xxjoeyxxeb Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 Hey guys, I posted awhile ago about the top of my rockers panels and we found that I should be able to patch it up with new sheet metal because the rust is only around those holes on the rocker panel. Well I started taking the car apart and found a new pin hole where the rocker meets the front fender. Here are some pictures. What do you think is the best way to go? The car will get a V8 and be driven pretty hard once in a while for track days, but I am going to put on Bad Dog frame rail covers. Is it cheapest/best to patch both the top of the rocker and the front pinhole, or to replace the whole rocker panel. This will all be done by a shop. Thank you for any input. -Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2ManyZs Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 Personally, I'd replace it. Rust on a Z is like an iceburg in the ocean, what you can see is usually only a part of the problem. Rockers and frame rails and other areas will normally rust from the inside out, when it becomes obvious on the outside, there's a lot more hiding inside. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xxjoeyxxeb Posted January 11, 2007 Author Share Posted January 11, 2007 Anyone ever replaced a whole rocker panel? Whats the going rate, or a decent price? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMortensen Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 Mine looked just like that, but on the inside was CLEAN. Really the only parts that were bad were the doglegs in the back and the flat area in the front that collects all the crap out of the cowl drain. I patched a couple holes in the front and replaced the doglegs, and there really isn't any reason to get into the center. I seem to remember yours were really clean inside too. If that is correct I'd just treat the rust that is there, replace any areas where there are holes and call it a day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xxjoeyxxeb Posted January 11, 2007 Author Share Posted January 11, 2007 Thats what I was thinking about doing. Would having someone who has to shape the metal and weld it be cheaper than just buying a new panel and having them weld it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMortensen Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 I suppose that depends. I was able to shape the metal by putting it in a vise and pushing on it with my hand. If you get someone with a super duper metal shaper that takes 8 hours to match the contours on a part that isn't going to be exposed when the car is together, I suppose the labor may cost you something. The flat part on top should be easy to do, and the front section is under the fender, so just don't let them be to anal about getting it just right and you should be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Careless Posted January 13, 2007 Share Posted January 13, 2007 you can buy prefabbed rockers for about 40 a side, that run the entire length of the car. i think it doesn't include the door sill though. that will just have to be cut out while you're there. wouldnt hurt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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