Panel Thickness

Just getting into welding. Well, if your going to own an old van, I suppose I had better!

Anyway, just wondered what gauge thickness most body panels are?
Managed to source some steel plate (for practice), 1.2 and 0.8 gauge.
1.2 easy to weld, bu the 0.8 is tough!

 

1.2 is a bit thick, .8 is better for panels. 1.2 is good for cab floors etc. .8 is much easier to shape and cut with tin snips.

 

Some of the repair panels klokkerholm make are thinner than 0.8mm.

 

and the morale of this story is.................
buy the better panels! i've found this out on several occasions

 

OK.

So under the van, 1.2. Bodywork, 0.8.
I have a patch to repair under the van, so 1.2 is fine.

0.8 was very hard to weld, kept blowing holes in it! But the 1.2 was very easy, nice clean lines

Any tips on welding 0.8?

 

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/thin-metal.htm

good little video on here demonstrating how!

 

Are you intending to butt weld the panel seams or use a joggler to put a little fold behind the weld. I know there are two schools of thought when it comes to this but personally I'm a fan of the joggled panel joint as there is a much firmer seam to weld to, with virtually no 'blow through' and it reduces distortion on long panels. I accept the risk of a moisture trap being formed behind the seam, but if you use a good 'weld thru' spray first and seam sealer after, then this risk can be greatly reduced. (I also body leaded the seam welds after)
No, its a joggler's life for me, hats off to all you 'butters!'

 

Thanks for the tips people.
Nice little video too!
All makes sense now.

I'll be practicing some more later

 

Read this post with interest as I've got to weld the hole where a sunroof has been put in my tin top.. Like the joggler idea.. Many thanks to all that have posted

 

Sorry to keep on but I've been looking into buying a joggler.. Which type is best.. A hand joggler or an air powered one? (not much price difference)

 

I have only used a hand joggler (an air one sounds great if it works ok) the one I have doubles up as a hole punch by twisting the head around. It works fine but you will build an awesome forearm muscle as I found it best to go along the seam with half pressure and then again with full pressure. I will now look out for an air one!!