Car not tracking straight???
#1
Car not tracking straight???
My buddy is looking to purchase a 68 Cutlass and took it for a test drive. His dad noticed that when the car was going down the street that it did not seem to be tracking straight. According to him, it looked like the driver's side front was "sticking out" a bit when it was going away from where he was standing. The seller was assuring my friend that it has not been in an accident. He did not see any signs of frame damage. I am not sure, have not had a car myself with that issue. Does anyone have an idea as to what can cause this? Possibly the front end needs to be aligned?
#2
My buddy is looking to purchase a 68 Cutlass and took it for a test drive. His dad noticed that when the car was going down the street that it did not seem to be tracking straight. According to him, it looked like the driver's side front was "sticking out" a bit when it was going away from where he was standing. The seller was assuring my friend that it has not been in an accident. He did not see any signs of frame damage. I am not sure, have not had a car myself with that issue. Does anyone have an idea as to what can cause this? Possibly the front end needs to be aligned?
#3
The prime cause of this off-tracking is an accident. Other possible causes are bend front or rear control arms (hit a pothole, perhaps), bad suspension bushings, or an alignment. The alignment is the least likely.
I know he said that the rear control arms were replaced with new ones so that leaves the front end as suspect or as you said an accident. Is this something a good alignment shop can figure out for him?
#4
Yes, it is possible the car has been in a crash. But how bad is the question. If it has, the chances are unlikely an alignment shop can "fix" the issue. One "quick-check" is to look and compare the gaps between the body panels, especially doors to fenders. If from the back the nose is shifted to the left, look for a large gap on the rt and a tight gap on the lft. Also look for abnormal gaps between hood and fenders. Plus, always look for tire wear!
#5
He did not say anything about uneven gaps but he is going back to look at the car tomorrow. I'll keep everyone posted.
BTW, Eric where are you on Long Island? Thanks
Darrell
BTW, Eric where are you on Long Island? Thanks
Darrell
#7
Did the seller buy the car new? If not, does he know all the previous owners? If not, there is no way he knows if the car has been in an accident or not. Remember the car is 40 years old.
#8
Darrel, I'm in Patchogue. How 'bout you?
Did the seller buy the car new? If not, does he know all the previous owners? If not, there is no way he knows if the car has been in an accident or not. Remember the car is 40 years old.
#11
#12
I bought a car once that the rear arms had been replaced. . . and they didn't tighten the bolts. They usually require a LOT of torque, and will definitely 'wallow' out the bushing holes and make it dog-track if they are not tight enough.
#14
Does it try to change directions when you let off the gas from hard acceleration? The 9C1 I bought had been "checked" but when you let off about 80, you had to be ready or you would go to the ditch! That's the reason the Sheriff traded it in so early in its life, and the reason I got it for $1250.
Anyway, there might not be anything wrong with the car, it might be just his Dad's perspective. . .
DW
Anyway, there might not be anything wrong with the car, it might be just his Dad's perspective. . .
DW
#15
He said it did not change direction when he let off the gas. Also, before he buys it, he is going to take it the alignment shop to have it checked out. Thanks for all the advice, I'll keep you posted.
Darrell
Darrell
#16
A rear wheel drive car will eventually "dog track" down the road because of a thrust angle alingment. When the alignment shop does an alignment on a rear wheel drive car they line up the front wheels with the rear wheels and don't necessarily ensure that the rear wheels are parallel to the frame. This is common on old trucks. If you take it to a shop and the alignment is good and there hasn't been any frame damage then it would probably be a good buy if the price is right.
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February 19th, 2011 09:27 AM