Front end aligment / frame issue?

[Steve G.]

I have the motor and transmission out of car, and notice what looks to be an alignment issue. I realize that with the engine out, things may not line up properly, but it doesn look right to me. Note I have not driven this car - it was in storage since 1986 before I bought it. It was in an accident at some point - front right fender was replaced. Not sure if the left one was replaced.

With the left wheel pointed straight ahead, the right wheel looks to be off quite a bit. It has significant toe in. Additionally, while the left wheel looks to be perpendicular to the ground, the right wheel has good amount of positive camber. What's worse is there is about a 1/2" of shims on the right upper A-arm positioned to offset this camber (and none on the left side), but apparently not enough. Closer inspection revealed the frame was probably on a machine at one time, but it looks pretty straight with no buckling. Could I have bent spindles? Anyone know of anything I can check out?

If I bring it to frame shop, would they look at upper and lower control arms, or do they only check the main frame? Any thoughts / advice would be appreciated. Steve

[Michael B.]

Re: Front end aligment / frame issue?

Steve,

As a starting point, if this had been in an accident the frame should be checked. I don't see what year we are talking about but if you pick a spot on the frame that is supposed to be at equal points front to back, measure diagonally and it will give you an idea if the frame shifted. If it has significantly no amount of alignment will be sufficient. (Yes, this is a bit tough to do with the body on - I've done it body off while restoring).

Cheers,


Michael B.

[Steve G.]

Re: Front end aligment / frame issue?

Thanks. The car is a 1970. I currently have the body up about 5 or 6" above the frame as I was replacing fuel and brake lines. It would not be that difficult to lift the body out of the way to bring the car to a frame shop to have it checked. Is there a recommendation to have frame checked with body on or body off and engine / transmission in or out?

Is there a check I can do to see what is causing the camber delta between my right and left wheels - IE anyone know how to check the spindle for straightness, or if the mounting points for control arms have moved? thanks, Steve

[Michael B.]

Re: Front end aligment / frame issue?

Hi Steve,

If the AIM in the 70 car is similar to the 77 there should be enough information to find a good set of points to chech the frame through several diagonal measurements. The AIM would likely have a tolerance as well. The chassis restoration guide is perfect for this type of data and your year.

I don't claim to be a frame guy but the math should be straight forward. If the frame is out beyond spec you may be able to compensate but you will likely always have some nagging side effect.

Check your locally body shop but my guess they would be thrilled to have a frame to work without the body; further it would reduce risk to the body while the frame is being pulled. The good news is, if the body came off relatively easilly as it sounds, the frame is probably in pretty good shape.

If you got hit on one side deformation is definitely possible, and yes, I have a bent front spindle just from hitting a curb. If things like the connection point for the A-arms got hit directly or suffered collateral damage then your alignment problem would be explained.

One other observation you'll be looking for is cracks in the frame. This can happen from normal stress but obviously from an accident as well. If there is a crack in some places you will have to pull components like the springs off to get the frame back to it's natural position, weld. I had frame cracks in the shock tower and one A-arm just from normal wear.

With the motor out and body off you will want measurements taken with the frame off it's wheels - I believe the correct way is leveled on the shock mounts.

Hope that helps,

Michael B.