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Tracking for lowered cars

PostPosted: Thu Jun 06, 2019 12:10 pm
by edgoose1
I changed the track rod ends on the Viva. I took it down too get the tracking checked but was told it sits too low. You need the old style tracking equipment with mirrors. Anyone know who has these ?

Re: Tracking for lowered cars

PostPosted: Thu Jun 06, 2019 1:25 pm
by Mike Attew
I bought a Trackrite Guage in the 70's and I am still using it on my classics and modern cars. Great bit of kit. ATS used to use them for tracking at our local branch.

Re: Tracking for lowered cars

PostPosted: Thu Jun 06, 2019 3:50 pm
by 1972nail
Yes, Trackrites are great. Demon Tweaks still sell them.

Re: Tracking for lowered cars

PostPosted: Thu Jun 06, 2019 5:01 pm
by edgoose1
Ahh will check with ATS

Re: Tracking for lowered cars

PostPosted: Thu Jun 06, 2019 6:12 pm
by Bob perry
Had a similar problem with my HA (not lowered), recently, after fitting new track rod ends and tyres. Local MOT guy couldn't do it and pointed me to the local tyre centre.
They only had digital set up, which used lasers on all front and rear wheels at the same time.
Flashing lights and red beams everywhere!!
At least I knew that the vehicle wasn't crabbing!!
Didn't have any reference to vehicles before 1970, so tried with a 1970 Viva but it didn't work, so could only offer to adjust the track to a dead straight measurement. No camber measurement available.
Accepted that as the vehicle would see very little use, and to keep an eye on tyre wear.
So far so good, and no drifting or noticeable tyre wear.

Re: Tracking for lowered cars

PostPosted: Thu Jun 06, 2019 6:14 pm
by droopsnoot
Yes, I use a Trackrite as well. Mine was a lucky car boot sale find for a couple of quid.

You could always figure out how to do it with string, as people do.

Re: Tracking for lowered cars

PostPosted: Thu Jun 06, 2019 6:46 pm
by 1972nail
droopsnoot wrote:You could always figure out how to do it with string, as people do.


I used a length of wood with 2 pieces screwed on at right angles and a couple of long decking screws when I first set up my car before taking it to my local garage to use his old Dunlop trammel mirror gauge. Even though I had told him I would adjust it myself I had to be quick to get under the car before him so keen he was to get a spanner on it!

Turned out to be only 1 mm or so out.

Re: Tracking for lowered cars

PostPosted: Thu Jun 06, 2019 7:27 pm
by droopsnoot
What I like about the Trackrite is that, because it checks tracking in motion, in theory that will take into account any wear in the suspension that static tracking won't.

Re: Tracking for lowered cars

PostPosted: Thu Jun 06, 2019 9:10 pm
by Mike Attew
Also with Trackrite use a similar thickness of plywood under the opposite wheel, you drive over slowly and use the handbrake to stop so you not only track the car moving but also with a driver so the suspension is loaded how it would drive.

Re: Tracking for lowered cars

PostPosted: Thu Jun 06, 2019 9:26 pm
by 68 dave
My local formula one tracked my hc the same as a Vauxhall chevette. Never had any problems that was 5 years ago.