What gauge metal for floor board

I need to make a front floor board for my pickup. is 16g stong enough and will I need to bead it?
Thanks in advance

 

Your talkin' about the toe board or the piece that goes right in front of the seat.

If 16 gauge was what I had I'd use it but if you're buying metal 18 gauge will be fine.

It wouldn't hurt to bead it but I've run 'em without it and had no problems.

 

Good luck beading 16 ga.

 

The search function will give you a lot of info....


http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19142&highlight=floorboard+metal


Mutt

 

I think anything thicker than 16 guage is called "steel plate", or should be.
I think 18 guage (or even 20 guage if it's unsupported only for a short span) is enough if it's getting beads rolled or hammered into it.

 

16 ga would be plenty strong, 18 would do the job just fine.

Recommend ribs for either (easier to do in 18 gauge) mainly to add stiffness and keep it from "oil canning."

Steve.

 

I been using 16g on my wifes car.. some panels are almost 2x3 and no bead rolling needed.. Plus bead rolling 16g by hand is a bitch!!

18g with a couple of ribs would be just fine.. I just didn't have any at the time..

 

What is the method for hammering beads in?

 

I would use 18 guage if you have acsess to a bead roller or use 16 guage if not.

 

On a similar note.... what would be a good gauge for a firewall on a A-Sedan?

 

Me and a burned out old sheet metal union guy with a shit load of tools do some custom metal work and mostly a shit load of floors in old cars. We sneak by with 18 ga from time to time but only if with beads and a hat channell about every 12-15" to keep it from drumming when you move your feet around. The right way to do it is with 16 ga with beads rolled in it and the hat channells underneath, beading 16 ga is not hard but keep your beads far enough apart to keep from bowing the sheet metal. Good Luck.

PnG