what gauge sheet metal do you recommend for patch panel on a 50s truck. Should I get cold or hot rolled. I'am new to this so I like to work with something that is forgiving to a newbie.

 

I "THINK" original metal would be around 18 ga. with the aftermarket 3'x5' or 4'x 4' foot pieces you buy at the paint and body store are 22 ga. Generally speaking if you just have a reasonable amount to do ,go cut what you need out of an old hood or fender etc. You will be fine. gary

 

MOST factory sheet metal will be 19 gauge. To be sure check it with a set of calipers. Hot rolled typically has a mill scale that is a royal pain to remove and prep the panel for painting. So do yourself a favor and get cold rolled.

















Now looking at this ASTM chart, it shows this reading falls within the tolerances for 19 ga cold rolled carbon steel.