Crimped Bars

[Wayne Ryder]

I've got some Performer bars I bought from new in about '86 (I think), used to be white, but they were sprayed with satin black Smoothrite in about '88 (looks quite good, for a rattlecan job). The raw StreetBeat's going to be a rider one day, so I'm trying to put 'period' parts on it where possible.
Trouble is, the old bars are a bit pinched. Whatever clamp I was running at the time has teardropped the tubing. I had the cunning plan of trying to crush them back into shape using a spare stem, but I suspect I'm wasting my time.
Any similar experiences from other members? Would it be better to just take a deep breath and buy replacements?

[silentpartner]

get two pieces of 4"x2" timber, clamp them together, then drill a hole the same size as the bar section direct central so when taken apart it leaves half a section in each. then rest the bars in one section rest the other section over. knock fairly firmly with a hammer, this should help round your bars back without to much damage.

alan