MG T-ABC

I am a bit confused about which gauge steel was used for body panels. I am presently restoring the running boards on my TC. They measure 1mm thick but I am unsure if this is 18 or 19 gauge. The chart shows 18 gauge as 1.02 mm and 19 gauge as 0.91 mm.

Perhaps it is my measuring? even so, I would like to know what was originally used, please.


Ray.

Ray, Spec 259 lists the majority of body sheet metal as 20swg, silver finish sheet, both auto body normal and auto body bending type.
Others may be able to comment on what those details will mean to you.

Tom Wilson

Tom Wilson wrote: ↑

Tue Oct 25, 2022 10:22 am

Ray, Spec 259 lists the majority of body sheet metal as 20swg, silver finish sheet, both auto body normal and auto body bending type.
Others may be able to comment on what those details will mean to you.

Tom Wilson

Sorry, I have not heard of "Spec 259".

Doug Pelton has a copy (172 pages) to view online at FTFU website. Also TA and TB spec.

https://fromtheframeup.com/pages/mg-factory-manuals

Spec 259 is the list of all parts comprising a TC. Pretty thorough, it's a purchasing and costing department reference.
Hard to sort through but once you have an understanding of it Spec 259 becomes a valuable reference.
Tom

I am not sure British and American gauges are the same.?

UK and US gauge are not the same. I found that most of the body sheet metal was between US gauge 20 and 22. When I built my tub years ago, I used mostly 22 as it was easier to find. I could butt weld it without problem if I had to make patches for rust repair in the wings or running boards. The slight difference in gauge did not cause difficulties.

If the original running boards were made from 20SWG ( as per spec 259) then mine being 1mm are perhaps not original. .