Whole or partial rocker replace?

[geunther]

Currently dealing with original sheet metal. I do need to repair the front 6 to 8 inches of the inner and outer rocker as seen in picture one. The outside of the outer rocker is pristine with no bubbling etc. I looked in through the end and it looks great all the way back. Some surface stuff in the corners. Picture two and three show the area between the weather stip edge and inner. Should I replace the whole rocker or just the part that needs it? Am I being lazy?

I do have an NOS rocker. I would not cut it up, rather I would use a re-stamp if I do not replace the whole thing.

Experienced rust repairer advice?

[kaycee]

I would repair what’s needed and keep the rest original,treat it with some good rust inhibitor and paint.Hmmm I live in Cheyenne also

[basketcase]

I just did the same repair on my 69. The weatherstrip spine came off with the old weatherstrip along with some of the top of the rocker and most of the floor extension that makes the trough for the weatherstrip to sit in. I fabricated what I needed out of flat sheet 20 ga. It took some time but worked out well and I still have most of the original rocker that was nice. I also had to repair the lower kick panel where everything welded together at the floor, so don't be surprised at what you may find there.

Tom

[Jason Banks]

Same, I would just weld a piece in...

[geunther]

I already have a kick panel repair piece and there is a little work to do in there for sure.

If only repairing the bad section, I wasnt' planning on repairing the weather stip spine where it is still in place. I like how you did that, leaving the good part of the rocker.

[basketcase]

I had to replace all but about 6 inches of the spine in the middle of the door opening that was still solid.

[425HP409]

When I restored my truck about 10 years ago, I had 2 new LMC rockers for the body man to use as mine were rusted front to back. He cut the left one out and then found out the new one didn't fit worth a hoot. he massaged it into place. I can tell it is not fit correctly, but it passes. He then cut out the bad metal in the right one and welded in new metal for a better job and factory fit. Scrapped the new replacement one.

[geunther]

I appreciate the feedback. Because I wanted to get in and address the A pillar, I initially only removed what I need to address. I ended up taking off the whole outer rocker. I am glad that I did as once it was off, I could see a few pin holes farther back that I thought. Luckily, I do have the NOS replacement and I already had it test fitted and fit perfectly. Yes, I know I am lucky in that respect.

[raggedjim]

Just my opinion, but what you see on the outside of a rocker panel is paint. The real story is on the inside.

[basketcase]

That looks real nice.

Tom