I've read others post say that the correct thickness should be 18 gauge... I'm new to sheet metal forming to make patch panel... So I want to try to make a few panels to work with to practice, before I make panels on and for my truck... I like to learn new things... I know at some time I need to make patch panels for the bottom of the front fenders where it mounts to the running board... and also the front side panel under the F1... What do you guys suggest?

 

If you still have the bottom of the fender to use as a guide you shouldn't have much of a problem. It's a pretty simple curve. If your welding skills are up to par, I'd say just start making patch panels. If it doesn't fit well enough, don't weld it in. Just scrap it and make another. You really won't use any more sheet metal than if you made practice panels, you'd be scraping those too.

 

Thanks for your post... It's been years since I welded and I use to weld with rods (arc and tourch). I have a friend that will lend me his mig welder. So I will need to practice. Should my 49 F-1 have 18 gauge panels?

 

18 gauge sheet metal will work fine for your body repairs. It'll be easy to work with and shape, too. You certainly don't need anything heavier.

 

use the mig moe. Anyone can pull a trigger.The trick is to get the heat set right so use a scape peice and make spot tacks and jump around so it don't get to hot and blow a hole in the thin metal. You will need a grinder i'm sure so go buy a tiger paw disk they work really good for this type work. If you don't know what a tiger paw is go to the welding suppy and ask for one. Its a 4'' disk made of flips of sandpaper . They last a long time. We use them to bevel stainless pipe. I'll post a pic. of one 2mor. YOU CAN DO IT I KNOW YOU CAN. LOL LOL LOL