What metal do I need for body panal patches?

[Argeo]

Sorry, someone here had told me before. I couldn't find it with search.

What do I tell the supplier I need?

Thanks,

David

[RickM]

I believe 18 guage (some use 20) sheet steel. Some use galvanized but beware as toxic fumes are created when welded. If using non-galv you can apply many types of protectants before finish painting.

[klaucke]

With your situation of only a few small areas, I'd say go with some 18 gauge mild steel, just normal stuff. I bet you could get scraps from a local shop who works with sheet metal and do fine with those.

[Argeo]

Thanks again Rick.

[RickM]

No Problem, David.

If you get that MIG welder get some scraps as J. Klaucke recommends...great for practice.

[project935]

Your other thread ...
Question a welder would ask.

[john walker's workshop]

18ga is pretty tough. thicker than the body metal. 20ga is a lot easier to work with. i would use non-galvanized and give it a coat of spray cold galvanize, like wurth alu-zinc when you're done. if you can't get to the back, spray it before installation.

[Zeke]

20 guage is too thin for some applications. Remember that if you will be grinding your patch to finish the work, it is better to err on the side of being too thick. I use 16 ga. as often as not and by the time I'm finished dressing my patch, I'll bet it's down to 18 ga.

Welding dissimilar thicknesses can be tricky for us novices. And, if you ae welding to already thinnner metal due some errosion due to rust, you will hit uneven and even thinner spots and burn through. The 20 ga. is handy in these circumstances.

For the beginner: The higher the no., the thinner the metal.