- Joined
- Oct 27, 2016
- Posts
- 3,260
- Reaction score
- 9,307
- Location
- MO
- First Name
- Spencer
- Truck Year
- 1971, 1̶9̶7̶4, 1976, 1979,1̶9̶8̶5, 2002
- Truck Model
- Dart Swinger, Sierra 10, C10 Cheyenne, C10 Big Ten, Silverado 10, Ram 2500
- Engine Size
- 225/6, 350 c.i., 350 c.i., 5.9l Cummins
It was suggested in my 79's thread to do some How to's, so here is one on making a basic patch panel.
First is to cut out the ugly, after that is done, make a quick template, some card stock or cardboard works well, cut it out with scissors, doesn't need to be perfect as the metal can be shaped to perfection.
I find it helps to use a tracing type marker like this to get a closer and crisper edge. Although having a variety of sharpie markers, pencils and pens are useful too.
If there is anywhere to spend a little $, spend it on good cut off wheels. Get thin wheels 0.045 or thinner. I personally like 3m's silver cut off wheels and recently started using Weiler's Tiger Zirc wheels, which are about 0.040 thick, they work very well and last a long time due to their structure.
I avoid big box store wheels as they cost too much, too thick (typ 1/16"), and break down too quickly.
https://www.amazon.com/Weiler-Tiger-UltraCut-Cutting-Wheel/dp/B075S3QZKM?th=1
https://www.amazon.com/3M-Silver-Cut-Off-Wheel/dp/B078F5FMP2?th=1
First is to cut out the ugly, after that is done, make a quick template, some card stock or cardboard works well, cut it out with scissors, doesn't need to be perfect as the metal can be shaped to perfection.
You must be registered for see images attach
I find it helps to use a tracing type marker like this to get a closer and crisper edge. Although having a variety of sharpie markers, pencils and pens are useful too.
You must be registered for see images attach
Then trace it out on the metal. For my homemade patches I use 18 gauge cold rolled steel, whereas most commercial patches are made from 19 gauge metal, which doesn't make any difference at all when welding. Some people prefer using 20 gauge sheet stock as its easier to shape, I personally think it is a little on the thin side and may cause issues when welding. When doing stretching operations the metal will get thinner where it has been stretched, so with 20 things can get really thin.
You must be registered for see images attach
You must be registered for see images attach
If there is anywhere to spend a little $, spend it on good cut off wheels. Get thin wheels 0.045 or thinner. I personally like 3m's silver cut off wheels and recently started using Weiler's Tiger Zirc wheels, which are about 0.040 thick, they work very well and last a long time due to their structure.
I avoid big box store wheels as they cost too much, too thick (typ 1/16"), and break down too quickly.
https://www.amazon.com/Weiler-Tiger-UltraCut-Cutting-Wheel/dp/B075S3QZKM?th=1
https://www.amazon.com/3M-Silver-Cut-Off-Wheel/dp/B078F5FMP2?th=1
You must be registered for see images attach