Rocker panel Question GM /TRI-PLUS - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

flashed · 02-24-2011, 12:14 AM

Would you use TRI-PLUS or genuine GM rocker panels ? A friend of mine has a pair of GM rockers for $100 each ,I havent priced TRI-PLUS yet so dont know what the price difference is .Which way would you go? Im on a very tight budget and need to get cab corners as well so I need to stretch the dollars as far as I can. All opinions welcome .This same friend is going to replace all these panels for me .

67chevy1series · 02-24-2011, 12:27 AM

if i had the money and a shot at GM i wouldnt get anything repo for my 67

dfwright · 02-24-2011, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Im on a very tight budget and need to get cab corners as well so I need to

Sounds like Tri-Plus is the way to go. About 1/5 the cost

dadsworktruck · 02-24-2011, 12:35 AM

since i have not ever seen a true nos rocker, and wouldnt know the difference i can't say what you should do. but i can give you real time prices. outer rockers oe style 18.95 each, cab corners 13.00 ea, and inner rocker plate 7.00 each, that is key parts which i think has took over the tri-plus, and as far as i have read here is the best repop we can buy in replacment metal...myself i am going repops, but my truck is just a work truck..my .5 worth....don

flashed · 02-24-2011, 12:38 AM

WOW ,quick responses guys .Thanks for the advise .Will have to shop around some and see who has TRI-PLUS and compare prices .If I can conquer the rust , paint might be possible later this year if my Chevelle sells.

bigstrapperpete · 02-24-2011, 12:50 AM

The other day at my local gm dealership in The Dalles Or, I asked if they had rockers for our pickups and he said yes!! Forgot the price but you can still buy original gm replacement rockers from your dealership from what I understood from this guy.

68 C-10 Panel · 02-24-2011, 01:57 AM

I'm getting ready to do the rockers on me panel truck and have spent some time reading up on the related threads here, and have not been able to come to a sure conclusion either. What I have read is the LMC stuff is thinner metal....not so good I would think....but paul on the board here seems to have a good following on his parts. He uses better gauge steel I hear. One of my questions that no one has been able to answer is, can you tell the difference from a GM rocker or one of Pauls once its in. eg the stamping?

flashed · 02-25-2011, 09:08 AM

The Chevelle sold yesterday so I am shopping for parts .The rust will soon be gone .Still undecided on which rockers ,but probably not GM as mines a daily driver and I need to stretch the budget as far as I can.

sdailey · 02-25-2011, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flashed

The Chevelle sold yesterday so I am shopping for parts .The rust will soon be gone .Still undecided on which rockers ,but probably not GM as mines a daily driver and I need to stretch the budget as far as I can.

John,

I've got a new Tri-Plus rocker for the driver's side that I'd be willing to donate to your truck.

Shoot me a pm if interested.

**special-K** · 02-25-2011, 10:10 AM

I don't think Paul makes rocker panels. I'd guess he sells Tri-Plus because they are the best quality aftermarket and the same gauge as OEM. GM hasn't had rockers for a couple decades. If a dealership says they still have them they are reproductions,Tri-Plus I'd hope. They sell a lot of aftermarket that they authorized to be made as GM Restoration Parts. Key Parts is the Eastern distribution of Tri-Plus.
I have bought OEM (N.O.S.) rockers because at one time that was the only way to go. Then,it was the best quality. But now many parts like rockers have come a long way,thanks to Tri-Plus. Just ask any vendor you chose to deal with what they are offering.

68gmsee · 02-25-2011, 11:17 AM

Just as an fyi...

About 15+ years ago I went to the local Chevy dealer and asked if they still sold the wheel wells for my 69. They said yes so I ordered a pair of them and they fit like cr@p! I had to enlarge the holes and basically bend and force them on.

When I asked one of the dealer body guys about the fit he said none of the body parts have a perfect fit. They have to be massaged into place. I found out that just because it says "GM" doesn't mean it's going to fit just right.

no moa · 02-25-2011, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68gmsee

I found out that just because it says "GM" doesn't mean it's going to fit just right.

Amen to that.

**Classic Heartbeat** · 02-25-2011, 01:11 PM

The GM rockers are actualy 1lb lighter than the triplus rockers. The Triplus rockers have a better finish also. Crisp lines, and edp coating applied nicer. So unless you don't want reproductions, I would buy repros. Mutch less expencive and require less finnishing. WES

Booya · 02-25-2011, 03:57 PM

Wes, I'm assuming your rockers are Tri-Plus? Thanks Bill

67swb72klb · 02-25-2011, 04:14 PM

special k yes alot of times those n o s parts or any so called service parts are or can be asembly line rejects that mabe were borderline parts they just didnt want to scrap so just dont think that n o s part is allways gona fit like a glove on your truck or whatever your working on

VA72C10 · 02-25-2011, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Classic Heartbeat

The GM rockers are actualy 1lb lighter than the triplus rockers. The Triplus rockers have a better finish also. Crisp lines, and edp coating applied nicer. So unless you don't want reproductions, I would buy repros. Mutch less expencive and require less finnishing. WES

great info. Had never heard the comparison on these but know the triplus rockers fit perfectly on my last truck with no massaging needed. Every truck is slightly different so I have heard some having to make mods for them to fit but I think that's more of a difference in the truck vs. the stamping being off.

flashed · 02-26-2011, 12:42 AM

Well ,I had decided to buy the GM rockers until I got the offer from Shannon .Now Im going with the TRI-PLUS .Thanks again Shannon for such a generous offer.I will one day return the favor.

sdailey · 02-26-2011, 01:29 AM

No problem at all. I'm just glad I could help, (a little).

**70cst** · 02-26-2011, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdailey

John,

I've got a new Tri-Plus rocker for the driver's side that I'd be willing to donate to your truck.

Shoot me a pm if interested.

Great gesture

flashed · 02-26-2011, 11:19 PM

I was able to go pick up the donated rocker panel today and meet Shannon (sdaily) and visit with him and Alan for a while .Thanks again for the generous donation and will return the favor if ever I can .Its nice to meet another local member .I have tried to recruit a new member at the local university where I work (a student w/a 69 ) that had never heard of this site .Maybe he will eventually join but I know he's busy with school.

02-24-2011, 12:14 AM	#1
flashed Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: canton ga Posts: 12,728	Rocker panel Question GM /TRI-PLUS Would you use TRI-PLUS or genuine GM rocker panels ? A friend of mine has a pair of GM rockers for $100 each ,I havent priced TRI-PLUS yet so dont know what the price difference is .Which way would you go? Im on a very tight budget and need to get cab corners as well so I need to stretch the dollars as far as I can. All opinions welcome .This same friend is going to replace all these panels for me .

02-24-2011, 12:27 AM	#2
67chevy1series Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: a t w a t e r cali 95301 Posts: 10,713	Re: Rocker panel Question GM /TRI-PLUS if i had the money and a shot at GM i wouldnt get anything repo for my 67

02-24-2011, 12:35 AM	#4
dadsworktruck Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: blacksburg,s.c. Posts: 155	Re: Rocker panel Question GM /TRI-PLUS since i have not ever seen a true nos rocker, and wouldnt know the difference i can't say what you should do. but i can give you real time prices. outer rockers oe style 18.95 each, cab corners 13.00 ea, and inner rocker plate 7.00 each, that is key parts which i think has took over the tri-plus, and as far as i have read here is the best repop we can buy in replacment metal...myself i am going repops, but my truck is just a work truck..my .5 worth....don

02-24-2011, 12:38 AM	#5
flashed Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: canton ga Posts: 12,728	Re: Rocker panel Question GM /TRI-PLUS WOW ,quick responses guys .Thanks for the advise .Will have to shop around some and see who has TRI-PLUS and compare prices .If I can conquer the rust , paint might be possible later this year if my Chevelle sells.

02-24-2011, 12:50 AM	#6
bigstrapperpete Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: wasco or Posts: 9	Re: Rocker panel Question GM /TRI-PLUS The other day at my local gm dealership in The Dalles Or, I asked if they had rockers for our pickups and he said yes!! Forgot the price but you can still buy original gm replacement rockers from your dealership from what I understood from this guy.

02-24-2011, 01:57 AM	#7
68 C-10 Panel Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: MI Posts: 88	Re: Rocker panel Question GM /TRI-PLUS I'm getting ready to do the rockers on me panel truck and have spent some time reading up on the related threads here, and have not been able to come to a sure conclusion either. What I have read is the LMC stuff is thinner metal....not so good I would think....but paul on the board here seems to have a good following on his parts. He uses better gauge steel I hear. One of my questions that no one has been able to answer is, can you tell the difference from a GM rocker or one of Pauls once its in. eg the stamping? __________________ 68 C-10 Panel (fixing) 250-6,3ott 93 k1500 pickup DD "When a man is old enough to figure out his dad was right, he has a son who thinks he's wrong" Charles Wadsworth

02-25-2011, 09:08 AM	#8
flashed Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: canton ga Posts: 12,728	Re: Rocker panel Question GM /TRI-PLUS The Chevelle sold yesterday so I am shopping for parts .The rust will soon be gone .Still undecided on which rockers ,but probably not GM as mines a daily driver and I need to stretch the budget as far as I can.

02-25-2011, 10:10 AM	#10
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Re: Rocker panel Question GM /TRI-PLUS I don't think Paul makes rocker panels. I'd guess he sells Tri-Plus because they are the best quality aftermarket and the same gauge as OEM. GM hasn't had rockers for a couple decades. If a dealership says they still have them they are reproductions,Tri-Plus I'd hope. They sell a lot of aftermarket that they authorized to be made as GM Restoration Parts. Key Parts is the Eastern distribution of Tri-Plus. I have bought OEM (N.O.S.) rockers because at one time that was the only way to go. Then,it was the best quality. But now many parts like rockers have come a long way,thanks to Tri-Plus. Just ask any vendor you chose to deal with what they are offering. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

02-25-2011, 11:17 AM	#11
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: Rocker panel Question GM /TRI-PLUS Just as an fyi... About 15+ years ago I went to the local Chevy dealer and asked if they still sold the wheel wells for my 69. They said yes so I ordered a pair of them and they fit like cr@p! I had to enlarge the holes and basically bend and force them on. When I asked one of the dealer body guys about the fit he said none of the body parts have a perfect fit. They have to be massaged into place. I found out that just because it says "GM" doesn't mean it's going to fit just right.

02-25-2011, 01:11 PM	#13
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,770	Re: Rocker panel Question GM /TRI-PLUS The GM rockers are actualy 1lb lighter than the triplus rockers. The Triplus rockers have a better finish also. Crisp lines, and edp coating applied nicer. So unless you don't want reproductions, I would buy repros. Mutch less expencive and require less finnishing. WES __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys Last edited by Classic Heartbeat; 02-25-2011 at 01:11 PM.

02-25-2011, 03:57 PM	#14
Booya Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Boise Idaho Posts: 117	Re: Rocker panel Question GM /TRI-PLUS Wes, I'm assuming your rockers are Tri-Plus? Thanks Bill

02-25-2011, 04:14 PM	#15
67swb72klb Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: livingston co.mi Posts: 2,452	Re: Rocker panel Question GM /TRI-PLUS special k yes alot of times those n o s parts or any so called service parts are or can be asembly line rejects that mabe were borderline parts they just didnt want to scrap so just dont think that n o s part is allways gona fit like a glove on your truck or whatever your working on __________________ California 65 GTO---Texas 64 burb 283 ---Oklahoma 67 CST SWB BBW wood bed 327 2004r---New Mexico 72 k10 350 350 auto---Georga 72 short step project

02-26-2011, 12:42 AM	#17
flashed Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: canton ga Posts: 12,728	Re: Rocker panel Question GM /TRI-PLUS Well ,I had decided to buy the GM rockers until I got the offer from Shannon .Now Im going with the TRI-PLUS .Thanks again Shannon for such a generous offer.I will one day return the favor.

02-26-2011, 01:29 AM	#18
sdailey The Few, The Proud Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Ball Ground, Georgia Posts: 1,830	Re: Rocker panel Question GM /TRI-PLUS No problem at all. I'm just glad I could help, (a little). __________________ Shannon

02-26-2011, 11:19 PM	#20
flashed Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: canton ga Posts: 12,728	Re: Rocker panel Question GM /TRI-PLUS I was able to go pick up the donated rocker panel today and meet Shannon (sdaily) and visit with him and Alan for a while .Thanks again for the generous donation and will return the favor if ever I can .Its nice to meet another local member .I have tried to recruit a new member at the local university where I work (a student w/a 69 ) that had never heard of this site .Maybe he will eventually join but I know he's busy with school.



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