On Car Wheel Balancer

[gonzo]

Would this be a good investment for our Healey's? Alemit on vehicle spin balancer. Looks old and un-used, $200 Craiglist.

 

[LarryK]

They were used a lot up until the 70s. No dynamics, only straight balance, might be ok for old bias treads. Now the new ones do both running and sideways balance.

 

[JPSmit]

the fact that it is unused might be a clue

 

[algot1901]

As a young guy I used one of those at Rollie's Brake and alignment Gulf Station, there is a piece missing it is a large disk that has weight bobs on it that when the wheel is spinning you adjust them until your finger quits vibrating, you jack up the car wheel clear of pavement and push the machine against the tire and engage for a short time then back off and re-engage using your leg for the spinning also one hand is on the fender with a finger pointing so it will vibrate and the other hand adjusting the weights until you get a smooth run out but I doubt they will work on radials or the newer rims. It is a true museum piece. What you need to find is a Star Brake and Tool Machine which will rivet shoes on you wore out brakes also it will arch the shoes to fit the drum.

 

[gonzo]

Agreed. Years ago I've seen something similar in action when used on my '59 Peugeot 403. Thought some pieces were missing from this item - typical Craig listing.

 

[algot1901]

The light should show where to put the weights and if you have a posi you need to remove one rear tire, but I am almost 100% pos that it is missing the weight adjustment anyway to much for a wall hanger