Thread: Rocker rust

I got under the car last week while on a hoist and had a chance to really inspect it. I couldn't believe that I'd missed it before but the underside of the rocker panels were almost totally gone!! It has 150K of Michigan weather but wow, this is bad. The rest of the car is in great shape.

So, the question to you is: Does a totally rusted out rocker panel effect the vehicle? Should this be repaired? Thoughts, comments?

Yeah, I would most certianly say you need to do something about that as soon as possible.


By the way, how's the FJ's do off road?

Originally Posted by MichEE

I got under the car last week while on a hoist and had a chance to really inspect it. I couldn't believe that I'd missed it before but the underside of the rocker panels were almost totally gone!! It has 150K of Michigan weather but wow, this is bad. The rest of the car is in great shape.

So, the question to you is: Does a totally rusted out rocker panel effect the vehicle? Should this be repaired? Thoughts, comments?

I was looking at a 98 gt before with the same issue, rest of the car was great, no rockers. Apparantlly they are known to go on these cars. I couldn't find any pre made ones to buy and a body shop wanted about $1000 per side to make and replace them. Depending on how bad they are and if you are up to the task, you could probably make some yourself. If you do get them fixed, oil spray them good afterwards.

Originally Posted by Street Wolf

Yeah, I would most certianly say you need to do something about that as soon as possible.


By the way, how's the FJ's do off road?

the FJ is great and one of the most capable stock, off road vehicles I have ever owned - I have had 22 and it is my first non-GM vehicle.

Originally Posted by WhiteGT

I was looking at a 98 gt before with the same issue, rest of the car was great, no rockers. Apparantlly they are known to go on these cars. I couldn't find any pre made ones to buy and a body shop wanted about $1000 per side to make and replace them. Depending on how bad they are and if you are up to the task, you could probably make some yourself. If you do get them fixed, oil spray them good afterwards.

I will not be spending $2000 on this car - it will go to the bone yard first!! Just wondering if there is a support that needs to be replaced or if it is not related to structure since it is a unibody.

Originally Posted by Dboy23

I'd have to say yeah because it's not like it'll get any better, I've actually seen a few shops up here that do work like that for fairly cheap, where about in Michigan do you live?

West Michigan, near Holland.

Originally Posted by 7801MonteMan

Sherman Parts - Product List

It looks like sherman autobody will be offering rocker panel replacements at some point check there site out and maybe even call to inquire about that particular piece.

Thanks for the link MM. I should like to just make sure that it is structurally sound is all. I don't really care how it looks I just want it to last. The rest of the body on the car is in great shape for 150K miles!!