Started Rocker Work Today

[ol Curt]

I got started tearing the old rockers off the drivers side today. A big part of the A Pillar bottom was gone, but I have a patch for it and scribed a line where it should go once the rusted portion is off.









I have a question about the bolts that go thru the B pillar and inner rocker. The B Pillar is structurally good, but how do I take those bolts out without screwing the pillar up?



And then related to the bolts, what do you do to fasten the bolts when putting it back together? Should I just use bolt, washer and nut, or do you weld a nut on to the patch?

[ol Curt]

I should say the reason I'm asking about the bolts at the B pillar is I took the rocker off before thinking about them and I don't want to torque too hard on them for fear of bending the bottom of the pillar. I may try tomorrow to put a wrench on the weld nut and try to break loose with a impact or 3/8 air ratchet on the bolt head side.

[ChopperDr]

A few days drenched in PB Blaster seems to do the trick for me. Holding the nut will help as well. Worst case you mangle that part up. No problem, its easy to make a new part, no compound curves in it.

Chopster

[ol Curt]

Originally Posted by ChopperDr

Worst case you mangle that part up. No problem, its easy to make a new part, no compound curves in it.

Chopster

True, hadn't considered that. Have my favorite (Aerokroil) soaking it since yesterday. Will give it a shot when rest of family gets up. They don't like me firing up my compressor too much as the garage is attached.

[jmedero]

I am at the same spot. My bolt did not want to give.... they took everything attached to them off!! Heck they needed to be replaced anyway. LOL.

[ol Curt]

Originally Posted by jmedero

I am at the same spot. My bolt did not want to give.... they took everything attached to them off!! Heck they needed to be replaced anyway. LOL.

I know, I'm watching yours closely. Maybe we'll keep each other from making mistakes. The guys on this board are helpful, just far away!! One of these days I'll land a job in a warmer winter area and life will be good. Problem is, I'll be retirement age!!

[ol Curt]

First problem solved...bolts came out easy this morning. Now, what about the areasa where bolts go in the front. OK to just use bolt,washer,nut??

[ol Curt]

ttt

[TimE]

I don't see why bolts w/nuts & locks shouldn't be fine. Just my $.02. Nice to see you making progress with it.

[ChopperDr]

The front will need nuts welded to the A pillar patch. When the outer rocker goes on you can't get to the nuts.

If you mean in front of the A pillar, that bracket that holds the lower fender on has nuts tacked to it as well.

Chop