I've never used these but I wanted to pick some up for Z restorations.

A floor-pan or quarter-panel would probably be the biggest item to secure.... one at a time....maybe even a few to secure thicker ZG flares too as well as frame rail and rear valence.

What selection of cleco's and tools would someone with experience recommend from this site to do the above?

Clecos, Cleco Fasteners, Cleco Pliers for Sheet Metal, MRO Tools , Nova® Pneumatic Drills, Carbide Cutting Tools

Any suggestion of cleco tools? I am guessing the manual plier-like tool is fine.

What is the typical spacing when securing a panel?

Thanks!

Here are some pics I found.

They certainly look handy to hold the metal in place for welding.

Those pics look familiar

Philip, I would get the heavy duty PHD series. Some of the stubbies for hard to reach areas and i wish I had some of the PSG clamps-those are neat. Depending on how much sheet metal you are tackling at a time would determine how many. If you noticed I used more in the curved areas of the floor panel. Probably need 20 for one floor panel. I used 1/8" diameter for the lighter stuff and 3/16" for heavy stuff. The 3/16" was more then enough strong for holding floors and big panels. You could probably just get away with all 1/8" actually. A pair of hand pliers is all you should need.

Thanks Steve!

There are many former aircraft workers (Wichita KS) that were / are hot rodders that have used them for decades around here. Some were aquired by employing the 'lunch box' method. They are a very helpful tool that will make your job a lot easier and the work look much better.

Bonzi Lon

Unless you're doing a LOT of sheet metal work, the cost isn't justified. Just use self tapping sheet metal screws.

I have to disagree with you John. These are CHEAP for such a valuable tool.

50$ will save you tons of work . I bet I had my floor out 10 times fitting everything. You can hold a cleco in the pliers with one hand while you hold the panel up. Try that with screws and a cordless drill.

I can have the panel out in seconds.

"Lunch box method" - love it!