Bushwacker Trail Armor Rocker Panel Covers

[jgillott]

In researching a quick fix for some rocker panel damage on our 2010 1/2 ton, I ran across these Bushwacker Trail Armor rocker panel covers. So, I ordered a set to try them out. Literally 10 min install time.

The part # i have in the picture is for a 4th Gen crew cab, but they have the same product for a variety of makes and models. I am pretty impressed with the fit and finish of the product and they will do just fine at covering up that area until I get around to a proper fix. I would imagine that they would also do a good job of keeping dings, dents, and scratches off of the rocker panel on truck in already good condition.

 

[jgillott]

 

[DavidC]

Is that a coverup ?. A lot of that going on lately.

 

[jgillott]

Yes sir. Hiding a little secret.

 

[DavidC]

That's just plain nasty.

 

[jgillott]

Do you miss living in the north east?

 

[DavidC]

Oh for sure, drive down the road listening to your vehicle dissolving under you,looking out the home door seeing the landscape on the other side through the holes in the 1/4's and fenders.
No Thanks.

 

[Wayne M.]

It’s hard to really see with the shadow etc, but they look great. I like black/ white trim contrast.

 

[jgillott]

It’s hard to really see with the shadow etc, but they look great. I like black/ white trim contrast.

Thanks. I'll try and get some better pics when it isn't so sunny out. I may also throw a matching set of flares at it at some point. I really like the quality I see with the Bushwacker and I would expect the flares to be the same.

 

[Ozymandias]

Do you have a Link to them?

 

[jgillott]

https://www.bushwacker.com/Truck-Trail-Armor-Rocker-Panel

 

[Timd32]

I was thinking of having mine in Rhino Lining when they do my bed.

Any drawbacks to that? Besides if they do a poor job and make a mess, don't think they would I've had 2 other trucks done at the same place.

 

[JR]

I was thinking of having mine in Rhino Lining when they do my bed.

Any drawbacks to that? Besides if they do a poor job and make a mess, don't think they would I've had 2 other trucks done at the same place.

I had my rockers and wheel wells sprayed by Line X when I had the bed done when I first got my truck. So long as there is no rust prior to having them spray it I think it's a great form of protection especially if you run a lot of gravel/dirt roads like I do.
Of course if there is already corrosion happening it would be a big waste of money. Once that oxidation starts nothing stops it short of cutting it all out.

 

[Wayne M.]

That’s good protection, but I firmly believe our rot problems begin from the inside out. That’s why I think pickeling areas like that with anything petroleum based is a huge plus. I see a lot of 3 gen tailgates rotted out at the bottom, from early on, like the Broncos did, so whenever I was in there to free up my often sticking TG latch/ linkage, I would dump in whatever oil I had laying around. My TG is in really good shape today and I think it’s because I pickeled the bottom of it. If only I followed through the same way with my wheel arches.

 

[JR]

For sure Wayne. This is in no way a substitute for Fluid Film, Wool Wax, etc. It's just rock chip prevention. Gotta stop it coming from both directions.

There is a guy at work that bought a 1500 Silverado right at the same time I got my 14. It has some hokey lift, around 6" I think and some big ol' wide bro wheels with some mud grabbers. He couldn't understand why I did what I did with the Line X and came up just short of rediculing me for doing it. Several winters in and his truck looks whacked from all the stone chips and rust. I make sure to remind him of our conversation whenever I can
I'll try and grab a shot or two of it next week.

 

[Timd32]

Wayne, glad to see you back.

This is on my garage queen 2nd Gen, I scratched it up taking the seat out.

The entire rockers inner/outer were replaced in 2012 the exterior is clean.

But I should still follow that advice from Wayne and JR, atleast the next owner will have something left.

It has signs of rust coming back in a very few spots, will pop a door panel off and look.

On my watch this vehicle has never been in the NJ winter, it did get used winter of 2012 and 2013 for plowing by the PO.

 

[Wayne M.]

Hi Tim, and thanks. You know I’m settled in Pittstown now. Maybe we can meet up at the Washington Diner sometime?

 

[jgillott]

That’s good protection, but I firmly believe our rot problems begin from the inside out. That’s why I think pickeling areas like that with anything petroleum based is a huge plus. I see a lot of 3 gen tailgates rotted out at the bottom, from early on, like the Broncos did, so whenever I was in there to free up my often sticking TG latch/ linkage, I would dump in whatever oil I had laying around. My TG is in really good shape today and I think it’s because I pickeled the bottom of it. If only I followed through the same way with my wheel arches.

All of my stuff is getting treated with Fluid Film from here on out. The Ziebart that I had on this 2010 and my 2007 turned out to be a complete waste of money.

 

[Timd32]

Hi Tim, and thanks. You know I’m settled in Pittstown now. Maybe we can meet up at the Washington Diner sometime?

That's awesome, I have a lot of my junk (I mean treasures) stored at a friend's electrical shop in High Bridge, Pittstown is great area. I lived in HB for a few years.

I help on a Habitat service program out of Washington that I'm doing some site evaluations down there that would work for sure. Have not been there for a few years always a good spot, have some good friends who were regulars over there, not sure if they still go there.

 

[jgillott]

Maybe a little less glare in the pic this morning.