Outer shell steel

[joesquid]

I've got a section on my Vendo 144 shell that needs to be replaced.  At one time a water fountain had been attached and over the years trapped moisture ate a good size hole in the outer shell.  I want to cut it out and weld in a new piece.  What type of steel should I use and at what thickness?
Thanks

I'd measure the thickness to find the gage, .0239"=24gage, .0209=25, .0179=26, .0269=23, these are the likely choices for thickness. Then you will want 1008 or 1010 sheet steel in the gage you measured. Mig weld it in and grind it flat. If it warps you may need to use a shrinking hammer. Try to keep the heat down.

Nate

[MoonDawg]

Warpage is almost inevidable, using a continuous weld.
I have found that beveling the edges of the metals, and spot welding the corners then the centers of the "patch", reduces heat needed.                                                            Tacking on a backing plate around the back of the patch makes it easy.                                                           The seams can then be filled-in cold.                         Glen