Rocker Panel Rust under Scuff Plate - Any Advice? (4 Viewers)

[Tyland Cruiser]

On the driver's side rocker panel under the scuff plate, there is rust around and near the 3 retainer holes. There other three doors are clean (no rust) in these locations and the rest of the visible body is rust free (including the rear tail gate window area). This appears to be just surface rust and is somewhat understandable as the driver's side door gets used the most. However, I am concerned whether there is similar or worse rust inside that rocker panel. I have considered just applying cavity wax inside the rocker panel, but am not sure whether that will help much if the rust has already started. If it is rusty inside, I am not sure what the solution might be short of replacing the rocker panel, which I'd like to avoid doing if possible, though Toyota still sells the rocker panels.

Two questions for the forum:

1) Wondering if anyone has had this same issue and if so, how they dealt with the inside of their rocker panel.

2) Short of a new paint job or other help from an auto body professional, what is an effective (DIY) way to address this surface rust to slow it down for a few years until I get a new full-body paint job? It's not visible unless the scuff plate is removed. I have no experience with auto paint or rust repairs.

Thank you.

 

[baldilocks]

Did you poke at it with a screw driver to assess whether or not it’s solid enough to depend on? If there is still solid metal I’d clean it up and apply some rust converter, then a liberal coating of POR15, and then get on with life.

 

[Kernal]

17 ways to approach it, wire wheel/sand then (as mentioned above) kill remaining rust in pits with Rust Mort, Ospho (take your pick), prime and paint.
You can buy high quality 2K primer and paint (even catalyzed aerosol paint) in the correct color (you'll need 2k clear also).

If you're concerned if there's more rust inside the rocker panels you could remove a couple of the rubber plugs
on the back side of the rockers and look in, use a bore scope, etc.

 

[RC51]

cut and weld

 

[Tyland Cruiser]

17 ways to approach it, wire wheel/sand then (as mentioned above) kill remaining rust in pits with Rust Mort, Ospho (take your pick), prime and paint.
You can buy high quality 2K primer and paint (even catalyzed aerosol paint) in the correct color (you'll need 2k clear also).

If you're concerned if there's more rust inside the rocker panels you could remove a couple of the rubber plugs
on the back side of the rockers and look in, use a bore scope, etc.

Thank you. Very helpful.

 

[Tyland Cruiser]

Did you poke at it with a screw driver to assess whether or not it’s solid enough to depend on? If there is still solid metal I’d clean it up and apply some rust converter, then a liberal coating of POR15, and then get on with life.

It’s solid. Thank you. Very helpful.

 

[family80]

Lift up that carpet on the drivers side and check the floor pan

 

[Tyland Cruiser]

Lift up that carpet on the drivers side and check the floor pan

Great suggestion. Everything looks good under the carpet and wiring. Thank you.