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Sofia74 Samba Member
Joined: August 30, 2015 Posts: 565 Location: WV
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Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2022 3:48 pm Post subject: Is there a quick way to confirm the car is generally aligned? |
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After a multiyear restoration our 1974 KG Coupe is running. Remaining work includes installation of trunk and engine lid, glass, carpet, seats, etc… I will have all next week to work on the car so hoping to knock that out and maybe get her on the road, even if it’s just locally…
The drive to our local garage is about three miles. The drive to our local watering hole is about 2 miles. Both are slow roads.
My question is: is there a technique to measure the alignment so I can at least be comfortable driving a couple miles?
When I installed the new steering rods I adjusted them by eye to match the old ones. I can put a level to the steel wheels to ensure they are vertical…
Any other suggestions? Or should I drive her straight to the garage?
Thanks |
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Ian Godfrey Samba Member
Joined: September 25, 2006 Posts: 1137 Location: Melbourne Australia
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Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2022 4:57 pm Post subject: Re: Is there a quick way to confirm the car is generally aligned? |
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I'd use a tape measure between the front wheels to see if there is a bit of toe in.
put 2 chalk marks on the back of the tyres and measure the distance. roll the car forward till the chalk marks are on the front of the tyres and measure again.
you are hoping the measurement at the front is 1/8" smaller (toe in). if they are the same or 1/8 bigger that is OK, but if it is a lot bigger, say 3/8", I'd adjust the tie rods to get to 0 or a bit of toe in before you drove.
good luck
Last edited by Ian Godfrey on Wed Sep 28, 2022 2:33 am; edited 1 time in total |
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DeathRay64 Samba Member
Joined: February 03, 2019 Posts: 217 Location: Arizona
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Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2022 5:59 pm Post subject: Re: Is there a quick way to confirm the car is generally aligned? |
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An alternate method I learned from an old timer. To do a rough alignment check with a string . Assuming the front and rear are the same width, you can run a string from the rear to the front and see the toe in.
The string should start at the back of the rear tire and should just touch the front of the rear tire as you bring the string into contact with the rear of the front tire... and then there should be about a 1/8 inch gap at the front. Repeat on other side. That should be good enough to get to the shop. _________________ Making VW's and America great again. |
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jeffrey8164 Samba Member
Joined: January 06, 2018 Posts: 3819 Location: Georgia
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Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2022 6:18 am Post subject: Re: Is there a quick way to confirm the car is generally aligned? |
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Only three miles to the alignment rack?
No worries at all. It’s not like the wheels will fall off or anything. _________________ Volkswagen!
Turning owners into mechanics since 1938.
“Let he that is without oil throw the first rod”
(Compression 8.7:1) |
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Sofia74 Samba Member
Joined: August 30, 2015 Posts: 565 Location: WV
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Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2022 4:03 pm Post subject: Re: Is there a quick way to confirm the car is generally aligned? |
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Only three miles to the alignment rack?
No worries at all. It’s not like the wheels will fall off or anything. |
So a two mile trip to the local bar shouldn't be a problem at all..?
Priorities. |
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Sofia74 Samba Member
Joined: August 30, 2015 Posts: 565 Location: WV
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Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2022 4:11 pm Post subject: Re: Is there a quick way to confirm the car is generally aligned? |
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Quote: |
An alternate method I learned from an old timer. To do a rough alignment check with a string . Assuming the front and rear are the same width, you can run a string from the rear to the front and see the toe in.
The string should start at the back of the rear tire and should just touch the front of the rear tire as you bring the string into contact with the rear of the front tire... and then there should be about a 1/8 inch gap at the front. Repeat on other side. That should be good enough to get to the shop. |
Interesting. So the back and front of the rear tire should be in line with the back of the front tire? And then the front of the front tire is 1/8 inboard? Just a bit of toe in?
Thanks.
Matt |
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