Rocker replacing... yikes! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

XXL · 06-07-2002, 08:21 PM

I've given up on the International Brotherhood of Overpriced Bodymen and have decided to tackle rockers and cab corners on my own. What's the worst that could happen... I spend many many hours on it, screw it up, and have to pay somebody else double to do what I should have had them do the first time?

So... I just pulled the passenger rocker off to survey the job, and so far it seems fairly straightforward. Any suggestions from you seasoned rocker-replacers out there???

Here's some preliminary pics...

Rocker off. Hey, nice rust!

Quick test fit. It fits great... no 20# intimidator required. I hope this is a good sign.

Kenneth

*racedvl* · 06-07-2002, 10:08 PM

I replaced my own rockers. Am I totally happy. No really.

But it looks better than this!!!!!

70 Jimmy · 06-07-2002, 10:18 PM

Treat all the rust with POR-15 or something. I'd be wary of that inner rocker and just replace it too. They are easier because you don't have to make it pretty. Also, tack it in then test fit your door to make sure your straight. Good Luck and way to go.

**chevy71super** · 06-07-2002, 11:05 PM

Put the door back on and adjust the door and rocker to where they fit. I repeat put the door back on and adjust the door and rocker to where they fit. I could repeat it again but you get the point. Tack weld the rocker and take the door back off it you must. I adjusted my rocker up and down but did not have it our far enough on the front where it matches to both the front fender and the door. Now I can't line the door and the front fender with the rocker like I would like to.

**StingRay** · 06-07-2002, 11:42 PM

Don't just treat that rust on the rocker inner.....Sandblast it. It's tough to protect the rest of the truck interior from the sand but if you are looking for a repair that lasts you should blast, repair any perforations or just replace, treat with a phosphoric acid treatment and protect with zinc based weld through coating before closing the area in with the rocker.

stllookn · 06-07-2002, 11:56 PM

You mean there was supposed to be a part in there? I guess they fell of my truck so long ago that I thought that was the natural look....LMAO! What gauge rocker did you get and who mfg. it? How do you like the fit-up?

XXL · 06-08-2002, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by stllookn
What gauge rocker did you get and who mfg. it? How do you like the fit-up?

I got the rocker from GMC Paul and the fit appears to be absolutely excellent. I don't know the gauge but it's as least as heavy a part as the rocker that I hacked off, and the old one was already eaten up with rustmonsters.

And... for all you Eastwood stockholders, how much POR-15 do I need to order (figure me doing both rockers the same way)??? Also, I just got their new catalog in the mail yesterday and I don't see POR-15 anywhere... the "rust inhibitor" stuff they have listed is called "Rust Encapsulator." They also have a 'wash' type product called "Oxisolv." Do I need that?

Thanks,

Kenneth

XXL · 06-08-2002, 11:54 AM

Aha! I've seen the light... POR-15 isn't from Eastwood. Thanks to Paul for the link!

Kenneth

PanelDeland · 06-08-2002, 07:29 PM

rcdvl, you didn't replace rockers, you just installed some.Replacing means you had some to start with.

*racedvl* · 06-08-2002, 10:20 PM

Yes I did have some to start with. And I do not have a starting pic though. But that passenger side did not have much to start with.

bobs409 · 06-09-2002, 07:39 AM

This probably isn't ethical but I left the inners the heck out of there on mine! Those are the reason there was rust in this area to begin with. They would trap all the mud and moisture in there.

I found that mine are really strong even without the inners. You can jump up and down on them and they don't even move. I had intentions of installing the inners later but decided to leave it as is.

The best way to deal with rust is to cut it all out. My rockers were worse than the pics above (driver side wasn't even there anymore) and my first ever rocker replacement went fantastic. I had to replace the outer floor area too, that's how bad mine were.

XXL · 06-09-2002, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bobs409
This probably isn't ethical but I left the inners the heck out of there on mine! Those are the reason there was rust in this area to begin with. They would trap all the mud and moisture in there.

I found that mine are really strong even without the inners. You can jump up and down on them and they don't even move. I had intentions of installing the inners later but decided to leave it as is.

The best way to deal with rust is to cut it all out. My rockers were worse than the pics above (driver side wasn't even there anymore) and my first ever rocker replacement went fantastic. I had to replace the outer floor area too, that's how bad mine were.

I'm inclined to agree with bobs409. The rockers don't appear to be particularly structural (unlike on most car bodies), and it seems that, when paired with the inner rocker panel, their whole purpose is to trap water in there and rust. It looks like the small hole on the front of the rocker would have made a decent drain hole except that 1) it faces forward and probably collects more than in can drain, and 2) GM decided to plug it up.

Anyone else out there left the inner rockers out?

Kenneth

bobs409 · 06-09-2002, 09:30 AM

Just playing with my scanner. Here's how mine turned out.

I replaced the whole driver floor, outer floor to rocker, and rocker on this side. No rust was left behind so this should last a very long time.

*racedvl* · 06-09-2002, 10:06 AM

Bob, that looks really nice!!

XXL · 06-09-2002, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bobs409
I replaced the whole driver floor, outer floor to rocker, and rocker on this side. No rust was left behind so this should last a very long time.

bobs409, what are you doing next weekend? How about throwing your gear in that pretty blue truck of yours and coming to see me. I figure you can have my rockers swapped in no time!

Starting from: Pottsville, PA
Arriving at: Walpole, MA 02081
Distance: 340.9 miles Approximate Travel Time: 8 hours 16 mins

I've got beer

Kenneth

bobs409 · 06-09-2002, 12:19 PM

LMAO!

Egads! I have enough of my own to do. 2 old trucks and 4 old cars keep me very active. Besides, I quit drinking 5 years ago. LOL

XXL · 06-09-2002, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bobs409
LMAO!

Egads! I have enough of my own to do. 2 old trucks and 4 old cars keep me very active. Besides, I quit drinking 5 years ago. LOL

Oh, the beer's for me. I don't want you drinking with all that work to do on my truck

Kenneth

06-07-2002, 08:21 PM	#1
XXL Señor Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Edge of the world Posts: 5,367	Rocker replacing... yikes! I've given up on the International Brotherhood of Overpriced Bodymen and have decided to tackle rockers and cab corners on my own. What's the worst that could happen... I spend many many hours on it, screw it up, and have to pay somebody else double to do what I should have had them do the first time? So... I just pulled the passenger rocker off to survey the job, and so far it seems fairly straightforward. Any suggestions from you seasoned rocker-replacers out there??? Here's some preliminary pics... Rocker off. Hey, nice rust! Quick test fit. It fits great... no 20# intimidator required. I hope this is a good sign. Kenneth __________________ Craigslist \| ebay \| Engrishtees \| www.myattitudesucks.com \| Follow me on Twitter

06-07-2002, 10:08 PM	#2
racedvl Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Woodstock, IL Posts: 7,020	I replaced my own rockers. Am I totally happy. No really. But it looks better than this!!!!! Attached Images

06-07-2002, 10:18 PM	#3
70 Jimmy aka Crusher, Crushergmc Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,834	Treat all the rust with POR-15 or something. I'd be wary of that inner rocker and just replace it too. They are easier because you don't have to make it pretty. Also, tack it in then test fit your door to make sure your straight. Good Luck and way to go. __________________ "KEEP IT DOWN!" 70 Jimmy 454 2wd 56 GMC Big Window "It's funny till someone gets hurt, then it's freakin' hilarious"

06-07-2002, 11:42 PM	#5
StingRay Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Saskatoon,SK,Canada Posts: 2,476	Don't just treat that rust on the rocker inner.....Sandblast it. It's tough to protect the rest of the truck interior from the sand but if you are looking for a repair that lasts you should blast, repair any perforations or just replace, treat with a phosphoric acid treatment and protect with zinc based weld through coating before closing the area in with the rocker. __________________ Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada

06-07-2002, 11:56 PM	#6
stllookn Saving 1 truck at a time! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 6,465	You mean there was supposed to be a part in there? I guess they fell of my truck so long ago that I thought that was the natural look....LMAO! What gauge rocker did you get and who mfg. it? How do you like the fit-up? __________________ '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)

06-07-2002, 11:05 PM	#4
chevy71super Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: So Cal Posts: 658	Put the door back on and adjust the door and rocker to where they fit. I repeat put the door back on and adjust the door and rocker to where they fit. I could repeat it again but you get the point. Tack weld the rocker and take the door back off it you must. I adjusted my rocker up and down but did not have it our far enough on the front where it matches to both the front fender and the door. Now I can't line the door and the front fender with the rocker like I would like to.

06-08-2002, 11:54 AM	#8
XXL Señor Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Edge of the world Posts: 5,367	Aha! I've seen the light... POR-15 isn't from Eastwood. Thanks to Paul for the link! Kenneth __________________ Craigslist \| ebay \| Engrishtees \| www.myattitudesucks.com \| Follow me on Twitter

06-08-2002, 07:29 PM	#9
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	rcdvl, you didn't replace rockers, you just installed some.Replacing means you had some to start with. __________________ 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"

06-08-2002, 10:20 PM	#10
racedvl Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Woodstock, IL Posts: 7,020	Yes I did have some to start with. And I do not have a starting pic though. But that passenger side did not have much to start with.

06-09-2002, 07:39 AM	#11
bobs409 1969 Custom 30 wrecker Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Pottsville, Pa Posts: 2,611	This probably isn't ethical but I left the inners the heck out of there on mine! Those are the reason there was rust in this area to begin with. They would trap all the mud and moisture in there. I found that mine are really strong even without the inners. You can jump up and down on them and they don't even move. I had intentions of installing the inners later but decided to leave it as is. The best way to deal with rust is to cut it all out. My rockers were worse than the pics above (driver side wasn't even there anymore) and my first ever rocker replacement went fantastic. I had to replace the outer floor area too, that's how bad mine were. __________________ Bob 63 Impala 283/PG/3.36 (under restoration) 66 Impala 327/PG/3.36 66 Chevelle SS 409/M22/3.55 69 Chevelle 307/PG/3.08 (future restoration) 69 C10 short stepside 454/TH350/3.73 69 Custom 30 tow truck 350/4 spd/4.10 (resto done, CRUISIN TIME!) 71 Cheyenne 20 fleetside 350/4 spd/4.10 71 Chevelle 6/PG/3.08 72 Chevelle 454/M21/4.10

06-09-2002, 09:30 AM	#13
bobs409 1969 Custom 30 wrecker Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Pottsville, Pa Posts: 2,611	Just playing with my scanner. Here's how mine turned out. I replaced the whole driver floor, outer floor to rocker, and rocker on this side. No rust was left behind so this should last a very long time. Attached Images __________________ Bob 63 Impala 283/PG/3.36 (under restoration) 66 Impala 327/PG/3.36 66 Chevelle SS 409/M22/3.55 69 Chevelle 307/PG/3.08 (future restoration) 69 C10 short stepside 454/TH350/3.73 69 Custom 30 tow truck 350/4 spd/4.10 (resto done, CRUISIN TIME!) 71 Cheyenne 20 fleetside 350/4 spd/4.10 71 Chevelle 6/PG/3.08 72 Chevelle 454/M21/4.10

06-09-2002, 10:06 AM	#14
racedvl Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Woodstock, IL Posts: 7,020	Bob, that looks really nice!!

06-09-2002, 12:19 PM	#16
bobs409 1969 Custom 30 wrecker Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Pottsville, Pa Posts: 2,611	LMAO! Egads! I have enough of my own to do. 2 old trucks and 4 old cars keep me very active. Besides, I quit drinking 5 years ago. LOL __________________ Bob 63 Impala 283/PG/3.36 (under restoration) 66 Impala 327/PG/3.36 66 Chevelle SS 409/M22/3.55 69 Chevelle 307/PG/3.08 (future restoration) 69 C10 short stepside 454/TH350/3.73 69 Custom 30 tow truck 350/4 spd/4.10 (resto done, CRUISIN TIME!) 71 Cheyenne 20 fleetside 350/4 spd/4.10 71 Chevelle 6/PG/3.08 72 Chevelle 454/M21/4.10

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