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Need front wheell alignment numbers for 1963 Beetle.
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tronview
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 9:10 am    Post subject: Need front wheell alignment numbers for 1963 Beetle. Reply with quote

I just got finished rebuilding the front end of my 1963 Beetle. now I need to get it aligned. A good friend of mine works at a body shop that has an alignment machine. The only problem is that he couldn't find the numbers to set the machine up for the job. Can anybody help.
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sovereignsamba
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 9:49 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Use a tape measure! Very Happy
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tronview
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 10:14 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

How?
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79SuperVert
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 10:56 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Would this page from the August 1962 (1963 model year) owner's manual (in The Samba Technical section under Manuals) help?

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Vee Dub Nut
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 11:48 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

From research online.. i've found that somewhere around 1/8" (0.125in) of total toe is the norm

this falls in-spec with what 79SuperVert posted..

Not sure on camber though..
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imnezrider
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 12:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

tronview wrote:
How?


Toe-in on spec sheet indicates .08-.16. Measure distance between centers rear of front tires. Then measure distance between centers at front of tires. Adjust so that the front dimension .08-.19 in. less than the rear.
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KTPhil Premium Member
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 1:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Camber is not adjustable. When you rebuilt your front end, did you measure offset of the trailing arms, and set the shim count accordingly? If you did, your camber is right (or something has been bent in an accident). They can measure camber but you cannot adjust it; have them measure it so you know that it is not bent. Toe in is easy and you can do it yourself. I've never been able to use a tape measure or straight sticks on a Bug (too much suspension/frame in the way), but I made some "offset sticks" (sort of L-shaped on the ends) so it would clear, and measured the diff between front and rear as above.

Don't forget to lube and then adjust your link pins before getting it aligned. Might be worth driving it gently for a week to settle it in, readjust, and then see the shop.
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tronview
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 2:47 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I installed a rebuilt front end. Spindle to spindle. I have done no adjusting to the pins yet. I also put a new steering box in. The old one was worn out.
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djkeev
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 4:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

HI,

As already stated not everything is adjustable but....

Camber on front wheels in straight ahead position with empty car. 0 degrees 40' +/- 30'

Difference in camber of a wheel turned 20 degrees to the left and right. 2 degrees 15' +/- 40'

Caster angle of axle tubes. 2 degrees +/- 15'

Track of rear wheels with correct adjustment of spring plates and car empty. toe out 5' +/- 15'

Camber of rear wheels with correct adjustment of spring plates and car emplty. 3 degrees +/- 30'
Spring plate adjustment: 16 degrees 30' + 50'
maximum permissible difference between both wheels 20'

To check whether the front axle is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the car and check for front axle assembly distortion, Measure wheel base on both sides. 94.5 +/- 0.16"

Toe in, empty car 2 -4 mm (0.08" - 0.16")
Toe in, full car 1 - 3 mm (0.04" - 0.12")

Tire pressure at check 1 - 2 persons front 16 lbs Rear 20 lbs
Tire pressuce 3 -4 persons Front 16 lbs Rear 23 lbs.

This is the at least the highlights, if you want more info PM me and give me your email address and I'll send it along. there are many notes and procedures to go along with these specs.

Dave
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KTPhil Premium Member
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 8:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

tronview wrote:
I installed a rebuilt front end. Spindle to spindle. I have done no adjusting to the pins yet.


You have to adjust the pins or the play in them will throw off the alignment. It's easy--all books have the procedure.
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johneliot
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 11:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Check Dan's post for specs.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=271089

John
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