I have 51' Merc with old rusty rocker panels....how do i replace them? AM i supposed to take of the front fender???? Need help... Thanks
well, yes - I would, because who knows what lurks underneath there. I will have pictures on my site soon of the rocker panel replacement I am doing. Not easy. tok
If the rocker is rotted and can' be fixed you will have to patch it or replace it. Patching would be easier, but thats another story. Looking at the new rocker will tell you what has to come off, but more than likely you will have take off the fender. To take off the rocker you will need a spot weld drill and an air chisel. Once the rocker is off you need to clean the metal of all excess metal! and rust with a grinder. The most inportant thing in doing metal work is that both side that are to be welded MUST be clean, you may need sand blast the inner rocker that the new outer rocker is to be welded to. Once the old rocker is off and the areas are clean, fit the new panel using vice grips, then rivits or tech screws to hold it in place, After fitting the fender, but before securing the rocker in place, you will have to drill or punch the holes you will need to weld the rocker, then use "weld thru primer" 3M makes it, on both sides to be welded, that WILL keep rust from starting the day you weld it! Again you may need to look at the old rocker to see what type of welds were used, could be some plug , spot, or stitch welds. It may be better for you to get it in place and ready then maybe take it to a shop and have them weld it for you. Good luck.
chris silva, wow thanks that would be helpfull to see pictures. I will try to put pic on as soon as i learn how to upload them on to this site. Yeah i tried to take off the fender last nite and it would not come off. I took off all the nuts and bolts, but, man, it's just like glued on...i dont know where else to pick at so it can come off. today i will try again. I'm actually gonna make my rocker panels. it looks easy to make. the ones it has on rigth now are old and super rusted , i think they are trash now. i want to take them out and copy them. I am welder and fabricator now. i Actually have access to just about everything i need to weld, and access to metal supplies. I just have never welded on cars....or ever built one. thanks for your help...
If the fenders are unbolted and still don't want to come off look along the fender where it is against the body it could be old undercoat holding it in place, carefully use a torch and a scraper to free it, being careful not to breath in the fumes.
Check this link and good luck with the build: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=200616&highlight=merc+quarter+panel
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