Probably a simple question for most of you -- but does anybody know the correct gauge sheet metal BMC used for cars in the mid-60s? I've heard the early Minis (59-60) used a thinner gauge sheet metal, but what size was used after that?
I have a '66 and need to patch a couple small holes, not sure if it's 18-gauge or 19-gauge cold-rolled steel. Overall, the original sheet metal seems thin!
BMC Sheet Metal Gauge?
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Highnumbers
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360gts
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Re: BMC Sheet Metal Gauge?
Collin
You are pretty safe with 18 gauge...the 59 variants were much thinner...believe 21 or 23 gauge.
Know they weighed a lot less. Our race min was a 59. shell..almost 200 lbs lighter overall.
You are pretty safe with 18 gauge...the 59 variants were much thinner...believe 21 or 23 gauge.
Know they weighed a lot less. Our race min was a 59. shell..almost 200 lbs lighter overall.
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Highnumbers
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Re: BMC Sheet Metal Gauge?
Thanks Dermott. That was my first guess, good to have that confirmed.360gts wrote:Collin
You are pretty safe with 18 gauge...the 59 variants were much thinner...believe 21 or 23 gauge.
Know they weighed a lot less. Our race min was a 59. shell..almost 200 lbs lighter overall.
The biggest patch areas are two holes cut out of the rear seat bins that I assume housed a set of speakers. I'll get some 18-gauge sheet stock for this.
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mk1
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Re: BMC Sheet Metal Gauge?
Early shells WERE NOT made of thinner steel. This legend came about by the fact that early shells were lighter.
The reason they were lighter was that there were not as many parts in them, no inner A panels, no revised cill & floor arrangements etc.
The gauge of all Mini panels steadily got thinner & thinner throughout production as did all car panels, compare a modern panel to any 60's car & you can see the difference yourself.
M
The reason they were lighter was that there were not as many parts in them, no inner A panels, no revised cill & floor arrangements etc.
The gauge of all Mini panels steadily got thinner & thinner throughout production as did all car panels, compare a modern panel to any 60's car & you can see the difference yourself.
M