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jeffrey8164 
Samba Member
Joined: January 06, 2018
Posts: 3817
Location: Georgia
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 Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 12:22 pm Post subject: Setting up initial alignment |
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After installing the new ball joints and tie rod ends I’m going to do a preliminary tape measure alignment. I plan to take it to my local shop to have a real alignment performed once the new engine is installed and broken, or broken in, whichever comes first.
Toe seems to be pretty straightforward but I’m using flat bar strapped to the spindles. I plan to make them equal even though I know there should be an 1/8 inch between front and back measurements.
Question is, what degree +/- should the camber be? As I move the camber eccentric that changes the toe so I think I need to do the camber first. I’m also not up to speed on the geometry changes in the suspension. Does the camber stay the same throughout the travel or does it change ? |
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WD-40
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Joined: May 31, 2006
Posts: 1178
Location: Iowa
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| Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2018 10:38 pm Post subject: Re: Setting up initial alignment |
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| jeffrey8164 wrote: |
| Toe seems to be pretty straightforward but I’m using flat bar strapped to the spindles. I plan to make them equal even though I know there should be an 1/8 inch between front and back measurements. |
Why would you intentionally do that? The proper amount of toe-in makes a world of difference in how these cars drive. 
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jeffrey8164
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Joined: January 06, 2018
Posts: 3817
Location: Georgia
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| Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2018 10:16 am Post subject: Re: Setting up initial alignment |
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| This is just initial. I'll have it aligned on a rack once the car can move under its own power. |
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WD-40
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Joined: May 31, 2006
Posts: 1178
Location: Iowa
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| Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2018 10:28 am Post subject: Re: Setting up initial alignment |
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But even so, why not set your initial alignment close to where it ultimately should be? You have to set it somewhere, why not just pick the correct value in the first place?
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"The new Volkswagen 1303. We've made so many improvements, they're beginning to show." |
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jeffrey8164
Samba Member
Joined: January 06, 2018
Posts: 3817
Location: Georgia
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| Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2018 9:28 am Post subject: Re: Setting up initial alignment |
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| Thus my question. on the camber |
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ach60
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Joined: May 14, 2001
Posts: 4139
Location: Santa Maria
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andk5591
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Joined: August 29, 2005
Posts: 16757
Location: State College, PA
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| Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2018 5:11 pm Post subject: Re: Setting up initial alignment |
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Gonna tell ya...I have only had a couple experiences with alignment shops that were positive. Same with some customers cars that have been recently "aligned". If you can set the camber straight up and 1/8" toe, you are pretty much there. I would suggest checking your toe after you have it done. Have had cars done by a pro shop that the toe was 1/8" out andanother one was 0 toe.
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jeffrey8164
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Joined: January 06, 2018
Posts: 3817
Location: Georgia
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| Posted: Mon Oct 01, 2018 1:09 pm Post subject: Re: Setting up initial alignment |
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| andk5591 wrote: |
| Gonna tell ya...I have only had a couple experiences with alignment shops that were positive. Same with some customers cars that have been recently "aligned". If you can set the camber straight up and 1/8" toe, you are pretty much there. I would suggest checking your toe after you have it done. Have had cars done by a pro shop that the toe was 1/8" out andanother one was 0 toe. |
I understand completely. The last time I took it to an alignment shop (2002?), they had no idea the tie rods had reversed threads.
The shop I'm taking it to this time, I have been doing business with for 16 years. They have no problem with me being there to coach them while they do it. |
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Sharp64
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Joined: August 27, 2015
Posts: 5304
Location: Central Florida
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| Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2018 3:28 pm Post subject: Re: Setting up initial alignment |
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If you have to coach them how to do it, why do you need them?
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jeffrey8164
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Joined: January 06, 2018
Posts: 3817
Location: Georgia
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| Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2018 8:11 pm Post subject: Re: Setting up initial alignment |
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| Sharp64 wrote: |
| If you have to coach them how to do it, why do you need them? |
I don't need them as much as I need their fancy tools.
In actuality, I suppose I'm paying them to use their tools.
I get to be involved every step of the way too, which is a bonus.
Sure beats the pants off of my wife and a tape measure.
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Sharp64
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Joined: August 27, 2015
Posts: 5304
Location: Central Florida
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| Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2018 4:45 am Post subject: Re: Setting up initial alignment |
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| jeffrey8164 wrote: |
| Sharp64 wrote: |
| If you have to coach them how to do it, why do you need them? |
I don't need them as much as I need their fancy tools.
In actuality, I suppose I'm paying them to use their tools.
I get to be involved every step of the way too, which is a bonus.
Sure beats the pants off of my wife and a tape measure. |
Guess I'd rather save the $100 or so and do it myself. Nothing fancy about it.
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1960 Indigo Blue Ragtop (Blue Barry)
1967 Ghia
1985 Westy Money Pit
“...some men aren't looking for anything logical, like money. They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned, or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.” - Michael Caine |
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