Sheet metal gauge?

[serenitycamper]

Hello peeps

I'm wondering what gauge steel the original side panels are? I'm talking about the outer metal skin where the windows of the campers fit into.

Thank a yhooooo

[Plasticman]

Now why would you be wanting to know
mm

[dugcati]

originally VW would have used around the 18 gauge mark but over the years the repo stuff comes in a 20 even 21 gauge

[serenitycamper]

Well thank you for the information. Well I'm asking because if I find a tintop with windows, it won't have them for long!!

[Plasticman]

Ah well, thats one way to do it, I will then take my gauge out and measure one up for you, swg be ok?
mm

[serenitycamper]

Oh that's great. Yeah that'd be fine. Thank you very much.

[Plasticman]

taken a measurement on a factory door skin, this comes out at 19swg so about 1mm .ok so it has fractions as well but you aint goinng to buy sheet to that .
mike

[serenitycamper]

Thank u so my for that information, thats really going to help. 1mm it is.

I really appreciate this, thanks again.

[DavidPallister]

I take it you're going to weld a panel back in place of the windows?

Don't forget, the skin is curved slightly in both planes, not flat.

Dave

[serenitycamper]

Yes I know, going to fun isn't it!!

[Plasticman]

loads of fun...
you can roll it over something like an oxy bottle gently in both planes should be enough for what you need, you gonna spot an edge strip round it and spot this to the rear of the aperature or have you another cunning plan
mm

[serenitycamper]

That was what I thought, something gentle to put a slight curve into it. Yes I'm going to give it a flange...ehem....and spot it from the frot and the back, them seam it inch by inch; opposite side at a time.

Just for to get the van now!! It's like looking for a needle in a haystack!

[Plasticman]

Why seam it? panal cut 1mm undersize, 1"piece added all round 1/2" to infill 1/2! left then spot this as well, you would then have it filled with as good as no distortion and of course the lip would give reinforcement to the whole lot.
what you do with the minute gapo is up to you , if it was me I would lead it real quick and easy job done, remember you dont need structural strength you could fill the gap and it wouldnt be a bodge
mike

[serenitycamper]

Ok I will take it under advisement thank you for the advice however the slight snag is that I don't know how to lead!!

[Plasticman]

Ahh. ok ..not the best easiest place to learn then,
use a good metalic based filler for the skim,,as it will have new metal behind it will not flex, there is no worry from water from the inside as you will be sealing this as well so its only cosmetic.
mm