rocker panel prep and rust proofing

[dracko]

So i'm deep into the floor/rocker/kick panel/A pilar rust repair on my '64.

Ready to weld the outer rocker panel on and wondering if I should use some seam sealer to completely seal up all seams and drainage grooves?

I see they're designed to let trapped water in the cab run down into the rocker and then out the bottom, based on how these rockers looked the design is flawed. Anybody sealed'em up tight? I am sandblasting the panels to bare metal and coating with KBS rust seal as well.

[jonzcustomshop]

I have wondered this too. as designed , after years dirt and dust gets in, and then if water ever gets in, it turns to mud, plugging the drain.

the only thing I would worry about is if water got in, it could not get out.

curious to see what others have to say.

[cheessee]

I'm In the collision industry and we use a product from 3m called rust fighter which is a corrosion protectant u can spray it in the rockers and other tight spots works good.. But use weld thru primer for the panels it helps a lot but it is a little different to weld

[Juice63]

well i went and paid a small fortune for a "reputable" hot rod shop to repair some rust damage on my drivers side floor and they put seam sealer on the repairs. so take that for what its worth.

Now... im not happy with the work and i paid 4X what i should have but you live and you learn. Now i am waiting on a family friend to repair the passenger side. Hope that turns out better.

[dracko]

Thanks for the info cheessee, I like the sounds of that stuff, 3m doesn't mess around. Still debating if I should seal the panel up water tight

[forestb]

I have heard of people making the holes for the water to escape even bigger so that the dirt and crud will fall out.

[dracko]

Sounds like rather than trying to seal them watertight, I should focus on making sure crap can get out of the rocker and keeping them clean. Thanks for all the input!

[dougf]

I am in the same boat. I just don't like how the outer rockers are plug welded to the inners. I'm pretty worried they will rust again so after I clean and POR15 I plan on just shooting some sort of rust preventative coating all over the inside of the rockers and in the seam on top. I'll try to do it annually also. I figure that's the best any of us normal guys can do!

[dracko]

Yeah I don't like that plug welded seam either. I think I'm going to lay a bead of seam sealer down where they're spot welded just to keep crap from collecting in there.

[Captainfab]

This along with some rustproofing on the inside and sealing the top seams is about the best you can do.

Originally Posted by dracko

Sounds like rather than trying to seal them watertight, I should focus on making sure crap can get out of the rocker and keeping them clean. Thanks for all the input!

[LT1 Burb]

Just don't drive in the rain!

[RANDY COX]

I used to use some gas and roofing tar, thin it down enough to be applied with a brush, I think I need to do it to the truck I have now because I just replaced inner and outer rockers...My inner rocker didn't line up very well at bottom it was too short so I left it open so I hope that will help. Atleast dirt and water won't get trapped in it..

[poco64]

I have been wondering about the 3m automotive foam for this application, any body tried it?

[cheessee]

Foam will cause rust in the future it holds water