Rocker Panel Removed

[55chevy]

Just removed driver's side rocker panel, had 27 spot welds on the bottom alone to drill out, what a chore! Found rust trhough in the door pillar and bondo at edge of floor, go figure. I'm havin fun in the garage, but it gets tiring sometimes

[matthufham]

i hear that, i uncovered so much bondo i thought the previous owner stuck a tree branch in there.

[72CSTC5]

Don't give up, keep blowing and going.

[raggedjim]

Here's some encouragement, one side is drivers, other is passengers but they were both equally bad... I had never done anything this extensive but it just takes time and patience.

It won't be perfect but it will be much better... it's difficult to know when to say it's "good enough"

Good luck and have fun, Rg

[Longhorn Man]

Removing rockers... you HAVE rockers on your rig?!?!?!?!

[raggedjim]

Actually, I had two on each side! The ole' beat the old rocker down and weld a new one trick...

Rg

[redhead69]

I smell what your steppin' in!!

[redhead69]

wow.. sorry about the big pic.

[raggedjim]

I like em big... Yeah, the only thing that keeps me going is knowing I'm in good company...

[redhead69]

Kinda wanted to put some clear plexi glass down and drive it like that for a while..

Stick with it 55chevy.. from the looks of it you got plenty of transportation methods, so take your time and dont get frustrated. It will look nice when its done.. worth the time IMO+ it will keep you out of trouble for a couple weeks!
Good luck

Eric

[lowrider79]

Just a little advice. Make sure your door is installed before you weld up your rocker or you may have some problems getting them aligned later.

[redhead69]

Lowrider79 I agree.

[raggedjim]

I've had the door off and on so many times I lost count! It's easier to gain access when it's off, but it does need to be on to make sure the rocker ends up where it should.

Rg

[55chevy]

Hey, thanks for the advice, I probably wouldn't have thought of installing the door. I just bought a quart of Chassis Saver paint, supposed to convert rust, $25 seemed a little high but a guy with a bagged 71 says it goes a long way. He runs a rod shop, he was putting a supercharger on a new C6 Vette.

[55chevy]

Originally Posted by redhead69

Kinda wanted to put some clear plexi glass down and drive it like that for a while..

Stick with it 55chevy.. from the looks of it you got plenty of transportation methods, so take your time and dont get frustrated. It will look nice when its done.. worth the time IMO+ it will keep you out of trouble for a couple weeks!
Good luck
Eric

A couple weeks? Is that all it takes? LOL Good thing wife works 2nd shift, I get to play in garage all I want, or all I can stand/endure. Oh, took some pics, what fun I'm having

[Aquivarious]

Looks like a lot of work ahead, but you seem more than capable and the outcome will be well worth it in the end!

[panhandler62]

This is what was left after I removed the rust. The outer rocker was failry new and held on by four screws. I only removed about 1/2 inch of trash metal, the rest was already gone.



This is what it looked like after I pulled up the heavy rubber mats that were screwed to the floor. Oh, it's hard to tell here.. but the seat belt is held in with bondo.



The cab corner is, well... the word interesting comes to mind. I half expected to find bailing wire in there.

[wolfthing2000]

Well guys you just showed me that I have no reason to whine on this end. I thought I had some major rust until I saw your guys stuff. The guy I got truck from said very little rust, basicaly what could be seen, that statement was true. After pulling out carpet, seat and tank , I discovered rot out in both sides of the front floor feet area, along top of the rocker where water settled behind the door seal on bottom, and up the side towards the seat along both sides from I assume soggy carpet. Also the kick panel and A pillar have "some" damage also. None of my problems require total removal of any one panel or rocker so I can cut and removed small sections here and there and maintain the integrity of the original assemblys. I still have the doors on and I do check alignment just the same.
You are all very amazing to me to have tackled what you have and the dedication is most obvious!!
The award of devotion goes out to all of you!

[matthufham]

it seems i cut out the most metal i thought my truck was "rust free" but it was a bunch of bondo over rust.

[raggedjim]

I think the worst part is not so much the rust but the previous halfa$$es repairs, I'm not a professional but I can't believe some of the repairs I have seen on these trucks...

Rg