Wanting opinions on shaving the rocker panel pinch weld

[raggedjim]

To me, these trucks looks so good from the factory, the best modifications are the ones that the average person can't pick out.

If the average Joe can pick it out instantly, then you probably shouldn't do it. Shaving the pinch weld is a great modification, and it is relatively easy to go back if you ever want.

Do it, Rg

[BigDaddyV]

I've been looking at doing this my self. After reading here, I believe I will. And I'm about to replace my inners and outer rockers. so what better time then now.

[bbcmudtruck]

I really like this idea!

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by VA72C10

Got a question about my 70C10 longbed I'm building.
Do you think I should cut off the pinch weld on the rockers?

Photochop is great. You can do anything with it EXCEPT get the stresses that were carried by that pinch weld between the A and B pillars transferred through another path. There was a reason the engineers who designed that truck used a pinch weld instead of a thousand other ways to get those rockers and floors seamed in.

[Nsanehotrodz]

Here is a set we install on most of the trucks we build. It starts out as a aftermarket rocker panel that we sell. Then we turn it into what is pictured below! This is much stronger than factory when we weld it solid instead of just a few spot welds here and there.

[CTENTA1]

Shave them off.

If your going for the smooth look I would also shave the drip rail along the top of windshield and along the top of doors.

.02 cents.

[trac209]

I'd smooth it out,and wow that's a wicked cool truck you have there.

[VA72C10]

Originally Posted by Fitz

Photochop is great. You can do anything with it EXCEPT get the stresses that were carried by that pinch weld between the A and B pillars transferred through another path. There was a reason the engineers who designed that truck used a pinch weld instead of a thousand other ways to get those rockers and floors seamed in.

I agree to a point....but When people install aftermarket rockers, that hardly ever gets welded to the inner rockers. So cutting that extra piece of metal off and then welding the rocker to the inner rocker will actually be better/stronger as nsane shows above...

By the way....the project I was asking about in this thread in 2009 (over 5 years ago now) was sold to fund my blazer build (finishing touches). I currently have a 72 Cheyenne 20 but looking at buying a blazer or suburban so my whole family can enjoy

[VA72C10]

By the way...I wish the forum would adopt tagging like facebook...so I could tag Mike (67cheby) and he'd see how sweet those shaved rockers look...it's the one thing that drives me nuts whenever I see pics of Cloud9 laid out