Changing Rocker panels and steps - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

stepdog · 01-11-2013, 03:40 PM

First time posting on here.Have a 55 2nd series and am starting cab work.Need to replace rockers with steps, inner door pillars and small pieces of floor. Was wondering how you find and expose the spot welds to remove the steps. Any info in replacing these would be great.

Russell Ashley · 01-11-2013, 03:49 PM

I could see most of my spot welds so that wasn't a problem. You can try running a sanding block across the area where the spotwelds are and they usually become visible.
Here's some videos that might help you out:

http://www.webrodder.com/article.php...9&SID=60&CID=7

http://www.webrodder.com/article.php?AID=493&SID=60

http://www.webrodder.com/article.php?AID=494&SID=60

http://www.webrodder.com/article.php...5&SID=60&CID=7

http://www.classictrucks.com/tech/08.../photo_01.html

OrrieG · 01-11-2013, 04:44 PM

Factory assembly manual shows all the weld locations and assembly sequence. Good investment.
Posted via Mobile Device

_Ogre · 01-11-2013, 06:14 PM

as orrieg mention the factory assembly manual is a good tool for rebuilding your truck.
if the replaced panel is on top i would typically grind thru the spot weld and top metal to get to the underlying metal
i didn't document my build with pics as well as some of the builders here, look around and read some of the builds.
lots of pics of what your asking about

stepdog · 01-20-2013, 08:12 PM

So if the step to be replaced is on the back of the floor lip can i still drill out the welds from the front . Isnt the whole idea of the spot weld bit getting away from drilling the good metal? It will be easier but will it be a problem welding up the holes?

OrrieG · 01-20-2013, 08:44 PM

You only drill out enough to break the panel loose. I do not use a spot weld bit, I start with a regular bit a little smaller than the weld and gradully increase the size until it is loose. The hole then becomes the place for a plug weld to the new panel. When panels overlap I use screws thru both panels to hold them in place, then weld the screw holes too. Grind them flush and you are good to go.

stepdog · 01-20-2013, 08:49 PM

Thanks. Im a little bit intimidated by the job but once I start I think Ill be okay

01-11-2013, 03:40 PM	#1
stepdog Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: vermilion bay ontario Posts: 20	Changing Rocker panels and steps First time posting on here.Have a 55 2nd series and am starting cab work.Need to replace rockers with steps, inner door pillars and small pieces of floor. Was wondering how you find and expose the spot welds to remove the steps. Any info in replacing these would be great.

01-11-2013, 03:49 PM	#2
Russell Ashley Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lawrenceville, Ga Posts: 2,648	Re: Changing Rocker panels and steps I could see most of my spot welds so that wasn't a problem. You can try running a sanding block across the area where the spotwelds are and they usually become visible. Here's some videos that might help you out: http://www.webrodder.com/article.php...9&SID=60&CID=7 http://www.webrodder.com/article.php?AID=493&SID=60 http://www.webrodder.com/article.php?AID=494&SID=60 http://www.webrodder.com/article.php...5&SID=60&CID=7 http://www.classictrucks.com/tech/08.../photo_01.html

01-11-2013, 04:44 PM	#3
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: Changing Rocker panels and steps Factory assembly manual shows all the weld locations and assembly sequence. Good investment. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project

01-11-2013, 06:14 PM	#4
_Ogre Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Motown Posts: 7,680	Re: Changing Rocker panels and steps as orrieg mention the factory assembly manual is a good tool for rebuilding your truck. if the replaced panel is on top i would typically grind thru the spot weld and top metal to get to the underlying metal i didn't document my build with pics as well as some of the builders here, look around and read some of the builds. lots of pics of what your asking about __________________ cool, an ogre smiley Ogre's 58 Truk build how to put your truck year and build thread into your signature shop air compressor timer

01-20-2013, 08:12 PM	#5
stepdog Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: vermilion bay ontario Posts: 20	Re: Changing Rocker panels and steps So if the step to be replaced is on the back of the floor lip can i still drill out the welds from the front . Isnt the whole idea of the spot weld bit getting away from drilling the good metal? It will be easier but will it be a problem welding up the holes?

01-20-2013, 08:44 PM	#6
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: Changing Rocker panels and steps You only drill out enough to break the panel loose. I do not use a spot weld bit, I start with a regular bit a little smaller than the weld and gradully increase the size until it is loose. The hole then becomes the place for a plug weld to the new panel. When panels overlap I use screws thru both panels to hold them in place, then weld the screw holes too. Grind them flush and you are good to go. __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project

01-20-2013, 08:49 PM	#7
stepdog Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: vermilion bay ontario Posts: 20	Re: Changing Rocker panels and steps Thanks. Im a little bit intimidated by the job but once I start I think Ill be okay



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