The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Bed Repair questions?

Howdy.. I have to repair some rust holes in my bed sides in the lower area above the step. It's a step side "64". What gauge of metal do you guys think this is, if you know right off? I got some 16 g from ol Lowes but it seems to be a little think. Do you think that will work out OK or am I about me mess up?

might work, but the most common body metal used is 20ga, some use 18 .... 16 is heavier than anything on yer truck stock

Bill

most all body and fender metal is 18 gauge. You really need to stay with the same gauge. If not you will have trouble welding the edges so that the patch will be level with the body.

Michael:
I use a cheap caliper from Harbor Freight to measure the thickness in inches. My Mig welder has a chart that converts it from inches to guage measurement. I would think that the bed sides and steps would be 16 guage from working on my stepside. They are definitely thicker than the sheet metal on the body. If you would like, I can measure tonight and let you know. Is it the step your are repairing on the bedside?
Regards,
Steve

Do you guys know right off where a person can get 18 g metal? The only place I know to look is the home improvement stores. My local parts stores do not have that sort of thing.

I've found that local hardware stores carry small amounts of weldable steel, aluminum, etc. If you have an Ace Hardware in your area - check them out. They have sheets of different gage steel.

Stepside bedsides are 16 gauge.
Look up steel suppliers in the phone book in your area. A lot of them will sell to individuals.

Steve, I will take you up on the offer to measure. If your still willing? Man, I would really appreciate it! The bed sides do seem thicker than the rest of the body parts but I am not the metal worker guy. I may try to get me a caliper at some point if I decide to keep doing this sort of thing. Thanks millions too!

All,

I got one side of my bed side repaired using the 16 ga stuff. It looks to be the same exact thickness. I got the first one a little too hot trying to get into too big of a hurry with the welder. That caused it to warp a little. I had some copper flashig doubled up under the thing and it still warped. I need one of those huge, 1/4 think, copper bus bars. I think that would have helped. Anyway, I pretty much had it back straight with the old hammer. I am starting on the other side tomorrow and will weld a few inches at a time and let it cool. I got plenty of other things to do while it cools. Thanks for the help and feedback.

Sorry if I am late getting back. It measures .060 inches which is 16 guage as the consensus mentions above.
Regards,
Steve

Michael,Weld a half inch at a time.If your repair area is big enough you can skip around but go slow and don't get in a hurry.As far as getting sheet metal,try some heat and air companies that make duct work.You don't want galvanized but they should also have paint grip and black steel.Chip