rocker panels

[galoolie]

Can a novice replace rocker panels? What skills are involved and what is the best source for the sheet metal?
Thanks all.

[rick@its]

Not all that hard. You should probably count on the rust being worse than it looks once you start cutting metal out (go look at my pics on the 67-72 msg board) You will need to drill out the spot welds on the old rocker panel to remove it. Fit the new rocker up with the door closed to make sure the gap is right and hold it with visegrips. Open the door and weld it in place. I have a panel punch that punches holes that you can then weld so it will look alot like a spot weld. Just dont get in a hurry and it wouldn't hurt to take measurements before you cut the panel out. there are several places to get the metal like gmcpauls, kenny's and mothertruckers. You can buy a small mig for under 400 bucks, but one that uses gas will be easier to weld with than a flux core.
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Rick
Broken Arrow, OK
72 cheyenne (in pieces)



[This message has been edited by rick@its (edited 03-22-2001).]

[Benrs86]

Me and my dad both knew absolutely nothing when I started doing rust work on my 69. Just take your time and I would have to agree that a MIG welder would be the best. They are very easy to use. Good luck, Ben

[This message has been edited by Benrs86 (edited 03-23-2001).]

[BadAzz70PU]

If you have patients, a welder, basic metal working tools and basic skills with your hands you should be able to do this. The key is to take your time and be extremly careful before you do anything perminant, like weld or cut. Double and triple check everything before you do anything.

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