front end alignment
 

Hi
I am now working on the front end of my 66 coupe. The alignment shop says I am way out and does not know how to correct it.
Can anyone tell me what the alignment specs might be for caster camber and toe ? I will find out more specifics on what they found but apparently the caster cannot be adjusted anymore by shimming. Any ideas on what to do? Maybe it was hit in the past and something is bent....where should I look and for what??
Thx Ken

Re: front end alignment
 

Why they cant bend it? Take it to a good body shop or a better alignment shop. Shouldn't be that big a deal.

Re: front end alignment
 

I don't have the specs for the 66, but caster is set by adjusting the nuts on the front of the strut rods. Camber is set on 641/2-66 by adding shims to the upper control arms where their bolts go through the apron into the engine compartment. And toe-in is set by adjusting the tie-rod ends. On 67 and later, camber is set by adjusting the eccentric on the lower control arms. If they're telling you they can't adjust caster, then you probably have a bent strut rod. I would look for a replacement instead of allowing anyone to heat it to try to straighten it.

Re: front end alignment
 

THx for the replies
I understand that the caster should be adjusted by shimming the upper control arm for 66 while the strut rod adjustment for caster is 67 to 73. Could the strut rod still affect caster in a 66 if it is bent ? Probably eh? My alignment guys says shimming thing hasn't solved problem. Any ideas ? eg shock tower? frame rails? ...Where should I start looking for something out of wack?
Thx for the info

Re: front end alignment
 

If your rails are rusted out... or even your shock tower, you won't be able to get a good alignment.

Surprised that they didn't tell you where the problem is....

Re: front end alignment
 

Thx Philly
The fraim rails are very good...the shock tower is not rusted and very stable. Thats why they are baffled..but they don't work on vintage cars much . That is why i am asking the experts where I should look , measure and what measurements to compare to.
Thx Ken

Re: front end alignment
 

The measurements that I know of, that I found on this site for a 68, are great... however, they must be done with the engine compartment stripped. As they measure from the front mounting hole for the upper control arm to the opposite steering box/idler arm holes...

Re: front end alignment
 

mmmmmmmm thats a bit of a job....I am going to have a close look this weekend and try to determine if something has been tweaked in the past..thx