Rust in my 83 GMC rockers
 

My 83 GMC has been outside it's entire life. When I moved off for about 10 years, Dad tossed a rock through the back glass with a mower, and parked it around back with a tarp over the busted window. Over the years I'm guessing debris/leaves etc got in there and kept things moist, so I have some rot.

My question is, what all needs to be cut out here? I see replacement panels are cheap and all of them are available, but I haven't cut into a GM like this before.

Who makes the best panels? I know in the Jeep world they are NOT all created equal. Classic Enterprises is the go-to for Jeep panels. Is there a supplier for these squarebodies that makes a superior product?

First three pics are of the driver's side. The 3rd pic is where the floorpan meets the kick panel under the e brake.

Re: Rust in my 83 GMC rockers
 

Passenger side. Initially I didn't think it was as bad, but after cleaning it out a little it was rotting too.

I've wire brushed everything and painted phosphoric acid on it now which will hopefully slow things down until I can cut out the rot and weld in new metal.

Re: Rust in my 83 GMC rockers
 

I have a Rust free GMC cab. Its pretty much stripped . You could use it or cut what you need from it. $200 cash. It still has the back glass . The windshield is cracked.In located 11 miles west of Pocahontas Ar at the Hwy 90 &93 jct. PH 1-870-248-9172

Re: Rust in my 83 GMC rockers
 

What I need would probably be much easier to just get replacement panels and weld in. No need to replace the whole cab.

Thanks though! I'm a far piece south of you or I'd come up and poke around that thing for parts though! LOL

Re: Rust in my 83 GMC rockers
 

Go to youtube find the videos by milkcrate82 I think. Floor replacement on a square body
Hard to tell from your pics. Kick panel obviously some of the floor pan. without looking at it could be inner rocker and cab mount. Near your rust in the pic all 3 tie together

Re: Rust in my 83 GMC rockers
 

Found it. Thank you for the details.

Floor pans are solid. Basically the rust is on the sill where the weather stripping is, and possibly along the seam where the floor pan and kick panel meet.

Out of curiousity, what causes rust in the floor pan/ kick panel seam? Guessing it has to rust from the outside in, as there aren't any leaks allowing water in up in the cab/ firewall.

Re: Rust in my 83 GMC rockers
 

I cant answer your question but my 75 is rusted in the same spots.

Re: Rust in my 83 GMC rockers
 

Mine rusted in the same place also. Looks like you will need a new outside rocker to start. I bought mine from Classic and it fit well. Not much to replacing it just decide how much you want to replace and cut accordingly. here is my project.
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