morghen

I beg to differ, you're driving on public roads, children, pets, other people...its really important your car drives as its meant to. Ok, maybe this method is good enough, but i never heard about it and if your alignment is off, you wear the tires, dont even know it...one rainy day kid jumps in front hurying home...then string alignment is for you?

It costs $20 over here for a wheel alignment and its a 15 minute job.

L Cubed

I have string aligned a couple of race cars and my measurements are within the factory tolerance of +-5'

To your point though, I feel confident in the job I have done, I trust my alignment as I would trust that a tire shop mechanic did the job right. In the end it all comes down to knowing how your car works for you, if you prefer a shop do the work for you great! I prefer to do the work on my car because I use it most for autocross and DE's, not a daily car.

azbanks

It has been around for years and is well established in racing.

https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/pr...asp?RecID=3004

morghen

For race cars its a complete other story, i think everybody would agree.
But would you trust some other random guy doing this and then driving his sports car on the same streets your kid goes to school?

Scott at Team Harco

No it's not, I think everyone that knows how to do it properly will agree. A string alignment is as good as any computer alignment from a professional service center.

Just because you don't have to pay the price (or haven't heard of it) doesn't make it any less precise.

User 52121

No more or less than I already have to trust the typical shadetree mechanic who does his own brakes, tie rods, wheel swaps, etc.

In fact, if the guy has a set of SmartStrings, chances are he's somewhat of an enthusiast and probably a higher likelihood that he knows what he's doing. Vs. the typical idiot with a basic tool kit from Home Depot taking his brakes apart in his driveway.

psychoideas

+ 1000

Well said!

V2Rocket

had to wash it twice to get the dirt off and the shine back on.

Karl_W944

I'm trying to figure out how and what to do about this..

I like my car having it's original paint and don't know what to do about this.

morghen

Seems like a good point, still i think being an entushiastic does not automatically mean job well done...I think you would agree there are some enthusiasts who do a better job than others and some who do bad jobs..brakes or string alignment.
Wheel alignment is only done in special (licence based) shops around here.
I would sleep better knowing that on the streets people are relying on professional help when it comes to technical inspection and ofcourse wheel alignment.

psychoideas

Some times it pays not to think too much.
We have a real ICE epidemic down here at the moment with the Police reporting far more ICE effected drivers than Drink Drivers (alcohol).

I'm more concerned with these idiots on the road than the possibility of someone attempting their own alignment and getting it wrong.

Just saying........

marc abrams

Try some POR15 first than dab on some red paint. Use gloves when using POR15, it won't come off of skin

Jscaramella

Por15 is a good choice. I have also used a rust converter that leaves an etched surface, ready for paint and prime. Eastwood has some products. Its also your rocker area, which I would image is more forgiving to paint "maintenance" rather a fender or larger panel. You may consider to do both full sides.

morghen

Totally agree.
So crystal meth is back, huh..

racerbvd