Front end alignment

[76okievette]

I am going to have to have the frond end alignment done by a shop and need to know what to look for and what to avoid. Right now the car pulls a little to the right and the steering wheel is off center when driving stright. I know its not the power steering, tires, so I am going for the alignment any advice before I let someone work on my car? 1976 L48 Auto.

 

[wishuwerehere82]

In general, you should have a four wheel alignment done to make sure that the whole job is done right. A good shop will have a Snap-On laser alignment stand. If they don't, go somewhere that does.
Do not go to a dealer or tire shop!!!!!

The first step is to inflate all tires to the proper pressure.
The next step is to align the rear wheels. In most cases the rear end will not have to be touched unless something is bent. It involves removing the shims from the rear trailing arm mounts, but it will tell you if you need to replace a bent trailing arm. The rear wheels will be used as a reference axis to align the front wheels.
Once the rear wheels are referenced, the camber, caster and toe in is measured on the front wheels by turning the wheels lock to lock on a turntable to measure the angles of each setting. Camber and caster is adjusted by removing or adding shims to the upper and lower A-arms, and can be affected by spring wear over time or changing tire diameter.
The final step is to center the steering wheel and adjust toe-in to specs.
You should get a printout to show the Before and After alignment numbers. The final numbers should be within +/- 1/32" according to the posted specs. for your model

Your printout should look something like this:

-----------------------Left Front Readings-----------------Right Front readings
-----------------------Initial-----Final-------------------------Initial-----Final
Caster----------------+2.36-----+2.48-----------------------+2.36-----+2.48
Camber---------------+0.08-----+0.08----------------------(-0.16-----+0.08
Toe--------------------+3/16-----+1/8-----------------------+9/32-----+1/8

------------------------Left Rear Readings--------------------Right Rear Readings
Camber----------------+0.28-----+0.28---------------------+0.16-----+0.16
Toe---------------------+1/4------+1/4----------------------+1/16-----+1/32

So when you're all finished you will see what your alignment was and what it is after the alignment.
I have a guy that lets me stay and talk to him while he does my alignments, and he taught me the step-by-step process on several of my cars. Mark's Alignment-Webster, NY.
It should drive like a brand new car when it's all finished. If not, you got ripped off.
I hope you have good luck with your Vette.

 

[78SilvAnniv]

Another point to consider...

What is the condition of your 1976 vette's bushings? If they are worn out or missing you won't get a proper alignment.
Heidi

 

[pttsls5]

I had my 72 aligned and had trouble just getting the align. computer to go back that far for the specs.(ended up using 76 specs.)They start with the back wheels as a reference. If they need to be adjusted and the trailing arm bolt is rusted solid in the bushing they cannot add shims unless the bushing (and bolt) are replaced.The labour they charge at the align. shop to do this will shock you.My alignment ending up costing close to $600 by the time they were done.Before you go, check to see if the trailing arm bolts can be removed. If they don't come out, do the work at home and save yourself some money!