VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1912-1928 tIe rod help

Time to see if the 28 is moveable..Anyone have a suggestion on straightening a bent tie rod while on the car?

Just theorizing. Assuming the tie rod is bent 'up'.

1. With a straight edge (or tight string), measure the bent distance. For example, let's say it is 3/4 inch from being straight.

2. At each end of the tie rod, place a short block of 4x4. Hold in place with duct tape.

3. Suspend a 2x4 (or 2x2 length of angle iron) under the 4x4 blocks with the 2 inch edge facing up. Use more duct tape to hold in place.

4. With a very large C clamp (or other pulling device), pull the middle of the tie rod down 1 inch and then release it.

5. Measure the bent distance again.

6. Repeat until close or 'til your satisfied.

Cheers, Dean

Curious as to why you wouldn't remove the rod to straighten. Having straightened my fair share of "Bent" metal you are going to need considerable force to pull the bend out of that short rod. By the time you fashion some apparatus and struggle with the process you could remove the rod and straighten on a press or anvil. Just my 2 cents. Good Luck!
Tom

Ingenious,,I'll give it a try,,Oh and the check is in the mail, Bill

Thanks Bill.

Remember to take LOTS of photos, especially of the goofy fixes. When you put them together in a 3-ring binder, you'll have a great story to tell folks at car shows.

Enjoy the ride (literally and figuratively)! Dean