Rocker panel repair or replace? 72 RR

[mopardog]

So, here's where I am on my 72RR restore. I am slowly getting body work done. I have worked my way to the issue concerning the passenger rocker panel. There is a pretty good dent right smack in the middle of rocker. I do have a stud welder and can pull the debt out and then smooth it out with some lightweight putty, dent isn't creased which is good. Or, I could cut out old and replace with a new rocker which I have. I have had to replace the core support so car is not 100% original sheetmetal. I will post a pic of the original. Has anyone ever replaced the full rocker? If so can you post your work? I am trying to decide which way I want to tackle it. Any help from my Mopar family would be greatly appreciated.

M'dog

 

[Michael789]

I'll have to do a little rocker work on my 71 Satellite and a posting of someone else that's already been there would be nice ,but my advice is only replace what you have to especially if it has a dent that's fixable ,I wouldn't cut it out. It's really thin metal you could use your welder to attach your pin and then heat and cool it a little at a time and then pull the dent out ,heating and cooling can do the trick but don't go real hot all at once just a little at a time,good luck post how you decide to fix it.

 

[mopardog]

Michael, in the heat up process, would you recommend using a heat gun?

 

[747mopar]

Pull the dent and save your money unless you suspect underlying issues. Chances are the replacement won't fit as well and will take a lot more work. I pulled a nasty dent out of my rocker that was on the corner with great results with no heat or stud gun, now that I've used a stud gun I can say it would have easy had I had one then.

 

[mopardog]

747Mopar, you mentioned you didn't use stud welder or heat....what's your secret?

 

[Michael789]

I'd just use a hand held propane torch you don't need a great deal of heat just enough to get the metal to expand just a little ,if you can fix it without the heat then do so,how bout a couple of pics?

 

[mopardog]

Yeah, will post a pic in a.m.

 

[WileERobby]

Do not replace metal unless you have to.

 

[747mopar]

747Mopar, you mentioned you didn't use stud welder or heat....what's your secret?

Kinda the same but not as fun lol, I welded metal to the rocker then put vice grips on it a proceeded to beat the slot out of them... poor man's stud gun.