Part 3: Fun, Fun, Fun Rebuilding the inner Rockers Driver's side rocker has been blasted. Several irregular holes have been cut for exploratory purposes and to facilitate clamping inner reinforcements. There is a perforation in the remains of the front fender about 1" in diameter above the forward jackpoint and another somewhat larger one in the rear. All in all though, the metal on the outer rocker panel is deceptively sound.

Lower rear fender, ahead of wheel, after blasting. Outer rocker panel is actually beneath lower portion of fender, both front and rear. Compare with photo on page 4. Still not too intimidating.

Fender is cut away, revealing pretty red surface of outer rocker panel.

Depiction of the basic cross section of the rocker area, showing the double box section structure. Inner and middle stampings are considerably heavier gauge than the outer section. which is largely regarded as cosmetic.

Removing the outer rocker completely at the original panel lines. Considerable corrosion is apparent, as is the total lack of paint on the rust free portions. (This has not been blasted.)

The rocker sandwich is piled even higher at the base of the A and B pillars. These high stress areas are moisture traps of the first order -- both factors contributing susceptibility to corrosion.

And the picture is very ugly indeed. This is the base of the A pillar. The reinforcing buttress is almost entirely gone, as is the portion of the middle rocker. Uck. Remember kids: from outward appearances these rockers looked relatively clean. There was no clue as to the true extent of the damage until the outer rockers were cut open...

Continued... p15 p16 p17 p18 p19 p20

back to part 1 | part 2

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