batwings, hairpins, and frame issue...need some help

Ok so i have a small issue with the front suspension on my T project. Im sure its not a big deal and i think i have a pretty good idea on how to fix it. Just want to see what you guys think or how you've done this. The batwings on my axle are 30" apart and 90 degrees to the axle and the outside of my frame is about 25". So my question is how do i bring the hairpins in to meet the frame? Right now the rear of the hairpin is about 2" from the frame. My idea is to just heat the batwings and bend them in a couple degrees to get the angle i need. Is this a bad idea? Seems like the only reasonable way to do it, but i dont really know what im doing so... any help would be much appreciated

 

here's a couple of pics

 

Can you do that and not interfer with the spring that's mounted to the batwing? I would think a little on either end might make it work.

 

Loose the clevis ends and replace them with heim joints.

 

Heim joints are a great idea. I dont know why i didnt think of that. I guess i was stuck on thinking of how i was gonna do this with the clevis ends. I guess its good i didnt get the torch out yet. Would there be any issues using heim joints at both ends?

 

None whatsoever,,most 4 bars and many hairpins are set up like that. HRP

 

Yep HRP answered it.

Thanks buddy

 

Not that the heims are a bad idea; but I think they would not look quite right on a non-moving component.

Best way would be to cut the plates off the axle and weld them on at the right angle and build spring perches with angle to match the spring; but that is a lot off work.

Should be able to tweak the ends a little with an 18" crescent wrench, won't take much at all to bring them into the frame. Seem to remember that is how the California Custom Roadster plans addressed the angle difference.

 

Thanks for the help guys