Correct Metal

[Dale Wray]

VERY new to old cars!!! I have a '48 3 passenger business coupe that needs some body work. Is 18 gauge galvinized steel ok to use for repairs? If not what is? It also has (2) backup lights, should there be only (1)? I have asked for help before and was happy for all of the kind responses.

Best regards,

Dale Wray

[Plymouthy Adams]

there are a couple arguements on galvanized metal repair..first is if you are welding the fumes are highly toxic and can get you messed up quick..second is the ability to have paint adhere to it good..special etching processes are needed. I would not recommend it for outer body metal..you can use I for floor pans if you have a fan blowing the fumes from you direction..do use a respirator..your call here completely.

For the average panel repair and such about the house on the old cars I like to cut out roof panels and the centers of the larger heavier truck hoods of donor vehicles for patching material..this stuff welds easily and is heavy enough for most all panels. Some times body shops will let you cart off an old dinged hood for the taking..

Edited October 26, 2011 by Tim Adams
spelling

[chopt50wgn]

There may be a metal supply place in your town. Check out the yellow pages or go to a restoration shop or a body shop and ask where they get their sheet metal.

I agree using galvanized is not recommended for patch work. Places where you can drill galvanized and pop rivet it is not a problem, but welding it can be dangerous along with trying to get primer to stick to it.

[Dale Wray]

Once again I have been given some good advice, info and great ideas. That is why I keep asking! Thank you, Dale

[JohnTeee]

Dale, if I remember correctly, the back up light was an option. My '47 P15 Convertible does not have one. My dad's '48 P15 Convertible has one, located on the left rear, er, would that be quarter panel? The strip between the fender and the trunk. Can get you a picture if you like.

If you have two, you're just more Special Deluxe! Now, if you have a radio and clock too . . . <grin>

There was a knob mounted under the dash for turning the backup light on and off.

Cheers!

John

[dezeldoc]

The correct metal would be 19ga. i forget the correct name for the steel, but it has a small amount of aluminum in to make it more pliable. most times it is hard to find so i use 18ga cold rolled steel.

[Rusty O'Toole]

Body shops use 20 gauge or 22 ga. 20 is heavier. Aluminum killed is the best for most uses.

Your auto supply stores should have it. Costs about $35 for a 3'X4' sheet.

[dezeldoc]

20 is to thin, better to go a smidge heaver then thinner.

[Rusty O'Toole]

I believe car bodies were originally made of 18 or 19 gauge, 20 is a hair thinner but easier to work, that is why it is used to make patch panels. 22 is even easier to work but I don't like it, it is too thin.

You could salvage metal from an old body panel but if you need to form it to shape it is very hard to rework.