69NovaYenko Posted December 21, 2021 Share Posted December 21, 2021 (edited) Looking to fabricate my own exhaust pipes coming of the headers to the mufflers using round styrene rod. What or best methods of bending styrene. Also, any tips, how tow tricks or recommendations would be appropriated as well. Edited December 21, 2021 by 69NovaYenko Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4mula1fan Posted December 21, 2021 Share Posted December 21, 2021 I've used solder but not styrene. Solder is nice to bend up and looks good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Bartrop Posted December 21, 2021 Share Posted December 21, 2021 I got good results holding the rod near an incandescent light bulb,, and applying gentle pressure. It doesn't have to melt, just soften a bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bills72sj Posted December 21, 2021 Share Posted December 21, 2021 Steve put out a tutorial recently using a candle to soften the styrene. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ace-Garageguy Posted December 21, 2021 Share Posted December 21, 2021 It depends on several factors, like the particular brand and formulation of the styrene, its diameter, and the desired radius of the bend in question. Some styrene rod can be bent "cold" by carefully working it with your fingers, and it might stay bent, or exhibit just a little springback...which can be defeated by bending it a little farther. Some just won't bend in a smooth curve, tries to crack, and/or refuses to stay bent. In that case, I warm it under pretty hot tap water, then bend it around a form of the radius I want, and tape it in place with high-quality masking tape. Dunk the whole mess in boiling water for 30 seconds (making sure the tape "fixturing" stays in place) then run it under cold water and it's "tempered"...hardened and will hold its shape forever after. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
935k3 Posted December 21, 2021 Share Posted December 21, 2021 Use Plastruct brand if possible it bends without cracking as easily as Evergreen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fat Brian Posted December 21, 2021 Share Posted December 21, 2021 I've had better luck using aluminum craft wire, it's soft like solder but keeps its shine better while you work with it. You'll probably want 12 to 16 guage depending on scale and how thick you need the tubes. Here is an exhaust system I made with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOBLNG Posted December 21, 2021 Share Posted December 21, 2021 (edited) This one is done with .080” Evergreen styrene rod that I heated near a candle. The tight radiuses I wrapped around a suitable size rod. This one is 3/32” Plastruct tube that I shoved some soft wire inside. The wire helps to hold the shape after bending, but the tube will still crack if bent too sharply. Here is a link to how I made the mufflers. http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/topic/162370-making-mufflers/?tab=comments#comment-2426201 Edited December 21, 2021 by NOBLNG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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