Sheet metal question

[jamdcm]

Hey guys, I have a question about sheet metal repair. I have a 56 /57 GMC/Chevrolet (56 chassis 57 big window cab) that is in need of repair. I’m also going to combine another cab to make it an extended cab. My question is do I have to use the same thickness metal for body repairs that can only be seen from one side. I’d like to smooth over the firewall shave door handles and make filler panels for the extended part on the side.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

[Kim57]

Welcome
Any homemade panels I did on mine were with 16 gauge. I found it to be the easiest to work with.
Kim

[55metalmonkey]

I usually go 1 guage thicker to give me some play room when grinding down the welds to get it as smooth as possible to minimize filler

[sevt_chevelle]

Most of the exterior sheet metal is 19 gauge or roughly .042 thick. Today 19 gauge is hard to find, most suppliers don't carry it.
Fortunately, today 18 gauge (.047) now seems to be manufactured on the low end of it's tolerance level and measures pretty close to upper end of the tolerance range of 19.

And yes, its best to use sheet metal that closely matches the original gauge. I would use 18 gauge.

[jamdcm]

Thanks guys for the advice, I will go with the 18 gauge.

On another note Kim57 that box you made for your truck and the other fabs you did have inspired me with my build.

[Kim57]

Originally Posted by jamdcm

Thanks guys for the advice, I will go with the 18 gauge.

On another note Kim57 that box you made for your truck and the other fabs you did have inspired me with my build.

Thanks.
I look forward to seeing you turn yours into an extended cab.
Kim