Should a Tom's underbody brace have a bend in it?

[bluesmoke]

Just wondering as I've bought one and it's just turned up and is slightly bent in the middle. I had thought that they were like a straight bar rather than having any curvature.

[NDR008]

I had bent my mk1's by jacking it incorrectly (and no - I did not jack it from the middle), but that was the Mk1's factor brace across the 2 arm pivot points.

[bluesmoke]

I'm pretty sure it should be totally straight and I've been sent a damaged one

[CardHore]

hi matey... congrats on getting one of these, handling ability is just untold after fitting mine! However u are correct, it should be straight without any curves. chances are it came from an accident damaged car. still should be ok though, not sure if it will fit though, is it more of a kink or actual bend?

[SFLee]

i brought one recenty from 3s, i can upload the picture if you want

[bluesmoke]

More of a kink really I guess. I don't want to send it back and get a refund because they're so rare and I had to source it from Germany, but I also don't want either a weakened item which doesn't do what I bought it for or to damage it by trying to straighten it.

[jdbecks]

you will weaken the metal by straightening it..same if you heat it up

[bluesmoke]

So I should seek a refund then and try to source another? Can't see how it will fit without being straightened

[SFLee]

let see how bend then

[bluesmoke]

Will get a photo up in about 45 mins

[bri0905]

I'd take it to a fabricator, get a copy made and send it back for a refund!

[NDR008]

you will weaken the metal by straightening it..same if you heat it up

Actually if he bends it, it will only get harder.
Metals work harden. You substitute ductility for hardness, and thus reducing toughness, but I doubt it is THAT bent to make that much of a noticeable difference.

[bluesmoke]

OK here we go guys:

[bluesmoke]

Come on guys, waiting for your words of wisdom here!

[NDR008]

Bloody hell, I thought it was worse. I know how I would bend it back, but doubt you have the equipment I am thinking of.

[bluesmoke]

Bloody hell, I thought it was worse. I know how I would bend it back, but doubt you have the equipment I am thinking of.

A pipe bender?

I am currently thinking a rubber mallet and hitting it very hard lol. I am aware this may not work though.....

[jimGTS]

Drive over the middle of it?

[bluesmoke]

Drive over the middle of it?

[Mr2_BadBoi]

bench vice and hammer job succesfully achieved will be straight in minutes

[bluesmoke]

I don't have the facilities mate