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71-77 Vega metal gauge (floorpan, fenders, etc.)?
Posted:
Fri Feb 02, 2018 3:52 amby robert123
Repairing some rust holes in 73 Vega Hatch front floor pan. Anyone ever use a Micrometer to
gauge the floor pan thickness? Fenders etc.
I was thinking the floor pans were about 18 gauge -- but wanted to check before buying
patch panels. *People seem to say thicker metal is easier to weld -- but harder to bend;
cold rolled steel seems to be generally preferred.
Looking for some EXACT GAUGE MEASUREMENTS] thanks.
Re: 71-77 Vega metal gauge (floorpan, fenders, etc.)?
Posted:
Wed Feb 07, 2018 10:07 amby 74_Vega_GT
Heres a tip for you, on your metal hunt, if you can find an old washer or dryer, the cabinet is usually the thickness of our tin. A washer/dryer repair shop will usually come off of one for 5 to 10 bucks, or free. Good luck.
Also...the bend on the bottom edge of a Whirlpool cabinet, the edge where the feet are...is the same width and bend that you would need to repair the bottom of our doors where they like to rot out. That's what we used and it worked great.
Re: 71-77 Vega metal gauge (floorpan, fenders, etc.)?
Posted:
Wed Feb 07, 2018 9:07 pmby monzaaddict
depending upon where you live this may be an option or he may be willing to cut out sections and ship.
https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/pts ... 98952.html
Re: 71-77 Vega metal gauge (floorpan, fenders, etc.)?
Posted:
Tue Feb 27, 2018 2:17 amby robert123
74_Vega_GT wrote:Heres a tip for you, on your metal hunt, if you can find an old washer or dryer, the cabinet is usually the thickness of our tin. A washer/dryer repair shop will usually come off of one for 5 to 10 bucks, or free. Good luck.
Also...the bend on the bottom edge of a Whirlpool cabinet, the edge where the feet are...is the same width and bend that you would need to repair the bottom of our doors where they like to rot out. That's what we used and it worked great.
Good Idea. I'll check "Craigslist -Free-Section" for the older (thicker) washers-dryers-refrigerators, etc
Re: 71-77 Vega metal gauge (floorpan, fenders, etc.)?
Posted:
Tue Feb 27, 2018 2:20 amby robert123
This is another Good Option. We'll see what works out.
(Photo) -- Here's what I was looking for............ a material thickness gauge (a.k.a. Metal Gauge)...... only about $4.00 at WELDING
SUPPLY SHOPS.
Thanks guys
Re: 71-77 Vega metal gauge (floorpan, fenders, etc.)?
Posted:
Sun Feb 27, 2022 2:32 amby taguy4
18 gauge sounds too thick for a 70's era car of any make, let alone a GM H-body. Usually most panels on cars from this era, including floors, are about 20-21 gauge. The floors don't need to be made of thicker metal for strength because they have channels stamped in them to give them strength. About the only sheetmetal pieces on a Vega that are going to be any thicker than that are the subframe parts and possibly some other body reinforcements where suspension pieces mount..
Re: 71-77 Vega metal gauge (floorpan, fenders, etc.)?
Posted:
Tue Mar 01, 2022 11:07 pmby Monza Harry
I was told that standard automotive sheet metal is 19 gauge. However with time I'm sure most manufacturers have reduced weight and cost everywhere they can. Measuring in the flatest area you can is the only way to tell for sure. Harry