Rust repair what gauge sheetmetal do you use?
 

Just like the title says I am curious what gauge some of you guys use or the shops that do it 22g, 24g 18g? I am going to be starting a build thread soon but I am gathering my materials and whatnot. I have mainly window channel rust repair to take care of windshield area and vista roof channels.

I bought a welder, a small brake a shrinker and strecher and other items to do the job RIGHT and I am going to be teaching myself to weld never welded a day in my life but I am not afraid to pick up a gun and give it shot, I have never done any sheet metal work either, but looking at some of the guys tackle some of the projects.....I am going to go head first myself!

Thanks!

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e2...IMG_2717-1.jpg

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I always try to match it to whatever the car originally had.

I think 18 gauge is typical for any sheet metal repair.

Ok thanks alot guys just needed some where to begin!

Pressure wash it and throw some wax on it and you'll be good to go!
Cool wagon:thumbsup:

Lol trust me if I didn't have any rust repair in the vista windows I would lol

That's called patina, I hate patina!

That's the name of the game right there. It's only metal. If you put it in and don't like it, cut it back out and do it again. Remember what you didn't like about it and try to figure out how to fix it. It can be very satisfying when you conquer even the smallest of projects! Good luck, can't wait to see the progress. Get yourself one of these. Very handy and idiot proof to figure out what you are working with.


http://www.eastwood.com/media/catalo...6e95/p657a.jpg
http://www.eastwood.com/sheet-metal-gauge.html

I got a sheet metal gauge along with my Hobart welder. Thought that was pretty cool. I also happen to really like my Hobart 140 if you're looking to buy a welder, Rad. Good luck!

CCRACIN Thanks for the tip and the encouragement!

WSSix I already picked up the Eastwood 135 had a gift cert, but thanks for the tip! Need to go get one of those gauges!

Please post your experiences! I'm following in your footsteps.

Definitely Rick!

Kudos for buying some tools and wanting to jump right in!

I did the same thing about three years ago, and have learned so much along the way.

If I were you, I would buy some 18 and 20ga sheet metal. 20 is incredibly easy to bend and flex, which makes it much easier to shape into the inside corners of doors, etc. 18 is easier to weld if you're just starting out and is nice to use on a mostly flat section because it is less prone to warping when patched into a quarter or fender (my experience when first starting).

Lastly, if you've never done this before, it is more time consuming than you will ever imagine. It took me a good while to learn not to rush. When I first started I would fit things reasonably well, (at least I thought so) and weld them in, then try to hammer and grind to make it look nice. Eventually I learned how much easier it was to spend more time fitting, and cutting, trimming, and fitting, and so on, until the metal lined up perfectly, and even then, you still need to hammer trim as you weld.

Anyhow, have fun making some noise in your garage!

Matt thanks for advice , I'm looking forward to the trial and error side of things to get it right!!

[QUOTE=Radlark;591820]I bought a welder, a small brake a shrinker and strecher and other items to do the job RIGHT and I am going to be teaching myself to weld never welded a day in my life but I am not afraid to pick up a gun and give it shot, I have never done any sheet metal work either, but looking at some of the guys tackle some of the projects.....I am going to go head first myself!

I'm in the same boat as you. Got together some of the necessary tools and I'm planning on starting with a partial trunk floor replacement. Figured that would be a good first panel replacement project. After that, and depending on how it goes, I'll dive into a partial floorboard replacement including the toe boards.

Feel free to share your mistakes and successes, I'll try to do the same!

[QUOTE=JKnight;592263]
You got it Jeff!!!

sheet metal
 

22 gauge or body repairs.