Pitman/Idler question

[DRoCk]

I'm running into a slight interference issue with my pitman arm and my idler arm on a primary header tube.  I don't want to smack the header tube, so far it didn't take any smacks to fit Hooker Comp headers in my 73 w/383!  I might be odd, but they are working for me except that small area.  Basically, it looks that the very end, where the center link connects is just going to hit the tube of the header on each side.  Its a small amount of contact, it would take less than 3/8 of an inch to clear completely.  Can I heat the pitman/idler arms to bend the end down a small amount?  Like I said, it would take less than 3/8 inch to clear.  I am willing to ding the tubes a little, I just don't want the whole clearance to come from the header tube.  I know I've read that it can be done, just heat to red hot then bend it the needed amount and let it cool...don't quench it or blow air on it.  Is this correct?  I'm not too worried about changing steering characteristics, its not the best for cornering anyway.  Sorry for the long post.

[bOb shingler]

i would NOT recommend heating and bending any steering parts. changing the steering pionts will mess it up so bad it will never behave correctly. as lighty as you feel about it now you sure won't be feel the same when you try to drive it, let alone them trying to align it. not to mention setting you hotrod on fire from the hot grease. so that being said bang away and have you thought about raising the motor a bit?

[DRoCk]

Yeah, thats plan A actually...I'm just itching to get it going again.  Don't do it seems to be the general thought on it...  Raising the motor seems to be a better plan.