Jump to content
  • When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

Rocker panel repair


cwlo

Recommended Posts

I have a drivers side rocker that has the back part rusted.  I can fabricate a piece, and weld in, but am concerned that by welding in a short section, I will compromise the strength of the whole rocker.  My options are:

 

1.  Cut out rusted section and replace

2.  Weld patch on top of rusted area

3.  Put in whole new rocker...front to back.

 

 

 

Can anyone offer any advice on this?

 

Thanks,

 

Chris

 

 

post-49346-0-44582400-1449949361_thumb.j

Edited by cwlo
Link to comment
Share on other sites

As you have discovered, the outer rocker panel aft of the door is actually part of the quarter panel, and the "real" outer rocker is beneath it with precious little space between the two.  And if the car has a sunroof, that's where the rear drains end--in the rocker panel!  

 

Before doing any welding, I'd check the inner rocker panel--that's the part that forms the vertical rise between the front floor and the door sill, and is also visible once the rear seat and quarter panel upholstery is removed (which you should do before welding!).  If the inner rocker is sound, that's the structural part.  The outer rocker contributes, but it's the inner rocker that is actually the frame rail.  

 

cheers

mike

'69 Nevada sunroof-Wolfgang-bought new
'73 Sahara sunroof-Ludwig-since '78
'91 Brillantrot 318is sunroof-Georg Friederich 
Fiat Topolini (Benito & Luigi), Renault 4CVs (Anatole, Lucky Pierre, Brigette) & Kermit, the Bugeye Sprite

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Those are all pinch/spot welded yes?

 

The rockers on my car were shot and it looks like some genius hammered the old rusty rockers into the car and put the new rockers over the existing ones... and then used pop-rivets and bondo to make it look all nice and pretty! Looks like factory was two pieces of metal (inner & outer rocker) pinch welded together --is that correct? I've got three pieces of metal now. 

'79 & '80 Vespas, R75/6 + R90/6 (and a Triumph), '76 IH Scout II

E36 

'71 VIN: 2574356 - Nevada, Sunroof, RUST and a really nice '76

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes, there are two layers, spot welded together at the bottom.  Here is a pic showing the two layers from a repair I had to make recently.  Granted this is at the front of the car, but you can get an idea of how they put together the rocker.

OutsidePassCorner10.jpg

Edited by Ian

Ian
'76 M2

'02 325iT

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • BMW Neue Klasse - a birth of a Sports Sedan

    BMW Neue Klasse - a birth of a Sports Sedan

    Unveiling of the Neue Klasse Unveiled in 1961, BMW 1500 sedan was a revolutionary concept at the outset of the '60s. No tail fins or chrome fountains. Instead, what you got was understated and elegant, in a modern sense, exciting to drive as nearly any sports car, and yet still comfortable for four.   The elegant little sedan was an instant sensation. In the 1500, BMW not only found the long-term solution to its dire business straits but, more importantly, created an entirely new
    History of the BMW 2002 and the 02 Series

    History of the BMW 2002 and the 02 Series

    In 1966, BMW was practically unknown in the US unless you were a touring motorcycle enthusiast or had seen an Isetta given away on a quiz show.  BMW’s sales in the US that year were just 1253 cars.  Then BMW 1600-2 came to America’s shores, tripling US sales to 4564 the following year, boosted by favorable articles in the Buff Books. Car and Driver called it “the best $2500 sedan anywhere.”  Road & Track’s road test was equally enthusiastic.  Then, BMW took a cue from American manufacturers,
    The BMW 2002 Production Run

    The BMW 2002 Production Run

    BMW 02 series are like the original Volkswagen Beetles in one way (besides both being German classic cars)—throughout their long production, they all essentially look alike—at least to the uninitiated:  small, boxy, rear-wheel drive, two-door sedan.  Aficionados know better.   Not only were there three other body styles—none, unfortunately, exported to the US—but there were some significant visual and mechanical changes over their eleven-year production run.   I’ve extracted t
  • Upcoming Events

  • Supporting Vendors

×
×
  • Create New...