Welding - what gauge steel for body work

[TerryMason]

Hey guys, what gauge steel should I use to replace body panels? What originally came from Jeep? Home depot had 16 and 22 gauge. I don't think i could snip 16, and 22 felt alittle flimsy.


Also, is there a cheap place to get this stuff? I paid about $7 for a 1'x1' piece

 

[lethaldose]

i'm not 100% about a jeeps body which seems alot stiffer than most steel panels .. but a GM truck panel is 22ga ... i know JCwhitney has a nice selection of replacement panels for a range of models i'd give them a ring act interested *might even find a good deal* and see if they can give you what gauge the steel is .... i worked for a heating and air place and for a full sheet of 24 gauge it was about 60 bucks give or take 10-15 but that was a few years ago plus at wholesale and a sheet was around 8 foot long x 4 wide

 

[redrooster]

4X8 sheet of 22 gauge is $25 here. I am using it to finish out my half doors, but it's a little thin for regular body work. I would go with the 16 gauge.
Home Depot and Lowe's will rip you on steel. It's better to go straight to the local steel supply. Yellow Pages should get you started.

 

[lethaldose]

damn i was way off on the price... but i did patch panels with 22ga on a couple GM's ..... price i was going on though was steel not galvanized just curious if that had any affect on anybodies calculations ... i've used gal for patch panel before but they stink to weld and can be a beotCH even in a heavy ga.

 

[TerryMason]

My "learn to weld" vhs video talks about how you shouldn't weld galvanized, due to the fumes and stuff... or did I just dream that?

 

[redrooster]

It's True. It will weld, but makes yellowish smoke. I have done small welds while holding my breath.

The 22 gauge is tough to weld without blowing holes in the metal. You have to turn the welder on low and the speed about midway. The key is to keep the arc in the pool and not on fresh steel. Also weld a quarter or half inch and let it cool some, then start again.

 

[88Wrangles]

My "learn to weld" vhs video talks about how you shouldn't weld galvanized, due to the fumes and stuff... or did I just dream that?

Don't breath it in. It contains lead and zinc which can both make you really sick if you breath in a lot of it. If you do breath it in, drink plenty of milk!!