How to check whether the car is straight and true

[Marc_986]

Hi All,

My 986 project is progressing nicely. Front and rear suspension rebuild, 987 gearbox and driveshafts in and many small things being repaired. It has had a life.

During the work I found that is has had some damage and it would be nice to check the car being straight before throwing more money in. Damage signs;

- Drivers side front. Air duct was cracked, newer radiator was in and signs of spray paint. Doesn't seem like a big impact (seeing that they left the cracked duct in)
- Passenger side rear. The Horse shoe holding the control and track arm is replaced with newer model. Dents in the exhaust. No other signs here, but exhaust dents might indicate a bit bigger hit.
- Front drain tube is full of glass fragments, clearly the windshield was shattered once in its life.

It will take maybe another two months to complete the car and get it aligned. That should show any odd offsets in the wheels etc. But before that I would like to do some checks if possible. Any idea or guide?

[tcoradeschi]

I’d think you could get a rough idea by picking a couple of locations on the underbody itself, one set front and one set rear. The diagonal measurement from left front to right rear should equal the measurement from right front to left rear.

Alternatively, and no idea what it might cost, a body repair shop should have the skills and equipment to do that same sort of thing, but much more accurately.

[mikefocke]

When I crashed my 986, I was told there were jigs that a Porsche dealer would have access to and later that lasers could be being used to see tub deformation. That was 25 years ago. Never heard the question before but good idea if it is financially doable given what you have seen.

[theiceman]

it truely would have to go on a celette machine .. but im sure any experienced tech could tell you pretty quickly..

When i got mine there was uneven spacing btetween the bottom of the canter dash and the centre console ( where it says Boxster S. )

The triangular rear skid plate was missing and when i went to put one on nothing even came close to lining up .. pretty good indicators this car had an a " off track" experience "

[Marc_986]

Alright, the experienced tech will surely have a look when alignment is due.

In the meantime I will check the distance between front and rear wheel centers (left and right) and see a few sensible diagonal checks from the bottom. As the front is apart I'll also check the camber range it has in the normal slots. Rear needs a rough setting, so I'll do the same there. If all is pretty much within setting range I guess it isn't too bad...

No direct signs of deformation, all plates where in place and I did drive the car say a thousand miles when I bought it. Many issues, but no pulling left or right or nervous behaviour. As I said, just don't want to throw money at a car that is a bit skew ;-)

Thanks for the input, will report back