Hi,  I am restoring a 1930 buick and observed the front axel has a slight bend.  I can build a jig to bend it back, however, how to I verify if the metal is bendable and wont crack.   It is a king-pin style ibeam/h-bean axel.   Front right wheel.    

 

Welcome aboard Know cera, glad to have you. If you put you general location in the header you'll have a better chance of meeting up with members living within visiting distance. 

Perhaps a pic of the part you're asking about would be more helpful? You're asking about the front axle and posted a pic of the rear end. Hmmm?

Just off the top I'd say it'll bend. First, it's Bent now. Second, the alloy is intended to survive flexing forces for decades at least, millions of cycles. Lastly it was made at a time things were expected to be repairable it is from a time pre planned obsolescence. 

The above opinion are my speculation based on general knowledge and assumptions not specifically automotive.

Have you asked on an antique auto forum?

Frosty The Lucky.

What he said; ask others that have had the same issue and tried to bend it and how it worked out for them.

Welcome from the Ozark mountains.

I straightened a bend cold, on my '36 Chevrolet front axle, using a porta-power and chains back in the '50s.

Over 50 pictures; I'll run out of data just trying to find the one you need us to look at!   When asking for help; it behooves you to make it as easy for your possible  helpers as possible!

7 hours ago, Frosty said:

Welcome aboard Know cera, glad to have you. If you put you general location in the header you'll have a better chance of meeting up with members living within visiting distance. 

Perhaps a pic of the part you're asking about would be more helpful? You're asking about the front axle and posted a pic of the rear end. Hmmm?

Just off the top I'd say it'll bend. First, it's Bent now. Second, the alloy is intended to survive flexing forces for decades at least, millions of cycles. Lastly it was made at a time things were expected to be repairable it is from a time pre planned obsolescence. 

The above opinion are my speculation based on general knowledge and assumptions not specifically automotive.

Have you asked on an antique auto forum?

Frosty The Lucky.

Thanks.  Yea,  im in New Jersey and the car is in PA so agree, a better pic would be helpful.   Your feedback is helpful.  I have asked the antique auto forum and waiting for a response.  

6 hours ago, Irondragon ForgeClay Works said:

Welcome from the Ozark mountains.

I straightened a bend cold, on my '36 Chevrolet front axle, using a porta-power and chains back in the '50s.

Thanks

Good Morning,

Lots of RaceCar guys bent them by using a rosebud. Heat it near the spring mount, DO NOT QUENCH IT!!!! Still Air Cool Only!!

Old car parts are VERY forgiving. Don't be afraid of it.

Neil

Talked to an older guy at the collision center I work at. He said older ones were able to be bent but some were marked "do not bend" or something like that. If it is not cast iron you should be fine. Heat will definately help. As mentioned allow it to slowly air cool. 

I've straightened many old axles. It's best done cold if you can.  If you must use heat, only use what it takes to get it to move. And as mentioned before let it cool slowly on it's own.