How to align Ford Model A Front End. How to use a Toe-In Gauge

Ford Model A's don't need fancy equipment to make them run and perform at their best. A simple toe-in gauge is all you need to tame a Model A that drives like a puppy on caffeine.

"I AM the Warranty"

#paulshinn

[rickpederson]

Unreal! After I did your steps on the steering box adjustment and toe-in, my Roadster drives as straight as my 2024 truck! Thanks Paul!!

[ryanrich]

Paul,

Thank you for taking the time to show how to properly loosen and adjust the tie rod. I recently got my model A and sometimes a book description is no match for a well made video.

[mhsprecher]

I am glad to see that I am not the only person whose windshield wiper flops around while driving!

[mgambuzz]

A BIG thank you!! I purchased the toe in tool, and found mine to be 3/4" Toe In. When I was starting to do the adjustments, the first item I found was 9/16 bolts not totally tight, and no cotter pins in the castle bolts. Next I did use PB Blaster a few days prior, and was well worth it as when I applied the pipe wrench, it did move fairly easily. I got it down to 1/16", tightened, and loved the fun and games of lining up the hole/castle/cotter pin, but was well worth it. No more crazy wobbles, and it is much more a pleasure to drive. Thanks as always Paul for producing and posting these great videos! Gave you credit as well on the FordBarn site.

[paulhohman]

I may have missed something but I belive in the video you show the pointer is pointing at 1/8 inch and you call it right on when it is 1/32 over spec Each division on the scale is 1/16 inch. Check it out. I am using the same tool a it is in 1/16 increments . Makes difficult but when its on, it is on. Very good video.

[Lolo-mxsc]

Another EXCELLENT video. Please do make more. BTW I scribe a direction mark on the bolt end showing which way the cotter pin hole heads. Makes it 100 times easier to find that rabbit hole.

[jimgiordano]

Purchased the tool and aligned the front end on my 1931 Model A. It was off an inch and a half. That explains the abnormal front tire wear. It seems to make a huge difference in the ride! Thanks so much for making this video. It was a simple procedure that even a novice like me can do. Great content.

[desparky]

3:43 The only guy I know who color coordinated his tools with his wheels!
Thanks for sharing. Going to check this tool out.

[paulzumpf]

This video is being praised on Ford Barn right now. Thought you should know you are helping a lot of folks. Glad you are still with us and on the mend. Hope we can meet some day.

[Lolo-mxsc]

The name of the tool is "Duby Alignment Gauge". Current (June 2020) Amazon price $88.00

[TreadTalk]

Love the channel Paul, we are the caretakers (owners but I feel like we are caretakers while we have the pleasure of ownership!) of a 1927 Buick 27/27 Standard.

We love it, although after we found it sitting in a garage for approx 25-30 years it obviously has flat spots on the tires as it shakes and jerks the steering wheel around pretty good at slower speeds.

However after watching this video I feel like the alignment might be partly to blame!

[mauriceketchum]

I bought a gauge on Amazon like yours other day ..now I be able to check my alignment on my 29 Tudor & 24 T

[ToddAtkins-hqqv]

I had a terrible front wheel wobble even at slow speeds. Adjusted front wheel bearings and looked for anything loose, all good. I used a shower curtain rod and a sharpie pen to mark front and back toe measurements. I had a close to 1/2" toe in. Adjusted until it was even and took my AA truck up to 45 plus MPH with no wobble whatsoever. Not quite as fancy or accurate as the gauge, but it worked and was free.

[cafefreddies]

Dear Paul
I adjusted the tracking today. It had 25mm that was further apart in the front than the rear. of the wheels.
What a great difference.
I drove 80 km and that was very relaxed.
I'm sure 100 km shouldn't be a problem either.
But that's not what I bought the A Ford for.
Again Paul.
Thank you for the explanation.
Regards Fred from the Netherlands 🙃🙃🔧🔧🔧

[reddog]

Thanks Paul, someone hit me last year and I think my alignment is way off.Going to try your method.

[ChadDrake]

Very helpful. I ordered my tool as well and just found mine toed in at 1/4”. Still have one more to check after I make this adjustment.

Thank you, Paul, for all the helpful info you post.

[davemiller]

Henry sure made things simple. The model A is one of my favourite cars. Best regards Dave 🇬🇧

[coolvintagetechnology]

I have one of those gauges, and need to set my Model T alignment, which is the same procedure. Thanks for showing how to use it.

[ilovedogs]

I did mine with a measuring tape saved me $88 👍🏻

[Michael_Scott_Howard]

Outstanding video, my late 31' actually drive amazing straight as an arrow ( found some very level concrete roads near our airport.. ) That said, I will still have to try your check anyway.