Replacing rusty rocker panels - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Gigem · 02-04-2021, 06:25 PM

The only real rust on my 72 GMC is the rocker panels. I know the replacement panels are not very expensive, but I am not a body man by any stretch. What do you think the labor would be for a decent shop to cut out the rusty rockers and replace with new metal?

I don't want a bunch of time and effort put into the paint. Truck has original paint with a lot of patina. I don't care that the patches will show. Could be primer for all I really care. I am just wanting fresh metal in there.

Any thoughts?

Thealien · 02-04-2021, 06:30 PM

Here in MA I have been quoted $1500-$3500 per side not including paint. The shop I will be using is the one that quoted me $3500 per side. I have seen his work and he does quality work and does it correct.

Gigem · 02-04-2021, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thealien

Here in MA I have been quoted $1500-$3500 per side not including paint. The shop I will be using is the one that quoted me $3500 per side. I have seen his work and he does quality work and does it correct.

WOW! No chance I am doing that. My truck wouldn't be worth $7000 unless I had $5000 in the glove box.

Thanks.

**MikeB** · 02-04-2021, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gigem

WOW! No chance I am doing that. My truck wouldn't be worth $7000 unless I had $5000 in the glove box.

Thanks.

I did mine many years ago using real GM rocker panels. The old ones came out pretty easy. All you have to do is drill out the spot welds, and you can buy a special bit for that. I had a friend MIG weld in the new ones, and I primed and painted them using Dupli-color rattle can paint that matched my truck color.

The prices above are effing ridiculous. I'd say $500 total would be a fair price if you give the paint/body guy the rocker panels. Even at a shop willing to take on the job, I doubt it would be more than $1,000. I don't know about your area, but in North Texas there are more than a few body shop guys who moonlight.

Bones72Super · 02-04-2021, 09:10 PM

I could help or do it for you

custom10nut · 02-04-2021, 09:28 PM

Is there a detailed thread on this?
I have the means to do this work myself, but I’m apprehensive to start.
The reason for asking is that I’ve seen some pretty elaborate bracing in place to hold the cab square.
Are these needed?

**MikeB** · 02-04-2021, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bones72Super

I could help or do it for you

You and Gigem are neighbors, right? How cool is that?

Gigem · 02-04-2021, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bones72Super

I could help or do it for you

Cool! I will reach out to you to look at it when I am ready. Getting some wiring done at the moment. Thanks!

**landarts** · 02-05-2021, 02:59 PM

Here is the best rocker replacement thread on this forum by a very talented fabricator. You do not need to be body and fender guy to do this, just follow the steps and you can also buy paint in a spray can color matched at Napa Auto stores that have a paint department. Even if you get a few runs that can be buffed or wet sanded to look great.

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=271066

hugger6933 · 02-05-2021, 10:10 PM

OLSKOOL you sayin I am .01 percent lying? I think I can live with those numbers !!!!! LOL!!

May70 · 02-05-2021, 10:26 PM

I have instructional videos up on my youtube channel to do all of it if you want to give it a try.

OL SKOOL · 02-06-2021, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hugger6933

OLSKOOL you sayin I am .01 percent lying? I think I can live with those numbers !!!!! LOL!!

Jim my son had a body shop and i have been following you on the bodywork forum forever. Always good info Thank you.

hugger6933 · 02-06-2021, 10:09 PM

Thanks for the respect I try to help out

**MikeB** · 02-06-2021, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by landarts

Here is the best rocker replacement thread on this forum by a very talented fabricator.

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=271066

Man, that was some seriously bad rust! Nothing like that at all on my 69, even more than 20 years after replacing the outer rockers. Of course, it's been a Texas truck all its life, except for 4 years in Colorado.

ChevyRacefan · 02-06-2021, 07:26 AM

3500.00 per side.
puff puff pass.
7k for rockers.
Love to hear what the shop name is that quoted a price like that.

02-04-2021, 06:25 PM	#1
Gigem Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Lakeway, TX Posts: 335	Replacing rusty rocker panels The only real rust on my 72 GMC is the rocker panels. I know the replacement panels are not very expensive, but I am not a body man by any stretch. What do you think the labor would be for a decent shop to cut out the rusty rockers and replace with new metal? I don't want a bunch of time and effort put into the paint. Truck has original paint with a lot of patina. I don't care that the patches will show. Could be primer for all I really care. I am just wanting fresh metal in there. Any thoughts? __________________ 1972 GMC Sierra Grande (current truck) 1980 Chevy Stepside (gone) 1987 Chevy Blazer (gone) 1972 Chevelle SS Convertible (gone) 1973 Chevy Corvette (gone) 1967 Chevy Camaro (STOLEN!)

02-04-2021, 06:30 PM	#2
Thealien Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Pine Ridge Florida Posts: 4,125	Re: Replacing rusty rocker panels Here in MA I have been quoted $1500-$3500 per side not including paint. The shop I will be using is the one that quoted me $3500 per side. I have seen his work and he does quality work and does it correct. __________________ Click on my Not really a build thread, yet NOT SO RUST FREE RUST FREE BLAZER LS ENGINE SWAP INFORMATION THREAD BOLT RESTORATIONS 4l60 to an NP205

02-04-2021, 09:10 PM	#5
Bones72Super Registered User Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Lake Travis,Texas Posts: 769	Re: Replacing rusty rocker panels I could help or do it for you __________________ WTB 71-72 Original paint Medium Red hood WTB 1972 Very nice original Parchment seat belt set

02-04-2021, 09:28 PM	#6
custom10nut Registered User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: East Tn (In the heart of the Smoky Mtns) Posts: 1,882	Re: Replacing rusty rocker panels Is there a detailed thread on this? I have the means to do this work myself, but I’m apprehensive to start. The reason for asking is that I’ve seen some pretty elaborate bracing in place to hold the cab square. Are these needed? Last edited by custom10nut; 02-04-2021 at 09:37 PM.

02-05-2021, 02:59 PM	#9
landarts landarts Join Date: May 2005 Location: Star, Idaho Posts: 1,375	Re: Replacing rusty rocker panels Here is the best rocker replacement thread on this forum by a very talented fabricator. You do not need to be body and fender guy to do this, just follow the steps and you can also buy paint in a spray can color matched at Napa Auto stores that have a paint department. Even if you get a few runs that can be buffed or wet sanded to look great. https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=271066 __________________ Super Cheyenne aka the "Devil Cowboy" 71 K20 Idaho Edition 69 K10 from the Field 68 Second Chance Fix and Sale 72 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4 K2500 The "Fixrupr" build thread 72 Cheyenne 1/2 ton " FIXRUPR " - daily driver 67 C20 all original paint 71 K20 Custom 4x4 (Idaho Edition) 72 K20 GMC Super Custom 4x4 72 K20 Custom Deluxe 4x4 69 K10 Custom package 4x4 (69 K10 from the field) 72 K10 Custom 71 K10 Custom 72 K20 Custom Deluxe 4x4 72 K20 Crew Cab Project 71 GMC Jimmy CST 72 Blazer 70 Blazer

02-05-2021, 10:10 PM	#10
hugger6933 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Marianna Arkansas Posts: 7,279	Re: Replacing rusty rocker panels OLSKOOL you sayin I am .01 percent lying? I think I can live with those numbers !!!!! LOL!!

02-05-2021, 10:26 PM	#11
May70 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Hampton Roads VA Posts: 643	Re: Replacing rusty rocker panels I have instructional videos up on my youtube channel to do all of it if you want to give it a try. __________________ 70 C20 Build link : Project Montezuma http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=794479 How to repair that rusted out 67-72 c10-c30! Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/c/MaycoCustomRestorations

02-06-2021, 10:09 PM	#13
hugger6933 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Marianna Arkansas Posts: 7,279	Re: Replacing rusty rocker panels Thanks for the respect I try to help out

02-06-2021, 07:26 AM	#15
ChevyRacefan Registered User Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Newton,N.C. Posts: 317	Re: Replacing rusty rocker panels 3500.00 per side. puff puff pass. 7k for rockers. Love to hear what the shop name is that quoted a price like that.



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