So I'm totally new to making shit with steel, but I want to build a couple of storage boxes for the Jeep out of sheet steel since it will give me welding practice too.
Trying to figure out how thick the steel should be and currently thinking 16 gauge... does that sound right?
What I'm thinking of would be basically a half box.... one sheet running from side to side across the back of the Jeep, butting up to the tail gate with another piece vertically closing off the 'back' side right behind where the rear seat would be. Basic idea is to have an enclosure that would be 'locked' by closing and locking the tailgate. I also want to be able to put stuff on top of the shelf tied down with bungee net if camping etc. so it does need to be able to hold some weight.
If I put some 1" angle iron as cross members from side to side for support is 16 gauge the right thickness? I want to be able to weld it and have it support some weight without doing what I usually do which is build it way too strong and heavy.
Trying to figure out how thick the steel should be and currently thinking 16 gauge... does that sound right?
What I'm thinking of would be basically a half box.... one sheet running from side to side across the back of the Jeep, butting up to the tail gate with another piece vertically closing off the 'back' side right behind where the rear seat would be. Basic idea is to have an enclosure that would be 'locked' by closing and locking the tailgate. I also want to be able to put stuff on top of the shelf tied down with bungee net if camping etc. so it does need to be able to hold some weight.
If I put some 1" angle iron as cross members from side to side for support is 16 gauge the right thickness? I want to be able to weld it and have it support some weight without doing what I usually do which is build it way too strong and heavy.