MTFCA Forum

One of my front fender hangers is bent. I put a big pipe wrench and extended it with a pipe for more leverage. That straightened it a bit but it still remains somewhat bent. Is there a better way? -- IV

You may have to use some heat.
those brackets are forgings , so they can be heated with no problems .

Like Pete posted, use that 'hot wrench', Ford forged steel is tough.

Modified this bracket using torch, for a vertical upright, no fenders on that project.

I use two big adjustable [crescent] wrenches to make bends. The first is made to fit the diameter of the shaft. The second is used to twist that first wrench to make the bend. By turning the first wrench, it can be positioned anywhere around the shaft/bend and the second wrench is used to apply the bending pressure. The combination works just like a purpose made bending bar, except that it is completely adjustable to fit any application.

Hope this helps.
AllAn from down under.

I use a bar clamp with a 4 foot 3/4" pipe. Like using the pipe wrench put with a longer handle for more leverage. Chances are that if you use this and the fender bracket doesn't bend your liable to move the frame of the jack stands - no kidding,

Ignacio,

First of all, thanks for the quality photos. It appears there are two (2) bends in your hanger. The first looks like it is right at the point where the attachment plate starts but before the headlight bracket hole, the second is about 6 to 8 inches up the rod from the headlight bracket hole. Both can be heated to ease the straightening process. I would suggest before heating the attachment plate area you insert a headlight bracket to keep from damaging the hole. Ask me how I know about creating another problem while trying to solve the first problem.

Best of luck,
Dom

Building on what Pete said...heating this to bend has multiple benefits. Less force is required to create the bend, but also heating will concentrate the bend, so that precise location and scale of the bend can be optimized. Your photo implies that your bend correction needs to happen on both sides of the fork hole.
Regards,
Scott

Heated it, longer pipe, tried again. It is still a little off but I am wondering if I am at diminishing returns. Is this good enough? I've included the other side which I think is straight.

As long as the fender end is set at the same height and from the distance from the front on each side, you should be OK. If you re going to fit Ford headlights, you might have to induce a twist in the stem for that side, so it points forward squarely.

Allan from down under.

As Allan wrote, final fit will occur when you hang the front fenders. Normally have to do that when ‘scratch’ building from various parts that didn’t come off together.

Set up car on finished wheels/tires or frame supported level, to check fender heights match tip to ground or underside to top of tire. Gaps should match each side. Sometimes the torch is needed if they don’t.

I don’t have lights or the stalk they stand on. Am wondering about a good source?

I always straighten bent metal cold. If it is heated and moved the metal stretches.

I might have some bits & pieces to assemble a set of lights - drop me a note.