Rocker Panel Sheet Metal Gauge

[Bingster]

I bought a pair of rocker panels for y '47 DeSoto and wonder if 22 gauge is too thin.

[Los_Control]

While I want to say it is not ideal .... simply is common for todays quality of parts.

 

If you had a modern uni body car, the rockers are actually structural.

The rockers provide strength to both A & B pillars, it is tied in with the roof .... There are functions built in with uni body that tie the rear frame rails and front frame rails together. .... It is imperative the metal structure is solid.

 

With a full frame car the rockers hold the floors and doors in place. .... Simply not as important as a uni body car.

 

I think it sucks .... my freshly installed floor pan is 20 or 22 gauge metal ..... it works but not my choice ..... the other alternative is to roll your own .... possibly you can add some bracing to beef it up .....

 

In the manufacturers eye it is just for looks .... possibly a uni body car they use better metal.

In the end it actually does work, just not ideal ....... use it or make your own.

[Bingster]

Thanks. Can I use it as a pattern for someone to copy with 18 g?

[westaus29]

I live in regional WA Australia and hate paying exorbitant shipping for poor quality parts. I made a sketch of repair panels for my 55 Plymouth rockers and had them fabricated by a local box trailer manufacturer from 1.2 mm (18 gauge). Bought an air operated joggler, made lap joints with mig spot welds. Quick, strong and cheap. 22 is too light in my opinion, walks when you weld it.

[Bingster]

Box trailer?

[westaus29]

Sorry if the Aus english does not translate. We call a 6x4 single axle or 8x6 double axle utility trailer a box trailer. The fabrication shop has all the bending and cutting gear needed for simple shapes like car sills.