What Guage Sheet Metal?
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 207
Likes: 0
From: Brockport USA
What Guage Sheet Metal?
I Just bought a Mig Welder. I am looking to repair the rust on my 79 F250. What guage metal should I buy? I Live in Upstate NY and have plenty of spots to pratice bodywork on! I have cutting air tools, A cut off saw, Grinders and Torches. Are there any other metal working tools that I should pick up to get me started with doing patchwork? 
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 926
Likes: 3
From: SE, Michigan
I bought a 4' by 5' 18 guage piece of sheetmetal when I started on my 82 F100. It was a $40 at a local steel shop. I have found so far most of the sheetmetal on the truck has been either 18 or 20 guage. I also bought aftermarket patch panels for my truck all from jeff's bronco graveyard. As for more metal working tools I picked up a cheap set of hammer and dollies. Just a good starter kit. That way you can hammer out dents and use less filler. I've replaced my cab corners, lower rear door post, and inner rocker panels, pictures are in the gallery under restoration pictures.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,671
Likes: 1
From: Eastern Shore, Md.
I agree, body panels are 18 -20 ga. I used 16 ga. on my floor . One of my favorite tools is a strong flat magnets to help align my patch panels so I can tack. Only advice I can give is take your time and measure twice before you cut and don't rush the welding part of it.
