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Rocker Panel removal and reinstall of new ones

M

michael redmon

New member
I looked hard for a thread onthis already but I cant find one (I am sure there is one somewhere)

My rocker panels are rusted. My outer rocker panels are rusted thru but my inners are good. I was going to order replacement outers, buy a welder and do it myself but I have not idea how to get the outers off. I have no clue how they are on there. No idea how to get the original rockers completely off to then slap new ones one. Any tips appreciated.

Any tips, no matter how obvious. I can work myself thru most mechanical issues but I have never done body work.

Thanks
 


It's a unibody car, everything is pinched and welded together.

You have to cut the out rockers off and cut/fit the new rockers in there. Weld them up and seal everything.

I suggest sealing/rust proofing everything between the outer rocker and inner rocker because closing it all up.
 
Bondo will just fall apart and not add strength back into the body. The rust will bubble the bondo and make it even worse.

Cut the old rusty stuff out and weld the new stuff in. Seal it, paint and be done forever.
 
If you do decide to plunge in and cut and weld, google body panel welding it takes some skill but if you take your time you will probably be ok, just don't start welding continuously on the panel or you'll end up with something resembling a banana or canoe. Good luck.
 
I know you guys will yell at me but I did the bondo. I had a can of it in the my garage and also a bunch of rust converter paint from doing my metal swing last year. I know it wont last but I just want to get 3 more years out of this car. Mechanically she is sound. If in 3 years she is still running strong then I will buy the welder and do it right.
 


Only problem with Bondo and then covering it up with paint and such is that after a while it will start eating away and you won't see it until a big chunk falls out and you'll be wondering how it got that BIG!
 
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