So I need to bend my spindle arms and do not have access to a torch anytime soon, any other methods I could use? I have a bernzomatic torch for plumbing and general heating, would this work or would I be wasting my time and fuel? I really don't have the extra cash to buy a torch and tanks right now which could be anywhere from $250(used) to $500(new). And the one buddy that has a torch that could bring it over is on vacation and won't be back for another week and a half, so the borrow thing is out. Any suggestions?
Bernzomatic won't get nearly hot enough. Most mobile welding rigs have oxy-acetylene onboard, for a few dollars you might find one sympathetic to your need. Then again, put out a post attn HAMBr's in Sactown, surely someone else would help you. Mike
Yeah, you have to get those things red otherwise if you force it to bend you will crack the hell out it. It should move very easy once hot enough.
I went and got the mail and there was an ad for harbor freight and on the front page was the cutting torch set minus the tanks and on the back page was a coupon for 15% off, sweet! Are these any good for the occasional use for heating and cutting?
I assume you are bending the arms to use them with a dropped axle? If so try to find someone who has done it before as it's not just a matter of bending them down for that. You have to bend and twist them some to miss the axle. The friend who did mine when I built my '40 Ford made it look easy but he had done several before mine. Keep in mind you will need to replace the bronze bushings afterward because the heat will probably ruin them. Replacing the kingpins and bushings is a normal part of building a front end anyway. The Harbor Freight torches will probably work okay but I'd look in the paper and used tool places for a set of Victors first. You may be able to find something with tanks, cart etc for a decent price. Sometimes the tanks still have some gas in them. I bought a set at the local flea market. A rosebud tip is nice for heating and bending steering arms. It takes quite a bit of heat and you don't want to heat and bend them any more than necessary. CyberWalt
sometimes it just takes the correct tools and knowledge to get the job done properly..that means either you need to acquire both , or you need to make friends with someone who does i wish you were closer , i'd say bring them over in the am and we would get it done..i'm sure there must be a hamber closer
I have the person with the knowledge that has done it before and will be watching me so I do it right, he wants me to learn, but he no longer has the tools and equipment anymore for this kinda work, he is getting long in the tooth and would rather watch and teach than be the guy getting messy doing all the work. That is my job.
well , i guess i was wrong..all you need is a torch then.....which apparentlley you already knew , so what is your question? i take back my offer to come over in the morning and help you good luck with your project
Sounds as though you are heading in the right direction. Having someone teach you is invaluable. Buy the best tools you can afford because they will be with you for a long time. A friend of mine is rebuilding a helicopter project that was done poorly but fortunately his brother is the same person who has done almost all my welding for years. CyberWalt
Well thanks for the offer to come over but I am wasn't sure if you wanted to get up that early to catch a flight out here to nor cal, hell the price of flying you out would cost as much as a new set of victor's with a nice rosebud. Plus the old guy helping me out likes to take long naps during the day so I still need the help of the HAMB every once in awhile.
Have him explain to you how it's done. Then take them to a muffler shop and tell em what you need. It'll probably set you back ten bucks.
The Jalopy Journal
