What gauge sheet metal for rust repair

General Discussion. Make yourself at home...read, ask and answer!



Settled In
Posts: 58
Joined: Thu Mar 08, 2012 3:45 am

Country:
USA
PostPosted: Tue Mar 27, 2012 8:47 pm
I can't remember what gauge cars use . I can get either 22 or 16 gauge . My car is a 1970 oldsmobile



Settled In
Posts: 31
Joined: Mon Jun 19, 2006 6:34 pm
PostPosted: Tue Mar 27, 2012 9:29 pm
I think usually 18 gauge. 16 will work for flat floor patches but its harder to shape



Settled In
Posts: 58
Joined: Thu Mar 08, 2012 3:45 am

Country:
USA
PostPosted: Tue Mar 27, 2012 9:49 pm
Sorry I forgot to mention the rust I'm repairing is in the quarter panel and fenders. I googled this question before I posted it and I got answers from 14 gauge to 22.

User avatar

Board Moderator
Posts: 9878
Joined: Fri Oct 20, 2006 12:40 pm
Location: ARIZONA
PostPosted: Wed Mar 28, 2012 12:17 am
If you have a set of calipers you can measure the thickness of the existing metal and then order what you need. Here's some of the common gauges and corresponding thickness of sheet steel:
GA. Thickness
12 - 0.1046
13 - 0.0897
14 - 0.0747
15 - 0.0673
16 - 0.0598
17 - 0.0538
18 - 0.0478
19 - 0.0418
20 - 0.0359
21 - 0.0329
22 - 0.0299
1968 Coronet R/T


ACTS 16:31



No Turning Back
Posts: 977
Joined: Mon Jun 20, 2011 3:58 pm
PostPosted: Wed Mar 28, 2012 3:23 am
In the 1950s and 1960s they used 20 gage cold rolled steel for most of the outer panels, the roofs I believe are 19 gage, and I would be surprised if it isn't the same in the 1970s.



Settled In
Posts: 58
Joined: Thu Mar 08, 2012 3:45 am

Country:
USA
PostPosted: Wed Mar 28, 2012 6:24 pm
Thanks guys. I'm in the store now. 16 is too thick. So 22 it is. Looks a tad thin but for a small spot itll do.



No Turning Back
Posts: 977
Joined: Mon Jun 20, 2011 3:58 pm
PostPosted: Wed Mar 28, 2012 6:34 pm
Heating shops that make the duct work for furnace air return will have the 20 gage, just don't get galvanized. If you do use the 22 gage be aware that it will burn thru just a little quicker while welding.

Return to Body and Paint

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: badsix, Drew, Google [Bot], magee84, xF100x and 132 guests