What gauge sheet metal?
 

Need some advice. I've got to weld a patch in after I cut the rust out around a vinyl top trim pin. I'm not replacing the top. It'll be a hardtop going forward.

What gauge sheet metal was used on a 72 lemans? I want to get some and start practicing then make the repair.

Thanks Chris

I would guess 20 gauge- about .040".

Thanks. After I posted the question I did some reading on the subject. 20 would work, but I'm going to use 18. For inexperienced welders like me I understand my chances of burning through might be an issue with the 20.

If you’re going to go thicker on the patch I’d make sure you get both 18 and 20ga to practice on. This way you’ll be forced to not only dial in your settings, but also your technique for butt welding 2 different thicknesses.

I like making my patches out of the closest material I can find to the original area. If the area your welding is 20ga, by the time you strip it down to bare and have it all dressed up and ready to weld, new 20ga patch material is already (or most likely) going to be thicker anyways. It’s all personal preference though… just throwing some thoughts out there.

You're just as likely to blow holes in the surrounding metal as the patch so I don't know that going thicker is going to help you.
Are you sizing the patch for a butt weld or lapping it underneath?

If your butt welding going to a thicker patch piece will increase the risk of burning thru the original thinner sheet metal.

I used structural adhesive when I freshened up my pickup truck.

It's been 14 years and it still looks good.

K

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...=342926&page=4

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...=342926&page=5

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...=342926&page=6

What brand adhesive Keith? The Eastwood link in that old thread didn't work for me. Nice work on the Chevy pickup by the way

I want to Cut and butt the patch I watch a guy on you tube. I think his name is spelled Fritz's. I'm sure some here know his work. Anyway he only uses mig on sheet metal. I'll be using mig w/ gas and wire. .023/.030.

I'll weld the patch flush using stich welding method.

Also plan to practice a lot before I attempt the patch, can't afford to warp the metal on the car.

Unless I find rust in the windshield/ back glass channels, this might be the only welding I do on this car. Hope so.

I'm building a 5-10 footer to drive. Definitely not tearing the car completely apart to do a nut and bolt restoration. No time for that too many other things to get done.

Thank you! I did the whole thing in the driveway, from May of 2009 to September of 2009.

I was afraid somebody was going to ask that.

I don't remember for sure, because we have more recently used this at work, too.

I think it was this one, because a) I have a tube of it in the back room, and b) I don't remember it being a mix.

https://www.eastwood.com/evercoat-pa...ml-100815.html

We used panel adhesive liberally on this project:

Thanks, I just started a driveway project myself. I may opt for adhesive for some of the repairs this time.

The challenge is going to be finding where the rust begins and ends if you don't have access to the backside. Welding fresh metal to rust is, well...it just doesn't work.

Fitzee's always using 18 ga when cut n buttin 20ga, but then again he is Fitzee. Great channel for welding

https://www.youtube.com/@fitzeesfabrications

Good point Greg. I'll cut until I get good metal on the backside of cut out metal. Hopefully 1" around rust spot possible more.

Thanks, Fitzee is like the Bob Ross of metal working. I can actually take a nap with him explaining metal work in the background. Lol

Great teacher, problem solver.

Second time I've seen that name mentioned lately. I'll have to check him out.
EDIT- I just realized that I've seen one of his videos. He's just about got me convinced to get a second MIG. I liked his review of it.

Ha ha that'll teach ya. 2 of everything auto related is a necessity. 3's even better lol.

True