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Need to know what type of steel used in electro-galvanized steel

I need to know what type of steel is in the electro-galvanized steel sheets GM uses in the J-body cars, specifically the 2003 Chevy Cavalier car doors? Does anyone know the gauge of the Zinc? Or the gauge of the steel sheets? I am trying to also find out if this metal expands with thermal heat. At what temperature does the electro-galvanized steel sheets start to expand and by how much. My father is needing to know. Thanks, Jo

Jo Cooper
hobbyist - Magnolia, Texas, USA
March 26, 2009

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Hi, Jo. All metals expand essentially linearly with temperature increase. So there is no "cutoff point". It will expand by about as much going from 50 F to 100 F as it would contract going from 50 F to 0 F. The coefficient of thermal expansion for steel of all gauges is roughly 0.000007 in/in/deg F. The coefficient of thermal expansion of zinc is a little over twice that, but it's probably not going to be able to stretch the steel. Please don't work to keep the question abstract, because it interferes with our ability to help you. In other words, what is your father trying to figure out and why? Thanks!

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
March 30, 2009