Battery Box repair

[azopelnut]

I am doing some rust repair in the engine compartment on my 73 Ascona. I have made patterns for the battery box area and the opposite side where the AC hoses pass into the cabin. There are also some holes in the inner fender wells.
QUESTION
What gauge should my patch panels be? Typically its easier to weld when the patch is the same gauge as the affected area.

[RallyBob]

OEM sheetmetal is metric-sized, so you won't readily find an off the shelf substitute in the US. I usually use 20 gauge for the battery box, and 22 gauge elsewhere.

Bob

[tomking]

Charles Goin, AKA GoinManta on this site has made battery box repair panels for the Manta and has them for sale. You could save some work by buying from him.

[Redskinsjbs]

I decided to build myself a new battery box so that I could save myself some money (my time isn't worth very much, but it only took a little over an hour to do).

Battery Box Build Explained on Vimeo

Battery Box Build Explained on Vimeo

Battery Box Finished on Vimeo

Battery Box Finished on Vimeo

[blancojp]

Originally Posted by RallyBob OEM sheetmetal is metric-sized, so you won't readily find an off the shelf substitute in the US. I usually use 20 gauge for the battery box, and 22 gauge elsewhere. Bob

For better or longer lasting repair, battery boxes we build out of 18 gauge. It is convenient however due to the availability of small 18x12 panels at Home Depot.