Chris Kouba
Supporter
Thanks for the suggestion Dave. I am emissions exempt due to it being registered as a '65. I am quite pleased with the performance of the Pro Flo package- well, except for the current issue. I have a couple ideas for troubleshooting it and will see where they lead.
I the meantime, it was Alignment Day #2. After the initial adjustment in preparation for the Avons, I wasn't happy with the on-center feel of the steering and wanted to dial back in more caster, and the rear toe needed some adjustment. Alan graciously lent his fronts to me again for fitment and I set the car up and then tore it down.
First step was to remove the springs and shocks to set the car on blocks at ride height: 3.75" for the front, 4.5" for the rear.
Using centerline marks on the underside of the chassis I used a builder's laser to project the centerline further forward and aft:
Referencing off the laser, I measured out 42" on each side and set up a datum with strings at hub height:
From here, things were unbolted and adjustments were made. At this point, the front lowers are as far forward as I can get them and the uppers are centered in their range. I also dialed in a little more camber while I was at it:
The rear was then torn down and adjustments made. I narrowed the track to give a little more margin to the tires in the bodywork, then took out a bit of the camber and set the toe:
It took a number of iterations but in the end I running zero toe in front and 3/16" total toe out in the back. Camber settings are 1.3° in front and about the same in the rear, although I had to use a different gauge which I am not certain is 100% accurate and repeatable. Those were the figures I was shooting for though.
So far, I only have one short tour around the block (I was able to get the car running again by replacing the blown fuse). I was very gentle on it but it seemed to run well. I will need a minor adjustment to center the wheel but I am happy with it initially. I'm not sure that I am happy with how much rear track I took out. I may take another run at this once I have new tires on as I really liked the arches I had. All in all, it doesn't look bad now though, just not quite the same as it used to...
Actual ride height still needs adjustment in the front, it will come down ~1/2" from this pic. I have access to corner weight scales and will be giving that a shot in the next week or two.
I the meantime, it was Alignment Day #2. After the initial adjustment in preparation for the Avons, I wasn't happy with the on-center feel of the steering and wanted to dial back in more caster, and the rear toe needed some adjustment. Alan graciously lent his fronts to me again for fitment and I set the car up and then tore it down.
First step was to remove the springs and shocks to set the car on blocks at ride height: 3.75" for the front, 4.5" for the rear.
Using centerline marks on the underside of the chassis I used a builder's laser to project the centerline further forward and aft:
Referencing off the laser, I measured out 42" on each side and set up a datum with strings at hub height:
From here, things were unbolted and adjustments were made. At this point, the front lowers are as far forward as I can get them and the uppers are centered in their range. I also dialed in a little more camber while I was at it:
The rear was then torn down and adjustments made. I narrowed the track to give a little more margin to the tires in the bodywork, then took out a bit of the camber and set the toe:
It took a number of iterations but in the end I running zero toe in front and 3/16" total toe out in the back. Camber settings are 1.3° in front and about the same in the rear, although I had to use a different gauge which I am not certain is 100% accurate and repeatable. Those were the figures I was shooting for though.
So far, I only have one short tour around the block (I was able to get the car running again by replacing the blown fuse). I was very gentle on it but it seemed to run well. I will need a minor adjustment to center the wheel but I am happy with it initially. I'm not sure that I am happy with how much rear track I took out. I may take another run at this once I have new tires on as I really liked the arches I had. All in all, it doesn't look bad now though, just not quite the same as it used to...
Actual ride height still needs adjustment in the front, it will come down ~1/2" from this pic. I have access to corner weight scales and will be giving that a shot in the next week or two.
