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Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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| | | | Joined: Oct 2000 Posts: 244 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2000 Posts: 244 | I want to cover some of the larger firewall holes in my 1953 GMC. What gauge sheet metal should I use? I plan on using screws or small bolts and nuts to attach it. | | | | | Joined: May 2015 Posts: 11,067 Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums | | Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums Joined: May 2015 Posts: 11,067 | The original metal was 19 gauge, which can be hard to find. I've used 18 gauge for patches, which is just a touch thicker.
If you want a cleaner look, you should butt weld the patches in the holes.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truckFollow this saga in Project JournalPhotos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 3,441 Moderator - The Electrical Bay | | Moderator - The Electrical Bay Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 3,441 | I welded the holes in the firewall of my 36. I used whatever I had laying around for the larger holes, and the small holes I just welded in, well over 70 of them.
Another quality post.
Real Trucks Rattle
HELP! The Paranoids are after me!
| | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,983 Sir Searchalot | | Sir Searchalot Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,983 | Does not matter what gauge you use. You can use steel or aluminum.
Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. - William Penn
| | | | | Joined: May 2015 Posts: 11,067 Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums | | Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums Joined: May 2015 Posts: 11,067 | Does not matter what gauge you use. You can use steel or aluminum. 1/4" inch plate might look a little funky.  But if bolted in place, any thickness could be used. If welded in, only use steel.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truckFollow this saga in Project JournalPhotos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together. | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,983 Sir Searchalot | | Sir Searchalot Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,983 | If metal is inside of firewall, you won't see the thickness. Welding a fitted patch would be the best option but bolting will cover the holes. That's the goal. Keep the fumes out.
Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. - William Penn
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