Front end alignment

[6s855]

Just got done replacing worn-out and boogered parts of my front suspension.  Not expecting any local Hunter alignment shops to know how to properly shim my control arms, I asked if they could just roll me on the rack and tell me what my current specs are.  Then I could shim it myself.  But what I got was helpless shrugs.  They couldn't do it because a 66 mustang was not in their alignment database.  So my question is there any way for the Hunter guys to read out the alignments specs for a car not in their database?  Or if I have to align it myself, is there any on here who have purchased a reasonably priced tool that would give good results?  Thanks for your help.

[SFM6S]

Maybe call your local Ford Dealer and see if they have any old timer front end specialists employed.

[JD]

Can you say where you are located, maybe one of the "restores" on here can help or tell you of a shop in your area that can?

Maybe call your local Ford Dealer and see if they have any old timer front end specialists employed.

Yes, or a shop that has older equipment, not just the guys, and they can run alignments without requiring what car it is and set it to your spec's.

[gt350bp]

Check with the local SCCA guys and who they use. I found a local race team that did my front end alignment on a GT 350 Competition replica. I provided the specs and couldn't be happier with the results.

Don
gt350bp

[6s855]

Thanks for the tips.  Not much automotive activity happening here on VA Eastern shore.  I'll try the local car club.  I'm still interested in hearing from anyone who has used a DIY alignment tool like Eastwood's or QuickTrick.

[mikeh]

As a Hunter sales rep I will say go to hunter.com, put in your zip code & your local reps will be listed. They should know what local shops fit your needs, I certainly know who my local shops are that I would take my stuff to. Or not!
It's not rocket science, just need a shop/tech that cares about what they are doing. Like everything in life basically.

fwiw Mike

[430dragpack]

The specs don't have to be in the machine to do an alignment. They should be able to give you a print out of the current specs of your car after setting the runout. But you taking it and putting the shims in while not on the machine defeats the whole purpose, as they'll have to do the runout again when you return to have the specs checked again.  Your shims will effect camber and caster(even toe for that matter), so the alignment heads should be on it while adjusting.  The hand held tools kinda work, but the car needs to be level for accurate caster reading and also turntables for caster/toe accuracy.  A lot more room for error with them, if you're not familiar with them and/or even doing alignments.  I do alignments all the time on classic cars with a modern wireless machine.  Just get out a chilton or motors manual for the specs and adjust.  Just did a 65 Galaxie today, a 68 Coronet yesterday and a 51 Ford a few weeks back. 

...And actually it is kinda like rocket science, if you're off by 1/16 of an inch or even less, it could wear your new tires out in a few hundred miles. 😉

[gt350shelb]

the hunter machine we have does have early mustang specs.  the biggest problem i have run into is having  shims  to get control arms  adjusted . I would find a shop with  hunter machine  before wasting time with a do it yourself kit  .  I am just south of Annapolis if  you are close  ... bring shims and we will get it right !
 

[Rocket]

I took 6S550 to my local mechanic and gave him the specs from my owners manual, and they did it.

[FL SAAC]

Try this article

1965 To 1979 Ford Mustangs - How To Perform A Front-End Alignment
http://www.mustangandfords.com/how-to/chassis-suspension/mump-0610-ford-mustang-alignment

Or

With Shelby drop

Tech Information - Opentracker Racing Products
https://opentrackerracing.com/technical/

Good luck

[1109RWHP]

We have a Hunter machine at work. I use it for my car and friends who have old Mustangs. Just had to buy a box of shims on Ebay for my friends cars.

[67350#1242]

I have used this one:
https://rcagarage.com/shop/suspension/camber-kits/spc-performance-fastrax-camber-caster-gauge-for-13-17in-wheels-91000/

Good quality and pretty easy to use with practice.  Have used after replacing front end parts to get close adjustment before taking to shop.  There are also adapters available for this tool to set toe in. 
Kurt.

[6s855]

Thanks to all.  Too bad Ford waited until 67 to simplify adjustment without shims.  A pox on whoever designed the early systems.