Denting a header

I have these quarter headers on my 55Chevy and on the driver's side the spark plug boot burns causing me to be stranded. I need to dent it so I can get at least a half inch distance from the boot. How would you guy's do this? I am trying heat tonight then light taps on it to reshape it. What do you think? Has anyone had these problems with the new headers?

 

Socket and a big hammer with or without a little heat , for a neat contour

 

What new headers?

I don't really like beating on my sockets as suggested, so I just use a piece of pipe with heat to a dull cherry red. Then give it a good smack

 

I just take a body hammer to my headers when they need some reshaping. no need for heat unless they are super thick walled.

 

That's the way we've done it with our 55-56-57 Chevy's. Quarter inch space seems to work.

 

can you run these instead of bashing the header?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/8-OldSchool...ries&vxp=mtr&hash=item3ef1135918#ht_652wt_758

 

I guess it sends on how much of a "BAP" as we in the header industry call it is needed. For a small amount, I agree with you, for something larger, out comes the heat.

 

yes I am ***uming it doesn't need much of a "BAP" since its just for a spark plug boot. just like you said though, if its something more than that then some other persuasion technique may be needed

 

also, go check Jeg's & Summit for plug wire heat shields or Accel heat resistant plug wires.

 

Don't know about tradition, but these insulators work very well -



If you dent it you want it to be like this which is why everyone is saying use a pipe or socket -

 

I always use an old piece of header gasket trimmed to fit & wedged between plug boot & header--has worked for me since the early 70s

 

Piece of pipe the right size, round steel bar the right size to get the desired shape in the spot you need it. A bit of effort and the dimples will look like they came from the factory that way.

 

Like another member said..these ceramic boots slide over the wires..work good..they come in all different colors.

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I suppose if you're beating on 18ga $99 specials, you can get away without heat, but for 16ga you're going to want heat to get a smooth dimple and for 14ga you're gonna need quite a bit of it.

For a plug wire I'd try to find an insulator or a bendable boot or something, though. Some of what's pictured is good, McMaster-Carr also sells lengths of woven silica sleeving if you want to try to make something.

 

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