2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Rocker rot ??????????

[diesel DOG]

I have some rot on the rocker by the back door. What is the best way to repair it? I did the doors and had no problem because I could stop the rust and still have the doors drain properly. How do you work you way out of the rocker as you can only get in from one side. If I fill it them it won't drain. Small area about an 1/4 x 1. 5" but I know what is coming. Thanks for any tips.

 

[diesel DOG]

no one has rocker rot? Thank goodness you are all luckier than me! LOL

 

[CCiatteo]

I hate to say it, but the problem is probably far more invasive than you imagine. My rockers are rotted and I'm in the process of trying to find an entire cab to swap onto my chassis. If you've caught it early, maybe you can simply cut it out and patch some new metal in. I have a feeling that once you open up the rocker you'll find otherwise. The rocker is actually two pieces, the outer portion and a separate inner portion, all of which are joined at the pinchweld together with the floor pan. Looking at mine, I can easily see major surgery once you start cutting back to try and find solid metal. Good Luck... ... .

 

[JR]

I agree once it has rotted through it's generally too late to successfully repair it. With as much time as your going to spend trying to repair it and make it look decent you would be better off just cutting it out and replacing with new. I've found prevention is key living in the rust belt. I liberally spray the underside of my truck and all the pinch joints with FluidFilm every year and have had good results with it.

 

[diesel DOG]

When I got the truck new I sprayed it all with 3M inner panel spray. Even if you cut it out and weld in a new piece you have to work your way out with it to prevent it from rusting again. I have to give it some more thought. May cut it open and remove rust and paint it. Then some how epoxy a new piece of something in so as not to disturb the sealed / painted repair on the interior of the rocker and still have it drain.

 

[JR]

Without digging into it a little it's hard to say what's the right call. I personally have always favored replacing panels over repairing, once that cancer starts it's awe fully hard to stop it from coming back. I've seen cars come out of respected body shops with a beautiful paint job and within a year or two they were rusting in the exact same spot they went in for repairs.
Just be sure to dig every last bit of rust out you find if going the repair route, and use a good quality rust converter to help neutralize the oxidation

 

[diesel DOG]

rocker needs to drain right? Tiny spot I think I'll grind it out, convert it, POR15 then POR15 filler. Drains should still work I guess on each side of the patch? Yes, no?