Alignment, Trailing Arm,Wheelbase Help Needed
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,346
Likes: 41
From: Toronto
Alignment, Trailing Arm,Wheelbase Help Needed
On my 65 convertible, I measured today and found the left side wheelbase is 98 inches as it should be, but the right side is 97.5 inches.
What got me looking around is that my body shop guy told me that on a test drive he finds that when he depresses the clutch, the car seems to drift to the right, then corrects itself when he steps on the throttle.
The trailing arms were bought from Ikerds, so I doubt they are a problem, but I am not sure if this is an adjustment that can be made? The frame appears to be a no-hit frame.
Thanks for any advice
What got me looking around is that my body shop guy told me that on a test drive he finds that when he depresses the clutch, the car seems to drift to the right, then corrects itself when he steps on the throttle.
The trailing arms were bought from Ikerds, so I doubt they are a problem, but I am not sure if this is an adjustment that can be made? The frame appears to be a no-hit frame.
Thanks for any advice
by shop with lots of Vette experience.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,682
Likes: 3,678
From: Central Arkansas
The shimming of the upper A-arm and resulting caster can make small changes in overall wheelbase measurements. If the front wheels are not pointed perfectly straight ahead when you measure, there will also be a small difference from side to side. Your's doesn't necessary indicate a problem.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,346
Likes: 41
From: Toronto
I think I need the alignment redone by someone with more vette experience.
When he first aligned it The rear wheels were tipped in way too much at the top(camber?) got that adjusted but now I am wondering about the rest of the alignment.
When he first aligned it The rear wheels were tipped in way too much at the top(camber?) got that adjusted but now I am wondering about the rest of the alignment.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,660
Likes: 7
From: DFW
I think the term is "set back". Some alignment machines will give it to describe what you're seeing, net of the alignment affects. Caster setting differences, right to left, will make a difference, as Dan has pointed out. Anyway, ask your alignment shop if they can provide the "set back". If its more than an 1/8" or so, after a good alignment, the frame probably isn't straight.
Harry
Harry
