pipe bender tips? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

samwise68 · 10-07-2007, 05:23 PM

hey guys,

my parents picked up a hydraulic pipe bender from harbor freight over the weekend, so i could try and bend some exhaust pipe for my truck. mainly, to go over the rear axle.

well, i have 2" pipe. and there's a 2" die. we filled the pipe with sand, and everything, in hopes of not having it cave in on its self.

needless to say, we haven't had any luck.

SO!

if any of you guys have experience with pending exhaust pipe, or anything like that...please please PLEASE...shoot some info my way.

thanks in advance!

-Sam.

cdowns · 10-07-2007, 06:01 PM

the cheapo pipe benders dont bend tubing worth a crap past 30-40degrees it will kink them beyond that point they dont do for rollbar tubing either

samwise68 · 10-07-2007, 07:03 PM

Cdowns, i found that out first hand. lol.

we now have a plan of bending a little at a time, to accomplish the rear axle loop, so to speak.

so, in stead of say, a single 45 degree, rather attempt two 22.5 degree bends, to try and spread the force out, and have the pipe not collapse and kink and all that nasty stuff.

any other suggestions?

i know the logical thing would be to take it to a shop and have them do it. but, i'm just too stubborn to do that. so! yes.

keep 'em comin' guys. pleassseeee.

let's hear it!

-Sam.

cableguy0 · 10-07-2007, 07:46 PM

those style benders arent really made for exhaust tubing. they always will kink or collapse the pipe.its probably not worth the aggrevation nor the pipe your going to waste trying to bend exhaust with that style bender

PanelDeland · 10-07-2007, 07:47 PM

I think you are on the right track with the bending a little at a time.It will probably cost you more in pipe than a new exhaust system but you will have learned the skill.I doubt you will ever be able to get a perfect system bent with it though.

corn · 10-07-2007, 08:00 PM

The only way the sand really helps is to pack it in as tight as you can & weld the ends shut. Thats a lot of work compared to paying an exhaust shop a few bucks per bend to have them do it. Usually if you have the pipe & have the bends marked, they do it pretty cheap...

samwise68 · 10-07-2007, 09:04 PM

yeah....

i'm thinking you guys are right in regard to taking it to an exhaust shop. it seems like it's the most cost effective.

i'm gonna putz around with it some more, dad and i have some ideas, but, for now, we'll call it a draw between the bender and myself. i shall not yet admit defeat!

just shove it into a dark corner and go to the muffler place. lol.

-Sam.

chris71 · 10-09-2007, 11:26 AM

not much pipe bending experience here but try any heat from a torch along the outside of the pipe while you bend? no-one mentioned heat so i figured i would.

10-07-2007, 06:01 PM	#2
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: pipe bender tips? the cheapo pipe benders dont bend tubing worth a crap past 30-40degrees it will kink them beyond that point they dont do for rollbar tubing either __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY Last edited by cdowns; 10-07-2007 at 07:24 PM.

10-07-2007, 07:46 PM	#4
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,948	Re: pipe bender tips? those style benders arent really made for exhaust tubing. they always will kink or collapse the pipe.its probably not worth the aggrevation nor the pipe your going to waste trying to bend exhaust with that style bender __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

10-07-2007, 07:47 PM	#5
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	Re: pipe bender tips? I think you are on the right track with the bending a little at a time.It will probably cost you more in pipe than a new exhaust system but you will have learned the skill.I doubt you will ever be able to get a perfect system bent with it though. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

10-07-2007, 08:00 PM	#6
corn Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: here Posts: 5,789	Re: pipe bender tips? The only way the sand really helps is to pack it in as tight as you can & weld the ends shut. Thats a lot of work compared to paying an exhaust shop a few bucks per bend to have them do it. Usually if you have the pipe & have the bends marked, they do it pretty cheap...

10-09-2007, 11:26 AM	#8
chris71 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Sykesville MD Posts: 357	Re: pipe bender tips? not much pipe bending experience here but try any heat from a torch along the outside of the pipe while you bend? no-one mentioned heat so i figured i would. __________________ '55 3100 2nd series short-bed stepside '70 Corvette coupe stingray '71 Chevelle 2-dr coupe SS clone '71 C10 long-bed fleetside '83 long-haired brunette wife

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