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Old 04-05-2021, 02:35 PM
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grivera grivera is offline
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Default Front End Alignment - Maryland

I'm wrapping up a suspension overhaul on my 69 Bird and will need an alignment when done. Wil a regular alignment shop due - such as Mr. Tire? Or should I be going to a shop that specializes in old cars? If so, any local recommended?

I'm south of Baltimore near I-95

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Old 04-05-2021, 02:53 PM
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I know you changed a lot on the system. Did the parts you changed consist of adjustable control arms, or do they still require alignment shims?

If the arms are adjustable, almost any alignment shop should be able to handle it. Though the adjustability of the arms typically means the alignment has to be snuck up on several times so there's a possibility you may incur higher labor fees as a result.

If the arms still utilize adjustment shims, my standard advise is to call the shop you're wanting to have the alignment done on and ask them if they have shims. If they don't, it's a good bet, they don't handle alignments on older cars much and it may be in your best interest to try elsewhere.

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Old 04-05-2021, 03:09 PM
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Thanks Jason, the A-arms are not adjustable so will heed your advice.

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'69 Firebird 400/461, 290+ E D-Ports, HR 230/236, 4l80E, 8.5 Rear, 3.55 gears
'64 LeMans 400/461, #16 Heads, HR 230/236, TKO600, 9inch Rear, 3.89 gears
'69 LeMans Vert, 350, #47 heads: Non-running project
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Old 04-05-2021, 06:12 PM
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It would be a bit of a drive for you but I take my car here: http://southernstablesautomotive.com/

The owner is a Pontiac guy.

If you installed tubular control arms, you will also want to make sure you give them proper alignment specs from the suspension manufacturer. You don’t want to use the factory specs.

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Old 04-05-2021, 07:25 PM
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Thanks- These are BMR upper and lower tubular arms. I have the specs so will do - also added 1/2” taller ball joints so not sure if that changes specs?

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Will Rivera

'69 Firebird 400/461, 290+ E D-Ports, HR 230/236, 4l80E, 8.5 Rear, 3.55 gears
'64 LeMans 400/461, #16 Heads, HR 230/236, TKO600, 9inch Rear, 3.89 gears
'69 LeMans Vert, 350, #47 heads: Non-running project
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Old 04-05-2021, 09:31 PM
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Interested in the specs, as I have the same BMR Pro-touring tubular upper/lower control arms with tall ball joints.

Which specs are you using...daily driver or performance ?

RECOMMENDED ALIGNMENT SPECS
Daily driver street
Camber: .- 3-.5 degrees negative
Caster: Max positive caster to achieve desired camber settings
Toe: 1/16” Toe-in
Performance street
Camber: - .5-.8 degrees negative
Caster: Max positive caster to achieve desired camber settings
Toe: 1/16” Toe-in

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Old 04-06-2021, 09:17 AM
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I plan on daily driver specs

Do you have the +.5” or .9” ball joints?

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Will Rivera

'69 Firebird 400/461, 290+ E D-Ports, HR 230/236, 4l80E, 8.5 Rear, 3.55 gears
'64 LeMans 400/461, #16 Heads, HR 230/236, TKO600, 9inch Rear, 3.89 gears
'69 LeMans Vert, 350, #47 heads: Non-running project

Last edited by grivera; 04-06-2021 at 09:23 AM.
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Old 04-06-2021, 11:34 PM
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ASK THEM if they will use "your" specs, or if they're going to align it the way The Machine tells them to do it.

If they're not willing to use YOUR specs, you need a different alignment shop.

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Old 04-07-2021, 08:41 AM
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Good point- will clarify before taking in

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'69 Firebird 400/461, 290+ E D-Ports, HR 230/236, 4l80E, 8.5 Rear, 3.55 gears
'64 LeMans 400/461, #16 Heads, HR 230/236, TKO600, 9inch Rear, 3.89 gears
'69 LeMans Vert, 350, #47 heads: Non-running project
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Old 04-07-2021, 01:26 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by grivera View Post
I plan on daily driver specs

Do you have the +.5” or .9” ball joints?
I believe the pro-touring version is + .5" ball joints.

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Old 04-08-2021, 12:32 AM
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Go see Tom Gummer at TG Automotive in Severn, MD on Telegraph Rd...443-795-4733.

Tom is an old school gearhead who owns a GTO and is a member of the Royal GTO's and Pontiac club in MD. I had him rebuild the entire front end on my Can Am 2 years ago with new springs, bushings, ball joints and outer tie rods. Also had him replace the rear springs and shocks all the way around. I won't trust anyone else but Tom and his guys with my Can Am.

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Old 04-08-2021, 02:40 PM
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Yup, I bring a box of shims with me every time I go, most shops do not have shims.

True too, if you bring your own specs, they may consider it a 'custom' job, and charge you hourly. I once paid $730 for an alignment, never again.

That 'performance street' spec vertigto posted looks about right. I would shoot for the low side of that camber setting though, and make sure you tell them 1/16 total toe-in, not each side.

Amazon has good deals on shims, I like the ones with a little 'ear' that has a hole in it, put a piece of safety wire thru to tie them together, so in the even it loosens up, you don't have to try to remember how many were in each location. Maybe make a note of how thick the shims are too, toss it in the glove box.

https://www.amazon.com/Swordfish-321...s=music&sr=1-1

.

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Old 04-08-2021, 03:02 PM
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Thank you, Great advice

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Old 04-08-2021, 05:34 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian Baker View Post
Go see Tom Gummer at TG Automotive in Severn, MD on Telegraph Rd...443-795-4733.

Tom is an old school gearhead who owns a GTO and is a member of the Royal GTO's and Pontiac club in MD. I had him rebuild the entire front end on my Can Am 2 years ago with new springs, bushings, ball joints and outer tie rods. Also had him replace the rear springs and shocks all the way around. I won't trust anyone else but Tom and his guys with my Can Am.
Thanks Brian

Quote:
Originally Posted by HWYSTR455 View Post
Yup, I bring a box of shims with me every time I go, most shops do not have shims.

True too, if you bring your own specs, they may consider it a 'custom' job, and charge you hourly. I once paid $730 for an alignment, never again.

That 'performance street' spec vertigto posted looks about right. I would shoot for the low side of that camber setting though, and make sure you tell them 1/16 total toe-in, not each side.

Amazon has good deals on shims, I like the ones with a little 'ear' that has a hole in it, put a piece of safety wire thru to tie them together, so in the even it loosens up, you don't have to try to remember how many were in each location. Maybe make a note of how thick the shims are too, toss it in the glove box.

https://www.amazon.com/Swordfish-321...s=music&sr=1-1

.
Great points as always, Mike

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'69 Firebird 400/461, 290+ E D-Ports, HR 230/236, 4l80E, 8.5 Rear, 3.55 gears
'64 LeMans 400/461, #16 Heads, HR 230/236, TKO600, 9inch Rear, 3.89 gears
'69 LeMans Vert, 350, #47 heads: Non-running project
  #15  
Old 04-15-2021, 09:15 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian Baker View Post
Go see Tom Gummer at TG Automotive in Severn, MD on Telegraph Rd...443-795-4733.

Tom is an old school gearhead who owns a GTO and is a member of the Royal GTO's and Pontiac club in MD. I had him rebuild the entire front end on my Can Am 2 years ago with new springs, bushings, ball joints and outer tie rods. Also had him replace the rear springs and shocks all the way around. I won't trust anyone else but Tom and his guys with my Can Am.
I took the bird to TG today - should be done tomorrow. Tom seems like a nice fella.

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Will Rivera

'69 Firebird 400/461, 290+ E D-Ports, HR 230/236, 4l80E, 8.5 Rear, 3.55 gears
'64 LeMans 400/461, #16 Heads, HR 230/236, TKO600, 9inch Rear, 3.89 gears
'69 LeMans Vert, 350, #47 heads: Non-running project
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