I used the handle of a broom shaping mine (making the pigstail in the rear-axle)

Bending them isn't the problem now. Straightening them is the part I'm having trouble with. I simply cannot get the 'straight' runs of pipe straight. How is it done? I feel like I'm missing an obvious trick here.

How do you do it? Is there a tool or something you can buy? I've been out there an hour or so and no amount of massaging or tweaking will get the brake pipes straight. I am now nursing very sore fingers and am overcome with an almost uncontrollable rage.

This is honestly the best I can do with bare hands.

http://www.frost.co.uk/coiled-tube-tubi ... 16-od.html

There is a tool but it won't work 'in situ' on a 2cv.

I'd be happy with calling that straight. Even if there was a tool that'd work I doubt it'd make them better than what you have there.

No worries, looks very tidy to me!

Thanks, I'll take a photo with a straightedge alongside the pipes and it'll be easier to see how dreadful they are. I'm half disappointed with the result and half amazed that its not a bigger mess. Maybe if I had done done reading up on it first or bought a load of pipe to practice on I'd have made a better job. I guess trying run before I could walk was always going to leave me with a second rate result. I feel I've started to get complacent and settling for second best a lot, like with the paint, the top sheet and the welding on the spring cans. I will try and sit back and think a little more when I approach a job in the future.

They look good to me. I replaced the brake pipes on my Escort van last year and they were pretty wavy. However, they work brilliantly... Job done! (Quite a relief, in fact!!)

Don't be to hard on yourself Russel, if you're always trying to be a perfectionist, nothing get's finished, and way to expensive. I know what i'm talking about, i'm almost never satisfied because i lack the abilities, time and money to do it completely perfect.
Judging from your pictures, you're doing a next to perfect job and you can be proud of your achievements so far.
Now stop whining and go finish your project before Poland!

They look fine to me. Just how straight do you want them?