The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 1963 chevy truck rocker panels

I am new to restoring and need advice. i would like to replace the rocker panels on my 63 fleetside and am not sure how they come off. Are thaey spot welded or is it just the four bolts from the under side? I am not a welder so this might be beyond by abilities. Thanks for your hilp

The rocker panels are spot welded on both ends where they meet the door posts on the hinge side and the strike side. Additionally, they are welded on the underside. Many times, the rockers are so badly rusted that it is very difficult to determine the attachment method.

I would never discourage someone from tackling a task, however there is some welding required to properly install new rockers. Additionally, removing the old rockers may require some cutting wheel work and/or plasma cutting, depending on the condition of the old rockers. When replacing rockers, make sure to have the new pieces prior to removing the old. You want to make sure you have enough material to reattach the new units.

Best of luck.

There are quite a few spot welds, they are best removed w/slow drill & spot weld cutter. Look like a small dimple in the metal near the ends/edges. Rockers need to be spot welded back on, easy job for a welder, really need a MIG. Drill or punch holes in new rocker in same # of places the old one was attached with, then simply fill holes w/weld. Keep clamped tight w/screws,Vise-grips whatever. I left mine bolted to frame & did one side at a time to prevent any movement while/as rockers are removed. Brian