What is the best way to deal with this? (body work)

[FineWynsFJ40]

I can do flat sheet metal repair and body work, but have never done anything with a curve to it without a patch panel. How do you guys do this, and how did it turn out? What all are my options? These are the only 3 major areas, surprisingly everything else is in good shape. This is what I'm going up against:

Thanks!!
Brian

 

[Gumby]

a panel roller is nice, but you can do it with a mallet and a pipe of the right diameter for the rockers.

The fender lip is damn hard.

 

[toyotology]

If you can poke holes in the rocker anywhere else besides where the holes are, I would suggest replacing it with IPOR rockers.

 

[n2666s]

x2 on IPOR's rockers;

Lou

 

[jmylie]

Replace the rockers. IronPig OffRoad has some nice sliders or replacement rockers:

http://www.ironpigoffroad.com/armor/sliders.shtml

If you plan on wheeling the 55, rockers will take some hits. Armor them.

 

[LC_Hamma]

FJ55 ROCKER PANELS
Includes only stamped steel outer rocker section.

I didn't see a backside view, but I assume they sell the additional braces to the frame or DIY (?) Those who've purchased this "kit", are you tieing these into the existing rockers & bracing. So, essentially the body is tied to the frame?

 

[Pighead]

Just cut it off...

 

[FineWynsFJ40]

I will, once I get home, take a look into sheet metal and associated tooling for it. I would just cut it off, but I want the stock look and I should learn good body work sometime:grin: I'm curious about the IPOR rockers, armored yet stock-ish. I will inspect them more when the pole barn gets insulated and the heater is installed. I'm embarking on my second crusade against rust, oh boy!

Brian

 

[snailwagon]

The examples I've seen of the IPOR rockers do not tie into the frame. The only ones I've seen braced at all were fj55-100's, which had added braces and reinforcements that spread the force out on the floor pan.

Lance's rockers are way beefy and still affordable. They do not have any provision for the wheel well lip. x2 on the ease of making a small piece of rocker. It is easier than you'd think. With the lips, the easiest route is to amputate a donor fj55. Given that you can find a clean 55.

 

[FineWynsFJ40]

Hmmm... Find a clean bodied FJ55 to repair a rusty one I'll likely, depending on the extent of the rust, fab up the rockers with metal, then fab up the lip with fiberglass or metal, depending upon how much repair is required. Who is Lance and can I get more info on his rockers? Thanks

Brian

 

[Trollhole]

https://rsp-secure.com/rarespares/default.asp?car_type=37&model=TOYOTA LANDCRUISER

They have the rear quarter panel replacement. I wonder if you could flip on and use it for the other side of the wheel well.

Have a set so I will check when I get home.

 

[Eric Ellis]

https://rsp-secure.com/rarespares/default.asp?car_type=37&model=TOYOTA LANDCRUISER

They have the rear quarter panel replacement. I wonder if you could flip on and use it for the other side of the wheel well.

Have a set so I will check when I get home.

Hmmm....simple, obvious, good idea. Would love to hear how that works out.

 

[inkpot]

Hmmm... Find a clean bodied FJ55 to repair a rusty one I'll likely, depending on the extent of the rust, fab up the rockers with metal, then fab up the lip with fiberglass or metal, depending upon how much repair is required. Who is Lance and can I get more info on his rockers? Thanks

Brian

Howdy! Lance runs Iron Pig Off Road (IPOR.com). I have a set of these rocker replacements, and they are definitely Heavy Duty. They do not have any extra bracing or mounting brackets/hardware. They are designed to be welded in to the existing body work. They are just the curved section from tang at the very bottom of the body panel up to the bottom of the door rail. They are mondo heavy duty, like 0.120 or so. Mine came shrink wrapped, no need for packaging. It would be easy to fab up some extra brackets if you wanted to mount them to the frame or whatever. I THINK they are long enough to go from fenderlip to fenderlip, if you choose. I have not installed mine yet, but I wanted to make sure I got some, so I bought some of the first ones he made. John

 

[FineWynsFJ40]

Both options (IPOR and Rare Spares) are very viable options. Depending upon the extent of the rust & deterioration I will decide which route to go. It looks like the Rare Spares has the fender lip on it, making it more authentic, but armored rocker panels are very attractive. Anybody installed either one? After final exams I'll have a whole month dedicated to the old gal!

Brian

 

[n2666s]

another option is ehsankiani, he is a mud forum member out of Pakistan; does beautiful work; I have a couple of his fender patches on our 55 and the sheet metal work and detailing are awsome.........he made up a batch of about 10 pairs so he probably has some left....pricing was very reasonable

Lou

 

[FineWynsFJ40]

I forgot about Ehsan. I shot him a PM so we'll see what turns up. I can't wait to dig in this Christmas break!! I just have to get through one more week of class then finals

Brian

 

[Trollhole]

Hmmm....simple, obvious, good idea. Would love to hear how that works out.

Rear quarters are spot on but they will not work revesed for the rockers. Lip is of different profile.

 

[FineWynsFJ40]

Good to know. Thanks.

Brian