rocker panel pic - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

*Randy70C-10* · 12-06-2002, 07:33 PM

Here's a pic I promised Dubie, it's how I did away with my rocker backing plate. I was told "you can't do that", well bullllllllllsh!t, I did it. The floor comes all the way over to the rocker lip. I'm going to have the inside of the cab linexed all the way over the ledge. The rocker is welded solid all the way around. I haven't seen it posted on here before, so I thought you all would like to see.

JHickson6 · 12-06-2002, 07:41 PM

Sweeeet, Awesome job Randy, wanna do mine?

red71cheyenne · 12-06-2002, 07:45 PM

Does anyone actually use the backing plates? I thought it was some kind of afterthought. All they do as far as I can tell is allow the rockers to hold crap and rust them out. I'm leaving them off my truck. Of course the Blaze is another story. Jeff.

dashadow · 12-06-2002, 08:00 PM

Excellent work! Going to remember this when I have to do mine. Be tough to match your handiwork though. I mean that is REALLY nice work!

stllookn · 12-06-2002, 08:05 PM

What are you going to do about the lower door seal? Doesn't it sit over the top edge of the rocker? I can't tell if you just brought your floor into the step section or straight across to the top of the rocker. It looks good...BTW I like floor in your shop too...very clean!

Sorry...read it again and you did come over to the top of the rocker. So what are you going to do about the lower door seal?

red71cheyenne · 12-06-2002, 08:14 PM

I did mine a little different. I left the backing plate off, but brought the floor up to the edge of the rocker and welded it below the lip. That way I still have the lip for the door seal. Don't know if you really need the seal on the bottom except for noise. Jeff.

*Randy70C-10* · 12-06-2002, 09:27 PM

Thanks guys!! There will be no place for the lower seal. I'm going to linex (or rhino line) the inside of the cab from the floor up the sides 6 inches. I'll actually be able to hose out the truck if I want. I've also closed in the inside corners of the cab and included drain holes.

stllookn · 12-07-2002, 09:01 PM

LOL!!!! That is why I bought a van with rubber floor mats and vinyl seats...so I could hose it out after the wife and kids got done trashing the inside!!!!! Carpet is highly overrated!

Hooter · 12-07-2002, 10:03 PM

Why did chevy put backing plates in in the first place? Thats some good work you have done there! I hate having carpet in my worl trucks. My F#$d has a rubber floor, it gets dirty, I spray it all done with a hose!

*Randy70C-10* · 12-07-2002, 10:50 PM

I never understood anything about the way they designed the floor, rockers, and backing plate. I guess it just makes a good place to store the mud and leaves.

NSANE68!!! · 12-07-2002, 11:32 PM

NICE JOB!!! I did the same thing I could'nt see any purpuose of the backing plate, Except maybe to help promote rust. Kinda like the cab courner buckets and the bucket under the front fenders that catches mud and battery acid. Then lets not forget the DRIP RAILS that are notorios for rusting and spreading into the cab. Sorry I'm rambling. I agree with leaving the backing off, and drill holes in the bottom of the cab corners and front fender pockets, put some screen in there this will help drainage and cut down on rust in future. As for the drip rails SHAVE EM.

da-burb · 12-08-2002, 02:08 AM

The backing plate is there for structural support. It is the only vertical metal (think of it as an I beam) out there that can carry the weight of a person standing on the rocker panel or the outer edge of the floor. It also ties the front cab support to the back cab support for added rigidity. I think you would be surprised what that little piece of metal actually does for the cab.

lofly'a · 12-08-2002, 04:41 AM

i agree on the point of the backing plate needed for support, so when i replaced the rockers, i welded in the back in lattice fashion as racers do to unboxed frames. they do it to allow the frame to flex but still provide support. i did it initialy because a 68 i had was bent badly because of rust and the portly previous owner, so when i replaced them i welded 1" x 1/8" flat stock in x patterns where the backing plate was.

1971LT1SWBPOSI373 · 12-08-2002, 11:00 AM

Hey that's some really nice work there Randy!!!!! I agree with leaving the backing plate off, at least that way you can get it under coated or Rhino-coated. The backing plate is a poor design, and is a great place for water to sit and start the corrosion process. I also agree with the structural concerns.... which is the worse evil????? My '71 is still waiting for ya.... so hurry up and get it done!!!!!!!!!!!! TJ

*Randy70C-10* · 12-08-2002, 04:51 PM

I'm pretty sure I haven't sacrificed the structural integrity of the cab. Everything is welded up solid, all the way around. I figured that the compound bends of the rocker alone would give the cab enough strength. (This is the first time I've done this) The cab started out as a rust bucket anyhow, so I figured what's the worst that can happen? Not sure, but I'll let you guys know when it does.

Thanks for the comments!

mrein3 · 12-08-2002, 06:40 PM

A guy I know that runs a pretty big local body shop says he always leaves the backing plates off of rocker panel jobs on truck cabs.

When I get to mine I plan to leave holes big enough to accept the end of my pressure washer and/or garden hose. That way you get the structural support and they won't rust up again.

ebfabman · 12-08-2002, 06:53 PM

Randy, just a thought, what are your cab supports welded to if there is no backing to the rocker?

Rocker backs are structural support. I'd be real Pissed if I got my truck back from the body shop to find they put rockers on and left the rocker backs off.

*Randy70C-10* · 12-08-2002, 08:08 PM

Like I said, the truck was a rust bucket. There was no support, in fact, there wasn't much floor either. A good portion of the floor in the pic, including the tranny hump was cut from my 72 before I junked it. I'll have to post some pics, it's kinda hard to imagine what I've done to make this work, but you did bring up a point that I didn't notice before. I'll have to do some more thinking, I'll let you know what I come up with. Thanks.

12-06-2002, 07:33 PM	#1
Randy70C-10 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va. U.S.A. Posts: 15,320	rocker panel pic Here's a pic I promised Dubie, it's how I did away with my rocker backing plate. I was told "you can't do that", well bullllllllllsh!t, I did it. The floor comes all the way over to the rocker lip. I'm going to have the inside of the cab linexed all the way over the ledge. The rocker is welded solid all the way around. I haven't seen it posted on here before, so I thought you all would like to see.

12-06-2002, 07:41 PM	#2
JHickson6 I Love This Stuff! Join Date: May 2002 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 739	Sweeeet, Awesome job Randy, wanna do mine? Attached Images __________________ My Rides 1967 C10 In Pieces for now 1985 Ford B700 SourPuss Bus - BIG BLUE 2003 Silverado CITY WORKER YELLOW!!

12-06-2002, 07:45 PM	#3
red71cheyenne Back in the sticks Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Fordland, MO Posts: 3,188	Does anyone actually use the backing plates? I thought it was some kind of afterthought. All they do as far as I can tell is allow the rockers to hold crap and rust them out. I'm leaving them off my truck. Of course the Blaze is another story. Jeff. __________________ 1971 Cheyenne C-10 w/700R4 and Tuned Port Injection 1969 K5 Blazer w/Tuned Port 2010 2SS/RS Flaming Orange Camaro 2011 K1500 Suburban 2014 K1500 Pickup 2008 Nissan Altima? The wifes' hoopty

12-06-2002, 08:00 PM	#4
dashadow Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Alabama Posts: 90	Randy70C-10 Excellent work! Going to remember this when I have to do mine. Be tough to match your handiwork though. I mean that is REALLY nice work! __________________ '71; 250; 3 on a tree GMC

12-06-2002, 08:05 PM	#5
stllookn Saving 1 truck at a time! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 6,465	What are you going to do about the lower door seal? Doesn't it sit over the top edge of the rocker? I can't tell if you just brought your floor into the step section or straight across to the top of the rocker. It looks good...BTW I like floor in your shop too...very clean! Sorry...read it again and you did come over to the top of the rocker. So what are you going to do about the lower door seal? __________________ '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 400/TH400 '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 468/TH400w/buckets '72 C20 Halfhorn (Longhorn w/o cab and front clip) '69 Flxible Cruiser (look up ugly in the dictionary) Last edited by stllookn; 12-06-2002 at 08:09 PM.

12-06-2002, 08:14 PM	#6
red71cheyenne Back in the sticks Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Fordland, MO Posts: 3,188	I did mine a little different. I left the backing plate off, but brought the floor up to the edge of the rocker and welded it below the lip. That way I still have the lip for the door seal. Don't know if you really need the seal on the bottom except for noise. Jeff. __________________ 1971 Cheyenne C-10 w/700R4 and Tuned Port Injection 1969 K5 Blazer w/Tuned Port 2010 2SS/RS Flaming Orange Camaro 2011 K1500 Suburban 2014 K1500 Pickup 2008 Nissan Altima? The wifes' hoopty

12-06-2002, 09:27 PM	#7
Randy70C-10 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va. U.S.A. Posts: 15,320	Thanks guys!! There will be no place for the lower seal. I'm going to linex (or rhino line) the inside of the cab from the floor up the sides 6 inches. I'll actually be able to hose out the truck if I want. I've also closed in the inside corners of the cab and included drain holes.

12-07-2002, 09:01 PM	#8
stllookn Saving 1 truck at a time! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 6,465	LOL!!!! That is why I bought a van with rubber floor mats and vinyl seats...so I could hose it out after the wife and kids got done trashing the inside!!!!! Carpet is highly overrated! __________________ '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 400/TH400 '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 468/TH400w/buckets '72 C20 Halfhorn (Longhorn w/o cab and front clip) '69 Flxible Cruiser (look up ugly in the dictionary)

12-07-2002, 10:03 PM	#9
Hooter My other Love Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Castlegar B.C. Canada Posts: 4,085	Why did chevy put backing plates in in the first place? Thats some good work you have done there! I hate having carpet in my worl trucks. My F#$d has a rubber floor, it gets dirty, I spray it all done with a hose! __________________ Castlegar B.C.The great white North (Canada Eh!) Hooter_5@hotmail.com First generation Monte Carlo club pictures of my life

12-07-2002, 10:50 PM	#10
Randy70C-10 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va. U.S.A. Posts: 15,320	I never understood anything about the way they designed the floor, rockers, and backing plate. I guess it just makes a good place to store the mud and leaves.

12-07-2002, 11:32 PM	#11
NSANE68!!! SLICER AND DICIER Join Date: May 2001 Location: Quuen Creek Posts: 1,383	NICE JOB!!! I did the same thing I could'nt see any purpuose of the backing plate, Except maybe to help promote rust. Kinda like the cab courner buckets and the bucket under the front fenders that catches mud and battery acid. Then lets not forget the DRIP RAILS that are notorios for rusting and spreading into the cab. Sorry I'm rambling. I agree with leaving the backing off, and drill holes in the bottom of the cab corners and front fender pockets, put some screen in there this will help drainage and cut down on rust in future. As for the drip rails SHAVE EM. __________________ 01 Tahoe 22's 2/4 drop and tv's 68 chevy money pit 51 chevy belair 95 Honda 900RR 05 GMC Siearra (company truck)

12-08-2002, 02:08 AM	#12
da-burb "Ochre Ogre" Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Springfield, MN Posts: 3,558	The backing plate is there for structural support. It is the only vertical metal (think of it as an I beam) out there that can carry the weight of a person standing on the rocker panel or the outer edge of the floor. It also ties the front cab support to the back cab support for added rigidity. I think you would be surprised what that little piece of metal actually does for the cab. __________________ Bowtie Truck Stop Inc. Mid-West GM Truck Restoration Parts Supplier Your Key Parts, Auto Metal Direct, Dynacorn, and Goodmark dealer. like us @ www.facebook.com/BowtieTruckStop 1971 C-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1971 K-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1972 C-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1972 K-20 Suburban (Yellow- that just aint right!) Springfield, Minnesota 56087

12-08-2002, 04:41 AM	#13
lofly'a Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Alexandria, LA 71301 Posts: 1,451	i agree on the point of the backing plate needed for support, so when i replaced the rockers, i welded in the back in lattice fashion as racers do to unboxed frames. they do it to allow the frame to flex but still provide support. i did it initialy because a 68 i had was bent badly because of rust and the portly previous owner, so when i replaced them i welded 1" x 1/8" flat stock in x patterns where the backing plate was. __________________ -02 avalanche (daily driver) -66 gto ragtop 389/400 (garage queen, hand-me-down from dad) -72 Tribute Trans Am (6.0LS/T56 6-speed) in progress -2003 YUKON (Wife's) -71 gmc swb fleet (current project, gonna shave everything, bags, stuff w/ 20's, gen III powertrain) -48 3100 SWB - 12/31/23 LONG TERM Project

12-08-2002, 11:00 AM	#14
1971LT1SWBPOSI373 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, VA Posts: 460	Hey that's some really nice work there Randy!!!!! I agree with leaving the backing plate off, at least that way you can get it under coated or Rhino-coated. The backing plate is a poor design, and is a great place for water to sit and start the corrosion process. I also agree with the structural concerns.... which is the worse evil????? My '71 is still waiting for ya.... so hurry up and get it done!!!!!!!!!!!! TJ __________________ 1971 Shortbed 350/350 w/ Posi-traction 3:73's 1996 Chevy Silverado TJ in Springfield, Virginia Likes old Chevy trucks Drinks Miller MGD

12-08-2002, 04:51 PM	#15
Randy70C-10 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va. U.S.A. Posts: 15,320	I'm pretty sure I haven't sacrificed the structural integrity of the cab. Everything is welded up solid, all the way around. I figured that the compound bends of the rocker alone would give the cab enough strength. (This is the first time I've done this) The cab started out as a rust bucket anyhow, so I figured what's the worst that can happen? Not sure, but I'll let you guys know when it does. Thanks for the comments!



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12-08-2002, 06:40 PM	#16
mrein3 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Center City, MN, USA Posts: 3,254	A guy I know that runs a pretty big local body shop says he always leaves the backing plates off of rocker panel jobs on truck cabs. When I get to mine I plan to leave holes big enough to accept the end of my pressure washer and/or garden hose. That way you get the structural support and they won't rust up again. __________________ '70 cab, '71 chassis, 383, TH350, NP205. '71 Malibu convertible '72 Malibu hard top Center City, MN

12-08-2002, 06:53 PM	#17
ebfabman Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Concord, NC Posts: 2,488	Randy, just a thought, what are your cab supports welded to if there is no backing to the rocker? Rocker backs are structural support. I'd be real Pissed if I got my truck back from the body shop to find they put rockers on and left the rocker backs off.

12-08-2002, 08:08 PM	#18
Randy70C-10 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va. U.S.A. Posts: 15,320	Like I said, the truck was a rust bucket. There was no support, in fact, there wasn't much floor either. A good portion of the floor in the pic, including the tranny hump was cut from my 72 before I junked it. I'll have to post some pics, it's kinda hard to imagine what I've done to make this work, but you did bring up a point that I didn't notice before. I'll have to do some more thinking, I'll let you know what I come up with. Thanks.

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