Normally I would research the heck out of this using the Search Feature but I don't have time today and I want to get my alignment done.
For a VS built pan-based Speedster what are the specs I need to have the front end alignment done?
Thank you.
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Robert---if you can find an old timer who has worked on VW Bugs for many years, he will know the specs. I was fortunate to locate a great alignment guy for my VS. The first time I went to him I took the published alignment specs for a Bug and he pointed out that those specs were for bias ply tires and that the specks have been updated for radial tires. If you want the updated specs pm me and when I'm in the office I'll send them to you. I will add that the front end alignment I have is sensational with zero wiggling of the steering wheel and the car will go straight hands off forever on a flat road. Just before the recent Carlisle event he replaced the arms and ball joints then did a new alignment. I do get a great ride.
@Jack Crosby- Can you post that information here? Your mention of there being settings for bias ply tires has me wondering about the info I have. Thanks in advance!
And Jack, it was really nice to talk to you again in Carlisle. I hope we can do it again next year! Al
Not knowing any better, my front alignment is set at 1/8" toe in measured at the front and back of the rims with Vred radials and it seems to ride very nicely.
Robert:
Tell him/her to set it for a 1970 VW sedan, BUT Caster should be 5º - 7º (you/he might need caster shims for that).
That's it.
I've attached the Hunter alignment sheet:
Robert I use a locally owned tire shop. They used the 67 VW specs. My car drives perfectly straight and I have no unusual tire wear. I hope that helps.
Davis is the only place in Fresno I ever use. They are near Blackstone and McKinley.
My car pulls a little to the left but not dramatically. If I’m understanding everything correctly it would appear early beetle specs apply except for the caster which should be 5-7 degrees. Yes?
Troy Sloan posted:Davis is the only place in Fresno I ever use. They are near Blackstone and McKinley.
My message should have said Lewis Wheel and Frame not Davis.
Alb---my grandkids were quite impressed with that shot of Alice and you with the Yoda mask we took on the last day of the Carlisle event.
Looking at my notes about alignment---my VS is built on a 1968 pan. The published specs show front toe at 1/6"-1/16" (bias ply tires). and my mechanic uses 1/32" each side for radial tires.
Those are the specs I used on Bridget. The difference from the bias ply standard spec is the camber—bias tires get zero camber, straight up and down.
Rears are a pretty similar though I think you might want a tiny bit of toe out back there. Like 1/16. Obviously, camber on the swing axle isn't adjustable independent of ride height.
No Ed, you want zero or 1/16" toe-IN in the rear. Trust me, I've gone a very stable 125 in my Spyder, more than once!
