I have a very simple question where can i buy sheet metal? Can someone give me some venders that I can get sheet metal from and what gauge thickness do i need. I plan on fabricating a sheet metal dash and doing some patch panels for some rust spots on the body.

 

Most repair panels are like 18 gauge or 22 gauge, but I prefer 16 gauge myself. Factory is closer to 18 I think. There should be a local steel place near you. There is some places online you can buy from, but I don't recall offhand. I know there's one that ede backs, so maybe he'll chime in.

Mathius

 

Hard ware store, or craft store.

 

^ Only if you want to pay double or triple. Grab the yellowpages and look up Steel supply. Or go here and look up the type of business (steel distributors) in the area you live.

 

www.onlinemetals.com is where I go when I can't find something local. Seems to be decently priced, but shipping can get costly.

I think mcmaster-carr also carries all that stuff.

 

Local fab or sheetmetal shop would be easiest on your wallet. I picked up a 4' x 10' sheet of 18ga galv. sheet for $45 & some change friday. A 2' x 2' 26ga galv piece from RuralKing is $16 IIRC for a comparo. price.

18ga is more than strong enough for patch panels. 20ga is your general body skin metal thickness. Framing is mostly 18 and 16 in a few places.
20 or 22ga would be easier to brake/bend for a custom dash....
just my opinion though.

 

look up art iron, ryerson, or central steel for suppliers. usually way cheaper to buy a sheet than to pay to have a piece cut. check out local fab shops in your area too.