The one on my '58 was bent as well. My neighbor and I took it to his anvil with a sledge and trued it up enough to slide a 3/4" pipe over it. (I know opinions will come out about what I did next.) I then welded the pipe over the rod for added strength. She solid as can be now, won't bend near as easily and it hasn't failed now for the 2 years its been on there. I work at a camp in the summer and the roads are rough. She has held up to that abuse.

58' 3200 235 3-speed/OD