Tote Gote Model B Expanded Metal ?

[IronDuke]

My understanding is the original Tote Gote expanded metal screen covering the sides had strips of metal holding it in place with measurements of 1/16" thick X 1/2" wide. They were spot welded to the edge of the screen. The screen was 1/2" expanded metal ( 1/2" opening ). Are there any recommendations for sourcing the metal strips and expanded metal at a reasonable price. Also is there a specific 1/2" expanded metal specs to look for? For instance, is it say #13? https://www.industrialmetalsupply.com/flat-expanded-steel-sheet/fxm050134848

 

[Richard Trotter]

The metal strips were 1/8" X 1/2" and held on with screws

 

[IronDuke]

Thanks for the diagram and corrected metal strip dimension.
A 4ft x 4ft sheet of #13 flat steel expanded metal from the local metal supplier is about $60. My late brother-in-law had sheet metal covers on it.

 

[IronDuke]

I've traced patterns on cardboard in order to cut out the expanded metal. Not going to wrap it over the top though. Thanks again.

 

[Tote-gote]

My understanding is the original Tote Gote expanded metal screen covering the sides had strips of metal holding it in place with measurements of 1/16" thick X 1/2" wide. They were spot welded to the edge of the screen. The screen was 1/2" expanded metal ( 1/2" opening ). Are there any recommendations for sourcing the metal strips and expanded metal at a reasonable price. Also is there a specific 1/2" expanded metal specs to look for? For instance, is it say #13? https://www.industrialmetalsupply.com/flat-expanded-steel-sheet/fxm050134848

 

[IronDuke]

I've gotten this far with fitting the screens. Not exactly like the oem. Although I am using the already drilled holes and the #8x3/4" panhead sheetmetal fasteners that had been securing the old sides.

 

[Michigander]

I have a local scrap yard that lets clients wander through looking for metal for projects. It's hit or miss on any given day, but I have found lots of good bits of steel and aluminum, including pierced and expanded for different fabrications. And the tabs holding the side screens on my Tote Gote are spring steel to hold them in place.