Before setting the tracking centralise the steering column. Sit a 12 inch steel rule across the steering column drop link with one edge evenly against the top most side of the track rod bolt heads, or washers. It is then quite easy to line the steering column up straight. With the column straight, adjust each track rod until you have required amount of toe in/out on each side. You can buy a clamp to hold the steering column in position which makes it a bit easier to adjust the track rods without accidently moving the steering column in the process, but by no mean essential. Same process whether you use a laser or otherwise.
With regard to using a chassis you know is not straight – why not simply get it straightened for £50? A chassis that is just a few mm out of true can be a handful to control, even in the hands of an experienced driver. Why make it harder for your son at a crucial stage in his learning for the sake of a few quid?
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