Technical T hood

What gauge metal should I use?
Thanks for your time.
27 T touring model A grillshell.

 

I used 1.5mm (around16G) aluminium. Mainly because I could get offcuts for free....

 

18-20gauge aluminum kilned steel .

 

Just like hotrodfil, I used free leftover aluminum. Unfortunately it was 14 gauge (I went and measured). It was too hard to bend over my knee or my oxygen tank so I used a roller at the sheet metal shop. It also tore at the corners when I louvered it. Free sometimes costs too much. Go with 20 gauge.

 

We have made a few hoods and have found that 18 gauge seems to work best. HRP

 

I would use 18, and think 20 would be too wiggly. Especially if you aren’t rolling the edge.

 

Why would you not hem the edge on wire ?

 

I’m not real familiar with T hoods, but the A and later Ford hoods had the front and back edges hemmed on themselves, not on a wire. Just flat over. It made them plenty firm. Did stock T hoods have a wire in the edge?

 

I've no idea , just seems to me it would be beneficial .

 

18 ga. alum. kil steel! Hemmed once-over at edges. Jack Hagamann Sr. 'recipe'.

 

The original body would have been 20 gauge as I recall. I use 18 gauge steel a lot because it takes less stiffening bends. A lo depends on how the part is being made. Is it smooth? Will it had a lip rolled on the sides, front and or back? Will it be louvered?

All that makes a difference.

20 gauge is easier to work but 18 gauge makes a more substantial part.

 

Thank you
Terry aka dirt t