That is ironic. The reason I began using factory sheet metal for repairs was a guy I knew who had a 1966 Mustang fastback. He noticed my 1968 Firebird and we talked about rustout. He told me he buys junk Mustangs and stashes factory sheet metal just for repairs. His exact words were "Forget fiberglass and that kind of crap. Only factory metal will keep your car solid and dependable". So true. When I got the Bonnewagon there was a lot of rot under the cargo area and the rear inner wheel wells. At the time I had a lot of second gen Firebird parts so I used the hood and some other parts for welding in patches. As I said, that metal was twice as thick as the wagon metal. Unfortunately all I have left is first gen Firebird parts, and I won't sacrifice those until my current Firebird project is finished.
But isn't the newer sheet metal that 'hardened' stuff? I remember on my 1999 Sunfire it was almost impossible to straighten out damaged metal because of that. Replacement was advised over trying to work the metal.
But isn't the newer sheet metal that 'hardened' stuff? I remember on my 1999 Sunfire it was almost impossible to straighten out damaged metal because of that. Replacement was advised over trying to work the metal.
Many more modern car bodies than G bodies use mixes of mild steel panels and various more exotic alloy panels. You need a factory body diagram of the car in question to know which panel is made of which alloy or treatments. I read that most harden steel steetmetal will crack if you use a O/A torch on it.
Many more modern car bodies than G bodies use mixes of mild steel panels and various more exotic alloy panels. You need a factory body diagram of the car in question to know which panel is made of which alloy or treatments. I read that most harden steel steetmetal will crack if you use a O/A torch on it.
Majority of bolt on sheet metal is not high strength steel. When you get into the main unibody, that’s where it tends to be used more. Now if it’s an alloy, or composite, that’s a whole different story.
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