Here is a secret to save a ton of time on setting up the tram gauge for point to point measurements. Its easy get a long flat surface and lay down a long strip of tape, then use a tape measure and make a starting dot on the tape, then measure out the distance you need and make dots, then you can simply stand the tram gauge points on the tape , lining up the points you made for a quick setup, way better then holding the tape measure on the tram itself, you can make multiple points on the tape for reference and simply line up the tram gauge points and its 100% accurate and fast. Also this accounts for the tram height differences so you can have 1 long side and 1 short side and the measurement is on point. I use the same Mitchel repair software. No on one youtube does the datum lines explanation though, for measuring frame rail heights, they do side to side only etc.. the datum line to frame height is important, but no one ever goes over it, how to do it manually without a 50k auto laser machine.
Excellent video....very well explained... keep doing these I know it takes time to shoot and edit but you have a good way for explaining things... thanks a lot. Any ideas where I can buy a used set of those? Thanks
Thank you Jorge. It is a lot of work and I will continue to make more as time allows. Chief does not make these gauges anymore; however, Mo Clamp sells similar gauges. Alternatively, you could contact your local frame equipment distributor/supplier and ask them to keep an eye out for some.
Oh God totally can't see any possibility of measuring inaccurately 😒 wonder how many "bent" frames all these shops get paid to fix. Shit the play on those gauges look to have a millimeter of play let alone having them " properly centered"
Hi William. I think you missed the point of the video. Mechanical gauging and measuring provides a visual reference for the three dimensions of measuring. After understanding these concepts, students move onto electronic measuring (which is the the method preferred by industry). Mechanical measuring helps in understanding what it is that the computer does. Interestingly, we have measured vehicles mechanically then with the computer system and get consistent results. Although, as you mention, there is always the factor of human error.
@benh4086 what are some examples, or products, that are based on electronic measuring systems? I just got into body work(my brother owns a shop I just started working at)but I have a ton of knowledge in robotics and mechanical engineering and I'd like to learn how the electronic systems work
