Gentlemen, I did a search on rocker panels, but did not find quite what I need. I am very happy with the 1969 Chevelle that I purchased, but it has mud in the lower quarter and the back end of the rockers ( both sides ). I see that rocker replacement pieces are for sale, but I got the idea somewhere that the were very difficult to replace. Would a motivated person of average or low average ability ( me ) be able to do this, or what is a reasonable price from a shop on this item? Is there a "How to" reference covering this in our archives? Any assitance greatly appreciated. R. B.

For something like a rocker panel, I wouldn't ever bother with a patch. I would just replace the whole thing and be done with it in such a rust prone area. You also really need to evaluate the need to replace. Just because it has some filler on it doesn't necessarily mean it is bad. It may just mean that the quarter and/or rocker were replaced at one time. 99% of properly restored cars have filler on them, it's a matter of if it has been applied correctly.

I appreciate the help and it would be a real pleasure if it turns out to be just mud over a proper metal repair. However, your comment got me to thinking that I may not have made myself clear. I am not looking for a repair patch, I was thinking if the original repair turns out to be not a good one, that I would replace the entire rocker. That's the bit I was wondering about. Hence my questions about method and difficulty. But thanks, I hope you're right. I have a feeling that I am going to have to dig in there with a pick before I am satisfied. The car is due for a repaint in a year or two, again emphasizing why I am hoping to take care of any "issues" first. R.B.

Be carefull if you weld or grind on the rockers, some of them are galvanized, you will need a proper respirator.

Rob

rb,

To get your question answered, it's not that difficult to replace if you have the right tools (welder, spot weld cutter, die grinder, compressor, etc.), and patience. Someone of average ability can do it. I don't remember ever seeing a How-To on rocker replacement here, but try a search in the forums and that should get you some info.

Before making the decision to repair or replace you really need to get the filler off the panel and see the condition of the metal and if it was filled due to dents or rust holes. If it's just dents you can just pull the dents skim it with filler and call it day. If it's rust holes... minor holes can be repaired, but major rust indicates it should just be replaced.

Good luck!

If your car is like most, if there is bad repair work on the rockers, chances are that there will be other issues somewhere else on the car. I would drive the car until its time for the repaint and then start the body work. Rockers aren't that difficult to replace but what happens if you get into the rockers and then find rot somewhere else? I'm guessing that if the presence of body filler is evident, then it is probably a bad repair covered up with filler.

Cheers
Steve