Rust, how far to cut.

[ngnaz]

I am sure this has been addressed somewhere but a search did not answer it and every case is probably different so I ask for any expertise you can help with.

The drivers side rocker was definitely rotted to a point where I replaced it. The passenger side was about ready to go under the knife until I started cutting and realized that the rocker itself doesn't have any rot and not even bubbling but the rear lower front behind the rocker is rotted away.

I assume that there will be residual rot that is unseen as there always is but in your expert opinion, should I cut out the entire rocker or try to repair just the quarter and the support behind it? I have all of the repair pieces but would rather not cut any more than is needed.

What do you think?

[jaros44sr]

Originally Posted by ngnaz

I am sure this has been addressed somewhere but a search did not answer it and every case is probably different so I ask for any expertise you can help with.

The drivers side rocker was definitely rotted to a point where I replaced it. The passenger side was about ready to go under the knife until I started cutting and realized that the rocker itself doesn't have any rot and not even bubbling but the rear lower front behind the rocker is rotted away.

I assume that there will be residual rot that is unseen as there always is but in your expert opinion, should I cut out the entire rocker or try to repair just the quarter and the support behind it? I have all of the repair pieces but would rather not cut any more than is needed.

What do you think?

Well imho it will difficult to access that area with out removing rocker
Maybe just cut half the rocker and see whats inside there are support pieces that I see rust
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[hemi43]

It will be more work in the long run if you try and patch stuff. Replace the whole rocker and don't be afraid to cut metal. You must remove enough to get past the rust. Any shortcuts taken will bite you later on.

[lks dcvn]

Agree with those above - on Blazers/Jimmys (if you plan to fix ALL of the rust) - you will need to cut that rocker away. Alternatively, you can leave it and wait - knowing that you will need to revisit this in the future at some point.

Most of these rust away from the inside out so you may be looking at decent metal on the outside only to find pitting on the inside that just hasn't made it all the way through.

You could try to save it although you would need to find all of the spot welds and carefully work around them, which may not be worth it when you see the inside.

I've seen decent rockers hide quite a bit of rust in the A and B-pillar on these trucks. Thankfully - I know where to investigate now as I have had to fix the rust on a few of these trucks.

Get some pix when you cut that metal away.

[ngnaz]

I guess I knew the answer to this but you definitely helped me with going the right direction. Sometimes you just need a little nudge. Off with the rocker! Thanks guys