Tube bending
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 371
Likes: 16
From: Upstate SC
Tube bending
Not sure where to put this, cuz tube can be bent for many different systems, but I'll bending some for my 84, so I'll ask here. Bought a bender a while back. Still in the box. Now I'd like to bend some stainless hardline for the fuel system. Any good how to sights to go to?
FTE Legend
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 56,542
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From: In my own world
bending tube is something you just have to do. get your bender out, read the directions, and buy some plain steel tube to practice on. I measure, then use a magic marker to see where to make my bend. after a few bends, you'll be a pro.don't force it, or you will get a kink, then the tube is useless. just make sure to use double flares on your brake lines. if you have any more questions, just ask, we'll try to help
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,658
Likes: 5
From: Out of here
I sometimes use a coat hanger or stiff wire to mock up what I want to do.
That way you can visualize it better before you bend any lines. A Sharpie works well for marking bend locations like Dustybumpers has already suggested.
Take your time and bend a little at a time. You can always bend more, but it's very hard to cleanly take too much bend out.
That way you can visualize it better before you bend any lines. A Sharpie works well for marking bend locations like Dustybumpers has already suggested.
Take your time and bend a little at a time. You can always bend more, but it's very hard to cleanly take too much bend out.
Senior User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 274
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Are you going to use stainless just for the looks? If its not for show I'd just replace existing lines with aluminium, it's tenfold easier to work with. I've done fuel and auto cooler lines on mine in aluminium, the only place I used steel was on the power steering high pressure line.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,621
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From: Sweetwater Texas
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 371
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From: Upstate SC
Hey thanks fellas. I appreciate all the tips. Dean88, that sand tip sounds familiar now. They used to use it in the pipe fab shop I work in to bend great, big pipe after it came out of the oven.
Now, what's the best way to buy tubing? I notice all the local parts guys have pre-flared/fitted lengths of tube in various foot increments. I also notice many places sell coils of tube and cool little straightening tools, but are those necessary?
Now, what's the best way to buy tubing? I notice all the local parts guys have pre-flared/fitted lengths of tube in various foot increments. I also notice many places sell coils of tube and cool little straightening tools, but are those necessary?
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 313
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From: Fredericton N B Canada
It has been my experience for smaller bends the pre-formed lengths do not bend as well as the coil tubing. Straightening the tubing gives a better appearance. Like Dean88 said - filling the tube with sand makes will help make smother bends as well as filling the tube with an appropiate liquid will help. Good luck !
Methanoholic
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 6,442
Likes: 8
From: Maine (NorCal Native)
Buy it in Rolls, You can get 25' rolls, Might want to invest in a low buck tubing bender as well then you don't need to fill it with sand or anything like that.
I have a low buck bender that works extremely well and it's just a piece of Aluminum round stock with grooves for each tubing size and a handle... Less than $10.
-Enjoy
fh : )_~
I have a low buck bender that works extremely well and it's just a piece of Aluminum round stock with grooves for each tubing size and a handle... Less than $10.
-Enjoy
fh : )_~