which gauge mild steel?

[kjb]

As above , for plating body panels on cars,more often than not "Ford"
Any comments or guidance would be appreciated.
Thankyou in advance

 

[Wozzaaah]

if it's just panel repairs then 18 gauge seems the norm. You'll want thicker if it's chassis repairs.

 

[kjb]

cheers ,for future reference what do u suggest for chassis repairs?
what thickness measured in mm is 18 gauge?

 

[peterd51]

Hi,

1.2mm I think.

16 gauge is about 1.6mm and the higher the gauge number the thinner the sheet.

For chassis I'd be using 2mm or 3mm depending where it is and how much I'm patching.

For bigger sections or if it's close to something important like struts/springs, etc, then I like to use thicker plate.

Regards
Peter

 

[piman]

Hello KJB,

on the classic cars I'm familiar with the two common gauges are 20 and 18, there is very little else thicker than that. Subframes and the like might be 16 gauge, as are MK 2 Jaguar sills but that thick a gauge is unusual.

Alec

 

[Hitch]

Using a slightly thicker piece than original can make it a bit easier. Run the weld on the thicker stuff, then wash it over onto the rubbish.