Need some schooling in rocker panel replacement

[landy]

All, I'm looking at a '71 Blazer K5, 350, 4 speed, with factory a/c, and all original. I read the info regarding problem rust areas, so looked for rot in other areas carefully. Other than the rocker panels and the seam near the kick panel I couldn't find any. The floor, bed, body mounts, door hinges, frame, windshield, tailgate, etc are very clean - it's always been in the dry southwest.

It needs some TLC such as a/c doesn't work, blower and speedo don't work, etc., but it seems to run well and track straight, and it's what I've been looking for except for the rocker panel rot. I'm a decent mechanic, but have no experience in sheet metal replacement, so some schooling on all about rocker panels would be helpful in determining if I really want this one.

Thanks!