sheet metal question???

[kaptnkaos]

Hey Guys,

Does anyone know if the sheet metal used for door skins is the same gauge as the floor pans ???
I have a couple of crunched doors and was wondering if I could use the sheet metal from them to cut a couple of patches for the floor-pan.

Thanks again...

KaptnKA S

[Ranchero50]

Feels about the same. Only 'problem' is the floor panels are stressed (bumps and ridges) to make them striffer.

Jamie

[kaptnkaos]

I just need to patch a small flat area near the kick panel and door seal...

probably a 4"x4" square would do it...

KaptnKA S

[rjewkes]

if its flat there then it may work.

[fordman]

i think you could use it. it would be better than using a beer can or something like that.

[4th effie n counting]

well a beer can wouldn't rust what about using a section of bed floor? wouldn't it be a bit more stout ?

[kaptnkaos]

Hey 4th effie n counting,

yeah, bed floor would probablybe stouter, but I don't have a spare bed to cut up... but, I do have a junk door...
Tha's why I was askin' if it was heavy enough gauge to patch the floor with.

KaptnKA S

[F100builder]

It'll work Kaptn. If the door is really junk, then cut your 4"x4" piece out of it and compare it with the offending 4"x4" piece cut from the floor. I'm betting it's the same. Did you know that Lowe's and Home Depot sell small pieces of flat sheet metal in several thicknesses? Just an FYI.

***edit*** I could say for sure as I have a junk cab (in about 7 pieces!) in my back yard and I could throw a set of calipers on it if you'd like.

[kaptnkaos]

That would be cool F100builder...

I still have a couple of things to do before I get to that point...
I got the new turn signal switch from NPD yesterday...
Hopefully we'll get some decent weather so I can get it installed
Then I gotta get the rest of the lights workin'...
For some reason when I plugged my camper in none of the lights worked...
I also need to mount the rear stablizer and hitch receiver...
I want to use the truck and camper next month...

KaptnKA S

[SteveC]

check to make sure you have power going back to the plug in for the camper...i know mine had power coming from the start sylinoid on the inner fender but that line was soo fraid i just unhooked it and did some thing else intirelly

[Kurt Combs]

Kaptn,

For a 4x4 piece you could use just about any sheetmetal laying around. Of course, the thicker the easier it is to weld to, within reason. You should be able to "massage" any 4x4 piece into the correct shape with a hammer and a board or the jaws of a vice. Have fun.

[kaptnkaos]

Thanks for the input guys...

I need to get in there with a wire wheel and get the loose stuff off and see what I really have to work with...
I don't know how to weld yet...
I am seriously considerin' takin' some classes...

KaptnKA S

[wt4speed#2]

hey Kap,
I used an old inner fender to patch mine . And I was learning to use my new welder. Kinda looks like bird poop on a paper plate but they are in there. So I would think door skins would suffice.

[Kurt Combs]

Ok, starting to learn how to weld on sheet metal will be an interesting experience. Do you know anybody who can show you how? If you can't find a mentor nearby, practice on some old, clean sheet metal before you tackle the floor of your truck. I can give you some basic advice (I ran a mig many years for a living), 1) You must move fast or the weld puddle will disappear before your eyes. 2) You want your parts to fit together tightly or you will "blow through". 3) Cleanliness is critical. 4) If using a mig with gas, no wind allowed. All that said, if you have experience stick welding plate metal, it is completely different from welding sheet metal with a mig. Be prepared to go-like-hell so you don't create too much heat and have the previously mentioned blow through. Good thing about welding, you can usually grind it off and start over.

[kaptnkaos]

I don't even have access to a welder...

The last welding I had done cost me $150.
That was on my bump trailer...
possibly a whole 18 inches of arc welding bead (8 short welds)
and about 24 inches of oxy/acetaline cutting on the frame.

KaptnKA S