Quote:
Originally Posted by WildBillyT
Paul, isn't 16 gauge thicker than stock?
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I could not get a definite answer on the gauge, after hours of online searching, it appeared that going 16 would be ok, since i am only doing a flat patch section, no need for bead rolling and perhaps easier to weld. the difference was 0.05"(18Ga) to 0.063"(16Ga). I did manage to find Chryslers certification specifications for their sheet metal and it was ASTM A366. Plus with how easily the ram trucks are prone to rusting, I figured going a little thicker couldn't hurt and being that its a flat peice mainly with no beads rolled in or other structure to support the shape, thicker would maybe give more strength. If 16Ga won't work, then I'll just buy a sheet of 18Ga as well and make the panel out of that. The 1'x3' sheet of 16Ga only cost me a total of 13 bucks w/free shipping.(the sites pop-up ad shipping discount of 5 bucks off is actually a error and gives you $50 off shipping, lol)