Damaged Rocker Repair or Replace

matthewc · 12-28-2010, 02:50:13 PM

Hi,
I have been doing an evaluation on my 79' Z28 and the only place on my body that has any significant damage is the drivers side rocker panel. It appears to have been used as a jack point with a floor jack at some time in its life or it was ran over a tree stump or something. The rocker is pushed in but there is absolutely no rust in the rocker at all. So the question is do you body professionals think it is salvageable if so what would be the best proceedure to pull it out or should I just look at getting a replacement?

Here is a pic:

Thanks,
Matt

Twisted_Metal · 12-28-2010, 03:00:03 PM

Replacing a rocker is a pretty big job because of the way it's tied into the rest of the shell. (Repop rockers aren't perfect either.

)

It's also heavy gauge metal and not easy to pull back into shape.
(Compared to a quarter panel or door skin.)

I would try to pull it first but you may have to cut that section out.... Beat it back into shape and reweld it back into place.
(Or weld in a piece of rocker from a donor.)

z28cp · 12-28-2010, 05:42:21 PM

It seems I also remember seeing Rocker 'skins'. I would assume this is the sort of thing they would be perfect for...??

boardog · 12-28-2010, 10:42:25 PM

cut out the damaged section and replace. buy a repo rocker and cut out what you need to replace your bad section. the contour is real close to a repop rocker in that area. btw that is not a jack accident, someone ran over a curb or some solid object. it is a job to replace a full rocker. if you have never replaced one i would not tackle it.

badboyrcg70 · 12-28-2010, 10:51:49 PM

It will be easier all the around to cut it out and weld a patch in.
Rockers suck to replace and align!

tom3 · 12-28-2010, 11:10:24 PM

I'd cut it out and replace the bad section. But a good body/fender man could fix that pretty easy. Don't underestimate what those guys can do.

wookie · 12-28-2010, 11:17:04 PM

Stud puller for the win! Fix that panel just where it is..Have it pulled.

JONESYFXR · 12-29-2010, 10:49:26 AM

I'd also have to agree, why cut out good metal just because it's bent? Have a reputable shop pull it out.

5spd540 · 12-29-2010, 10:53:52 AM

I also agree stud puller will do the trick make sure not to pull it with the studs too far apart

boardog · 12-29-2010, 10:18:40 PM

post a pic after you have pulled it out with a stud puller. want to see how much you can pull it out. thanks

bigblock665 · 12-29-2010, 10:36:34 PM

check jc whitney they sell rocker panel skins and they seem to fit well.. Cheep Too!!!

MidniteZ · 12-30-2010, 06:35:50 AM

I had the same damage on my wifes 79. I ended up cutting out the bad spot and weldig in new metal from a replacement rocker. Tried to pull it out myself first, but that is some heavy metal.

boardog · 12-30-2010, 10:35:18 AM

hardest part of the car. that one is caved up and in. want to see a pic if he gets it close with a puller

mark wagner · 12-30-2010, 08:47:52 PM

use a stud gun with heavy duty studs, or weld a fender shim to it on the crease and use a slide hammer to pull it out

Rich Schmidt · 12-30-2010, 10:32:31 PM

Mine is dented the same way,right under the middle of the door opening on both sides (back in high school with the shop lift) . If I make the door gap good both front and back the door will lightly rub on the rocker. I was thinking I could use a block of square tubing and a BFH to knock the top down to get the gap right,then work on the dent in whatever method works. I was going to just buy outer rockers,but since the car is so rust free,maybe it is one more piece of metal I shouldnt replace.