what it the sheet metal gauge on a quarter panel for a bump? seems like the patch panels i get are not as thick. what gauge do we get from LMC?

dave

 

IIRC, repro panels are 20 gauge.

 

would you say original ford quarter panels would have been 18 guage?

 

Nope. I'm going off a repro repair panel I used to fix the rear wheel arch on my Dentside... one of the dumbest engineered designs ever... Right up there with Ford putting the horn switch on the turn signal stalk in the early 80s.

Though "stiff", much of the strength results from the stamped contours.

 

so original quarter panel guage on a bump is 20?

 

Sounds like ya want physical confirmation. I can provide that when I get home... I have one of them sheetmetal gauges courtesy of Miller Welders.

Unless someone else confirms before me....

 

no worries, i'll bet 20 gauge
thanks for responding

dave

 

Actually I would bet original sheetmetal was thicker than 20 gauge. The aftermarket (read oriental) sheetmetal is never as thick as original Ford. Past and present vehicles. And by the way you wrote post #1 I think you already found out the original sheetmetal is thicker.

 

It's 16 gauge, at least the inner fender wells are.

 

Alrightee.... I measured my Dent and Bump's front fenders and quarters....

.....And the truth gauge indicates 18 gauge.

 

Below the seam is 18 as HIO Silver said and above the seam is 16.

 

Reproduction sheet metal is thinner now days. Thinner material is easier to form and costs less. I believe they call this production shrinkage. Any way for the bean counters to save a penny. Not much can be done about it. If you can find someone who sells thicker panels let me know. I need to do some work on my floors and would like to find some 16 GA floor pans and front cab mounts.

 

i just need a small patch, would anyone run down the the steel shop and grab 16 gauge shape it and weld it on? this is a great site, thanks for all the knowledge!!!!
PS. i have my 3rd bump coming, not sure why i do this, i did it with ford tractors from the 50's(have 5), sickness i guess, also i had a bump in college(1978)

thanks all
dave

 

You should be able to get sheet metal at Home Depot or Lowes. If you have a local steel shop you could most likely get it for a better price, possibly even free if it leftover scrap.

 

have a local steel shop, will grab some 16 gauge, thanks to everyone, daily visitor but don't post alot, thanks again