Gen 1 vs. Gen 2 rocker panel

[SHObogdan1]

Hi everyone, I've been searching for replacement body panels for my 93 ATX, more specifically a replacement rocker panel. I've been searching through various websites and found one that has a reasonable price at "c2cfabrication.com" however they only have 89-91 rocker panels but no Gen 2 rocker panels. I've never owned a Gen 1 but I was wondering if you guys know if a gen 1 rocker panel will fit a Gen 2? The site doesn't have any actual dimension for the panel, only a small photo of what it looks like. This is the website if that helps: http://c2cfabrication.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=2_334&products_id=16858

 

[Racer X]

They're identical, from what I recall.

 

[sperold]

^^^^Same thing.

 

[SHObogdan1]

Awesome, I really appreciate it guys, I'm gonna go ahead and order them now that you guys said they're the same. I wasn't really sure so I wanted to ask since it's better to be safe than sorry lol

 

[sperold]

The rocker panels that you are about to buy are the outer skin that you see from the outside of the car. They have the "steps" ridges that take it up into the threshold under the doors, so that first appears as a plus. But usually that threshold area is not rotted out.
You will have to buy some sheet steel to replace (or help) the back of the rocker panel which is a structural part of the car. Then you have to fab some ends and seal everything up - watertight. The originals have little weep holes in the botton to let out any trapped water, and your new ones should too.
After you have fabbed up all the little pieces to finish off your install, you will probably question buying the panels, as that is the fairly easy part to make from scratch. But it will save you some time.

 

[SHObogdan1]

Ok, so what you're telling me is that the c2cfabrication rocker panel is just the outer skin that covers the actual rocker panel right? I guess that must explain why it's only 24.99 each, I was gonna say that's pretty cheap for a rocker panel lol. What about the sherman parts rocker panel? Is that just the same thing as the other site? Here is a pic of the sherman parts rocker panel: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sherman-445...28?forcev4exp=true&forceRpt=true#ht_1284wt_95

 

[sperold]

That is the same thing, and as you can see, your first choice is a better deal by far.

You may be lucky and not have much other work to do, the back piece may be OK and maybe your ends are still intact. If the shipping is not out of line, that is a good price for the part.

You may not want to, but it would be best to take your cladding off the car (that requires removing the front wheel) and getting a good look at what is left.

The goal is to have a totally sealed unit (except for weep holes) in the "under the door" area, and it takes a bit of work to make that happen. But it doesn't have to be beautiful, as the cladding hides it.

Get the preformed panels if you are in a hurry, if not, get a sheet of body metal (3-foot by 6-foot usually) from your local automotive store for about $30.00, and you will be able to make everything yourself.
You can make the Rocker Panels if you have access to four straight 2 x 4s and many large C-clamps. If not, get the pre made panels
Use paper templates to get the bends worked out if you decide to make them.

 

[sperold]

You probably have spotted it by now, but if not, here is one way of doing the rockers, that you can get some ideas from.
http://www.shoforum.com/showthread.php?t=110132

 

[zblackbeast]

rustrepair.com

 

[SHObogdan1]

UPDATE: I ended up buying the rocker panels from Sherman parts, it saved me a lot of time having them bended correctly. I cut out the old rocker panels, sandblasted and there is still quite a bit of good metal left underneath. I patched up a couple areas and welded in the new rockers and they fit perfect and look great. I think I made a good decision, I really didn't wanna waste time and risk making incorrect bends. All I have left to do is primer and paint and I'll be all set to go. If anyone wants, I can include some pictures.

 

[SHObogdan1]

By the way, I already saw the Rusty Rocker Replacement Guide and SHOblu did an awesome job and his new rocker panels look outstanding. I just couldn't waste too much time on bending, the weather is getting colder everyday. Last weekend the weather was reasonable and I managed to get the job done quickly since I live like 30 minutes away from Sherman's.