Where can I get 18 gauge steel. I have looked in welding shops, Home Depot, Lowes. All I can find is 16/14/20/22 etc....

That is the correct thickness for auto body panels.......isn't it?

Where can I get 18 gauge steel. I have looked in welding shops, Home Depot, Lowes. All I can find is 16/14/20/22 etc....

That is the correct thickness for auto body panels.......isn't it?

I would prowl around the weld shops more or maybe try some machine shops. If they do not have any scrap, they should at least be able to order you some or point you in the right direction. 18 ga. should not be that hard to find, we use a ton of it in our shop (we're a medium sized machine shop).

Also check ventilation and siding companies. I got mine from York Corrugating, who mostly supply ventilation contractors. They wanted to give me galvanized, but I asked for cold-rolled as I was going to have to weld it.

Almost forgot, the corrugating Co. was 1/4 the price of a steel supply shop. Go figure...

Thanks I will go look at these sources

Troy

Troy,

18g is a little thick for general body work isn't it? It is pretty thick for trying to bend around different curves and contours. I prefer 20g for body and 18 for more structural body fabs such as trunk supports and body bracing.

Mr. Bruce has a point. I bought a sheet of 20 gauge myself.

I have used damaged hoods from the wrecking yards to make patch panels, you get them dirt cheap and already have a factory rust preventor alreay sprayed on.

FYI...I spoke with a metal man and a body man yesterday. 20 gauge is recommended for body and 18 fir structural. I used 20 in the fender patches I made and it was just right for welding and bending.

yes use 20 ga, plus any big city will have a metal supply. They will have 4 x 8 sheets of different gauge steel. My last sheet was $20 for 20 ga.

I purchase my steel at a local steel supply house which also houses a recycling area. I seem to always find the required metal in the recycling area. I bought 2 sheets of 18 guage a while ago for under $10.

Ok great advice, I will pick up some 20 gauge.

Thanks for all of the input!