Replacement Rockers With Drains

[Ptjsk]

Hello Guys,

I just finished replacing the outer rockers, as well as a few other pieces on my '72 Jimmy. You can view pictures in my '72 Jimmy build thread.

Have any of you guy's placed drains, or drilled holes in the bottom of the new rockers? It sure looks to me like this would help to drain water, therefore preventing future rust.

Thanks,

Pat

['68OrangeSunshine]

Good idea. I would worry about little critters getting in though.

[tj1970cst]

I would like to be enlightened by someone experienced. I need to do rockers soomber or later.

[mcmlxix]

Assembly as original. Add a small hole from behind or facing the fender. Once its fully welded, use a rust inhibitor inside and plastic body plug to fill the hole. Eastwood makes an internal chassis paint kit with a nozzle on a plastic flex hose to get into small places.

You could add a small slit like what is found in the bottom of the door...

[GMCPaul]

The OEM inner rocker had 2 reliefs pressed into them that are approx. 1/4" wide and 1/8"-3/16"" deep that were used to allow any moisture that entered rocker to drain out. The current extended outer cab floors that have the inner rocker built onto it have these reliefs on them. So I'd recommend pressing the same reliefs into your inner rockers.
here's a photo of the extended outer cab floors that show the reliefs I'm talking about

Now if you don't keep these holes cleaned out along with door weep holes then door bottoms and outer & inner rockers rust out once debris clogs them and they begin to hold moist debris.
Paul Jr @ GMCPauls

[Ptjsk]

Lots of good ideas Men….thanks.

I do have the indentations that you're referring to Paul. I guess I should make sure I have removed the bottom lip of the rocker I got from you. Just to ensure it will drain.

I definitely need to be cautious of debris. I think the first step in that process would be to install tight screening under the top of the cowl piece. That would probably eliminate the majority of the branches and larger leaf particles from dropping in.

Also, I like the idea presented by mcmixix about drilling an access hole and spraying a rust deterrent through there. I did use rust mort, and por15 in most of the area prior to assembling, but left small strips so I could complete the welding in of the outer rocker.

Again, thanks for responding guys,

Pat