The Ford Barn

The Ford Barn (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/index.php)
-   Model A (1928-31) (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=3)
-   -   Toe-in Adj. tool (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=86005)

bobmc 10-13-2012 05:11 PM

Toe-in Adj. tool
 

:confused:
It became very aparent to me today that my toe in needed better adjustment. After a day of enjoying the changing of the leaves on the back country roads in Westen PA I totaly shreaded a good tire.

When I put the front end together I attempted to check the toe-in with a wodden ruler. Thought It was close, I was wrong.

Any one have instructions on how to build a more accurate tool to measure the toe in?

Or If on could be purchashed?

I did a search and found nothing on the subject.


thanks

160B 10-13-2012 05:32 PM

Re: Toe-in Adj. tool
 

Here are three photos of an alignment tool I built based on a design one of our club members came up with. Works great!!! I use masking tape on the tire and the edge of the tool. The ends of the alignment tool where it comes in contact with the tire are beveled so you get good contact with the tape on the tire. This is where I make my mesurement with a small scale.



hope this helps
http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/pictur...ictureid=17192 http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/pictur...ictureid=17193http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/pictur...ictureid=17191

Randy in ca 10-13-2012 05:55 PM

Re: Toe-in Adj. tool
 

There's a bunch of info in this thread:

https://fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=74237

Jerry Parr WI 10-13-2012 07:02 PM

Re: Toe-in Adj. tool
 

The tool is called a "Duby Wheel Alignment Gauge." A Google search will get you several suppliers. Still made exactly like the the one in the Ford Service Bulletins. Price $70. to $100. depending on the supplier.

J Franklin 10-13-2012 07:35 PM

Re: Toe-in Adj. tool
 

I have used the Duby gauge and it worked great. Don't smoke a duby before using the Duby or everything gets messed up.:eek:

zzlegend 10-13-2012 07:48 PM

Re: Toe-in Adj. tool
 

I use a flat style spring loaded curtain rod, With a seamstress cloth measuring tape that has a sticky back and attach that to the curtain rod. Easy to install in the front of the tires and read, and then place in the back and read. Is it high tech? Not really but gets it close enough for me. Just a thought.

J Franklin 10-13-2012 08:11 PM

Re: Toe-in Adj. tool
 

Toe at 1/16 +- 1/32, Close enough.

DosCoupe 10-13-2012 08:21 PM

Re: Toe-in Adj. tool
 

Recently, I asked some question about 1932 Ford front end specifications and got a lot of great answers. The local Ford garage dialed my front in at 1/2 degree - laser methodology. Tires are now wearing even and we track much better in a cross wind. Mine had too much tow out, with similar disatrous tread wear.

1931 flamingo 10-13-2012 09:17 PM

Re: Toe-in Adj. tool
 

1/2 degree of what??
Paul in CT

Marco Tahtaras 10-13-2012 09:34 PM

Re: Toe-in Adj. tool
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobmc (Post 516429)
:confused:
It became very aparent to me today that my toe in needed better adjustment. After a day of enjoying the changing of the leaves on the back country roads in Westen PA I totaly shreaded a good tire.

When I put the front end together I attempted to check the toe-in with a wodden ruler. Thought It was close, I was wrong.

Any one have instructions on how to build a more accurate tool to measure the toe in?

Or If on could be purchashed?

I did a search and found nothing on the subject.


thanks

Unless both tires wore equally (and similarly) you need far more than a toe-in adjustment! It sounds like you have a badly bent front axle.

Gary WA 10-13-2012 10:32 PM

Re: Toe-in Adj. tool
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobmc (Post 516429)
:confused:
It became very aparent to me today that my toe in needed better adjustment. After a day of enjoying the changing of the leaves on the back country roads in Westen PA I totaly shreaded a good tire.

When I put the front end together I attempted to check the toe-in with a wodden ruler. Thought It was close, I was wrong.

Any one have instructions on how to build a more accurate tool to measure the toe in?

Or If on could be purchashed?

I did a search and found nothing on the subject.


thanks

NAPA Auto parts have them. Have stock number if needed.

BILL WILLIAMSON 10-14-2012 10:07 AM

Re: Toe-in Adj. tool
 

Someone recently posted that he pushes 2 straight pins into tire tread, measures between them, rolls car forward, and measures again! NOT BAD!
I think I read somewhere that the measuring point should be 11" above the floor. Saw a pic of some brand name, spring loaded toe in guage that goes between the tires, and it had 2 skinny 11" chains dangling, that guaged the proper height. Bill W.

Blessyouboys 10-14-2012 10:54 AM

Re: Toe-in Adj. tool
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON (Post 516690)
Someone recently posted that he pushes 2 straight pins into tire tread, measures between them, rolls car forward, and measures again! NOT BAD!
I think I read somewhere that the measuring point should be 11" above the floor. Saw a pic of some brand name, spring loaded toe in guage that goes between the tires, and it had 2 skinny 11" chains dangling, that guaged the proper height. Bill W.

It's six inches above the floor, not eleven.

http://abarnyard.com/workshop/align.htm

[email protected] 10-14-2012 11:03 AM

Re: Toe-in Adj. tool
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON (Post 516690)
Someone recently posted that he pushes 2 straight pins into tire tread, measures between them, rolls car forward, and measures again! NOT BAD!
I think I read somewhere that the measuring point should be 11" above the floor. Saw a pic of some brand name, spring loaded toe in guage that goes between the tires, and it had 2 skinny 11" chains dangling, that guaged the proper height. Bill W.


Years ago we just used a 2 x 10 inch by 8 foot plank of lumber and some chalk marks on the tire and on the board. Jacked the front end up just enough to rotate the front tires and you would put the 2x10 plank in the front of the tire and chalk both tire and board. Then rotate the tire to the back direction and move the plank so you can line up the chalk marks. On guy using this method had put in finishing nails into drilled holes in the plank and used them with the center groove of the Firestone tires. Worked well for us to get good wear on the front tires.

While the front end is still jacked up you can also pull a tight string from the back of the back tire all the way up to the front end of the front tire. Move the steering wheel for best alignment. If one side has both tires touching the straight string on both sides of both tires you can then go to the other side of the car and do the same. It should be off but it will give you a visual on how much you maybe towed in or out...

We were not trying to be laser precise but it worked for us.

I also like to rotate the tires yearly in a X pattern RR to LF, etc...

BILL WILLIAMSON 10-14-2012 11:21 AM

Re: Toe-in Adj. tool
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blessyouboys (Post 516719)
It's six inches above the floor, not eleven.

http://abarnyard.com/workshop/align.htm

Blessyouboys,
Thanks for the correction:confused: I just told the Dog to help me remember that!:D LOVE THAT DOG!:cool: Bill W.

Marco Tahtaras 10-14-2012 12:53 PM

Re: Toe-in Adj. tool
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blessyouboys (Post 516719)
It's six inches above the floor, not eleven.

http://abarnyard.com/workshop/align.htm

I think folks don't think to click on links that are posted. I put that page up 14 years ago and many have never seen it!

marc hildebrant 10-14-2012 07:59 PM

Re: Toe-in Adj. tool
 

Marco,

I read your posting and found it very helpful when I adjusted toe-in.

Marc

Purdy Swoft 10-14-2012 08:55 PM

Re: Toe-in Adj. tool
 

Snyders has the tool listed on page A-103 of their 2012 catalog. Part number A-3282 and the price is $27.95 it comes with instructions. this is the type that I use. I got mine in the ninties and I believe the price has gone up. Its still less expensive than having the toe in set at a shop, if you want to do the job yourself.

jkeesey 10-14-2012 10:04 PM

Re: Toe-in Adj. tool
 

I have the same tool purdy mentioned. It works like a charm, and is easy to handle. A lot of the older styles are kinda heavy and cumbersome.

Gary WA 10-14-2012 10:27 PM

Re: Toe-in Adj. tool
 

4 Attachment(s)
NAPA Part no. 807-2000 Alignment Gage.


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:27 AM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.