[Aaron65]

I have to add some negative camber to my '74 Firebird; anyone have a part number for a good assorted shim pack that will fit this thing?

[cdrookie]

my local auto zone had them in an assorted sizes package.

[SMW]

I got my shim pack from Harbor Freight. It has every size you need for cheap.

[Aaron65]

Thanks...I'll check them out. Are they pretty universal?

[HWYSTR455]

Yeah, they're fairly universal. I think the set I got said something like 'for pre-1987 vehicles' or along those lines.

I bought 2 boxes, and the one box, half the box had rusted shims, guess it must have gotten wet in storage or something.

I gave that box to the shop that usually does my alignments, and kept the good box.

.

[Firebob]

A lot of times when you change one setting it will affect another. Like if you add shims to change camber it may also change your caster and toe settings as well. Just something to think about.

[Schurkey]

Alignment shops used to have billions of alignment shims. They must have fallen out of favor. Used to be, that you could get a handfull of 'em for a couple of dollars. A couple of beers actually worked better as "payment".

Yes, changing one alignment angle by adding a shim will certainly change other angles. It's said "You cannot change just one thing" and that certainly applies here.

In a shim-adjustment system, you have to set camber and caster somewhat simultaneously. The difficult part is when the vehicles must have the "optimum" caster angle sacrificed to achieve "acceptable" camber. Then the toe is adjusted last.

Watch out for the alignment shops that "Set the Toe, and Let 'er Go".

[Aaron65]

I have my own caster/camber and toe gauges, so I've always set my own alignments. I'll recheck toe after I adjust the camber.

[Aaron65]

I bought that pack from Harbor Freight. Good deal!

Anyone know roughly what the equation for shim thickness to camber change is? For example, how much would a 1/8" shim change camber? A rough guess is that I'm going to need to pull it in at least a half degree if not more.

[Bill Eveland]

An 1/8 should adjust .4 to .5 degree of camber. Or use a 1/16 on each shim pack for a 1/2 degree and not change caster.

[Aaron65]

Thanks!

[1968GTO421]

Originally Posted by Aaron65

I have my own caster/camber and toe gauges, so I've always set my own alignments. I'll recheck toe after I adjust the camber.

With so many younger alignment shop guys used to doing only struts, and the older, experienced guys having retired on me, your set-up sounds like the way to go. I know various circle track providers offer stuff for DIY alignments, and the variety can get confusing as to which is most accurate and user friendly.

Can you give us some idea of what tools/equipment you are using to get your alignments done??? And some idea of your methodology?

(One of my older alignment guys developed bad arthritis years ago so he had me get in the pit with him and he showed me what to do that his hands couldn't. So I feel with the right stuff, I could do a reasonable job on my GTO.)

Thanks!

[SMW]

You can change camber without affecting caster or toe. You can change toe without affecting camber or caster. If you change caster you will change camber and toe. That is why you set caster first then camber then toe.

This is the camber caster gauge I use.
http://www.spcalignment.com/componen...tion&pid=91000

These are the toe plates I use.
http://www.longacreracing.com/produc...+Magnets+(pair)

These are the turn plates I use

[STEELCITYFIREBIRD]

http://www.longacreracing.com/produc...y+-+NO+ADAPTER


http://www.longacreracing.com/produc...+3%2f4%22+-+20


Use 2- 2'x2' pieces of sheet plastic(FRP works nicely!) under each wheel with some grease between them for turn/float plates. (very important for correct caster measurement) http://www.homedepot.com/p/4-ft-x-8-...9600/100389836

Two quart or pint (depending on clearance under car) paint cans per side , two straight edges and 2 tape measures for toe measurement.

Or you can buy the boards if you want. Same principal.

http://www.longacreracing.com/produc...+Magnets+(pair)



Interesting/Helpful videos.
http://www.longacreracing.com/videos.aspx

[Blued and Painted]

Originally Posted by STEELCITYFIREBIRD

with some grease between them for turn/float plates.

I use Pam

[1968GTO421]

Thanks, all!! Great info and links for a new winter project!