Just throwing this out there , what gauge metal do you guys use for floorpan reconstruction , bead rolling stiffner ribs , etc.
I mostly use 19ga but understand that it is hard to come by in most places in the US. 18ga will be fine, 20 probably won't be.. Always try to match the gauge to existing metal, or what was used originally.
Alro steel carries it very reasonably but they are big sheets 48x96. I agree though hard to come by Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Any particular reason you use cold rolled? I always thought hot rolled was easier to form and more consistent. Thanks
cold rolled has a MUCH better finish, and very few mills can run less than .043 "Black band" (hot rolled)
16 gauge for floors on a 51 Merc. Same as oem. Use cold rolled as it's a lot easier to weld and it's nice and clean for better painting.
#1 reason is there's no mill scale to remove. #2 the finish and consistency are better #3 at 18 gauge I'd doubt you'd notice much difference unless you moved to draw quality steel or DEEP draw quality.
I appreciate the comments and always try to learn something new. For 18 gauge I've always used the pickled hot rolled because I find it forms better than cold rolled and because it is pickled I don't have problems with welding or paint adhesion. However if I were making structural pieces and needed 18 gauge I think I'd take your advice and used cold rolled.
Cold rolled is more consistent, hot rolled has mill scale or can have. Cold rolled as a rule is not as brittle as hot rolled and has less tendency to fracture (crack) when being formed.
I use 18 ga EG (electro-galvanized) for floors and tunnels. It forms great, takes paint very well. I normally grind the plating off in areas to be welded, and weld with proper ventilation. On this tunnel cover, the front section is EG and the rear is cold rolled. Notice the difference in color.
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