Metal bending

[fia#09]

My brake petal needs bending to the right. the stalk that goes up to the petal is very thick. Can I heat it to bend it? Will that weaken it? How do you let it cool? That is one thing we kinda need to rely on...

[Specialk]

I would try to cold bend it. I usually put pedals in a vice at the area you want it bent, then use a crecent wrench to actually bend it. I usually don't heat metal unless I have to. Too much trouble and I'm lazy.

[Bob Putnam]

The pedal can be bent hot or cold. It will be strong enough either way. My only concern is cracking it if you try to make a very sharp bend. Since our pedals are pretty well spaced to begin with, I suspect that you're only going to make a minor adjustment anyway.

[fia#09]

Thanks guys, feet are too big for the footwell.

[kountzecobra]

If you use heat, let the metal cool slowly, to avoid chrystalization. Should have no problems at all. Later, David.

[cobrakit66]

WEAR SNEAKERS

[A Snake]

FIA,

You can do it hot or cold. Either way, it will have to come out of the car to do it right. The other guys are right. Don't throw it in a bucket of water if you use heat, unless you are absolutely sure it isn't high carbon steel.

I seriously doubt that ERA or anyone else uses high alloy steel for the pedal arms. It is miost likely just a heavy piece of mild steel. Mine was.

Using a torch is a lot easier and you can make the bend more precise without deforming it. I'd suggest putting the heat to it about 1/2" below the pivot bearing. This way you don't have to make much of a bend to get a lot of change at the pedal.

Don't need to get it white hot to bend. In a lighted room (like your garage) bring it up to a red that you can see easily. If you clamp the pedal arm in your vise and leave the bearing pivot above the vise jaws by a couple of inches, you can stick a really big screwdriver through the bearing and apply pressure as it gets hot. won't take near as much as you think. Let cool naturally and you're done.

[fia#09]

Smart advice...thanks, the problem is with sneekers on!

[A Snake]

I couldn't wear Nike's either. Try boat shoes. They're like a moccasin with hard soles. Can usually be found in an Eddie Bauer store. Worked for me. Other than that a close fitting driving shoe is the answer.