Rebuilding rocker boxes stock vs custom? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Nightrider · 05-16-2009, 09:58 AM

My 71 Blazer is going to need replacing stock rocker boxes and some floorboard in the corners or custom fab work to make it strong enough to keep the top off. Anyone have a opinon on which way to go? I can do the work each way. Any pics of custom support work?

bouncytruck · 05-16-2009, 10:46 AM

I figure GM had a team of engineers on the project, so they probably devised something better than I could so I'd stick with stock.

1949gmc · 05-16-2009, 05:04 PM

What exactly is the purpose of the rocker boxes? Is it to stiffen up the body?

bouncytruck · 05-16-2009, 07:26 PM

There was a thread about the proper name and it was determined to be "torsion box". I've heard them called both. They are the structural support of the body when the top is off.

1949gmc · 05-16-2009, 11:09 PM

Wow. That was quite a thread. Thanks for the tip and I will now be calling them torsion boxes. Great info to have.

bouncytruck · 05-17-2009, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1949gmc

Wow. That was quite a thread. Thanks for the tip and I will now be calling them torsion boxes. Great info to have.

ditto!

hgs_notes · 05-17-2009, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bouncytruck

I figure GM had a team of engineers on the project, so they probably devised something better than I could so I'd stick with stock.

I think they devised something cheap, simple and just meets the requirements. There are always better, stronger ways to do things. If you look at what racers, off-roaders, etc. do with their stuff, you realize just how much some of what the factory did was inadequate for anything beyond driving down the highway. Considering that these vehicles are well past their expected usable lifetimes, re-inforcement in structural areas would not be a bad thing. Stress cracking, corrosion, poorly done previous repairs, and just plain wear and tear to crossmember rivets, bolts, suspension components, and the things that happen when someone takes it out for a nice romp in the field will weaken areas not seen. Putting stock replacement stuff on is good, but by no means should be considered the only or best solution.

bouncytruck · 05-17-2009, 11:47 AM

Since factory replacements only recently became available, I've seen a few creative solutions in the past. This is the only one I have pictures of.

Jimma · 05-19-2009, 10:48 AM

I am very interested in that picture....too bad that is the only pic you have.

I might end up doing something like that later down the road?

05-16-2009, 09:58 AM	#1
Nightrider Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Anywhere, Texas Posts: 253	Rebuilding rocker boxes stock vs custom? My 71 Blazer is going to need replacing stock rocker boxes and some floorboard in the corners or custom fab work to make it strong enough to keep the top off. Anyone have a opinon on which way to go? I can do the work each way. Any pics of custom support work? __________________ ] : - 71' burb,5.3,4wd 02' f350.7.3 00' F250-powerstroke 00' Roadstar 84' Eagle model 10 72' GMC 18' camery 12' ZX14R-

05-16-2009, 10:46 AM	#2
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,049	Re: Rebuilding rocker boxes stock vs custom? I figure GM had a team of engineers on the project, so they probably devised something better than I could so I'd stick with stock. __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

05-16-2009, 05:04 PM	#3
1949gmc Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Lindenhurst, IL Posts: 659	Re: Rebuilding rocker boxes stock vs custom? What exactly is the purpose of the rocker boxes? Is it to stiffen up the body?

05-16-2009, 07:26 PM	#4
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,049	Re: Rebuilding rocker boxes stock vs custom? There was a thread about the proper name and it was determined to be "torsion box". I've heard them called both. They are the structural support of the body when the top is off. __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

05-16-2009, 11:09 PM	#5
1949gmc Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Lindenhurst, IL Posts: 659	Re: Rebuilding rocker boxes stock vs custom? Wow. That was quite a thread. Thanks for the tip and I will now be calling them torsion boxes. Great info to have.

05-17-2009, 11:47 AM	#8
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,049	Re: Rebuilding rocker boxes stock vs custom? Since factory replacements only recently became available, I've seen a few creative solutions in the past. This is the only one I have pictures of. Attached Images __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

05-19-2009, 10:48 AM	#9
Jimma Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 32	Re: Rebuilding rocker boxes stock vs custom? I am very interested in that picture....too bad that is the only pic you have. I might end up doing something like that later down the road?



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