New Rockers

[Justin Slingsby]

Well I have decided to take the plunge and have new rockers hung on my car. Along with that a lot of my body supports need to be rebuilt. I really don't have the tools to do this job so I have to send the car off to another shop. Has anyone had this done and what can I expect to pay?

[builtfercomfort]

It's kind of a 'how long is a piece of string' question - most of it is labor and you don't know how much labor until you start in on it. If you shop around and get the best-matching patch panels it will be less labor, if you buy them yourself and supply them to the shop it will probably be less material cost.

Try hard to get a flat rate from the shop on this job, you don't want to pay by the hour for them to scratch their heads - they have probably never seen a car like this before (old Fords and Chevys, sure)

Rust repair is always tough because it's hard to tell how much will need to be replaced.

[Justin Slingsby]

Okay here is what I have so far. I purchsed rockers from Mill Supply. I did not purchase inners so the shop will have to make some. Almost every body mount is either shot or non existant in the car because I never built new ones when I redid the floors. The tank will need to be dropped because the body support that runs the length of the trunk is shot and the trunk is rotted in both back corners. So all that really needs to be done is the new rockers and build body supports. I have the floor issue covered. I built floors out to the old rockers. I have $2,000 budgeted for this job. If possible I would really like to get it done for less.

[builtfercomfort]

Don't want to be pessimistic but it sounds like you need to take the frame off the body, to fix the mounts, then drop it back down. Maybe I'm wrong and you can do it one mount at a time, in place.

Maybe you can find an older shop willing to do this for that cost, but it would be at least double that around here. More like $5-6K. It all depends on who you can find to do it.

Have you considered buying a welder and learning to do it yourself? Depends on how much time you have.

[Plymouthy Adams]

If you are referring to the mounts on the frame..some of these are bolt on...if you are instead referring to the cross supports that tie the inner rockers togehter and give support to the floor pan..then these can be repaired alsong with the floor pan metal...I suggest you do this in 1/4 foor pan sections to prevent loos of shape and any chance of shifting..I also do not recommend removing the body from the frame till at least the inner and outer rockers are replaced if yours are in very bad shape...this is what holds the door gap and will prevent possible roof buckling. There are those that do put temp braces on the door opening above the sill and go ahead and lift the body..this is also workable...just be aware of the possibilites of further damage if this is not done in one manner or another...

[Justin Slingsby]

5 to 6 K!!! Holy macaroll! I would love to do it myself and I would if I owned instead of rented.. Plus the fact that I don't have a welder throws a wrench into the whole ordeal.

[Justin Slingsby]

The supports are still present on the frame I just need to tie them into the body and of course install new bushings..

[Plymouthy Adams]

Justin...when you farm this stuff out...prices go through the roof...again, this hobby is a do-it-yourself and if you just want to hold a car that is concurs..buy one that is in that condition..cost is less...so many times the piece out of this works adds up quick..though over a long time the owner does not full realize the money he has placed in to this car...each has to do what he can do best..oft time with shop space, tools etc etc..farming is the only option. And I know shops are in this business for the money...but some are flat out outrageous in their cost and the workmanship in not near the level of quality it should be...

[Justin Slingsby]

um thanks Tim.

[Young Ed]

Justin your car sounds like its rusty in all the typical areas. My 51 needs the same treatment. That one is so bad the seat started to fall backwards. That rotten trunk is very common too. Not sure how it happened but the parts car for my dads 50 had almost no floor but a good trunk. I've now stashed that away for patching my car.

I've never really stopped to check them out but I know there are a couple places along WI35 in the Webster Siren area. If you find a place out in the country a ways you should find a better rate.

[Justin Slingsby]

Yeah this thing was a rolling rust bucket when I got it. Little did I know.

The outter rocker panels are complete they are just dented and my inners are non existant as I cut them out when I redid the floor.. That is the reason why I am replacing all.

Just this year though I have been noticing the drivers door was getting harder to close so I have decided it is time to replace the supports. I really want to paint this car next year. This is the last of the major "fixit" items I have left. Other than build up a stout motor.

[1just4don]

... Justin,,why NOT just buy a welder. You can easiely pay for it in savings on this one item.

Do YOU weld at all??? Wanna learn?? Do you have any bribable relatives or friends?? Plenty of beer and steaks gets you a LONG way!!! The flat top welding with new steel isnt very hard. I dont have a mig welder either but always thought I "needed" one!! All I have is a stick welder and that only works best for heavy iron. Tin and light metal ,,,at best is left with holes burnt in it. My stick welder doesnt strike well at lower amps,,,think there is something wrong with it.

now HERE is another idea. IF you have the metal all cut and fit into where you want it,,,can you find a common welding shop to burn it tight for you??? That should be about 40-50 bucks an hour or so and an hour goes quite a ways there. Look around and see where farm machinery gets welded up at,,,thats where you might wanna go. Our local guy just got 3rd in our local car show a couple weeks ago with his old ford Pickup!! Thats the best source of welders. I have a couple guys I know that can weld everything but a 'broken' heart and the 'crack' of dawn!!! "SOME" farmers are good welders too,,they HAVE to be!!

[Guest jtw3749c]

I agree with looking around a bit before you give it to someone. I do all my own work, be it welding, mechanical, painting or interior and I am asked from time to time, if I would do this or that. Sometimes I will, sometimes not. just depends on my situation at the time.

I have a few body supports to make for myself as well as rockers. I know of your hardship, not being out on your own and having a place to do it yourself.

My point, go to some of the Cruise In's or Car Shows or Tractor Shows and ask around. You may find a guy who will do it for cheap. Maybe not, but it's worth a try. Just ask the ones that have cars they've done their self.

[Young Ed]

Justin I'm finding it surprisingly easy to learn. I'm using a older MIG unit my dad bought way back. You need the smallest unit most companies sell because thats what has the low setting for sheet metal. I did 2 firewall pieces on my 46 a year or so ago and have not jumped into this chevy. I'm part way through the second part of putting the tail section back in. I also did a small piece in the 1/4 and that is already ground smooth and bondo'd over. BTW mig is pretty safe as far as explosions or fire goes.

[Justin Slingsby]

Yeah ya know by now I should have a welder. I had to borrow one to put the floors in, it is stupid not having one I know. I am an okay welder. I took classes in college on welding and really enjoyed it. I have always been a hands on mechanically inclined type person and I believe I could do the work on my own. I just don't want to mess the car up should the body be sunk. Maybe that is why I would rather have an experienced shop do it. I am on a huge kick this summer to make this car more safe as I do put a lot of miles on it and I like to cruise with my son. Heck I have even been thinking of adding seat belts....

I have decided to take it to a friend of mine. He has a complete shop and I can give him a hand with the car.

[Jeff.P_46]

Hi Justin,

You can check out what I did, just search for "rocker repair"

Jeff