Flexible support with indicator device

A coordinate measuring machine for measuring an object, said coordinate measuring machine comprising:

• a base;
• at least one measuring element support member rotatably fixed to said base;
• a measuring element disposed on an end of said at least one measuring element support member;
• an adjustable support structure adapted for supporting a localized portion of the object to be measured, said adjustable support structure being mounted to said base;
• and
• a signalling device signalling when said adjustable support structure contacts said object.

A method of measuring a vehicle part using a coordinate measuring machine, said method comprising:

• securing the vehicle part upon a base structure of the coordinate measuring machine;
• attaching at least one adjustable rotatable support arm to said base structure;
• adjusting said at least one adjustable rotatable support arm such that said arm generally lightly contacts the vehicle part so as to avoid deformation of the vehicle part, said contact thereby triggering a signalling device for signalling an operator that said contact is achieved;
• and
• employing a probe of the coordinate measuring machine to gather position data along the vehicle part generally adjacent said at least one adjustable rotatable support arm.