Rocker Panels / Door jambs

[John Pasinski]

Can anyone point me to a "step-by-step" article on R/R of rocker panels? The tops of my door openings (where the seal runs) have holes also. I think water got in through the screw holes where the rain channel is attatched.
I've never done anything like this before, but what the heck I never welded before either then I had to teach myself at work, now I love it! So I gotta try this. BTW it's an '81 Silverado 1/2 ton. Thanks for any help at all.

[slash crashley]

a quick search brought up: this. it's based on a 67 but the info should apply for the most part.

if you tackle it yourself, be sure to take pics of the process, good luck.

[John Pasinski]

Thank you slash. Although I gotta say it looks pretty intimidating. I better line up a ride to work for a few days as I think the first one may take me more than a weekend.

[slash crashley]

...i'm going to maitland autobody tomorrow for a 4 wheel alignment (my truck's leaning left as the rear axle has shifted slightly) i'll see if he can give me a ball park on the cost for remove and replace rockers. it's gotta be pretty routine.

i've got some nasty snaps from a PO's tonneau cover and some ghastly riveted aluminum trim i'd like smoothed out. i'll letcha know the numbers and the service level.

whereabouts in the city murderful you at? i'm downtown.

[John Pasinski]

We live over near Seaworld in Willamsburg. I have of course done searches online for rocker repair. But so far, found nothing like the article you've sent. I'll keep searching for more detailed step by step. I'm trying to find an article that will be helpful, and allow me to attempt this myself.

[James McClure]

John, I did mine and have some pics I can send you of whats involved. It is by no means an easy chore. Mine was a horror story the rust was so bad as you will see. The pics won't fit here but you can resize them and post them if you like. If you order rockers from LMC don't bother with the backing plates or panels, they are crap, just make your own from 1
\16 stock sheet metal. My e-mail is jmcclur2@nycap.rr.com. Jim

[sperz1]

Originally Posted by John Pasinski

Can anyone point me to a "step-by-step" article on R/R of rocker panels? The tops of my door openings (where the seal runs) have holes also. I think water got in through the screw holes where the rain channel is attatched.
I've never done anything like this before, but what the heck I never welded before either then I had to teach myself at work, now I love it! So I gotta try this. BTW it's an '81 Silverado 1/2 ton. Thanks for any help at all.

I was in the same position as you as far as welding experience goes when I replaced the pans and rockers on my old VW. Do the research, buy a welder, practice a bit, then jump right in. It's a great way to learn.

[John Pasinski]

After some more digging around, I found the "footwell?" is rotting out also. That's how the water is getting in. I had to toss my jute, & carpet cause it was wet & rotted. So are those spot welded also? LMC sells them along with the other patch stuff.

[Captkaos]

This is some pics from a customer installing our 5 piece cab repair kit.
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/sm...p?topic=5661.0

[John Pasinski]

Many thanks to you Chris for that step by step. I will read, & re-read before I start anything. I guess this isn't your average "get it done on a weekend job". I'm also trying to get an 80 gallon compressor as mine is in worse shape than me. I've had it 30 years, and I'm tired of fixin' & rebuilding it. I appreciate everyone's help and great suggestions.

[Captkaos]

No problem.