Simple (almost stupid simple) DIY camber gauge

[YY1]

So I was working on building a camber gauge to adjust out what's been wearing my front tires.

I was working off the general principals of the angle iron gauge youtube model.

I had 5/16 and 7/16 bar stock laying around and got 80% done, drilled and tapped holes, made a slot to adjust, found 1/4-20 bolts the right length, factoring how to make it work on 14 15 and maybe even 16 inch wheels and then it occurred to me-

What this thing needs is a spring loaded sliding adjustment...

...maybe like a woodworking bar clamp.

I have several in different styles so I hunted some down to see if the mechanism could be adapted.

Most have a rounded edge and are not suitable without welding or bolting a tray on to support an angle gauge.

Then I spotted a cheap HF clamp. The bar had a completely rectangular cross section. Small but big enough for the magnetic base on the angle gauge to adhere to.

Then I examined the ends. I found that the fixed end could be removed and placed backwards on the other end, changing the gripping surfaces from internal to external.

Boom. Done! less than 5 minutes.

 

[YY1]

Also long enough and spaced out enough for larger wheels.

 

[wahya]

Like it, but if it's on the car and you had negative camber, wouldn't the bar mess up the fender.

 

[YY1]

Good observation.

Might need to trim it down.

 

[WP29440SE]

ingenuity at it's finest. you have enough adjustability to wack 6" off the bar

 

[charger360]

That is awesome! good share!

 

[8formulas]

That's a great idea. Next time I go to Home Depot I will look into those clamps. Got any tips for caster?

 

[mopar 3 B]

That's a great idea. Next time I go to Home Depot I will look into those clamps. Got any tips for caster?

Another magnetic base and angle gauge. Mount it at hub level on the back side of the clamp. It will take both to properly set caster and camber.

 

[myk r sanchez]

That's a great idea. I need to dial back my -1* of camber...

 

[YY1]

I thought you measured camber at set degrees of turn before and after center and calculated caster with a formula.

 

[YY1]

Turns out (see what I did there, alignment humor) they are not too tall.

That's a 15" wheel.

 

[YY1]

...but now that I think about it, might be more of an issue with a 14.