Trying to identify panel behind front lower quarter

[jthomass]

Hi
I started working on my 72 Blazer and this is my first question.
Wondering if I could get some help identifying a panel. I cut out a chunk of the lower front quarter on the drivers side. It looks like there used to be a panel perhaps bolted to the front of the backside of the rockerbox. It is completely rusted, so I'm wondering if there is a patch made for this or should I cut off those bolts and try to make a piece to just weld in there? It seems like it is a much lighter gauge steel than the rockerbox. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated. I hope the picture I attached will work.
Thanks

[71jimmy]

Follow the linky

http://www.classicheartbeat.com/cata...nt%20panel.htm

Pricey but money well spent. The time you save making them will save you money unless you have a full on fab shop and a good panel to copy from.

[jthomass]

Thanks 71Jimmy, that is the info I was looking for. Wow those are an expensive piece. Hope I can figure out how to get them installed correctly.

[PD1292]

Here is a picture of mine. My outside fender just happened to be off so i snapped a picture if the part you are talking about. 1st is the outside, 2nd is looking from the tire area toward the inside of the rocker box, and the 3rd is in the cab area just behind the seat, it shows the two bolts that attach to it.

[PD1292]

If that is rusted this part is probably also gone as well. Follow link http://classicheartbeat.com/catalog/...%20support.htm

[PD1292]

And some one makes a patch for this piece (1st pic) as well, but i am not sure who, looks like some of yours is rusted along with the rest of the parts.\
2nd picture, circled is the corner of the other piece i sent you a link on.

[PD1292]

here are the b-pillar part i was talking about http://www.gmcpaulstruckparts.com/pi...illarpatch.jpg

[jthomass]

Thanks PD1292, I appreciate all the photos. I see now what a mess I have by seeing your nice panels! I've never been this deep into rust before, any advice or tips would be great.

[PD1292]

Originally Posted by jthomass

Thanks PD1292, I appreciate all the photos. I see now what a mess I have by seeing your nice panels! I've never been this deep into rust before, any advice or tips would be great.

I have looked on the site to try and find posts where these items are installed by another member. Mine were not bad so I only had to do some metal replacement on my original pieces. especially after seeing the prices of new ones. any way here is a link to the parts installed in a blazer. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=156022&page=5 (look at post #123). this post shows both pieces installed but it looks like the rocker box is not installed at the time due to the picture angle.

[PD1292]

here is a link for a good build thread from the same person as the picture above, who probably replaced everything you will have to deal with and more.. good luck with your build... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=341224

[jthomass]

Thanks a lot. Started reading thru the posts. I placed an order for the sheetmetal parts from GMCPauls. That was the easy part, kinda dreading the next step.

[lks dcvn]

That looks familiar...if you have questions - ask away...

[jthomass]

Thanks lks dcvn. Is it best to just make new threads for each question so it gets the correct title for a specific question or keep one long one going with different questions in it??
Thx

[lks dcvn]

Best bet - start a build thread where you can track your progress and ask questions along the way...

if there is something that doesn't get answered...it might already be elsewhere on the site and a search may get you an answer or two.

Good luck!