What gauge/type sheet metal for 1956 body

[Mqcone]

Can anyone tell me what sheet metal to use for a 1956. I need to make some custom patch panels. Thanks!
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[OrrieG]

Pretty sure it is 16 guage.

[fredscarryall]

i use 18 gauge steel. for me it seems to cut,shape and weld really good for patch panels.for floor panels you could use 16 gauge if you want a little more strength. here is a tool that helped me really well. its a throatless shear for about $100 through harbor freight.it cuts like butter and doesnt leave an edge. and in every custom classic truck magazine is a 20% off coupon

[Mqcone]

Thanks guys. Are you using cold roll sheet? Any recommended sources for the sheet?
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[wildearp]

Find a steel yard in your yellow pages.

I usually use 16 gauge, but probably should be using 18.

[Mqcone]

Thanks To all...the input is appreciated.
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[mknittle]

Remember as the ga. numbers goup the thinner the metal gets. I use 18 gauge

[mdstitt]

I'm about 99% sure that the majority of the sheet metal is 18 gauge with the exception of the floor pan and bedsides. These items are 16 gauge.

I know for sure the front fenders, hood, and doors are 18 ga because I have measured the originals.

The door hinge plates may also be 16 ga. The replacements from Mar-K definitely are.

[dicer]

Most of the steel is 19 gauge on the task force trucks. I just measured my rear cab panel that the corner is cut out of. It measured .042, some scale and paint I suppose.
There are other panels that are thicker, and maybe somethings a bit thinner too. I went to buy some sheet steel and the closest they had was 18 gauge. Better to use a bit thicker than thinner.
Cold roll does not have scale.
Here is a chart for gauge.
http://www.unc.edu/~rowlett/units/sc...heetmetal.html

[sevt_chevelle]

Most of the exterior panels from this era was 19 gauge or about .043. Today 19 ga is hard to find and most metal suppliers don't carry it.
Metal gauges have a tolerance range, ask the metal supplier if they can measure some 18 ga and give you the thinnest piece. I've gotten some 18 ga that was around .045.

If you are making a patch panel for a fender or door skin, do yourself a favor and buy 18 ga. 16 ga is a waste and hard to shape, you gain nothing.

Yes you want cold rolled steel, the alloy you want is in the 1008 to 1018 range, with the 1008 containing less carbon and therefore easier to shape.

[Mqcone]

Thanks everyone for the information. It is very helpful.
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[Mqcone]

I'm wanting to patch the front of the rear fenders. I've got swiss cheese on both fenders at the front. I'm trying to locate some good used fenders but I thought I would try the patch before shelling out $800 for new ones.

Thanks again for the help.

[mdstitt]

The fact remains that the floor, A-pillars, and bedsides are heavier than the rest of the truck. I have not measured them, but they are most likely either 16 or 17 gauge. I used 16 gauge to repair my floor and it is very close to the same thickness as the original. The 18 gauge was noticeably thinner.

I do apologize for my statement before. I went back in my notes, and I too measured .042 for the front fenders, hood, doors, etc. So dicer is correct. 18ga was just the closest I could find to purchase.

[dicer]

Originally Posted by mdstitt

The fact remains that the floor, A-pillars, and bedsides are heavier than the rest of the truck. I have not measured them, but they are most likely either 16 or 17 gauge. I used 16 gauge to repair my floor and it is very close to the same thickness as the original. The 18 gauge was noticeably thinner.

I do apologize for my statement before. I went back in my notes, and I too measured .042 for the front fenders, hood, doors, etc. So dicer is correct. 18ga was just the closest I could find to purchase.

I just measured the back of step, some where around .054 or so that makes it
17 gauge, I think the folded edge on the floor was in the 18 gauge area, I'm sure GM didn't want to have to wear their dies with too thick of material. I'll have to check the floor some place else when I can get to it better.
I can now sure see that they could have done a bit better on the construction of the floor and how it attaches to the frame, its amazing that a fully loaded seat with some hefty people doesn't bend that floor, since there isn't much support to it. I guess I'm slowly understanding why some folks do the modifications that they do. It sure is tempting.