The Ford Barn

louieglen · 06-23-2016, 07:15 AM

Have any of you used the string method to set the toein on your model A?

Pete / MA · 06-23-2016, 07:31 AM

Only used a string as a quick check. I always use a gauge when setting the tow-in.

mrraford · 06-23-2016, 08:32 AM

The most accurate way to set the tow-in is to take the car to a front end alignment place that has the oldstyle equipment to set alignments manually. Here in Tulsa there is a place called Acme Wheel Alignment. They have the equipment to set large trucks and heavy vehicles. For a nominal price they have set my frontends first time/every time.
Don't go to a Firestone or similar place that has computerized/laser guided equipment. That won't work on the A.
The old-time devices that are for DIY users usually don't take variations in the tire walls into consideration and can leave you way out of alignment.

Mitch//pa · 06-23-2016, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrraford

The most accurate way to set the tow-in is to take the car to a front end alignment place that has the oldstyle equipment to set alignments manually. Here in Tulsa there is a place called Acme Wheel Alignment. They have the equipment to set large trucks and heavy vehicles. For a nominal price they have set my frontends first time/every time.
Don't go to a Firestone or similar place that has computerized/laser guided equipment. That won't work on the A.
The old-time devices that are for DIY users usually don't take variations in the tire walls into consideration and can leave you way out of alignment.

Why won't that work on an A and do it more accurately than any other method used?

BILL WILLIAMSON · 06-23-2016, 11:56 AM

One poster used 2 straight pins, into the tread rubber. Measured, rolled it forward, & measured again. Better than a SHARP stick in the EYE!
Bill W.

mrraford · 06-23-2016, 01:09 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I was too brief in my discussion. In most cases, if you take your A to Firestone, the kids that work there won't acknowledge that their equipment might be used for alignment. They will disavow any knowledge of the work. Besides that I can't get them to align my modern call correctly.
The shops that have the less techy equipment work on heavy equipment that is relatively similar to the old ford setup.

Will N · 06-23-2016, 01:49 PM

I have used the string method with success.

Mitch//pa · 06-23-2016, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrraford

I was too brief in my discussion. In most cases, if you take your A to Firestone, the kids that work there won't acknowledge that their equipment might be used for alignment. They will disavow any knowledge of the work. Besides that I can't get them to align my modern call correctly.
The shops that have the less techy equipment work on heavy equipment that is relatively similar to the old ford setup.

OK this statement I agree with in full. We have a computerized / laser hunter rack and in the right hands it's exact on the money vs the shoe string methods out there which are NOT accurate... I understand that most do not have this equipment available to them in capable hands so one must do what one must do...

CarlG · 06-23-2016, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

OK this statement I agree with in full. We have a computerized / laser hunter rack and in the right hands it's exact on the money vs the shoe string methods out there which are NOT accurate... I understand that most do not have this equipment available to them in capable hands so one must do what one must do...

Any chance you are planning on opening a shop in Anchorage any time soon?

BILL WILLIAMSON · 06-23-2016, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarlG

Any chance you are planning on opening a shop in Anchorage any time soon?

Carl, I WON'T go run it for Mitch, I HATE the COLD

Mitchs' Dad

CarlG · 06-23-2016, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

Carl, I WON'T go run it for Mitch, I HATE the COLD

Mitchs' Dad

Cold??? It was 80° yesterday while I was out putting new tires on my truck.

Mitch//pa · 06-23-2016, 03:51 PM

Dad thinks a bad idea, I agree

Maybe u can get it transported down

OR

Just use the shower rod and wing it, and say to yourself it's right on the money I know it is..
It becomes believable after a while

Mitch//pa · 06-23-2016, 04:05 PM

How would I get to Alaska I have no idea

Do I take a train, boat, plane or a submarine

Or can I just drive up

CarlG · 06-23-2016, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

How would I get to Alaska I have no idea

Do I take a train, boat, plane or a submarine

Or can I just drive up

Just follow the map:

Tom Wesenberg · 06-23-2016, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

How would I get to Alaska I have no idea

Do I take a train, boat, plane or a submarine

Or can I just drive up

You can take a dog sled or if you want to fly you harness a team of Minnesota Mosquitoes.

Minnesota now has stealth mosquitoes. You can't hear them and you don't feel them.
You have to just keep swatting.

Mitch//pa · 06-23-2016, 06:18 PM

When I finish this guys A I'm doing all that work on from the other thread I posted, I will be doing a computerized alignment on it. To compensate the sensors which detects wheel run out and the target mounting variation on the wheel you only have to roll the car forward about 6". Amazing isn't it...

old31 · 06-23-2016, 06:34 PM

Sooooo, does that shower rod work or not? Based on another thread and it sounded like it does work, tomorrow I was going to get a rod and some stick on measuring tape.

Tom Wesenberg · 06-23-2016, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old31

Sooooo, does that shower rod work or not? Based on another thread and it sounded like it does work, tomorrow I was going to get a rod and some stick on measuring tape.

Yes, it works, and because the rod stays against the same spot on the tire it compensates for any bent rim or variation in the tire.

George Miller · 06-23-2016, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

You can take a dog sled or if you want to fly you harness a team of Minnesota Mosquitoes.

Minnesota now has stealth mosquitoes. You can't hear them and you don't feel them.
You have to just keep swatting.

Those Mosquitoes must be related to the ones in northern Michigan. They are so big they have to get a permit to land.

ian Simpson · 06-24-2016, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

How would I get to Alaska I have no idea

Do I take a train, boat, plane or a submarine

Or can I just drive up

Drive, the Alaska highway starts about thirty miles west of my house, Drop by on your way, it would be nice to meet you.

06-23-2016, 07:15 AM	#1
louieglen Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 218	Toein Have any of you used the string method to set the toein on your model A?

06-23-2016, 07:31 AM	#2
Pete / MA Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Brookfield, NH Posts: 102	Re: Toein Only used a string as a quick check. I always use a gauge when setting the tow-in.

06-23-2016, 08:32 AM	#3
mrraford Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 190	Re: Toein The most accurate way to set the tow-in is to take the car to a front end alignment place that has the oldstyle equipment to set alignments manually. Here in Tulsa there is a place called Acme Wheel Alignment. They have the equipment to set large trucks and heavy vehicles. For a nominal price they have set my frontends first time/every time. Don't go to a Firestone or similar place that has computerized/laser guided equipment. That won't work on the A. The old-time devices that are for DIY users usually don't take variations in the tire walls into consideration and can leave you way out of alignment.

06-23-2016, 11:56 AM	#5
BILL WILLIAMSON Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: FRESNO, CA Posts: 12,560	Re: Toein One poster used 2 straight pins, into the tread rubber. Measured, rolled it forward, & measured again. Better than a SHARP stick in the EYE! Bill W. __________________ "THE ASSISTANT GURU OF STUFF"

06-23-2016, 01:09 PM	#6
mrraford Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 190	Re: Toein Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I was too brief in my discussion. In most cases, if you take your A to Firestone, the kids that work there won't acknowledge that their equipment might be used for alignment. They will disavow any knowledge of the work. Besides that I can't get them to align my modern call correctly. The shops that have the less techy equipment work on heavy equipment that is relatively similar to the old ford setup.

06-23-2016, 01:49 PM	#7
Will N Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,100	Re: Toein I have used the string method with success.

06-23-2016, 03:51 PM	#12
Mitch//pa BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bucks County, PA Posts: 11,454	Re: Toein Dad thinks a bad idea, I agree Maybe u can get it transported down OR Just use the shower rod and wing it, and say to yourself it's right on the money I know it is.. It becomes believable after a while

06-23-2016, 04:05 PM	#13
Mitch//pa BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bucks County, PA Posts: 11,454	Re: Toein How would I get to Alaska I have no idea Do I take a train, boat, plane or a submarine Or can I just drive up

06-23-2016, 06:18 PM	#16
Mitch//pa BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bucks County, PA Posts: 11,454	Re: Toein When I finish this guys A I'm doing all that work on from the other thread I posted, I will be doing a computerized alignment on it. To compensate the sensors which detects wheel run out and the target mounting variation on the wheel you only have to roll the car forward about 6". Amazing isn't it...

06-23-2016, 06:34 PM	#17
old31 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 2,101	Re: Toein Sooooo, does that shower rod work or not? Based on another thread and it sounded like it does work, tomorrow I was going to get a rod and some stick on measuring tape.