Any guys here do their on alignments?

[ddavis]

Ive always heard about string methods to do alignments at home and even some laser tools, just curious who has done them. Can it be just as accurate as a machine? Im interested in trying this so I dont have to run to the shop each time I change something in my suspension. Thoughts?

[The Stig]

Im sure it can be done at home but no way it is as accurate as the machine.

[RiCorvette]

Related thread

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=120123

Post #3 answers the question

[JusticePete]

Originally Posted by ddavis

Ive always heard about string methods to do alignments at home and even some laser tools, just curious who has done them. Can it be just as accurate as a machine? Im interested in trying this so I dont have to run to the shop each time I change something in my suspension. Thoughts?

The technician is the critical component in any alignment. I have a couple of dealers that have been doing track support and racing for years. They can align a car track-side as accurately as a machine. They pay close attention to detail and have years of experience. The equipment they use track-side is readily available. I did a quick search and some of what you would use showed up on the end of year / refurb sale list http://www.longacreracing.com/refurb/index.asp Two aluminum plates with a layer of grease between them can be used as slip plates.

It all depends how comotted you are to doing a quality alignment in your home shop and how much you enjoy doing your own work. You can balance that with the cost of the essential alignment equipment and make an informed decision.

[ddavis]

Thanks guys, Ive always been a DIY type of guy, especially with cars. It is something I would love to try and understand better, since alignments seem to be the only aspect I never touch on the cars I have worked on. I will keep doing research to see how realistic this is for me, thanks for the link JusticePete

[Mr Twisty]

Best front axle alignment I ever got was a MacGyver style... Chalk, string, tape and knowledge.

[Bruce@raymondsperformance]

Originally Posted by stieger

Im sure it can be done at home but no way it is as accurate as the machine.

+1

[ddavis]

A good article I found about setting up a alignment for anyone thats interested
http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/c...ide/index.html

[JusticePete]

Bruce makes an eloquent point with a two character post. While you hone your alignment skills on the fly. You should have the results checked by an alignment professional. It is no different than having your homework or a test graded.

[Avalnch]

If you do try it at home, get a long level to make sure your floor is level front to back and side to side. Even a slight variance can put your chaulk and string method out.

[Rob@WretchedMS]

There are 2 types of alignments,

Street Alignments and Track Alignments,
Setting your car up for the Track using various means can get you good results while at the track, but that is mostly due to the lack of proper alignment equipment. To properly align a car you need to have it done by an experienced shop/tech, with good equipment. With that said, i never said, NEW equipment, some of the best alignment shops out there use equipment that isn't state of the art, but knowing how to use it correctly goes a long way.

[Redemption]

A little trick I learned (instead of slip plates).... Use old magazines. Super Hack style, but it really works.