I'm about to embark on a semi-frame restoration job and I was curious where you guys have bought your replacement metal. I'm looking to weld in new metal on the upper rear frame rails, in the trunk area, and also some areas under the rocker panel seam weld. I am also very open to any advice/input on what gauge thickness and material to use. Thanks for any help.

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Christian
87 Pontiac Fiero GT Burgandy/Silver - Under the knife
06 Cobalt SS/SC w/ LSD (the slow DD)

The easiest way is to find an non rusted donor car for parts. The other option is to weld in plates over the cut out rusted areas. I like the first option best.

as I recall , auto body steel "Used to be" about 22 gauge. But if you are replacing it, I'd use thicker "Galvanized".

22 for cosmetic, 18 gauge for structural. Any welding shop can generally supply you with the sheet metal you'll need... just look up "welding" in your yellow pages. Be very careful if you decide to buy galvanized steel since welding it is more difficult than plain steel and it gives off poisonous fumes. I don't recommend it.

Try not to go with anything thicker, that can make things more difficult unless you are an accomplished welder with experience welding thicker and thinner metal together, you may end up spending wore time fixing holes than welding metal to metal. As well as these cars are just like all the others the metal parts are part of the crush zones and made to absorb the damage. and not crumple other parts. like said any welding shop will have any gauge metal sheets you need.

Steve

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Technology is great when it works,
and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't



Detroit iron rules all the rest are just toys.

[This message has been edited by 84fiero123 (edited 05-12-2014).]

Try some auto refinish/paint suppliers; I think some of them sell patch metal that is specific for auto repair work.

Scrap steel yard, look in the phone book (or try a Google Search for your area).

quote Originally posted by 84fiero123: Try not to go with anything thicker, that can make things more difficult unless you are an accomplished welder with experience welding thicker and thinner metal together, you may end up spending wore time fixing holes than welding metal to metal. Steve

x2. When I was welding on my firewall and trunk I spent more time burning holes!

I go to the metal recycler in town. It ranges from about $0.59-$1.50 per pound. You have to take it in the shape or size that it is in or they charge $1.00 per cut (at this place anyways).

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-Brian

My 87 GT Poly Suspension Upgrade (all pics) thread
Removing the roof panel
My HUD install thread
Modified stock air canister and base to 3.5 inch for 3800na

Isn't it strange that after a bombing, everyone blames the bomber, his upbringing, his environment, his culture, his mental state but … after a shooting, the problem is the gun?

[This message has been edited by MulletproofMonk (edited 05-14-2014).]

Or save yourself a bunch of hassle, and pick up a southern or west coast frame and call it a day I have seen many rust free cars up for sale for dirt cheap, and it is a lot less hassle to transfer your interior or panels than fighting the uphill battle against rust.

Good luck with the project