Toein

[louieglen]

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

[Pete / MA]

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

[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.

[Mitch//pa]

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]

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]

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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]

I have used the string method with success.

[Mitch//pa]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[TerryH]

In Alaska, their mosquitos are the state bird.......that will give you some idea (I lived there back in the late 1960's)

[old31]

Originally Posted by tom wesenberg

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.

ok.

[old31]

Well I did it, and you can tell me if this is correct. I think it is.

I bought a stickie tape from Hobby Lobby for $2.39 and a shower curtain from Wallmart for about $10.

I put the rod in the front of the tire just under the bumper bracket and rolled the car back to just about a 1/2" down from the rod touching the yoke.

Starting measurement on the front was 7 and 10/16's and 7 and 11/16's when the car was rolled back about a 1/2 tire.

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by old31

Well I did it, and you can tell me if this is correct. I think it is.

I bought a stickie tape from Hobby Lobby for $2.39 and a shower curtain from Wallmart for about $10.

I put the rod in the front of the tire just under the bumper bracket and rolled the car back to just about a 1/2" down from the rod touching the yoke.

Starting measurement on the front was 7 and 10/16's and 7 and 11/16's when the car was rolled back about a 1/2 tire.

You should only be rolling the car forward.

[Chuck Sea/Tac]

Yes ,forword. Also the 1/16" + - 1/32"?is taken 6" high. That's where the chains come in. Or on my curtain rod , string with a nut tied on at 6".

[jfreddie]

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I, too, have used the string method with success. I was installing radials on '35 Ford rims and wanted to remove all the toe-in. I found it to be an easy and effective method. I've put approx 4000 miles with no appreciable wear and very easy to steer.

[old31]

Ah ha, I wondered what the chains were for. OK, back to the curtain rod.

[old31]

I redid the toein test twice and got the same results, but not sure how to decipher it.

The first time I set up the bar 6" above the floor on both sides and the bar was on the high point of the inside of both tires. (per picture)

The second test I set up the bar 6" above the floor on both sides and the bar was touching both the rim and the tire were they meet.

Both tests started at 7 and 5/16 and ended at 7 and 9/16ths. This was done by moving the car forward and ending when the washers were at 6" inches on the other side.

Now, for both tests the left side washers ended up about 1/8th of an inch off the ground while the right side was just touching.

So, it is 4/16ths off and the left side washer is off the ground 1/8th of an inch.

[old31]

Just to be clear and to make sure I worded it correctly.

The 7 and 5/16 measurement was taken in the front of the tire. When I rolled the car forward I ended up with 7 and 9/16ths underneath at the rear of the tire. It is still 4/16 off.

[tbirdtbird]

then you have too much toe in

[Mitch//pa]

Jack your car up under the axle so the wheels are off the ground..
Spin each wheel
If they spin relatively straight with no wobble then lower the car down
Roll the car around to reset the suspension
Lastly roll the car forward...
Take a tape measure and set your toe to 1/16th toed in,,measuring the back compared to the front
Reroll and recheck again
Your done and getting it as accurately as using the shower rod...

[old31]

OK, I think I have this toein business under control. Let me know what you think.

I started with the bar in front with 6/16ths. Rolled the car forward and ended up with 5/16ths.

[CarlG]

That would mean that you have 1/16" toe-out wouldn't it?

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Back to mosquitos, in Oklahoma, I heard 2 mosquitos argueing about who gets to haul me away.
On the porch, in the evening, we put a tub of HOT coals upwind of us & burned green Bitter Weeds, to smoke out the mosquitos. After going to bed, Mamma would spray the whole room with BLACK FLAG insect killer! (WHEEZ-COUGH) No wonder I tipe "funny"--
Bill Scared

[old31]

So, do I have 1/16 toein or toeout? The saga continues.

[CarlG]

/ \ Toe in
======================
\ / Toe out

With the larger # in front, you would have toe out.

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

Back to mosquitos, in Oklahoma, I heard 2 mosquitos argueing about who gets to haul me away.
On the porch, in the evening, we put a tub of HOT coals upwind of us & burned green Bitter Weeds, to smoke out the mosquitos. After going to bed, Mamma would spray the whole room with BLACK FLAG insect killer! (WHEEZ-COUGH) No wonder I tipe "funny"--
Bill Scared

I just figured you were burning Locoweed in place of Bitter Weed.

[old31]

Originally Posted by CarlG

/ \ Toe in
======================
\ / Toe out

With the larger # in front, you would have toe out.

Interesting little diagram. I think I agree with you.

[old31]

Finally. Thanks everyone for your help.

This is just one more thing that I have learned. Who says you cant teach an old dog new tricks.

I started with a toe out of 4/16ths and now I have a toein of 1/16.

What was real noticeable on the test drive was the lack of steering wheel vibration. It use to be most noticeable between 35-55. Now it has been cut by maybe 80%

I wouldn't think that toe out would cause vibration, but I guess it does.