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Spitfire Spit body metal thickness?

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AustinJim

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Hi all,
I'm going to be patching a small rusted through place behind the left side door on a 78 Spit. It's only about 3"x6" so I'll fabricate my own patch panel. I need to get some metal to create the panel and I'm not sure I can accurately measure the existing metal thickness due to the curve of the body. Does anyone know the thickness of the metal at this point?
Thanks!
 
1) Use steel, not aluminum (I've seen lots of jobs where people rivet aluminum behind the hole and bondo over it. The dis-similar metals react and promote rust)

2) How are you going to attach it? Weld? Rivet behind? If riveting behind, the thickness won't really matter, right?

3) Pick up a micrometer if you need to know the exact thickness.
 
Thanks for the reply. I think I will use rivets and panel adhesive, since I don't think my welder will go to low enough power not to burn through. I have a micrometer but I'd like to double check my measurements so that's why I'm asking about the thickness. I'd also like to hear any opinions on panel adhesives. I have heard of them from 3 manufacturers: 3M, SEM and Eastwood.
Thanks!
 
Hello Jim,

it should be 20 gauge sheet. That is Birmingham wire gauge, so i don't know if your gauge is the same? From memory I think that is 0.036", see how your micrometer compares, the curve is so slight it shouldn't be that far out.
If you can try and joddle the patch, that is to put a z shape in section of the steel so it sits flush with the door itself.

Alec
 
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