[Jake67RSVert]

I’m working on restoring a 67 rs vert to a drive-able condition. While removing the floor(to replace the floor pan), I noticed that the rocker panels seem to be in a bad condition, but still support the car without any flex. The inside rocker cover is rusted out completely in some spots, but I have no idea about the condition of the “inside inside rocker panel” (inner support). I’m trying to get the car drive-able by spring and don’t want to spend to much money, but will if it really needs it.



Question(s):

1. Should I just repair the outside/inside covers without investigating further?
2. If I shouldn’t just repair it, Is there way to just replace the inside rocker (and inner support if needed) without buying the whole $400 assembly?

Pictures:
Rust starts a foot before the door hinge and ends about a foot to 1-1/2 foot behind the door hinge

 

[tp_smith]

Good job cutting the floor pan out!

If you replace the rocker, you will not be driving your car in the spring. The rockers are the main support structure in your convertible. You will need extra bracing if you remove the rocker.

The convertible rocker is made much stronger than the coupe rocker. There are actually two inner support panels. No one on the internet can tell you if your rockers are too rusted.

The photo below shows the end of a convertible rocker that is next to the outer wheelhouse.
Look how thick the metal is on the convertible rocker. The inner rocker is 1/16" to 1/8" thick?

The Republic of Tawain makes inner replacement rocker panels for a coupe. The convertible is different. The aftermarket vendors do not sell an inner rocker panel part for a convertible.

Here are some photos of the passenger side rocker if you want to fabricate a piece.

 

[dhutton]

Convertible rockers were unobtanium when I replaced some last summer. I think I managed to find the last pair on the planet after finding them at a lesser known Camaro parts vendor.

That being said those rockers should be replaced. A body jig is essential to doing it properly imho.

Don

 

[Jake67RSVert]

Good job cutting the floor pan out!

If you replace the rocker, you will not be driving your car in the spring. The rockers are the main support structure in your convertible. You will need extra bracing if you remove the rocker.

The convertible rocker is made much stronger than the coupe rocker. There are actually two inner support panels. No one on the internet can tell you if your rockers are too rusted.

The photo below shows the end of a convertible rocker that is next to the outer wheelhouse.
Look how thick the metal is on the convertible rocker. The inner rocker is 1/16" to 1/8" thick?

View attachment 301070


View attachment 301071


The Republic of Tawain makes inner replacement rocker panels for a coupe. The convertible is different. The aftermarket vendors do not sell an inner rocker panel part for a convertible.

Here are some photos of the passenger side rocker if you want to fabricate a piece.

View attachment 301072




View attachment 301073

Thanks for the pictures and information. Ive decided that I will try to repair the current inner panels if they are still mostly good but will make new if necessary. I guess I will find out how good the inner supports are when I start removing the rusted metal and will dig into it more if they are bad.