Pre galvanised or plain mild steel for resto

[Duncan23]

I spoke to the steel stockist today about getting some sheet to make into my new floorpan (and offcuts to practise welding on). They asked whether I wanted pre-galv or CR4. What do you guys think I should use?

Pro galv:
increased protection when actually in the car
less rust while sat in the garage
No need to treat as soon as it's installed

Con:
slightly more expensive
care/cleaning needed when welding?
difficulty getting paint to stick


I don't thing it should be any harder to cut/shape than CR4. Maybe there would be fewer offcuts, but that doesn't really matter...

Have I missed anything? What's the consensus here?
Cheers
Duncan

[millieman]

Being in the metalwork game and having restored a few i would use zintec which is fully weldable, leaving good protection after welding. Cold reduced is prime quality but after welding the oil is burnt off allowing surface rust within hours.

[MattNoVAT]

I would ALWAYS go for the best material I can afford.

If it's rusted once it means that area is prone/susceptible.  So even if it's a little more expensive to buy it protects your initial investment and the overall car.

Ask yourself this: Do you possibly want to re-visit the same area for a later repair because materials used in first repair are more prone to rusting?

[Duncan23]

I did some research and discovered zintec is significantly more convenient for welding and painting than pre-galv (you don't have to gind the coating off to weld it!). Unfortunately, the supplier didn't have zintec, but they can order it for me. So I got some CR4 off-cuts to practise welding/shaping with and I'll measure up and order zintec in the right sizes when I'm happy with my technique.
Thanks for the useful info.
Cheeers
Duncan

[rodney3010]

Duncan
What thickness are you using for your floorpans?
Rodders

[Duncan23]

I'm gonna try 1.6mm - if it's impossible to work and I want to put the grooves in I might go down to 1.2. Not decided how important the grooves are yet...