im in the process of rebuilding the front suspension and steering components on my 82 sc street/strip car. the engine (355) and tranny (t56) are out. i installed the following new parts: balljoints, ES control arm bushings, monroe gasmatic struts, inner and outer tie rods, center link, idler arm, and adjusting sleeves. i sandblasted and powdercoated the k member, control arms and springs with 1 coil cut off. my problem is im going to get the car painted in a week, i took the upper strut mounts off to sandblast and paint them. i got the alignment somewhat close, so i can roll it on a trailer and take it to the painter, is there any way to get my caster camber somewhat close to being correct when i put the engine and tranny in, i dont want to get it painted with the upper strut mounts on and then go get it aligned and they move the plates and you can see the primer underneith. i want to avoid taking the plates back off. any suggestions are greatly appreciated

 

Take reference measurements from two angles on each and write them down. Measure from the top strut shaft to the fender/hood seam, and lets say another one from a point on the firewall. When you reinstall them, you put them right back to those tragulated distances.

 

What about putting some spacers between upper strut mount and inner fender? You are getting it painted without the engine, right? Might have to use some longer bolts and washers instead of the C-stud bracket. 3/8-1/2" gap should get some paint under the plate. Course they're still going to scratch it during the alignment.