15 replies to this topic

[Natminiman]

Hi all, would like some advise on what is the correct thickness/gauge sheet metal i need to buy, mainly to repair boot, single skin areas. Thanks.

[Guess-Works.com]

unless you can get sheet steel cheap, buy the repair panels.... it works out cheaper...

[danrock101]

you can get a whole boot lid for £10

[Ethel]

You could persuade your local scrappy to flog you a big old bonnet for a few quid to cut up - fridges 'n washing machines are good too.

About 20 swg is the actual answer.

[LukeH]

I purchased a 8x4 foot sheet of 0.8mm mild-steel from my local metal supplier for £30 cash. It is sufficient for most fabrication/repairs but not all. As it is not always possible to purchase the correct replacement panels I would say that it is a good thing to do, if you know what you’re doing with fabrication.

Luke.

[sonikk4]

Old school measurements for floors etc 18 swg or for chassis work 16 swg, for metric i'm currently using 1.5mm which for a sheet 8ft x 4ft cost me £20 from a metal fab shop in Hailsham. I'm using this for floor panel sections/patches, bracketry, wheel arch repair sections. This matches most of the metal thickness that i'm replacing

0.8mm is too thin anywhere from 1.2mm to 1.5mm is better and is still very easy to form, fold etc plus you won't be blowing holes through it quite so easily.

[midridge2]

very suprised at the last reply, cars with a chassis are 16swg for the chassis sections.
all the mini panels that i have measured (original panels) are between 21/22 swg.

[mini670]

Got some sheet from a local supplier, spec was 1mm, but actually measures up about 0.92mm. It was a 2m x 1m sheet, cost me £20 cash.

[camp freddy]

see if you can find somewhere that does van to minibus conversions, we do
and I have used the window cut outs for some repairs, good as it
is a suitable thickness , zinc plated/primered and sprayed so protected well.
And you may get it for next to nothing...

Edited by camp freddy, 03 February 2010 - 10:37 PM.

[adamhasacooper]

^^yes, i always get free window cut-outs from work..nice big flat panels

[sonikk4]

very suprised at the last reply, cars with a chassis are 16swg for the chassis sections.
all the mini panels that i have measured (original panels) are between 21/22 swg.

Well unless i've been sold a pup the metal i purchased does match the thickness of the the floor sections and arch sections. I have not tried to use it for door skins, wings, rear quarters. When i go back to work i'll micrometer the steel i've got.

I only used the 16 swg as a reference for chassis work which as we all know the mini does not have (only the subframes.) It was only intended to be used as a guide and not to miss lead anybody.

[sonikk4]

Righto time to stick my hands up and apologise, just found my receipt and the metal is 1.22 mm and not 1.5mm as i previously stated.

The floors and arches must be thicker though as the repair sections i have let in match perfectly. The door skins do look thinner along with the rear quarter panels so i would assume the wings and A panels are the same.

[midridge2]

No probs, we all make mistakes, its easy done.

[Guess-Works.com]

I'm going to have to find a different sheet metal supplier...

[camp freddy]

I'm going to have to find a different sheet metal supplier...

very cheap i'm with you guess works