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Anybody using a DIY alignment tool like this? #1581694 02/20/14 06:37 PM 02/20/14 06:37 PM
Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 51 San Diego, USA SoCalRacer OP member
SoCalRacer OP member Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 51 San Diego, USA	Anybody doing their own front end alignment? Curious as to the pros/cons of using a tool like the Quick Trick stuff. Quick Trick I would be using it on a tube chassis Plymouth Arrow drag car with rack and pinion and my '70 Cuda... Thanks in advance for facts and opinions! If it ain't broke ... you're not pushing it hard enough.

Re: Anybody using a DIY alignment tool like this? [Re: SoCalRacer] #1581695 02/20/14 08:26 PM 02/20/14 08:26 PM
Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 12,375 SoCal MuuMuu101 I got lucky at Woodward!
MuuMuu101 I got lucky at Woodward! Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 12,375 SoCal	We did something similar with our Baja car but ours were just .250" thick (I think) aluminum plates with slots for the tape measures to grab onto. We'd place the plates on the wheels and use a digital angle finder to tell us our camber and we'd use the tape measures to check the toe. I don't think I have a picture of it but it seems rather similar to that product.

Re: Anybody using a DIY alignment tool like this? [Re: SoCalRacer] #1581696 02/20/14 09:23 PM 02/20/14 09:23 PM
Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 5,141 Las Vegas, NV Tom_440 master
Tom_440 master Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 5,141 Las Vegas, NV	I have the Quick Trick Pro. Customer support is awesome. I never did alignments before and they answered a lot of questions via e-mail promptly. The bars fit most of my vehicles well but I had problems fitting the Cragers. A bungee cord took care of the issue. I am no pro and if I take a measurement once, and then repeat it, I will probably not get the same measurement the second time. I suppose that's why camber/caster are listed in ranges. Or why I won't quit my day job. Anyway, its great for a novice like me. Apparently some companies use them on their fleets so it must work. They don't come with turntables which is not a big deal, but important to know.

Re: Anybody using a DIY alignment tool like this? [Re: SoCalRacer] #1581697 02/21/14 01:07 PM 02/21/14 01:07 PM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 28,068 Irving, TX feets Senior Management
feets Senior Management Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 28,068 Irving, TX	I've used string to do alignments. One of our bodymen smashed the right rear suspension and subframe on his SLK350 just before a holiday weekend. I stayed late to help him put it back together. The mechanics were long gone so we used his tram gauge to set the alignment. It was amazingly close in all dimensions. We are brothers and sisters doing time on the planet for better or worse. I'll take the better, if you don't mind. - Stu Harmon

Re: Anybody using a DIY alignment tool like this? [Re: feets] #1581698 02/21/14 01:34 PM 02/21/14 01:34 PM
Joined: May 2005 Posts: 723 Houston Tx Uhcoog1 super stock
Uhcoog1 super stock Joined: May 2005 Posts: 723 Houston Tx	I actually use my iphone for checking / adjusting Camber and Caster. My wheel has a place I can put a 10"x8" piece of lexan or glass, so I put my iphone against that to check angles. I do have turn plates, and there's actually an iphone app that calculates caster (or you can do it by hand with formulas - quite easy math). IMHO - the biggest thing with an alignment is getting the surface level. I also have long acre toe plates for setting toe after making adjustments elsewhere. I aligned my car the first time in my garage, and was pretty equal side to side, but boy is it a bear to get the caster equal when you're starting from nothing. I prefer to have an alignment done 'professionally', and then I can make changes. My set-up doesn't read exactly what the shop's did, so as long as I keep the 'change in angle' equal side to side and then re-set the toe, I'm good to go. I'm going to take it back in to the pro's before the Big Bend Open Road Race. Money well spent when going that fast. -'02 Dodge Viper Ex-World Challenge racecar -'73 Duster, 6.1 based 392 hilborn hemi, tko600, full floater rear 9", Hellwig custom bars, viper brakes, built for road course

Re: Anybody using a DIY alignment tool like this? [Re: Tom_440] #1581699 02/21/14 06:26 PM 02/21/14 06:26 PM
Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 51 San Diego, USA SoCalRacer OP member
SoCalRacer OP member Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 51 San Diego, USA	Quote: They don't come with turntables which is not a big deal, but important to know. Thanks for the heads up on turntables. My 'Cuda (it's a drag car too) was done professionally (quite) a while back to specs I got from Sox & Martin's '70 Pro Stocker, which is similar chassis technology. Car always drove beautifully at speed, but hasn't been checked in 15 years... The Arrow has Pinto front suspension, but the rack & pinion and tie rods were loose when I got it so toe is hosed, but caster and camber should be close. Still want to be sure though at 145+ through the eyes If it ain't broke ... you're not pushing it hard enough.

Re: Anybody using a DIY alignment tool like this? [Re: SoCalRacer] #1581700 02/23/14 03:33 PM 02/23/14 03:33 PM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 5,791 Hamilton, Ontario Canada Magnum master
Magnum master Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 5,791 Hamilton, Ontario Canada	For the money, that's definately better than a tape measure across a rib on the tread and a bubble gauge on the lip of the rim but a see a couple minor flaws. Compared to a competent mechanic and a laser 4 wheel reference alignment rack, that DIY leave a bit of error on the table. Using sidewall of the tires for toe? Many sidewalls are not smooth. No self correction of rim runout. Ever see the proper racks check and rotate the tire 180 deg? There is no reference to the centerline or rear tires.... but it's ain't bad. 69 Super Bee, 93 Mustang LX, 04 Allure Super

Re: Anybody using a DIY alignment tool like this? [Re: Magnum] #1581701 02/23/14 04:00 PM 02/23/14 04:00 PM
Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 14,889 up yours Supercuda About to go away
Supercuda About to go away Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 14,889 up yours	Quote: For the money, that's definately better than a tape measure across a rib on the tread and a bubble gauge on the lip of the rim but a see a couple minor flaws. Compared to a competent mechanic and a laser 4 wheel reference alignment rack, that DIY leave a bit of error on the table. Using sidewall of the tires for toe? Many sidewalls are not smooth. No self correction of rim runout. Ever see the proper racks check and rotate the tire 180 deg? There is no reference to the centerline or rear tires.... but it's ain't bad. It's $190, what do you want for that? They say there are no such thing as a stupid question. They say there is always the exception that proves the rule. Don't be the exception.

Re: Anybody using a DIY alignment tool like this? [Re: Magnum] #1581702 02/24/14 04:08 PM 02/24/14 04:08 PM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 28,068 Irving, TX feets Senior Management
feets Senior Management Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 28,068 Irving, TX	Quote: For the money, that's definately better than a tape measure across a rib on the tread and a bubble gauge on the lip of the rim but a see a couple minor flaws. Compared to a competent mechanic and a laser 4 wheel reference alignment rack, that DIY leave a bit of error on the table. Using sidewall of the tires for toe? Many sidewalls are not smooth. No self correction of rim runout. Ever see the proper racks check and rotate the tire 180 deg? There is no reference to the centerline or rear tires.... but it's ain't bad. We would jack up the tire, put a scribe against part of the tread, and spin the tire. That left a good reference line that could be used on any part of the tire. It also accounted for runout. It was far from perfect but worked pretty darned well for an impromptu alignment. We are brothers and sisters doing time on the planet for better or worse. I'll take the better, if you don't mind. - Stu Harmon

Re: Anybody using a DIY alignment tool like this? [Re: SoCalRacer] #1581703 03/07/14 10:43 AM 03/07/14 10:43 AM
Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 28,312 Cincinnati, Ohio Challenger 1 Too Many Posts
Challenger 1 Too Many Posts Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 28,312 Cincinnati, Ohio	I use this one. Very worthwhile investment IMO. I have driven my one car close to 20k miles so far with good tire wear.

Re: Anybody using a DIY alignment tool like this? [Re: Challenger 1] #1581704 03/12/14 01:49 AM 03/12/14 01:49 AM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 9,826 las vegas 70AARcuda master
70AARcuda master Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 9,826 las vegas	Quote: I use this one. Very worthwhile investment IMO. I have driven my one car close to 20k miles so far with good tire wear. bought one of the Quick Trick Pro...would not fit my wheels...they said send pictures and they would make adapter..I send the thing back...bought the same one shown above...works great on my Draglites..Pro Stars and Centerlines.. Tony 70 AARCuda Vitamin C 71 Dart Swinger 360 10.318 @ 128.22(10-04-14 Bakersfield) 71 Demon 360 10.666 @122.41 (01-29-17 @ Las Vegas) 71 Duster 408 (10.29 @ 127.86 3/16/19 Las Vegas)

Re: Anybody using a DIY alignment tool like this? [Re: 70AARcuda] #1581705 03/12/14 03:23 AM 03/12/14 03:23 AM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 27,469 So Cal autoxcuda Too Many Posts
autoxcuda Too Many Posts Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 27,469 So Cal	Quote: Quote: I use this one. Very worthwhile investment IMO. I have driven my one car close to 20k miles so far with good tire wear. bought one of the Quick Trick Pro...would not fit my wheels...they said send pictures and they would make adapter..I send the thing back...bought the same one shown above...works great on my Draglites..Pro Stars and Centerlines.. Which brand and model number is that one??

Re: Anybody using a DIY alignment tool like this? [Re: autoxcuda] #1581706 03/12/14 05:31 PM 03/12/14 05:31 PM
Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 51 San Diego, USA SoCalRacer OP member
SoCalRacer OP member Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 51 San Diego, USA	Quote: Quote: Quote: I use this one. Very worthwhile investment IMO. I have driven my one car close to 20k miles so far with good tire wear. bought one of the Quick Trick Pro...would not fit my wheels...they said send pictures and they would make adapter..I send the thing back...bought the same one shown above...works great on my Draglites..Pro Stars and Centerlines.. Which brand and model number is that one?? I'd like to know as well. Are those turntables under the tires, or a piece of sheetmetal/plate on top of another highly greased plate? If it ain't broke ... you're not pushing it hard enough.

Re: Anybody using a DIY alignment tool like this? [Re: SoCalRacer] #1581707 03/12/14 07:19 PM 03/12/14 07:19 PM
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 12,271 Overpriced Housing Central RobX4406 I Live Here
RobX4406 I Live Here Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 12,271 Overpriced Housing Central	4 tiles and some salt. A lot less messy than greasing metal.

Re: Anybody using a DIY alignment tool like this? [Re: SoCalRacer] #1581708 03/13/14 12:17 PM 03/13/14 12:17 PM
Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 28,312 Cincinnati, Ohio Challenger 1 Too Many Posts
Challenger 1 Too Many Posts Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 28,312 Cincinnati, Ohio	Quote: Quote: Quote: Quote: I use this one. Very worthwhile investment IMO. I have driven my one car close to 20k miles so far with good tire wear. bought one of the Quick Trick Pro...would not fit my wheels...they said send pictures and they would make adapter..I send the thing back...bought the same one shown above...works great on my Draglites..Pro Stars and Centerlines.. Which brand and model number is that one?? I'd like to know as well. Are those turntables under the tires, or a piece of sheetmetal/plate on top of another highly greased plate? This one is made by SPC I could not find it in summitts site, but Jegs listed it. I think I got mine from Summit for 149 bucks plus another 50 for the toe pieces. Kind of a rip off for 50 bucks, oh well, they work nice. web page The turn plates are nothing more than 14ga steel with grease in between them. The grease is still there today after moving them a few times where as salt would spill and I don't want salt in my shop. Plus I imagine it would make my steel plates rust in time. Flat steel; plates are easy to roll onto and off of after making adjustments allowing the front end to settle after each adjustment. I had to shim one side 3/4" to make them level and it's still easy to roll the car onto them by hand. So nice to do it yourself and come back and recheck and have it repeat the same readings. Really gave me confidence that it was right and stayed right. I park on top of my turn plates every night and that makes it easy to recheck any time. Too me it helps keep track of front end wear.

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