Automotive Sheet Metal Thickness?

[UGW]

Like the title says - what's the maximum metal thickness I'd encounter working on a 60's Chrysler? 1/4"? 3/8"? More?

I'm just learning to weld, and looking to buy a simple welder. This is a hobby, and I probably won't use it often. I don't ever plan to make a living from this skill, and I'm not going to be building railroad bridges over rivers - mostly just small repairs and minor fabrication, "driver" quality. So, I'm trying to figure out the maximum sheet metal thickness my welder would need to handle such that it can do what I need it to, but won't be overpowered, either. I'm also hoping for something that can run on 110V, so I don't need to install special circuits. Since this is just a hobby, I'd like to avoid overspending, but also probably won't be upgrading any time soon.

I'm not specifically looking for brand or model recommendations, just more like "if it can handle X thick steel, you should be fine".

 

[3C's & a D?]

The sheet metal used in the bodies of 1960's Chryslers is 18 gauge, just a little over 1 millimeter thick. Pretty much any welding machine on the market can handle that. A bargain basement 110 volt flux core mig will get you going without breaking the bank or having to add circuits to your electrical panel.

 

[73Coupe]

Typically when you go thicker than 1/4" you need 240 volts. Many new welders today can run on both 110/120 and 220/240.

 

[3175375]

I would be surprised if you need to weld anything for your car that’s thicker than 1/8”, 3/16” max.

I have a MIG and a stick/TIG welder that both run on 220. They are both Harbor Fright models… I usually use the wire in the MIG welder that has the flux in it.