Hat Channel Gauge?

[MorningOwl]

What gauge steel did you use for your hat channel? I've been calling metal fabricators to get a quote on making me hat channels. I got this quote today;
For 32 pieces 18" long, formed to a Hat Channel;


Option 1- 14 ga mild steel $446.65
Option 2- 14 ga. Galvanized $515.20


Do the new hat channels need to be the same gauge as the old to line up correctly? What gauge did you use in your hat channels? Thank you for your time.

[Bus'n it]

Curious as I am in the same boat. I was thinking the channels were 12 gauge on my 2003 BB All American

[Thong Ranger]

Originally Posted by MorningOwl

Do the new hat channels need to be the same gauge as the old to line up correctly? What gauge did you use in your hat channels? Thank you for your time.

I wouldn't go any thinner than OEM. I have no math or experience to back this up but it just makes sense.

I'm in the process of raising my roof also (planning) and I'm more concerned with how much overlap should be accounted for. I'm planning on overlapping the custom hat channel inserts to overlap the OEM inserts by at least 6 inches on either side of the cut.

[TaliaDPerkins]

Suggests 14ga to 13ga and for how you are using it suggest 1"x2" or better 1 1/2" x 2".