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Necoa #: 8714
Location: 15(AZ,NM)
Joined: Dec 21, 2006
Posts: 35
Year: 1975
Model: El Camino
Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 12:51 am Post subject: 73-77 A-Body Sheet Metal Thickness???
Does anyone here know the thickness of the sheet metal on these cars??? i got to do a little body panel work on a 73 olds 442 i bought but i don't know the thickness of the steel i will need any help will be appreciated... _________________ 4th Gen's Rock
Necoa #: 8714
Location: 15(AZ,NM)
Joined: Dec 21, 2006
Posts: 35
Year: 1975
Model: El Camino
Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 10:03 pm Post subject:
thanks Low75 i was guessing 16 or 18 gage but i wasn't sure i don't have any calipers to see for sure unfortunately... i have to replace 90% of the roof of the car and a good portion around the back windows it was a vinyl top car and it and 35 years weren't to kind to the old girl...lol _________________ 4th Gen's Rock
Necoa #: 4203
Location: 18(N.CA,N.NV)
Joined: Oct 30, 2004
Posts: 303
Year: 1975
Model: El Camino
Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 10:47 pm Post subject:
It's definitely not 16. Last year when I did my floors I wanted to use some 16 gauge to patch some areas but I found out it's too thick.
But yeah, those vinyl tops can really do some damage when moisture gets trapped under them. Good luck with the repair and post up some pics if you get a chance...I haven't seen too many 73-77 olds'. _________________ 1975 El Camino http://elcaminocentral.com/gallery-album_album358.html
Necoa #: 8714
Location: 15(AZ,NM)
Joined: Dec 21, 2006
Posts: 35
Year: 1975
Model: El Camino
Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 12:24 am Post subject:
I think i am going to get a small piece of 18 gage steel and see if it is the right thickness i am pretty sure it will work though... i will try and post some pics of my olds and some of my el camino the next time i get some free time maybe next weekend if all goes good... _________________ 4th Gen's Rock
Necoa #: 7195
Location: 17(S.CA,S.NV)
Joined: Mar 26, 2006
Posts: 853
Year: 1977
Model: El Camino
Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 8:34 pm Post subject:
Consider cutting a small piece from a bad area that your going to replace any way, take it with you to the supply house and they will guage it for you. Your going there anyway, as well as replacing also. Then you'll have an exact match, better for even heat when you start your welding I'd say.
What ya think? Maybe that would work for ya. Just a thought. _________________ http://elcaminocentral.com/gallery-album_CoyoteOn2s77Cage.html
Keep the Shiney Side Up
The Rubber Side Down !!
aka Larry
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