On numerous late-body pickup trucks, the rocker panels are a real Achilles heel. Their position beneath your doors implies that they’re exposed and likely to be affected by damage and corrosion.
Once the rockers start to rust, it won’t stop – lest you do something about it. It is not possible to replace rocker panels by someone who is not experienced. If you have the correct tools and the right replacement panels, you can do it. The best thing for your pickup truck is to keep it on the road.
As soon as damage and corrosion occur, it’s good to tackle it instantly. It stops rust from gaining a foothold and leading to considerable damage. It’s even crucial for rocker panels as any panel damage allows more water and grime to seep through and accelerate corrosion.
What Are the Reasons for It?
Damage to rocker panels can occur due to distinct reasons. They include damage to paint by gravel and rocks, collision impacts or accidents in the parking lot, off-road use, or the usual corrosion caused by everyday use. No matter what the cause, you must fix it.
Your rockers act as a shield to protect the fragile sills and frames of your pickup truck. Once they’re corroded, your sills are completely predisposed to the impact of gravel, off-road driving, or rusting themselves. It’s more difficult than replacing rocksers to fix rusty sills.
The experts recommend following the same steps as them and using the same high quality materials and tools. An incomplete repair job won’t last long and may begin corroding again fast and need a major repair later.
We’ve put together a guide on how to replace rocker panels without welding to make your truck last longer and drive it on and off-road for years. But first, let’s look at the distinct types of rocker panels. Continue reading!
Types of Replacement Rocker Panels
There are two distinct replacement rocker panel types: slip-on and welded. The condition of your existing rocker panels will determine which panel type you choose.
Welded Rocker Panels
If rockers are severely damaged by impact or corrosion and aren’t in their initial form, chopping off the whole panel and replacing them using full rockers is the best option. It is recommended to remove the truck door and weld it.
Slip-On Rocker Panels
If you have rusted rockers and there’s no other disfiguration or damage, particularly along the upper and bottom edges, slip-on rocker panels are the best bet.
They don’t need to be welded because they’ll fit above the remaining portion of your existing rocker and can be secured using rivets, panel glue, or any other fasteners. Usually, slip-on replacements don’t require much cutting work beforehand and are generally faster to connect.
This article will cover all aspects of replacing slip-on panel. Let’s jump right in!
How to Replace Slip-On Rocker Panels
With slip-on replacement rocker panels, the steps involved are similar to those of the welded type. The mounting process and preparation are slightly different for slip-on replacement rocker panels.
“Slip-on” doesn’t imply that you slide the panels above your rusty, damaged ancient ones, and you’re through. You have to do more work to get rid of the rusted parts and then attach the new panels into position.
When it comes to slip-on, you can mount your new panel using adhesive or fasteners instead of welding them. With this option, you don’t have to remove the doors of your truck.
Tools Required for a Slip-On Rocker Panel Replacement
When it comes to this rocker panel replacement type, you’ll still require tools similar to those needed in weld-in rocker panels. It’s because you’ll be peeling off the paint from the affected area, discarding the damaged and rusty parts of the panels.
These are the primary tools that you need to restore your truck. You also require a pair of dual palm leather gloves or any other robust work gloves to shield your hands. Remember, you can chop into the rocker panels without compromising on your truck’s structural integrity.
However, you have to be cautious not to cut into the frame or sills. You should raise your truck to support it. A brace should be added at the doorframe to keep it from bowing.
How to Mount Slip-On Rocker Panels
If you’ve decided to take the slip-on route, we’ve all the information you may need. Slip-on Rocker panel attachment can be done on various pickup trucks comprising Chevrolet, GMC, Ford, Jeep, and Dodge. These are the trucks that endure hard use and are likely to suffer damage and rust.
Ensure that you give your new truck a new life and avert further, more distressing frame rust and door sill by replacing your rocker panels using slip-on replacements by adhering to the below steps.
Modifications and Final Touches
If your panel isn’t aligning at any point along the rocker’s length, use hammering tools to convince it to fit into those spots. This is a last resort.
Filler, prime, or sand can be applied as needed. Apply an undercoating to the bottom of the panel. To ensure that the rocker panels match with the truck’s color, paint them. If you prefer, a professional can apply the paint and clear coat. It all depends on what finish you choose.
Factors that Affect the Durability of the Slip-On Rocker Panel Replacement
The below factors affect the longevity of the slip-on rocker panel replacement.
Panel Strength
When replacing slip-on panels, the repair work’s value largely relies on the panel’s quality. Can the slip-on panels endure a continuing stream of rain and exposure to road salt, or will they quickly yield to the corroding problems that damaged the older rocker panels?
Are the panels able to withstand everyday wear and tear? When it comes to durability, what matters most is the quality of the repair task and the potency and thickness of the given set of slip-on rocker panels.
Safety of the Installation
As stated above, the success of the task relies primarily on the quality of the work done. If a slip-on panel isn’t properly attached to the truck, rivets and screws may pop out if the vehicle flexes and turns when used normally.
Depending on how the panel is installed, each type can be either strong or weak. Nevertheless, slip-on panels are naturally predisposed to loosening, particularly if you drive your truck on rougher terrain.
- See also: How To Install A Muffler Without Welding (Quick & Easy)
Rust Resistance
The whole aim of purchasing and connecting a new set of rocker panels is to free your truck from hopelessly corroded or damaged body panels. Nonetheless, if the new panels also corrode within a couple of years, the money that you used in the installation procedure would amount to little in the end.
To get the most out of rocker panel repair, ensure that you don’t leave your new panels susceptible to similar corrosive elements. No matter whether your panels are welded or slip-on, it is important to treat the surfaces with anti-rust products regularly. Better yet, repaint the undersides yearly to fend off the effects of salt and water.
Using the right application methods extends the truck’s lifespan. For instance, if you use aluminum rivets rather than steel, it’ll rust much sooner.
Resale Value
Although it’s not directly related to durability, slip-on paneling can influence a truck’s resale value. It can either be a good thing or a bad thing depending on how it is installed. You can increase your truck’s resale values by installing and maintaining rocker panels.
However, if you install slip-on panels poorly, it’ll degrade the value of the vehicle. If you want to get new panels for performance, but don’t want to sell the truck, then you don’t require an esthetically flawless installation. You only need one that’s safe.
Nevertheless, if at some point you’re planning to sell the truck, ensure that the new panels mix in with the rest of the vehicle’s body.
FAQ:
Q: What are rocker panels and why do they rust?
A: Rocker panels are the metal strips that run along the bottom of your car doors. They protect the car from dirt, water, and debris. They rust because they are exposed to moisture, salt, and corrosion.
Q: How can I tell if my rocker panels are rusted?
A: You can tell if your rocker panels are rusted by looking for signs of bubbling, flaking, or cracking paint, holes or gaps in the metal, or loose or missing parts.
Q: How can I fix rusted rocker panels?
A: You can fix rusted rocker panels by following these steps: remove the rusted parts with a grinder or a saw, clean the area with a wire brush and a degreaser, apply a rust converter or a primer, cut and fit a new metal patch, weld or rivet the patch to the panel, apply a filler and sand it smooth, and paint the panel with a matching color.
Q: How much does it cost to fix rusted rocker panels?
A: The cost to fix rusted rocker panels depends on the extent of the damage, the type of metal, and the labor involved. It can range from $100 to $1000 per panel.
Conclusion
If your truck, jeep, or SUV has rusted or damaged rocker panels, replacing them by yourself is an effective method of resolving those issues.
In this article, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about slip-on rocker panel replacement. Slip-on panels are best if your rocker panel has been damaged by corrosion and not other disfigurations.
Image credit: Ville Tulkki (Shutterstock).
