what gauge sheetmetal????

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angelo

what gauge sheetmetal????

Post by angelo »

i need to replace some rocker panel sections and a turn signal area on a 63 ghia......also when i put the panels in should i try to grind or buy a flanging tool to sort of make the two surfaces as flush as possible or should i sort of feather the bondo out like working on drywall.....i'm a bigtime newbie and loving every minute of it :D .....I only have one vw that should explain it all
ck85abc
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Joined: Sat Feb 15, 2003 12:01 am

Post by ck85abc »

As thick as stock I would guess, but I have no clue what that is.

I don't know what you mean by grind to make it level, but I would get the flanging tool. They make air powered for 12-15 dollars and I know they make visegrip type ones also. Don't know how much. I have only flanged then welded before. If you do it, it will definetly save time on shaping body filler.

Make sure you really think about what is going on when you do the flanging. It is kind of confusing, atleast for me it is. If you do it wrong the first time you need a knew part.

Also make sure you ask as many questions as possible. Proper prep work mean great paint job.
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Kafer_Mike
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Joined: Fri Oct 04, 2002 1:01 am

Post by Kafer_Mike »

If you flange weld a patch make sure to seal the backside with seam sealer or POR-15. Otherwise, it's only a matter of time before moisture and rust creep in...
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Rescue912
Posts: 567
Joined: Wed Jun 18, 2003 9:00 am

Post by Rescue912 »

For something I am wheeling or beating on a bag I go with 18GA steel unless it is pseudo-structural like a pillar, inner rocker or pan section. Then I go with 16GA as much as possible.

Definitely seal it with POR-15 or Zero Rust or the like or you will get to redo it very soon. Stay away from galvanized for patches and never weld that stuff - chemicals from the plating process will gas-out.

For starters, go with flanging and filler - much easier. You can get some clecos and pliers pretty cheap and test fit with flanges before welding too. When you get a little practice then try butt jointing.

Keep in mind steel gauges are different thickness than another material - say aluminum. Aluminum you can beat 16GA easily if you soften it with a sooty ox-acetylene flame first.

Keep us posted how it goes and get yourself a good 4" grinder :)
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