proper sheet metal for bodywork?

[lemming303]

I'm about to start trying to patch some spots on my car and was wondering what sheet metal to buy. I would assume you.don't really want the stuff from lowes....

What thickness and what alloy should I use? Thanks

[MoparCar]

Yeah forget lowes. Got to a local metal/steel supplier. It is so much cheaper. Just get a 1/2 or 1/4 sheet of 16, 18 and 20 gauge sheet metal. 16 is only for more structural areas. Get yourself a sheetmetal thickness gauge with the slots in it and see what you need.

It really is cheaper at a metal supply house. You can get a 1/2 sheet 4' x 4' for what you'd pay for a tiny piece at Lowes or HD.

Wes

[elitecustombody]

 for simple patches that will be butt-welded use 18 ga, for tricky pieces, curves  use  20 ga 

[lemming303]

Does the alloy matter?

[72cudamaan]

you are simply looking for cold rolled.
19 ga. for any body panel replacement.
14 ga. for all structural.
bottom line.

Yeah, and good luck finding 19 gauge.
Just use 18 and 20 as needed. Common sizes available everywhere

[lemming303]

Thanks for the help yall.