High Strength Steel suppliers?

[asoomal]

Hey, does anyone here know where one can buy sheets of high strength steel in the 18-22GA range?

I've found a bunch of companies that make them, but it seems like it's only available to OEM's...

Thanks =)

Edit: And also, does anyone know what grade of HSS Nissan used for the floor panels and the inner sills for the S13s?

[PapaSmurf2k3]

I think I've always used McMaster-carr.

You could also try shapiro supply. http://www.shapirosupply.com/

The steel used in the S13 is basically low grade crap hahaha.

[asoomal]

Well, in the body FSM they specify where they used HSS but not which grade -.-

[Dattebayo]

Locally, we used Posner for our steel. They usually have everything we've ever needed.

[asoomal]

Looked through those websites, all they have is just regular grade stuff.

Seems like everybody carries just A1008 or A1011 sheet metal, unless I go with Corten sheets (50ksi+), but they're not cheap and I can't seem to find anything in small quantities. One company sells coils, one sells them in 48"x96" sheets -_-

I looked through my brothers MR2 repair manual last night and came across a section with information on the HSS they used. Toyota used HSS with an "intense strength" (that's how they described it lol) of 345 MPA, which is around 50 KSI. I still haven't found any information on what kind Nissan used, but since they're both made in the same year, in the same country, do you guys think they would have used the same grade of HSS?

[TheRoadShark]

Try Alro Steel, that's where we get our supplies. They might have what you're looking for. I think they can make stuff to order, too.
http://www.alro.com/divsteel/alrosteel.aspx

[asoomal]

Turns out, there was a supplier 5 minutes away from my house

Had to buy 4x8 sheets of each gauge, 16-22,but oh well. I was able to get them cut down to 1x2's and picked them up a few days ago from Makin Metal. What's even more awesome is that they had HSLA sheet metal in Galvanneal (it's what most automotive manufacturer use today), so I was able to add a bit more anti corrosion protection!

The tensile strength according to the salesman is between 50-60ksi.


Thanks for the suggestions =)

[4cefed]

I'm assuming you are patching up holes in the body or frame? What kind of welding procedures are you using? I thought welding HSS will weaken it. I'm only really asking because I'll have tons of patching to do when I restore my poor S13.

[asoomal]

From what I've read, spot welds won't affect it much.

However, running continuous bead does have an affect on it, which is why I try to do quick tacks with high heat. There isn't much you can do to keep it the same strength, but it'll be stronger than regular mild steel.