64 Skylark Alignment Specs/Questions Well, I'm getting closer and closer to making my car road worthy, but I've got a couple alignment questions: 1. Does anyone have/know the alignment specs? 2. Will the spec need adjusted to allow for radial tires? If so, how much? 3. Should I pay a little more for the local guy that is "real good with older cars"? 4. What is a descent price to have this done? 5. Anything to watch out for or check before I drive away? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Ron
Re: 64 Skylark Alignment Specs/Questions Ron, Here are the specs from a '64 Chilton's manual for your car: Caster: Range is 1N-0 preferred setting is 1/2N Camber: Range is 1/4P-3/4P preferred setting is 1/2P Toe-in: 7/32-5/16 King pin inclination: 8 degrees wheel pivot ratio: inner 21 1/4 deg., outer 20 degrees. I have the same car and will be getting an alignment after I change out the front suspension. Unfortunately, that's the only question I can answer. Just call around for prices. I would expect that it shouldn't cost more than a 2 wheel alignment for any car.
i'd pay the extra to have someone that knows what they are doing to align it. i would also keep toe adjust at low end of scale.
Thanks Ken. That's the plan as of 10 minute ago. Originally , they told me $59.95, plus $40-$50 hourly for a vehicle that old. When I scheduled just now, he said he was going to have their older car specialist do it, and it should be $60 + tax. So hopefully I can get the experienced guy for a very reasonable rate. Thanks for your input guys. Ron
I am not sure where in central Ohio you are from. I'm in Northwest Ohio. It Probably would'nt be worth the drive. However, I do alignments at my shop. If you are not satisfied with the results. Let me know. I can set you up. Just would require a couple hour drive.:beer
Ended up doing everything they could. Removed all the shims on the the drivers side, and is still out of spec a little. Prolly have a bent spindle, according to them, which makes sense because my fender and door both have some fudge in them. I think it will work though, and they only charged me $59.95. Looks great, drives great.
If you look at spec charts for older cars you will find caster specs are all around 0 to +1 degree. Some cars might even show a bit negative. The reason for those low caster specs were because the cars base designs were for non-power steering systems. The more caster, the harder it is to steer. Most modern cars (rear wheel drive , power steering) will have specs on the 3-4 degree range. German performance cars sometimes double or triple that, but that's crazy for old suspension. With power steering and radial tires you can do 3-4 degrees with no problems and if you have done a "tall" spindle conversion, you should shoot for that. The problem is that you might not have enough movement to stack enough shims to do it. It will improve handling and won't hurt anything. I just did 4 degrees on my '64 and it works great. I do have the spindles, etc., but do what you can. Good luck.
