Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1965 t- bird steering, dirty overalls, chain outfits

Question
Hello Dick; I have a 1965 thunderbird that has been restored. Since the front end and the addition of radial tires it wanders at speeds above 45mph. I read that the toe in needed to be adjusted to 0 and not factory spec. The steering gear box has been rebuilt by a professional. I am at a loss for an answer. Can you help me? Thank you

Answer
Yes, the toe has to be set to zero to prevent wandering with radial tires.  My advice is to take the car to a front end alignment shop that likes to work on old cars and have them diagnose and fix whatever they find wrong.

If you happen to be in the San Diego area, post a follow up question to me and I'll find a way to tell you about a good shop without getting myself in trouble with this site.

If you are in some other part of the country, ask around your old car buddies and get some recommendations.

Do not take it to one of the chain outfits (the ones that advertise on TV!).  Find a locally owned shop that has surly, gray haired mechanics with dirty overalls - those are the guys who know what they are doing.

Don't expect this car to feel as good as a modern car, though - these were nice driving cars for their time, but it won't feel as rock steady as a current model car.  

Dick