4 wheel alignment
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 363
Likes: 72
From: Somers New York
4 wheel alignment
My '79 is going to need new rear tires soon. Front tires are BF Goodrich TA radials with about 80% tread. The PO had new upper ball joints replaced, but didn't have it aligned. The car doesn't pull to the left or right, but the steering wheel is not centered when the car is driven straight. My question is the average tire store (say, Sears) capable of doing a 4 wheel alignment on a Corvette?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,224
Likes: 1
From: Clarksville Indiana
Ask somebody in a vette club in your area for a good shop to go to. Many shops wont be real interested in doing much but "set the toe and let it roll" and you want a good 4-wheel done. Ask in here for the best specs to set everything at. Your car will not be in any database on new alignment equipment and you would be better off requesting your specs instead of a close guess. Ask if you can go back and have the Tech show you where everything is set at and what needs corrected. Lube everything well several times over a week before you go. It can get real involved real quick, check some the threads in here on the adjustments.
edit.. your 79 may be in thier computer, my 71 is not in mine but I dont remember how far it did go back.
edit.. your 79 may be in thier computer, my 71 is not in mine but I dont remember how far it did go back.
Last edited by 71coupe454; Nov 26, 2009 at 09:33 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,993
Likes: 9
From: Gig Harbor WA
The local "Corvette shop" recommended an alignment shop that charges almost $200. Good to hear from eastltd that the local dealer may be an option, for less $$!!
I rebuilt my entire suspension, and have gotten the alignment "in the ballpark"... How far would it be safe to drive it, to have it properly aligned, I wonder?? Guess its more of a tire wear issue than safety, as long as everything is assembled correctly and tight and secure??
Rob
I rebuilt my entire suspension, and have gotten the alignment "in the ballpark"... How far would it be safe to drive it, to have it properly aligned, I wonder?? Guess its more of a tire wear issue than safety, as long as everything is assembled correctly and tight and secure??
Rob
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,991
Likes: 3,334
From: Omaha NE
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Want some good alignment specs John A F? Here's the numbers I went with last time.....
Front: Toe: 1/32" in
Camber: 0 degrees negative
Caster: 2 3/4 degrees positive
Rear: Toe: 1/8" in
Camber: 0 degrees negative.....
These are symmetrical specs & NOT stock, & if your Vette feels a little darty on bad roads you can go with a max toe-in on the front wheels of 1/8" total. Also make sure the shop you go with can give you a before & after printout..........
Front: Toe: 1/32" in
Camber: 0 degrees negative
Caster: 2 3/4 degrees positive
Rear: Toe: 1/8" in
Camber: 0 degrees negative.....
These are symmetrical specs & NOT stock, & if your Vette feels a little darty on bad roads you can go with a max toe-in on the front wheels of 1/8" total. Also make sure the shop you go with can give you a before & after printout..........
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 28
From: Lutz Florida
The $200 price you were quoted for a full alignment isn't out of line with what some of the local shops here in the Tampa Bay area charge.
The few shops that I talked to that were familiar with (and willing to do) a C-3 alignment were all in the $150 to $200 range.
I had mine done last week after installing my rebuilt trailing arms and it ran me $150 (with me providing a new SS steel shim kit).
The few shops that I talked to that were familiar with (and willing to do) a C-3 alignment were all in the $150 to $200 range.
I had mine done last week after installing my rebuilt trailing arms and it ran me $150 (with me providing a new SS steel shim kit).
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
I took mine to a local alignment shop. The tech told me up front he had never aligned a Corvette and did not know how to set the rear. I told him if he would read the instruments, I would set the camber to his specs (rear toe was fine). Done deal.
Sadly, lots of places won't let "civilians" in the shop area these days due to insurance liability issues.
Sadly, lots of places won't let "civilians" in the shop area these days due to insurance liability issues.
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