration engineering recognised by a professional body in New Zealand?
There is no specific statutory register for classic vehicle or heritage restoration engineers in New Zealand. Heritage matters can involve Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, and vehicle roadworthiness is governed by the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not accredited by any national body, so their value depends on the employer or client.
Where do classic restoration specialists work in New Zealand?
Work is found in independent restoration workshops, classic car dealers, museums, and specialist fabrication businesses, many clustered around the main centres. Clients and employers usually judge by workmanship and a portfolio of completed restorations. A private qualification may complement that evidence but is rarely a deciding factor on its own.
Can I study this while running or working in a workshop here?
Yes. The course is fully online and taught in English, so you can study from home in New Zealand without a student visa. Specialist courses total 300 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and master's programmes 1,900 hours. An assigned technical tutor supports you, and fees can be paid in instalments.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Understand running-gear geometry settings.
Identify the particularities of classic vehicles.
Use mechanical and electronic alignment equipment.
Correct geometry deviations with the appropriate methods.
Diagnose stability and vibration problems.
Relate tyres and wheels to vehicle behaviour.
Document the work and advise the owner.
Who it's for
- Alignment and geometry technicians working on older vehicles.
- Classic vehicle mechanics who want to master chassis set-up.
- Suspension and steering specialists.
- Vehicle inspectors dealing with historic vehicles.
- Technical advisers to classic car clubs.
- Chassis restorers.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to enter classic vehicle workshops.
What you'll work with
- Directive 2014/45/EU (periodic roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles)
- ISO 8855 (vehicle dynamics and road-holding ability — vocabulary)
- ISO 4138 (steady-state circular driving behaviour)
- Hunter WinAlign
- OptimumK
- MATLAB
8 modules
1.1Camber1.2Caster1.3Kingpin inclination1.4Toe1.5Thrust angle1.6Wheel setback1.7Ackermann geometry1.8Ride height and load distribution1.9Effects on handling1.10Practical: identifying alignment settings on a classic vehicle
2.1Rigid front axles2.2Kingpins and bushes2.3Leaf-spring suspensions2.4Cross-ply tyres2.5Period factory settings2.6Play and wear2.7Chassis deformation2.8Common modifications2.9Sources of technical data2.10Case study: original settings versus measured settings
3.1String alignment3.2Mechanical gauges3.33D camera aligners3.4Laser aligners3.5Turntables and slip plates3.6Rim run-out compensation3.7Equipment calibration3.8Lifts and levelling3.9Recording results3.10Workshop: alignment with 3D equipment
4.1Toe adjustment4.2Camber adjustment4.3Caster adjustment4.4Thrust angle correction4.5Shims and eccentrics4.6Correcting deformation4.7Component replacement4.8Steering wheel centring4.9Road test4.10Practical: correcting a lateral pull
5.1Directional stability5.2Pulling to one side5.3Shimmy and vibration5.4High-speed wobble5.5Cornering response5.6Straight-line braking5.7Influence of inflation pressure5.8Effect of load5.9Manoeuvre tests5.10Lab: cornering response test
6.1Cross-ply and radial tyres6.2Period sizes6.3Irregular wear and diagnosis6.4Static and dynamic balancing6.5Wire-spoke wheels6.6Run-out and wobble6.7Recommended pressures6.8Tyre storage6.9Tyre age6.10Practical: diagnosis from tyre wear
7.1Roadworthiness testing of historic vehicles7.2Steering and suspension defects7.3Alignment report7.4Vehicle history7.5Advising the owner7.6Reversible improvements7.7Vehicle modifications and type approval7.8Workshop liability7.9Service quality7.10Case study: complete alignment report
8.1Selecting the vehicle8.2Preliminary inspection8.3Initial measurement8.4Diagnosis8.5Correction plan8.6Adjustments8.7Dynamic test8.8Final report8.9Report and presentation8.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
A 100% online programme on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so the programme fits around your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Hunter WinAlign, OptimumK and MATLAB, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures: 3D alignment of a classic vehicle, diagnosis of vibration and shimmy, and dynamic directional-stability testing. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final project.
Standards covered: Directive 2014/45/EU, ISO 8855 and ISO 4138.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- An internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 800 hours over 6–8 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with Hunter WinAlign, OptimumK and MATLAB, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector; no university degree is required.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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