I have a 70 GSX that needs aligned, I have the Chassis Manual but I can not find out what series my car is. I am looking for the alignment specs as todays computer does not list my car. Since the series is a Fisher term is it on the cowl tag? Thanks Jim
The manual I have lists the following for front end alignment, 45, 46, and 48000 and a separate chart for the 49000. So where can I find the specs for the A body? Thanks Jim
If your Manual says "All Series", it is in there. The first numeral "4" means Buick. The second numeral denotes the series. So your spec will be for a 44000 or a 43000 series vehicle.
IF you are using radial tires have the caster set as far positive as it will go. Set the camber to zero + or - 1/4 Toe in the middle of the specs. Tom T.
I do have radial tires on the car. Could you explain why you set the caster so far positive? I am still learning about my car but I assume it has to be switching from the bias ply to radial tire. Thanks for the information Tom. Jim
The 'Special' model was a "low cost" (below Skylark) A-body Buick intermediate model (in the 60's) which was dropped in the very late 60's, but it was still in a lot of Buick literature and materials.
+ caster enhances straight line stability. The more caster you have, the more camber change you get as you go from lock to lock. Mercedes Benz use a lot of + caster in their cars, and MB cars are some of the best handling cars out there. Ever look at a parked MB car with the wheels turned full lock one way or the other? The camber on the inside tire will be extremely +, tilted out at the top. The outside wheel will have - camber, although it won't be as obvious as the inside wheel, which is turned sharper. There is only so much + caster you can get on a stock A body front end unless you change to aftermarket control arms, but get whatever you can.
Right on the Special but the parts and spec info still carry on through 72 even though the model didn’t exist.