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How do I bend a shifter?

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by nwedgar, Jun 23, 2010.

  1. Jun 23, 2010
    nwedgar

    nwedgar Now with TBI!

    Newnan, Georgia
    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2005
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    1,785
    I need to bend the shifter on my T18 so that 2nd. gear doesn't go into my thigh. I know I need to heat it up, but how does one do this and maintain the integrity of the shifter itself?

    I have it removed from the transmission right now. I assume that a propane torch is not quite enough to get it done. I need to bend the upper/thinner section, I'm okay with the factory bend at the bottom.

    So...what is best to heat the metal to bend it? When do I know it's enough heat? and do I cool it quickly with water or let it air cool?
     
    nwedgar, Jun 23, 2010
    #1
  2. Jun 23, 2010
    lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    Huntingdon PA
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    Did exactly that for the T18 install in the '71.

    [​IMG]

    Had a buddy come over with his Oxy/Ace torch. We installed a rosebud tip, kind of spreads the heat out so it's not pinpoint. Soaked a towel, wrapped it around the base of the shifter.. Needed to make 2 bends. Increased the lower bend by putting a piece of pipe over the shifter, heating the bend to cherry red, applying pressure to the pipe.
    So bent the lower a little steeper, then figured where the bend needed to be for the upper bend. Did it the same way, then checked it for interference with the dash in 3rd and reverse (my reverse was forward), Also checked 2nd/4th for clearance with seats. Found the sweet spot where all cleared... the shift position was perfect and comfortable.

    You've got to get the metal at the bend site to a medium red color before it will move. Once we did this it movebent easily, using a piece of 1.5" pipe as a lever. Let it air cool. After cooling, light sand and paint. I never had any weakness or strength issue with the shift cane after the bend. Also note we did mine in the rig to be sure of clearances,

    Good luck!
    We need pics before and after... :D
     
    Last edited: Jun 23, 2010
    lynn, Jun 23, 2010
    #2
  3. Jun 23, 2010
    nwedgar

    nwedgar Now with TBI!

    Newnan, Georgia
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    Oct 26, 2005
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    1,785
    Not sure I have access to a torch like that. But I'll check around.

    Any other ideas?
     
    nwedgar, Jun 23, 2010
    #3
  4. Jun 23, 2010
    kaiser_willys

    kaiser_willys Well-Known Member

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    used motor oil to quinch it afterwards. It will add some of the temper back to the steel. did this on a spring for the lawn mower, the hook had broke off. heated it up as mentioned, then put the curl back in the end soaked it in used motor oil as soon as i got the curl back in it and it has held up for several weeks now. this was a heavy duty spring that catches alot of torque, figured if i hadnt used the oil method it would be weak and straighten right back out
     
    kaiser_willys, Jun 23, 2010
    #4
  5. Jun 23, 2010
    lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    Huntingdon PA
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    Gotta get it red hot.

    Maybe go to a local garage/mechanic shop, or local one-man weld shop. Talk to them, tell them what you want to do. Chances are they have a torch with a rosebud, and will help you do it. Might cost you $20 for their time & gas...
     
    lynn, Jun 23, 2010
    #5
  6. Jun 23, 2010
    kaiser_willys

    kaiser_willys Well-Known Member

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    they have MAP gas that is used for hand held propane torches, it burns pretty dang hot. that may be the ticket.......
     
    kaiser_willys, Jun 23, 2010
    #6
  7. Jun 23, 2010
    watmoc

    watmoc New Member

    Southern Ca.
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    propane may do it. I would try it. You don't need a lot of color, if it turns red it will bend. I would let it air cool so it doesn't get brittle.
     
    watmoc, Jun 23, 2010
    #7
  8. Jun 23, 2010
    nwedgar

    nwedgar Now with TBI!

    Newnan, Georgia
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    I think I might have a small MAP gas tank at home. I'll give that a shot...or propane and see if that works. If not...I'm off to a local shop. Thanks.
     
    nwedgar, Jun 23, 2010
    #8
  9. Jun 23, 2010
    Lawrenceu

    Lawrenceu New Member

    Mobile, AL
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    Oct 20, 2009
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    Remember when you cool it to not cool it quickly. This will brittle the steel. An air quench, just letting it cool completely by itself, is probably your best bet. If you don't know what you are doing with steel you can ruin it quickly when quenching. If you must quench it find some cotton seed oil. It is a slower quench than motor oil, and it is safer. Whale oil is the best, but it is a little hard to get ;)
     
    Lawrenceu, Jun 23, 2010
    #9
  10. Jun 23, 2010
    nwedgar

    nwedgar Now with TBI!

    Newnan, Georgia
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    Okay. Thanks for the tips. I'll take it slow.
     
    nwedgar, Jun 23, 2010
    #10
  11. Jun 23, 2010
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    I've bent stuff using propane, It's not as easy as getting it red hot but if you can get it up to 450 degrees or so it becomes much more amenable to persuasion.

    H.
     
    Howard Eisenhauer, Jun 23, 2010
    #11
  12. Jun 24, 2010
    lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    Huntingdon PA
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    :rofl: :D R)
     
    lynn, Jun 24, 2010
    #12
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