i am installing 14" chubby apes on my softail. they are 1 1/4" diameter with 1" diameter center and grip area for use with stock grips and controls. the 1" grip area is about 7" long, and the stock grips and controls are about 8" long, so i can't clamp the brake and clutch lever housings on. Please help.

Are the cables long enough for the height difference?
As for diameters, if you can't "adjust" the old ones to be big enough, you're going to have to get the right size for the new bars OR
If you can return the bars get ones that work with what you have. Not alot of options with this problem.
If you were thinking of "resizing" the bars don't try it, you'll only ruin them.
Hope it helps.....

contact the manufacturer and let them know what trouble your having. they may have sent you the wrong bars or have a solution for you. with out seeing the bars not really sure what to say. like roadking said i wouldnt try to mod the bars with out checking to see if you can exchange em first. good luck and post pics when you get it done.