Hot Rods Sheet metal thickness

Guys, what is the best thickness to use for making a trans tunnel? This one shouldn't cause much controversy. Thanks!

 

20 Gauge should be enough,that's what I used. HRP

 

I prefer using 18g.

 

I use 18ga.

 

18 gauge here too.

 

The one we made for Richards Chevy is 18 gauge. HRP

 

I use 20 gauge for smaller parts, for a whole floorpan 18 gauge won't need as much beading for strength.
Now a related question; what are people paying for sheet metal? If I bring cash to the steel yard and don't need a receipt, I get a 4' X 10' sheet of 20 gauge hot rolled for $40. I think that is reasonable.

 

that is is damn cheap us a 4x10 20 ga hr is about 60 bucks here around st.louis tom

 

Ok thanks guys. I have a 4X4 sheet of 18 ga so I guess I have what I need. Thanks.

 

I used 18ga. on my trans tunnel and if I'd had 20 I would have used it. 4x8 sheet of 18ga. was $75 last time I bought one.

 

18

 

18 cold rolled.

 

20 for the tunnel, easier to form and the curved shape gives it plenty of strength. 18 for the flat floor sections.
Never saw hot rolled thinner than 16 ga;
but,then again, never thought hot rolled was useful for automotive sheet metal.


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I use 19gauge (1mm) but that is freely available here - if it weren't I'd choose 18 over 20.

 

I use 18 ga for all floors and firewalls, built a heavy duty bead roller so I have no problem with that part.
.If you dont have access to a slip roll, it might be eaiser to form 20 ga for a tunnel.
SPEEDY

 

I picked up a sheet of 4 x 8 18 gauge to make Brenda's sign frame for her Flower Shop last week and it was 64 bucks. HRP