Wheel alignment question (Kind of)

[fasterpatrick]

Ok, here we go, how square is the "normal" car I have spent a considerable amount of time getting the car "square". As in wheelbase the same side to side and corner to corner, but I've come up 1/4" off is this acceptable. I'm to much of a perfectionist to know anything but right-on. I know the car "moved" a little when I welded it up and that I could get it close when I was done. But what is acceptable?
Patrick

[Barnsnake]

Where is the difference? Corner-to-corner? Are you measuring from suspension pick-up points, or some other point of reference?

Just trying to understand the situation.

[fasterpatrick]

Difference is corner to corner, measurements were taken by hanging 4 plumb lines off the axles and carefully measuring from the points. wheelbase is within 1/16".
Patrick

[Barnsnake]

If I remember the status of your build correctly, I doubt the final wheel alignment has been performed with the chassis "loaded". Adjusting the caster could move the measurement that much.

I wouldn't worry about it. Even if it comes out that way in its final form I doubt you'll ever feel it. If the thrust angle of the rear suspension is set directly bisecting the front wheels, the worst result would be the car "crabbing" about .1 degree. You'd need a laser to detect it. If it was a Formula One car it might matter. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that yours is "squarer" that most of the replicas on the road.