Howto fix rotten B Pillars ???

[gnoub1948]

Well, my '48 Coupe has lots of issues. Of the big ones, the first to tackle (after grafting in new A Pillars) is the B pillar rot at the rocker. I have not been able to find a donor B pillars. Well let me re-phrase, I can find them for a ton of money in South Dakota. Since ton does not describe my back account, I'm wondering if any of you guys have repaired that area and how. Here's a pic of my cancerous issue.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Gary

[gnoub1948]

Sorry, here's the picture.

[greg g]

Ouch, you might want to check the regular forum as some info was just posted regarding rocker and floor pan sources. Where in Maryland are you. You might want to contact Member Rodney Bullock who is a Marylander and seems to know of a couple Boeyards with old cars still on premisis.

[gnoub1948]

Greg:

I know of a supplier or two for most floor parts but not lower B pillars. If I spend $1,000 I can get some junk yards parts. Too much. I need to do this myself. I did find excellent resources for rocker repairs here. I'll try your Maryland friend but I think I've been to the best yard for old cars in MD. Maybe not. Anyway, thanks for the reply.

Gary

[greg g]

he has a couple sources in n. va i think. Maybe you could insert some square tubing up into the pillar for strength, and then trim it up with some sheet metal to resume the shape.

[Joe Flanagan]

I repaired this section on my 49 Plymouth but I think I had a little more material to work with than you have. I managed to save the B post and replace the rockers on either side:

[Dave72dt]

There's a really good internet site that has a step by step photo and description articles of redoing a '54 Dodge in similar condition. webrodder.com, body and interior section, about page 6 and 7 titled Deadbeat Dodge. Written by a felllow that has years of experience doing this kind of work.

[gnoub1948]

Thanks. I'll pop over now and take a look!

Gary