65 chevelle kick panels/floor pans/braces/inner rocker???? [Archive] - Chevelle Tech

: 65 chevelle kick panels/floor pans/braces/inner rocker????


DG
Feb 26th, 05, 4:33 PM
I'm helping a friend put floor braces & floor pans in a 65 Chevelle.

The plan:
Replace sections of the inner rocker panels so the braces have something to weld to, his were rusted where the braces were welded to the inner rockers.

Problems:
The body is on the frame, so we have pealed the top of the rocker sill back to be able to weld the rockers panels (lap weld) in from the inside of the rocker.

More Pronlems:
The problem is that the lower section of the front kick panel on the sides (just down & back from the vent) is also rusted out, and the inner rocker panel is gone right there.

What I'd like to know (or have a picture of), just how the inner rocker panel ties in with the sheetmetal at the front of the rocker, and how far down does the inner kick panel go? Right now, the inner structure of the kickpanel is rusted out but intact to just past the opening of the door.

Now...
I'm guessing, we patch the kick panel where the vent is, run the (hand made) inner rocker all the way to the end of the front corner of the kick panel, then weld the new floor pans to the top of the inner rocker and the lower part of the kick panel.

It's hard to describe, but the car had been patched years ago, and the patches have rusted out, so it's harder to tell where the original metal was. We are removing the patches, and removing the original metal that is rusted out. The cowl area and inner structures are suprisingly in good shape.

If anybody have pictures of been there, did that let me know. :eek:


Oh, and I know this would be easier if we lifted the body of the frame, but that is a last resort and not really feasible at this point with the floor pans and braces out.

troposcuba
Feb 26th, 05, 4:40 PM
mine haven't been replaced, and are somewhat rust damaged, but since they are unmolested, they might be of some help. i will post a couple pics when i get home from work tonight.

Umass
Mar 4th, 05, 3:04 PM
i have done some extensive work on a 67 in the area you describe. had to replace the kick panel part of the rocker part of the lower cowel floors on top of all that. it worked out really good i have some pics ill see if i can dig them up for you. i have to do the same thing on the other side which is rusted worse.
best advise i could give is you have to at least raise the body up some. theres no way i could even imagine doing good work in that area with the body on the frame.

DG
Mar 4th, 05, 6:41 PM
I would appreciate pictures.
We will be replacing the body bushing & bolts, since we exposed the front and side bolts. Might as well get them all.

There isn't much we can't get to since we cut up the sill plate of the rocker.

He dosen't want to pull the fenders. :(

Thanks
DG