Step down perimeter frame

kamzack

Need to know what gauge the perimeter frame is.
Thanks in advance,
Kim

Kdancy

there was a link to a discussion and pictures on the old forum where some one was welding a perimeter frame in place. I can't find it now ----
Here is one link for frame supports added.
http://www.classiccar.com/forum/discussion/102042/another-step-down-frame-question-49-brougham
Here is the thread I was looking for- some good info on frame repair
http://www.classiccar.com/forum/discussion/144567/brads-52-hornet-sedan-build-thread

RL Chilton

19 gauge.

kamzack

Thanks Russell,
I've got 3 small holes I need to patch and wanted to use same gauge.
Kim

Kdancy

Where does one buy 19ga steel ? I haven't been able to find any in years. 18-20 seems to be what is normally available.

[Deleted User]

Go ahead with the heavier gauge unless you can find used material from another Hudson. That was extra tough steel they used on the Hudson frame and body. That is part of why it was so light for its size.
Roger

Snailslayer

Volkswagen also used 19 gage on thier panels pre 70. Might be easier to find a VW donor for 19ga. It may not be the same as the special Hudson metal, though.

[Deleted User]

I have a whole bunch of this .036" thick metal that matches 19 gauge specs. It was sold to me as 18 gauge, but I was told they actually were selling a gauge down because the Chinese demand for scrap steel was pushing the prices up, thus they cut corners by selling 19 gauge as 18 gauge. How big a piece do you need? I have like about 30 square feet. 4 peices are 24X 30, one is 30 X 48. Kenneth

bobdriveshudson2

Wondering what city and state Kenneth is in? If close, would to like to buy some. Thanks, Bob

bent metal

Something got mixed up here. 19ga is going to be what "most", not "all", body panels would be made of. If you want some, then order 18ga, they will give you 19ga and if you question it I suspect they will tell you there are only even number gage sizes. But it will measure closest to 19ga. ...Anyhow, back to subject. The parimeter frame is going to be thicker material. About .065" or .070". I don't remeber which. I always measure the metal and go to the metal store and ask for that size. Don't go by "gage". Bring the calipers with you, tell them what you want, get as close as you can to that size.

Knu21hotmailcom that is 20ga material. Right for some body panels, but not all. 19ga is .041. Usually measures closer to .042.

[Deleted User]

Actually, it measures about .050", my old dial caliper had the copper slide guide bar come loose and fall out, thus the false readings. Re-checked with my newer Mitutoyo caliper. The sheet metal i have and the Perimeter frame at the rear wheels measure about .050" gve or take a couple thousands. KenU in Tx.
PS:This stupid new forum doesn't let me use my original Classiccar.com name or email, had to open and try three new email accounts before this new format finally let me in. The old one was far better. Kenneth

RL Chilton

Sorry, my fault for the confusion. 19 gauge is floor pans and most body panels. Outside of perimeter frame is usually 15 gauge (around .055).

Those of you that said metal only comes in even-numbered gauges are partially correct. They are actually only nominal. As Ken pointed out, take your calipers with you and buy what you want. You can actually find 19 gauge by going through a stack of 18 gauge and a stack of 20 gauge and finding the thickest 20's and the thinnest 18's. 19 gauge is actually right around .042.

I have found as much as .015 difference from one sheet to another in a stack of sheetmetal that is supposed to be all the same.