![]() |
Register or Log In To remove these advertisements. |
|
|
![]() |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
![]() |
#1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Las Vegas
Posts: 1,378
|
Sheetmetal Gauge comparasion
Is the sheetmetal on 67-72 chevytrucks heavier than 73 and up trucks?
I would also like to know about 50's and early 60's trucks sheetmetal. Were there all the same through 72 or different?? |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Studio City, Calif.
Posts: 2,873
|
Re: Sheetmetal Gauge comparasion
I'd like to know this too.I know my '69 is a tank compaired to newer models,but which year(s) did they start using thinner metal-if anybody here knows.
__________________
'69 GMC C2500 Custom Camper, 8 1/2' bed, New GM 350, NP 435 Close Ratio 4spd. Trans., 3.73 Dana-60 open.Camper and Trailer wiring, PS, PB, AC, tach , three gas tanks, stereo speakers, 2nd owner, Work-Truck supreme. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Yukon Oklahoma
Posts: 2,647
|
Re: Sheetmetal Gauge comparasion
ttt
__________________
Happiness is towing your "new" truck home. 1972 C-10 1982 GMC (parts truck??) ![]() 1969 c10 parts truck 1969 C-10 ( my sons) 1992 Silverado 4X4 (now the boys truck)(now mine again ![]() 2002 Tarus (my wife loves that car) |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Shelbyville, KY
Posts: 3,269
|
Re: Sheetmetal Gauge comparasion
The earlier the year of the trucks, the thicker and heavier the sheet metal was used. Just try knocking out a dent on a pre 50's truck and you will see what i mean. Around mid 70s they even painted them without a protective primer and they rusted prior to delivery!!!! Some vendors say the new Tiwan sheet metal is the same thickness or weight as original butttt just sit on a new tailgate---it doesn't have the tack welds through the center as the originals did so not as strong. Try to stay original when possible and protect any sheetmetal you replace with a good paint sealer prior to install. Huck
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Las Vegas
Posts: 1,378
|
Re: Sheetmetal Gauge comparasion
Just heard from an old guy yesterday that 72 and below were all the same 20 gauge sheetmetal and 73 and up was all JUNK thinner metal!!!!! The only thing he said about old 50's trucks is that they were stamped differently than later models. Maybe thats why it might sound heavier than newer ones!!!
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
State of Confusion!
![]() ![]() Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Gulfport, MS USA
Posts: 46,901
|
Re: Sheetmetal Gauge comparasion
Only thing I can add is experience. Since I mixed, matched and welded parts from an 84 stepside and my 70, I can say that the sheetmetal thickness on the bedsides, step fenders and front panels are the same.
__________________
Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God! |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Pasadena,Tx /Pto Pta DR
Posts: 5,415
|
Re: Sheetmetal Gauge comparasion
Newer steel has a higher tensile strength than older steel. This allows Mfg's to use the thinner gauge.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 | |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Studio City, Calif.
Posts: 2,873
|
Re: Sheet metal Gauge comparasion
Quote:
__________________
'69 GMC C2500 Custom Camper, 8 1/2' bed, New GM 350, NP 435 Close Ratio 4spd. Trans., 3.73 Dana-60 open.Camper and Trailer wiring, PS, PB, AC, tach , three gas tanks, stereo speakers, 2nd owner, Work-Truck supreme. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: British Columbia CANADA
Posts: 118
|
Re: Sheetmetal Gauge comparasion
On newer vechiles the sheet metal is just there to hold the paint up!
__________________
1969 C20 Customer Camper CST, 396, TH400, Factory A/C, Olive Green. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 |
Chevy Forever
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Dalzell SC
Posts: 314
|
Re: Sheetmetal Gauge comparasion
I think the new stuff might be the same gauge but it can't be the same density.(or tensile strength) My new repop tailgate weighed 10lbs lighter then my old one. Now it doesn't because I took the thing apart and welded in a 1'X1" tube in the top lip of the tailgate the entire length and replaced the side hinge pieces with the ones from my original. I should have just went and bought a take off tailgate.
__________________
My first love 1971 C20 Hugger orange Getting face lift and heart transplant .30 402 BB /TH400 and GV Wifes car 1969 Chevelle SS 396 325hp/TH400 Factroy A/C Automatic w/ Floor shift console. restored. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: wisconsin
Posts: 142
|
Re: Sheet metal Gauge comparasion
Quote:
![]()
__________________
1972 Chevy 1/2 ton on 1981 chevy 3/4 ton 4X4 chassis! 8" lift Frame off resto. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 |
Questionable
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 13,376
|
Re: Sheetmetal Gauge comparasion
So, just as a general question: What gauge is the firewall in our trucks? I was wondering about this. I bought 16ga to replace whatever is there when shaving it. Is it actually 20ga?
__________________
If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#13 |
Questionable
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 13,376
|
Re: Sheetmetal Gauge comparasion
Man, I'm at that stage still - can anyone tell me what gauge the stock firewall is, pretty please?
![]()
__________________
If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#14 |
GEARHEAD
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: CENTRAL,PA
Posts: 2,284
|
Re: Sheetmetal Gauge comparasion
Man ya know what shifty I tried seaching for ya and guess what thread came up
![]() ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#15 |
Lost amongst the CORN
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Northern Iowa
Posts: 1,072
|
Re: Sheetmetal Gauge comparasion
My 49 and 72 chevy trucks all measure the same on exterior gauge as well as all 3 70 chevelles Ive had. GM used 19 ga on exterior panels as well as other car makers.
16ga for a firewall is too thick, 18 would be a better choice as a thicker gauge was used for more structual parts. Today's steel is lighter thinner and stronger. You have steel that is sandwiched between plastic, steel with different alloys and quenched at different temps and procedures. The old steel is draw quality metal very workable, used because it took the molds/presses easily. Today they use ultra strength instead of draw quality because of better technology and because its alot stronger and thinner. Same holds true with the old/new aluminum. Aluminum is a DREAM to work with, but the stuff they use today you cant touch. Today's AL is throw away...Eric
__________________
Currently working on How To Videos and custom metal 70 Chevelle gettin Sliced and Diced Anything But STOCK 70 Chevelle SS455 not a typo its a BUICK BABY 49 and 72 Chevy Trucks restored to original...close to it Drommer Stor....Norwegian for Dream Big http://s969.photobucket.com/albums/a...lle/?start=all https://www.flickr.com/photos/47922830@N03/ Pictures of my work and projects Last edited by sevt_chevelle; 04-18-2007 at 12:42 AM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#16 |
Questionable
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 13,376
|
Re: Sheetmetal Gauge comparasion
thanks, Eric.
i'm also curious to hear from guys who've shaved their firewall (Shane, where are you? ![]() ![]()
__________________
If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: MinneSNOWta
Posts: 1,381
|
Re: Sheetmetal Gauge comparasion
PM rokcrln He'd know
![]()
__________________
2003 GMC Sierra 1500 WT 1995 Nissan Hardbody 2016 Hyundai Veloster Turbo DC2 (SW/AW) Clyde W. Harvey USN "Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery" Winston Churchill |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#18 |
GEARHEAD
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: CENTRAL,PA
Posts: 2,284
|
Re: Sheetmetal Gauge comparasion
Shifty when I did the seach I read something about a honda hood Shane used
and it beung the same gage as the fire wall and got a pretty funny reply but there was no mention on actual #'s. found it read here ![]()
__________________
72 SWB 2WD MY PROJECT 72 LWB 4X4 FUTURE PROJECT SUBSCRIBE HEREBOARD VENDORS HERE NORWOOD MEET SURVIVOR! ![]() Last edited by RACINJASON22; 04-18-2007 at 01:03 AM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#19 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Lindsay, TX
Posts: 1,245
|
Re: Sheetmetal Gauge comparasion
Does anybody have a micrometer?
__________________
68 Chevy 383/350 w/shift kit, 380hp/425ft-lbs, 4.5/5 drop, 17" TT2s 64 Cadillac Sedan DeVille |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#20 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Las Vegas
Posts: 1,378
|
Re: Sheetmetal Gauge comparasion
I just guess all sheetmetal from 72 below were all the same!! 73 & up is lighter.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#21 |
GEARHEAD
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: CENTRAL,PA
Posts: 2,284
|
Re: Sheetmetal Gauge comparasion
I do but the truck is here and it is not or I would go check right now.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#22 |
State of Confusion!
![]() ![]() Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Gulfport, MS USA
Posts: 46,901
|
Re: Sheetmetal Gauge comparasion
Shifty, I have some old step bedsides, as well as an extra hood that I get my patch panels from. I cut pieces from the original bedsides of my truck to patch the firewall.
__________________
Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God! Last edited by Palf70Step; 04-18-2007 at 05:37 AM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#23 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 901
|
Re: Sheetmetal Gauge comparasion
I could be wrong but it comes to mind that 1/8" = 11 gauge; and 16 guage is 1/16" thick..........
__________________
'71 GMC;fleetside;PB/PS/AC/CC/402 Eng./Custom Paint/110,000act miles/3 fuel tanks(52gal). |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#24 | |
Spanked once
![]() Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Intheshop, Indiana
Posts: 969
|
Re: Sheetmetal Gauge comparasion
Quote:
I believe it is all the same size metal for these parts to eliminate plant confusion or error. Heavier parts like the radiator support are made some where else. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#25 | |
Lost amongst the CORN
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Northern Iowa
Posts: 1,072
|
Re: Sheetmetal Gauge comparasion
Quote:
There is nothing like taking a tour throu a plant. One of the coolest was the fridage air(sp?) in Iowa where they make washers and driers. Anyways theres some numbers for you guys 16ga .0598 right at 1/16 18ga .0478 20ga .0359 I dont have the numbers for 19 ga but around .040/.041 Ive never measured the "inside" metal on my 72 as I didnt have to replace any metal, but the floors on the chevelle where thicker as well the firewall. The floor braces, trunk braces and few other braces measured 16ga. 19ga is correct ga to use but since its hard to find most use 18ga unless there is lots of shaping involved then they switch to 20 ga because its easier to shape...Eric
__________________
Currently working on How To Videos and custom metal 70 Chevelle gettin Sliced and Diced Anything But STOCK 70 Chevelle SS455 not a typo its a BUICK BABY 49 and 72 Chevy Trucks restored to original...close to it Drommer Stor....Norwegian for Dream Big http://s969.photobucket.com/albums/a...lle/?start=all https://www.flickr.com/photos/47922830@N03/ Pictures of my work and projects |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Bookmarks |
|
|