BritishV8 Forum

General Category => Bodywork, Paint, Interior, Trim, & Wiring => Topic started by: rficalora on November 01, 2012, 09:32:25 PM

Title: bending pedals
Post by: rficalora on November 01, 2012, 09:32:25 PM
I want to shift my brake/clutch pedals to the left about 2" to make room to move my accelerator to also move left.  I don't have access to an oxy/acetylene torch.  What are the odds I can heat them using a propane torch enough to bend them?  Other ideas assuming the answer is snowball's chance?
Title: Re: bending pedals
Post by: Moderator on November 01, 2012, 09:57:08 PM
I don't recall heating mine at all.
Title: Re: bending pedals
Post by: rficalora on November 01, 2012, 10:00:54 PM
Serious?  They're like 3/8" thick.  Did you just use a vise and mini-sledge?
Title: Re: bending pedals
Post by: MGB-FV8 on November 01, 2012, 10:28:58 PM
I'm not sure but, can't you just move the whole pedal box over some?
Title: Re: bending pedals
Post by: rficalora on November 01, 2012, 11:05:49 PM
Might have been able to when I was building the car, but it's painted and brake lines are in it now.  I think it'll be way easier to bend the pedals at this point.
Title: Re: bending pedals
Post by: Moderator on November 01, 2012, 11:53:34 PM
Yeah man. Give it a try. I think you'll find you don't have to hit them nearly as hard as you think.
Title: Re: bending pedals
Post by: BlownMGB-V8 on November 02, 2012, 08:21:04 AM
They are mild steel, all you need is leverage. A big vise and a very large crescent wrench works well, or possibly a pipe wrench if you pad the jaws. Bear in mind you will have to correct the angle of the pads and it will change the vertical height of the pads, probaply moving the clutch up and the brake down.

Jim
Title: Re: bending pedals
Post by: roverman on November 02, 2012, 01:43:22 PM
MAP gas is hotter than propane.
Title: Re: bending pedals
Post by: rficalora on November 02, 2012, 01:58:43 PM
Good to know; thanks Art.
Title: Re: bending pedals
Post by: ex-tyke on November 02, 2012, 02:10:10 PM
QuoteThey are mild steel, all you need is leverage

 X2
Title: Re: bending pedals
Post by: flitner on November 02, 2012, 06:36:13 PM
As Jim stated, use an 18" crescent wrench to slip onto the pedal bar up high using another to twist then drop down to straighten the pad. Exactly how I did mine.
Title: Re: bending pedals
Post by: kerbau53 on November 03, 2012, 05:16:44 AM
Rob,

I just wanted extra space between clutch and brake. A bit of heat and bend.

MGB251.jpg
MGB252.jpg
Title: Re: bending pedals
Post by: kstevusa on November 04, 2012, 03:24:51 PM
Rob, as noted above a large crecent wrench and another one to keep the pedal stationary will work.  I was able to use a "torch" and heated mine with a metal shield to protect the interrior.    it took several attempts to get the alignment I wanted.  
BE CAREFUL if using heat, too nice a car to burn!  :)
Title: Re: bending pedals
Post by: 74ls1tr6 on November 05, 2012, 09:57:25 AM
Also take in consideration how much you will be changing your pedal ratio. When I did mine it raised my brake pedal about an inch. So this winter I'm going to weld in some steel to get my pedal ratio back in. I bought a cheap HF oxy/acetylene torch which worked great. But as Art said Mapp gas may do the trick +  others said using the right tools to bend.
Title: Re: bending pedals
Post by: rficalora on November 05, 2012, 04:46:59 PM
Thanks guys.  Hadn't thought about the pedal ratio perspective.  Suppose if the effort required gets too big, I can always add length back to the pedals.  I'm probably a few weeks away from doing this.  Only time it bothers me is on longer trips.  My gas padel is too far inboard so my knee is up by the steering wheel.  In order to move it further forward, I have to angle it more to the left.
Title: Re: bending pedals
Post by: MGBV8 on November 05, 2012, 06:13:24 PM
Have you shortened it, yet? Probably not.  How you think us tall fellers like it?

Cut about 1.5" off the backside & weld it back (at an angle if you prefer).
Title: Re: bending pedals
Post by: Preform Resources on November 05, 2012, 07:53:42 PM
Rob, you gonna still be able to heel/toe ?
Dave
Title: Re: bending pedals
Post by: 74ls1tr6 on November 05, 2012, 11:03:26 PM
That is a very good point also Dave,

Mine is more like sidefoot/toe !! But I also have wide feet :-)
Title: Re: bending pedals, floored pedals ?
Post by: roverman on December 08, 2012, 06:19:41 PM
May we reverse this subject ? Who is using floor mounted pedals, like Wilwood/etc. ? Hemi Healey seems to want this, with the seats moved all the way-back. This should reduce firewall congestion, and help for engine setback. Onward, roverman.
Title: Re: bending pedals
Post by: rficalora on December 08, 2012, 11:52:52 PM
Nothing wrong with them but they are proud of 'em.