I recently discovered that Federal regulations require that brake pedal levers be made of hardened steel. So does anybody out there forge these, or have any thoughts on their potential uses?

Never a brake pedal lever, but used car parts, sure, plenty of times. The steel used varies, sometimes in the same part for the same model of car by the same manufacturer, so treat as mystery steel and test a sample for heat treatment.

Disapering post bug!

I used to be an ASE master certified automotive tech back late 80 early 90 ( befor they desided I was to crazy) 

You can apply a tremendus amount off force during a panick stop. 

I would image it is spring steel, but you will have to experiment like any junk yard steel. 

Thanks for the feedback guys!