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#1 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Colorado
Posts: 1,075
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Questions about replacing rocker panels
I am talking to a guy about replacing the rocker panel below both the doors on my truck. He does a lot of work on street rods and makes most of his metal panels in his shop. I was planning on just getting the pre-stamped repair panels and having them replaced. Is there any reason not to do this? I don't do body work myself. He will charge me by the hour to do the repair. How long should it take a professional to cut out the old rocker and weld in the new one? Is it more involved than I think it is? Should I automatically expect to replace the inner panel while it is this far down? Thanks
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James |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: central pa
Posts: 1,525
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Re: Questions about replacing rocker panels
Depending on how good the guy is and exactly what he replaces, I would say labor would make his panel cost more IF he does the whole rocker. If he just does a cover over the old area his panel would be cheaper. How far is the rust on the panel? If it has moved to the front of the rocker under the fender the repair panel probably would be cheaper. I would say do the inners with the outers. Also check the cab mounts front and back because they rust about the same time as the rockers.
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72 longhorn c30 502BB/th400/fact air/4.11rear/ custom camper 72 bug(the better half's) under reconstruction 2009 HHR aqua blue 71 GMC k20 350/sm465 2009 Chevy hd3500 6.6 Victory Red crew cab dually Dave & Jeanne |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Concord, NC
Posts: 2,489
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Re: Questions about replacing rocker panels
Have the shop take some pics after he gets the outer rockers off, post them here and give us a look.
Chances are very good that if it has rusty outer rockers, the inners are rusty too. But anything possible. |
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#4 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Colorado
Posts: 1,075
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Re: Questions about replacing rocker panels
Well, the rockers are not real bad. But the rust bothers me. It is the only rust in the entire truck. Aren't the patch panels only about $25.00?
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James |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Concord, NC
Posts: 2,489
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Re: Questions about replacing rocker panels
That doesn't look bad. I would want to replace them too. I'd still want to be sure the inners are solid. You may want to clean everything real good while the outer rockers are off. After the new ones are on, use the access holes in front to shoot some rust preventive coating inside the rocker cavity.
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#6 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Deer Park, Tx.
Posts: 2,524
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Re: Questions about replacing rocker panels
Here are the problems you will encounter. The rockers go underneath the front fenders a bit so you will have to remove the fenders or risk bending them a bit when you unscrew them at the bottom and pull them out a bit. Removing the doors too will make it more accessible to weld near the front post area. You will have a lot of labor in removing the fender and removin and reinstalling the doors and realigning the panels. To actually install the rockers, I would say about 4-5 hours a side after your remove parts.
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#7 |
I am a Referee of life.
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Greensboro N.C.
Posts: 13,993
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Re: Questions about replacing rocker panels
I think pre stamped rockers are about $15.00 ea. and the inners run about $8.00 ea.It's a no brainer to do inners while you're at it.You would have to do outers again to do the inners later on.
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The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil" |
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#8 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: NC
Posts: 21
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Re: Questions about replacing rocker panels
Quote:
Is this a pretty simple job for me to do myself? I've never welded a thing in my life and assume I'll have to weld to put the new rocker panel on. If I need to have a pro do it, is it pricey? (sorry about hijacking this thread, but I found it doing a search, lol). ![]() |
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#9 |
Chevy Forever
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Dalzell SC
Posts: 314
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Re: Questions about replacing rocker panels
My only suggestion is don't buy the prefabs ones form LMC mine were poop.
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My first love 1971 C20 Hugger orange Getting face lift and heart transplant .30 402 BB /TH400 and GV Wifes car 1969 Chevelle SS 396 325hp/TH400 Factroy A/C Automatic w/ Floor shift console. restored. Last edited by AKChevyman; 10-24-2005 at 11:07 PM. |
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#10 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 894
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Re: Questions about replacing rocker panels
Quote:
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-Chris Building a stripper, one part at a time: 1969 K5, 307, 3spd, 3 seats, hard top. Added Pwr Discs, Pwr Steering, Aux Battery, T-case Skid, Lighted Sidemarkers, HEI, Lock-Right Diff, ECE Class IV Hitch, 32" MT/Rs. Parts to Install: Hand Throttle, Console, Tow Hooks, Dual Horns, AM-FM, Dealer Swing-Away Tire Carrier, Gas Tank Skid. Also building a 1950 Willys CJ-3A and off-roading a 2001 Nissan Frontier on 1-Ton Portals... |
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#11 |
Chevy Forever
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Dalzell SC
Posts: 314
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Re: Questions about replacing rocker panels
I dont' know I haven't bought nrw ones yet but I was thinking GMC Puals since everyone speaks so highly of his stuff I have delt with him before but not for body panels.
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My first love 1971 C20 Hugger orange Getting face lift and heart transplant .30 402 BB /TH400 and GV Wifes car 1969 Chevelle SS 396 325hp/TH400 Factroy A/C Automatic w/ Floor shift console. restored. |
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#12 |
More Cowbell....
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Puckett, MS
Posts: 3,569
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Re: Questions about replacing rocker panels
You might PM Ghetocrewzer to get a definate answer, but GMan and I went to his shop to check out the progress on the "Lowmad" suburban, and he praised the great fit of the rockers he bought.....and I am 98% sure he told us they were from GMC Paul's. We checked them out and the fit was great!
Here is a pic....
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There once was a member from Puckett.....Who ( fill in the blank blank blank ) bucket |
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#13 | |
Car Truck Bike Nut
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Suffolk Virginia
Posts: 850
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Re: Questions about replacing rocker panels
Quote:
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Snow free Florida panhandle, don't miss Indiana winters Temp in Suffolk Virginia, Sentenced 2 to 5 years LOL 68 shortfleet project 94 3500 TD dually ![]() so many cars so little time 72 K2 CST 2WD Blazer ![]() |
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#14 |
LAIDOUT
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: NW Montana
Posts: 928
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Re: Questions about replacing rocker panels
I believe unless you go to the effort and cost to purchase OEM replacement panels [if available at all], then most parts dealers are going to sell you the Triplus brand panels. The rocker is probably to closest fitting panel I have used so far vs. replacement A/B pillars, floor and cab corners. But you can never assume that you are just going to cut out the old outer rocker and weld on a new one without some modification of the new parts. Also it is very likely the inner rocker will be rusted too.
Good luck and show us some pictures during the process! |
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Farmers Branch, Tx
Posts: 1,009
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Re: Questions about replacing rocker panels
I bought one from GMCPaul and one from a local place. The one from GMCPaul was about 500% better fit and a much cleaner rocker. The local one was much thinner and had a lot of very sharp edges. The next ones I buy will definately come from GMCPaul. They are Tri-Plus I think and I am sure some of the other vendors carry the same ones.
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Farmers Branch, Tx
Posts: 1,009
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Re: Questions about replacing rocker panels
Also, I did not have to remove the fenders or the doors but removing the door would make it easier to weld and you could get to it with a grinder much easier.
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http://www.picturetrail.com/jwill41 67 1/2 ton GMC short step side 68 1/2 ton Chevy long fleet side 72 1/2 ton Chevy Suburban 99 1/2 ton Chevy Suburban founder (and only member) of the primer/clearcoat club |
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Mount Morris,NY
Posts: 788
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Re: Questions about replacing rocker panels
classic parts.com
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Dean 1972 Custom Camper c/20 5.3 LS swap in progress. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=610187 in God we Trust ![]() |
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#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Marianna Arkansas
Posts: 7,270
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Re: Questions about replacing rocker panels
I've got three trucks at my shop inline to build, all will be frame offs. The first 70 is in the shop now, I thought it was the best as far as the rockers were. I got one side off about what I thought, the other side that only exhibited a small sign of rust on the rocker was the worst one! it needed inners on both sides figure that ALWAYS and you can almost always also bet that the front lower pillar will need help as well. My rear pillars were good and all of the cab supports except the left front were good. Also you must check the floor over real good they are making a nice looking piece that goes from the pinch weld at the rear cab panel to the front floor board and over to the seat riser it is a nice floor patch. Jim
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#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Osceola, Ia
Posts: 2,017
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Re: Questions about replacing rocker panels
This thread has cob webs on it
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Shawn 68 chevy K/20 05 chevy 3/4 4x4 71 short step-sold ![]() 71 chevy Beauville van My build. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=633039 |
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#20 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Champaign, IL
Posts: 1,397
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Re: Questions about replacing rocker panels
Just installed inners and outers from GMCpauls... They were from Keyparts.
One note is that the factory rockers were not flush with the cab corners and front fender. If you attempt to perfect the fit and bring them flush like I did...then there is significant slicing and dicing to get the rest of it to fit and still be able to properly fit your weatherstripping. As hugger mentioned above.... the outer floor/inner rocker pieces are about $60 a side and were a pretty good fit for me. |
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#21 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: bolivar, mo
Posts: 839
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Re: Questions about replacing rocker panels
The problem you May have is--additional damage which cant be seen until the outer rocker is cut away. At the front edge of the rocker is the lower fender extension--these are usually toast as well. In addition, if you have a rust Hole--as your pic shows, you most probably Will have some inner rocker damage.
The original rockers (inner and outer) are butted together on the bottom and spot welded. No matter how good the fit, this allows water and contaminants to get in between the rockers----- what I did on mine was to weld the bottom joint solid---and coat everything with a rust preventer/encapsulator of your choice. We started off on my build planning on a simple $400. rocker replacement(inner/outer/fender extensions)-----by the time we were finished we had 71 hours of labor in and replaced Muuuuch more than I was bargaining for. My initiation into 67-72 trucks cost me right at $3K--just to get the rust out of the cab. Plan for the worst--and hope for the best.
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1997 shortie stepside 1968 short stepside 1966 mustang 1966 chevelle ss Dont always go the cheapest route--You can save yourself into the poorhouse! My Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=489030 |
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#22 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Rockwell, NC
Posts: 1,639
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Re: Questions about replacing rocker panels
Quote:
As cheap as they were (rockers were $14) I figured if they didn't fit or look right, I'd just get a different set.
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#23 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Klein Texas
Posts: 3,852
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Re: Questions about replacing rocker panels
It's only been 8 years. Let's hope he got them replaced by now
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My Classics: '72 K20 Suburban + '65 Dodge Town Wagon '72 Corvette Roadster +'67 Corvette Roadster '73 Z-28 Camaro '63 Ford SWB Uni Pickup '50 Ford Coupe |
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#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: formerly NY currentlyNC
Posts: 390
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Re: Questions about replacing rocker panels
depending where he lives they could have rusted back out by now...
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