Rocker panel rot. Can I remove and replace the whole panel?

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Snickklefrittz

Snickklefrittz

10 Year
Joined
Oct 9, 2014
Threads
12
Messages
36
I've got some rot on my DS rocker panel. It's about the size of a silver dollar, but it's gone pretty deep. Is my best bet to cut and weld a new piece on with it still on the truck? Or would I be able to remove the rocker panel and fix it that way? Thanks!
 
The rocker pannel is a welded on and seam sealed part of the main body. You could cut the whole thing off, but it would be more wise to use a composite hammer and a punch to figure out the extent of damage and fix what needs fixed. If However the whole rocker turns out to be rotten you may need to get one from the salvage yard and patch a whole one in. An easier method if you have a video bore scope tool would be to send the probe in and see what it looks like throughout the inside. Either way, if it's one or 2 spots I'd patch pannel it...use ospho on any lite rusting and inside, then rinse and dry and then spray some fluid film inside after your repair. Make sure to ospho your patch panel as well as properly paint afterwards.
 
LandCruisinMy93 said:
The rocker pannel is a welded on and seam sealed part of the main body. You could cut the whole thing off, but it would be more wise to use a composite hammer and a punch to figure out the extent of damage and fix what needs fixed. If However the whole rocker turns out to be rotten you may need to get one from the salvage yard and patch a whole one in. An easier method if you have a video bore scope tool would be to send the probe in and see what it looks like throughout the inside. Either way, if it's one or 2 spots I'd patch pannel it...use ospho on any lite rusting and inside, then rinse and dry and then spray some fluid film inside after your repair. Make sure to ospho your patch panel as well as properly paint afterwards.
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Awesome, Thanks for the info. I don't think that the whole panel is rotted, especially since there is little rust on the rest of the body panels. I'll poke around at it the next time I'm underneath to see the extent of the rust.
 
zipdoa said:
My passenger (RHD truck) side is rotting as well, but I'm going to end up replacing the entire panel with an 18GA steel piece from here:

Toyota Land Cruiser Rust Repair Panels
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Interesting, that's some good information for our friends in the rustbelt I didn't see a rocker for our 80 series though, I only briefly scanned and may have missed it though. Good to know though.
 
Well I'll be dipped in sh!t...
I have not been able to find replacement panels except salvage anywhere!
 
Golgo13 said:
Well I'll be dipped in sh!t...
I have not been able to find replacement panels except salvage anywhere!
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Let's hope you've had your Hepatitis vaccines
 
@Snickklefrittz, you sound like you're on it, so don't take this the wrong way. What does the rear side look like, if you pull the drain plugs?

I have a sunroof leak that caused me to pull mine. I was shocked at the trash that had accumulated in there.
 
They just emailed me back and they do not make 80 panels, but are willing to start. They just need to find a straight body to replicate. Perhaps you guys should emails for interest in the 80 panels too, so they are more likely to start the project sooner.
 
danadog said:
They just emailed me back and they do not make 80 panels, but are willing to start. They just need to find a straight body to replicate. Perhaps you guys should emails for interest in the 80 panels too, so they are more likely to start the project sooner.
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Did this go anywhere? The website still doesn't list 80 panels. I'm interested. Maybe we can get a group buy to make it worth their starting to make them.
 
To repeat the previous post from danadog. ...they can't/won't do it till they have a straight panel to replicate. I spoke with them about a month ago. If anyone can provide one they will do it no problem. If I ever score one from a clean truck I will send it to them first but I haven't had the opportunity. If I get back to Texas before I redeploy I may be able to pull it off but that's a BIG maybe.
 
Your best bet is always going to be cutting panels from a parts trucks. The aftermarket panels from this company do not have a good reputation in the early 4runner/pickup world. Fitment leaves much to be desired.
 
Tools R Us said:
Cut the skin out and replace with rectangle tubing, high clearance pseudo slider?
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This has worked well for me in the past on a similar rocker construction vehicle (late 60s jeepster) I would do it on my 80 if the rockers rust out. It does make a good "boat side" type slider.
 
Does anyone know if there are any current available options for replacement 80 series rockers? I’m hoping in the last few years somethimg has become available. I am in need of both outer rockers, and one inner. Also pass wheel arc. I got excited when I saw that alphaparts site, as it was exactly what I was looking for, then noticed they only had them available for the 60 series. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
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