Nbs Vs F150 Metal Thickness

[fish4fun]

I was wondering what type of gauge our nbs Silverado metal is. I had an F250 before this truck and downsized form a 06 F250 to NBS 07 Z71 4x4 Lt2 Extended cab. I know for a fact that the gauge on the F250 was thicker. I also compared my uncles F150 to mine yesterday and his truck didn't flex as much.

 

I can take the door handle and push it in a little. The reason I know this is becasue I was installing the chrome door handles and push on them to make sure they were secure.

 

Anyone else notice this?

[asilverblazer]

No offense but I don't think that is a very accurate way to test metal thickness/gauge.

 

Calipers or dial indicator or the like would be the best bet.

[unit731]

Someone on this board must have data available about thickness of sheetmetel.

 

I'd like to see data since the 1940's and when the sheetmetal thickness changed over the years.

 

 

I remember standing on the front hood of my 1950 Dodge Wayfarer and making no dents or indentations. Of course, I was somewhat lighter then.

 

Sheetmetal thickness must be published someplace.

 

I think it comes in rolls. Large rolls. And from I remember reading, Korean rolled steel was cheaper as there were more imperfections in the metal - less time spent in the processing or some such wording. That's why one would see the Korean cars rust earlier than other brands.

 

I have no idea if US manufacturers use US made steel or imported steel.

[redvett]

How the metal is formed is more important than the thickness. A curve or bend i sheet metal gives it strength not thickness. Pretty much the sheet metal on all MFR's vehicles are the same gauge and their all galvanized & have E-coating for rust proofing.

[67ChevyRedneck]

It seems like with every new generation pickup the metal gets thinner and thinner. I'd expect to see similar results on the new 09 F-150.

[jrrod2004]

It seems like with every new generation pickup the metal gets thinner and thinner. I'd expect to see similar results on the new 09 F-150.

 

 

Maybe this will help, and maybe it wont:

 

 

(FROM GM)

 

 

Thickness__GM_.pdf

Thickness__GM_.pdf

Thickness__GM_.pdf

Thickness__GM_.pdf

[fish4fun]

No offense but I don't think that is a very accurate way to test metal thickness/gauge.

 

Calipers or dial indicator or the like would be the best bet.

 

Yes I agree a gauge would be the way, just didn't have one in my pocket:)

[Zembonez]

The alloy composition of the steel has changed over the years. Regardless of this fact, the metal is weaker for sure. The bed rails on my GMT900 are so soft that you can't even lean on one without denting it.

 

I remember the 88-98 style trucks were much stronger. Even my 01 and 05 trucks were better.

 

I suppose GM would say they are this way because they are lighter... but they don't get any better gas mileage.

[jrrod2004]

maybe because of bigger horsepower???? I dunno

[jnpaddison]

i kinda enjoy the flex/wobble in the rain catcher of my hood (GMT900 Sierra) at vehicle speed ..

[redvett]

Irregardless GM LD trucks are the leader in fuel economy and have been for over 25 years.

[unit731]

It seems like with every new generation pickup the metal gets thinner and thinner. I'd expect to see similar results on the new 09 F-150.

 

 

Maybe this will help, and maybe it wont:

 

 

(FROM GM)

 

 

Thickness__GM_.pdf

 

 

 

I read it, thanks.

[VMax2007]

maybe because of bigger horsepower???? I dunno

 

Good point! My 2007 GMC Crewcab Vmax 6.0 with 367 HP gets better mileage than my 1989 GMC Reg Cab 5.7 with 225 HP got, at least 2 mpg better. Some say they aren't any lighter even after all of these "weight reduction" changes in sheet metal, etc. But keep in mind, all of the safety stuff they have added over the years (airbags, Stabilitrak, etc) aren't weightless either.

 

I guess thinner sheet metal is the price we pay for safe, powerful trucks as compared to yesteryear's "dent-proof" trucks.

[jrrod2004]

well said jeff

[pottercon]

They are saving money on the sheet metal and quality, to give us heated windshield washer fluid, rain sense wipers and heated cup holders. There's no way these trucks will still be on the road in 20 years.