G-Machine camber bushings

[Seppi72]

Cross-posted on Classic Zcar.

 

I am in the process of installing G-Machine camber bushings (purchased from MSA) in my '72 - replacing the urethane ones that have been in for almost 5 years - and have a question. How does one actually adjust the rear camber with these things, especially with the flimsy "tool" that MSA sells for this purpose?

 

The rear bushings are located at the pivot points for the rear A-arms and are aluminum cylinders with thin, hexagonal end plates and offset holes for the A-arm tube. The tube ends are isolated from the aluminum with polyacetal (Delrin) bushings that are inserted from either end of each assembly.

 

Now, the aluminum part is what is supposed to be turned using the so-called tool in order to adjust the rear camber. The tool is a piece of sheet aluminum with an appropriately sized hex pattern (four sides of the hex) cut into it. It looks like a smashed line wrench but without the vestigial fifth and sixth hex segments. I could post pix if that helps anyone, but as my question is directed to folks who have already used these things, they are unnecessary to the matter at hand.

 

So, here's the problem. The aluminum bits are supposed to be turned and yet they are the parts that are clamped into place by the brackets that attach to the unibody frame. Even if I were to install grease fittings, I don't see how the bushings can reasonably be expected to turn while clamped.

 

Now, someone might say you jack up the car, loosen the clamps, and adjust them. Yeah, that might work, but because you're ostensibly trying to adjust the camber, how is this done easily (or at all) when the car is on an alignment rack?

 

The issue isn't quite as dire for the front bushings as they (1) have the aluminum bit inserted into the Delrin parts, (2) go inside the front control arm, (3) aren't clamped into position so much as held by torque and (4) have a much wider hexagonal end with which to work. The MSA tool is still a thin piece of aluminum sheet, however.

 

Those of you who have (or had) these bushings installed are requested to reply with your experiences, observations and, I hope, work arounds. I want to decide whether these go on or get switched out for the urethane ones this coming holiday weekend.

[JMortensen]

Answered this one for you at classiczcars.com