How to Sraighten Aluminum Top Frame

[1stgenbird]

I have an old cockpit cover/bimini top from a '73 Silverline 19ft that I just bought. One side of the 3/4" aluminum frame is bent so it won't fit in the side channel. What is the best way of straightening out the bend? I never had good luck in trying to straighten aluminum tubing as it always bends in half.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: How to Sraighten Aluminum Top Frame

You might try a tubing bender or conduit bender, but your best bet will probably be to replace it, it'll look better and last longer.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: How to Sraighten Aluminum Top Frame

Another trick is to fill the tubing with sand which helps prevent kinking and MOST electricians have conduit bender's in their tool kit.

 

[1stgenbird]

Re: How to Sraighten Aluminum Top Frame

Although I have never used a conduit bender, I believe the purpose of those is to take straight conduit and bend it. I want to do just the opposite.
As a last resort I would consider buying a new one but all I have seen for sale are full Bimini top frames, not just individual pieces.

Looking for some Yankee ingenuity.

 

[1stgenbird]

Re: How to Sraighten Aluminum Top Frame

Another trick is to fill the tubing with sand which helps prevent kinking and MOST electricians have conduit bender's in their tool kit.

I may try the sand trick. I have heard of doing that but never what the end result is.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: How to Sraighten Aluminum Top Frame

Although I have never used a conduit bender, I believe the purpose of those is to take straight conduit and bend it. I want to do just the opposite.
As a last resort I would consider buying a new one but all I have seen for sale are full Bimini top frames, not just individual pieces.

Looking for some Yankee ingenuity.

Conduit benders work the other way to, to straighten... bend it in the opposite direction.

 

[1stgenbird]

Re: How to Sraighten Aluminum Top Frame

Conduit benders work the other way to, to straighten... bend it in the opposite direction.

Yup. I see that now. I think using one of those and filling the tube with sand will do the trick. Thanks