We all have our favorite vehicle, and even though sports cars are some of the most popular, there is disagreement and opposite opinions about which one is the best, or whether some new model is worth the money, etc. On the other hand, vintage cars are something that leaves everyone in awe, as there is no person in the world who has some complaints about them. They are slick, retro, stylish, and what’s even more important, they provide that special vibe that leaves no one indifferent, even those without a driving license.
Of course, the only way for classic cars to be operative and safe for driving is by proper maintenance, and sometimes this can be tricky. Namely, most parts for these models aren’t manufactured anymore, which makes the search for a new part much more troublesome, but not impossible, far from it. On the other hand, when it comes to maintenance, most of the usual things and checkups you can do on your own, but when it comes to classic car alignment, most people get worried, which shouldn’t be the case, especially with these tips.
Contents
1. Gather as much info as possible
For starters, let’s debunk the most popular myth on car alignment, as, for most people, just hearing these terms means how there is so much work needed. In reality, most of the things required for a proper car alignment of your classic car one can do on their own, as time is the most important tool required. Of course, having the other tools like the alignment kit, for example, and an actual space where you will do all that work is a must, but, in essence, that’s all. On the other hand, this also doesn’t mean that all that’s needed is a quick browser search, and voila, you got all the info.
Yes, most people tend to click on the first YouTube video that pops up and think how they are all set, which is not the case, far from it, and can actually cause more harm than good. That is why the first and most crucial step is to gather as much info as possible before you start meddling with the car. It is the only way to get desired results you want, and also, don’t be shy to consult the experts or ask a local mechanic whom you trust for advice, as they could give great tips on how to perform everything the right way.
2. Scaling
Once we have covered the basics, we can focus on the actual work, and it starts by scaling and learning how the weight of the car is spread. Namely, the key to a successful scaling is measuring the actual weight-the one when the vehicle is in road-ready condition. It means that both the weight of the driver and all the fluids should be accounted for, as it is the only way to get the right info about the weight, and once you get that, scaling gets much easier. Now, when we have settled this, we can focus on the three main aspects of vehicle alignment:
- Toe
- Camber
- Caster
3. Start with the easier measurement – toe
It is always best to start with the easiest measurement we can obtain, and speaking about alignment, the easiest one is toe. In order to do that, we need to point both front tires straight and take measurements in the front and rear slots. Toe literally represents the angle at which the car’s front tires point, and we can easily find the optimal values if we check the manufacturer’s manual. Since cars have four tires, it is necessary to align them, so the pressure of the rear ones does not affect the front ones, and they can remain straight and provide us a safe ride.
If this angle is not adjusted well, it can cause various problems and make handling the vehicle difficult, which can lead to serious accidents. If it is not adjusted properly, we will feel it during the ride at high speeds, as the vehicle will not be steady enough. Besides that, we can also notice it if we look at tires and see the saw-tooth pattern on both front tires, but it is crucial to identify it on both of them, as seeing it only at one shows another problem.
4. Check the camber
Once the toe is adjusted, it might be a little confusing what the camber is, but it is not as complicated as it sounds. It is the amount of angle the top of the tire leans in, and it can be literally seen if we look at the vehicle from the back or the front side. It can be positive or negative, and how you will adjust it depends on your driving style and needs, but it is crucial to adjust the tires to achieve a safe ride and avoid problems with handling the vehicle. If it is not set properly, the car will, in most cases, pull to one side during the ride, but keep in mind to check the tire pressure first if it happens.
5. Look from the side – caster settings
The last important measurement is the axis at which the wheel turns, and it can be seen if we look at the vehicle from the side. It can also be positive or negative, and reading the owner’s manual can help you decide the right values, or if you neglect it, it can lead to difficulties with controlling the car. It is noticeable during high-speed rides but also can cause problems during slow ones.
Conclusion
Aligning the classic car in your garage can seem pretty challenging, but it is simpler than it seems, especially for car enthusiasts who love to do everything on their own. Of course, it is necessary to gather necessary information, learn everything that can be learned about a certain vehicle and use the proper equipment, and it can be a piece of cake. Of course, if it is still too complicated for you and you want to avoid any risk, visit website and find the necessary help.