Are outer steering column covers supposed to be slightly bent?

[NHRoadrunner]

Took apart the whole column of my 1969 RR today and noticed the outer column cover (the thing with the criss cross metal cage) has a slight bend to it starting at the cage area. It appears on eBay the few I see also have a slight bend. Is this normal or do they get damaged somehow with use?

 

[Runner 68]

Pics would help.

 

[NHRoadrunner]

It's late where I am so I will get one tomorrow

 

[dadsbee]

Only takes one hit off the wheel or someone having a temper tantrum to deform the collapsible column tube.

 

[turbine68rt]

I think the japanese lantern style collapsible column cover is slightly waved so that during impact it folds up as designed instead of randomly distorting.

 

[khryslerkid]

Only takes one hit off the wheel or someone having a temper tantrum to deform the collapsible column tube.

 

[Speedbird]

69 RR. Lots of concentric ones..
Steering Column Poker.
I'll see your bent and raise you a cut. (I have no idea why. Everything look original otherwise.)

 

[NHRoadrunner]

That would make sense if it has a bend to crush a certain way when compressed.

 

[Runner 68]

Totally rebuilt the one in my 68 RR. Laser beam straight.

 

[NHRoadrunner]

Totally rebuilt the one in my 68 RR. Laser beam straight.

View attachment 1800194

Thanks, I will straighten mine out then

 

[Runner 68]

Here's what I think I would do if I were presented with this problem. I'm assuming a manual transmission column. Auto may be a bit different.
Take a measurement from the side of the tube that is not bent to get a basic length of the tube. Then rig up something to try and PULL the tube back relatively close and straight. Once the spider web has been crushed it it may be a bitch but take your time. It doesn't have to be perfect.
The main shaft is collapsible. You can adjust it to the length between the top bearing up near the steering wheel and where it ties into the shaft on the steering box.
Just my 2 cents.