Rocker panel question

[Nathan.]

It is possible for our rockers to rust from the inside? There are just a few little spots that keep coming back. I am trying to figure out if I am just terrible at fixing them or if I am doing a decent job and the rust may be coming through from the back side. Also, if there is rust coming from the back side..... what should I expect at a body shop to replace them and paint them?

 

[LBZ-DURAMAX]

From my understanding there are several layers to them so not cheap at all to replace and yes they do rust from the inside

 

[DMAXchris]

Yep. They rust from the inside out. It sucks. Mine need replaced asap and my truck isnt very old.

 

[Nathan.]

Well that sucks. I guess im kind of just chasing my tail then. What about the cab corners? The same thing is happening there.

 

[DMAXchris]

The correct way is to cut the rockers out and weld new ones in. Same with cab corners.

 

[Porno Joe]

I never cut into the cab on the newer trucks, but I'd assume its pretty similar to the way GM has been doing it for years

you have an inner and outer rocker panel. the reason they rust is moisture gets trapped in between them.

if you could salvage the inner panel, you would need to cut the outer off and completely eliminate any rust on the inner. they weld on a new outer.

 

[Nathan.]

Yeah I just called and got a quote to have it done. He quoted me $2k per side! I thought that was outrageous until I got a second quote of pretty close to that. I may just sell the truck to someone that doesnt care about rust or is capable of fixing it and go buy another truck from down south this time.

 

[jsf12784563]

So expensive

I had a shop tell me a similar price as you. They said about 1900$ per side. That's so expensive.

 

[bobxr50]

I just finished up replacing both sides. Plus cab corners. I used the replacement kit from 1A auto.
http://m.1aauto.com/rocker-bottom-and-cab-corner-repair-panel-kit/i/1arps00011?f=834402&y=2002

I would buy the whole inner and outer rocker panel next time. By the time I finished up all the spot welds it would have taken the same time. Plus I eliminated the middle panel because it was all rusted away.

 

[1ATony]

Thank you for your order

Tony

 

[Nathan.]

Thank you for your order

Tony

How do these panels compare to OEM panels? The same? Better?

 

[SilveradoTwins02]

that kit looks like it for an Extended Cab Truck.. What about a Crew cab Kit? Are they available ?

 

[Nathan.]

that kit looks like it for an Extended Cab Truck.. What about a Crew cab Kit? Are they available ?

I noticed the same thing.

 

[1ATony]

How do these panels compare to OEM panels? The same? Better?

that kit looks like it for an Extended Cab Truck.. What about a Crew cab Kit? Are they available ?

Priced the crew cab rockers out for you guys (based off of a 02 Chevy Silverado Crew Cab 2500)

The OE style weld in rockers would be about $199.95 ea. shipped, we could also get the slip on style for $64.95 ea shipped.

I'd have to add them to the site, if you guys are interested in these. Just let me know.

Tony

 

[Slowmax]

Does anybody have any experience with drilling the rockers and filling them with grease, or any other substance? Come across a few people that have had this done, and had nothing but good things' to say.

 

[bobxr50]

How do these panels compare to OEM panels? The same? Better?

Mine were made by Key Parts.

 

[Nathan.]

Mine were made by Key Parts.

Are they better quality metal than OEM?

 

[bobxr50]

I would say they are OEM.

 

[bobxr50]

The way the rockers were designed lets salt and water enter and not drain easily. It is a flaw that has no fix. Drilling holes and trying to spray oil or some antirust solution slows the rust down.

 

[DaJokr]

I thought the proper way to replace the rockers required removing the door(s) fender and hood. Could be why the quotes are high...doing a proper replacement and not just a partial.