Roof raise sheet metal?

Frogpondfoug · 05-10-2019, 12:40 PM

Preparing for roof raise

Wondering what quage people are using to cover side of bus after a roof raise. I know I've read somthing about this before but cannot find it. Thanks in advance

o1marc · 05-10-2019, 12:56 PM

I used 20g, many here recommend 18g, but the 20g went up fine without oilcanning.

Frogpondfoug · 05-10-2019, 04:23 PM

Thanks, 20 Guage is cheaper. Hehe

EastCoastCB · 05-10-2019, 04:29 PM

Just don't go thinner than 20. Had someone bring me 22ga to patch some stuff. Man its just too flimsy.
If anyone in FL wants any 18ga hit me up. $65 for a 4x10.

Tango · 05-10-2019, 04:47 PM

Best bet is to use sheetmetal that is closest to the original. For most Skoolies, that will be around 16.

EastCoastCB · 05-10-2019, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tango

Best bet is to use sheetmetal that is closest to the original. For most Skoolies, that will be around 16.

Is your 46 16ga?
I used some 16 I got for free to patch a roof hatch hole and its definitely way thicker than the rest of the bus' skins. Did the job nicely though.
My subaru is 26ga! It feels weird its so flimsy and light. It dents if you look at it too hard!

Tango · 05-10-2019, 05:12 PM

Like a lot of Skoolies, mine is an oddball. Actually measures about 15 gauge. BB's are similar. I used 16 in some places and even 14 in a few others (window deletes, door skin).

Sleddgracer · 05-10-2019, 06:03 PM

correct me if I'm wrong - roof skin is lighter weight than wall skin because of the shaping that has to be done - if needed, I plan on getting a donor school bus shell for the sheet metal and hat channel

EastCoastCB · 05-10-2019, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sleddgracer

correct me if I'm wrong - roof skin is lighter weight than wall skin because of the shaping that has to be done - if needed, I plan on getting a donor school bus shell for the sheet metal and hat channel

That would be pretty expensive, and its easier to work with new steel, IMO.
What would you need factory hat channel for? Wouldn't you want it to fit into or onto the old stuff if you're raising it?

Sleddgracer · 05-10-2019, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

That would be pretty expensive, and its easier to work with new steel, IMO.
What would you need factory hat channel for? Wouldn't you want it to fit into or onto the old stuff if you're raising it?

you can get a stripped bus body for $1 ( plus cost of hauling it - I have my own trailer so that helps if I can't find a truck heading back this way with no load ) - I figure using the correct hat channel will save a lot of time and welding wire, over square tubing and angle iron to give something to fasten the skin to, and it would save a lot of drilling as well - used body panels are already primed for easy painting

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-other/s...ationFlag=true

o1marc · 05-10-2019, 07:07 PM

I mic'ed the 12" square that I cut out with the roof passive vent. It measures .040+", or 19ga. If I really get tight on the caliper I can get it down to .0385, if you take into consideration the paint on it I would say the roof is only 20ga.

Frogpondfoug · 05-22-2019, 06:30 AM

That same sheet is 165 here in MB Canada

Frogpondfoug · 05-22-2019, 06:33 AM

Decided to go with 18ga

TaliaDPerkins · 05-28-2022, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

Just don't go thinner than 20. Had someone bring me 22ga to patch some stuff. Man its just too flimsy.
If anyone in FL wants any 18ga hit me up. $65 for a 4x10.

Hi! What is the price now for 4x10, please?

EastCoastCB · 05-28-2022, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomDPerkins

Hi! What is the price now for 4x10, please?

I haven't checked in a couple years. I'll ask monday but I'd be expecting some sticker shock.
Looking online I've seen em as high as a buck fifty apiece.

TaliaDPerkins · 05-29-2022, 08:37 AM

Hard to believe online prices are the best I can get.

EastCoastCB · 05-29-2022, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomDPerkins

Hard to believe online prices are the best I can get.

Have you called steel suppliers locally?

TaliaDPerkins · 05-29-2022, 10:24 AM

The most local supplier hasn't returned my call. I will call them again.

DeMac · 05-29-2022, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomDPerkins

The most local supplier hasn't returned my call. I will call them again.

Fill out your location in the [User Profile] > [Edit Details] so that skoolies near you can chime in with additional info or a local source.

That's how ECCB found me. GAVE me several precut patches for the hatches, strobe, vent, & eight warning light deletes. All that, from filling out my profile. Good people found me.

(*Thanks again, Charlie!)

fo4imtippin · 05-29-2022, 10:54 AM

I just bought a 5x10 of 18g galvannealed for $225.
For reference, 18 Cold rolled 4x10 is $216.
16g Hot Rolled 4x10 is $156
11g Hot Rolled 4x8 is $226

This is from the lowest steel supply in town. My quotes at Alro and Metal Supermarkets were about 50% to double.. But they are great for partial lengths of material.

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