Rocker Panel a bit too long when trying to install, best way to shorten it ?

[Wyattman2015]

Hi
My Rocker Panel is a bit too long when trying to install, best way to shorten it ?
Do I grind , cut, or beat it to make it fit.
Thanks
Robert

 

[BronCowie]

It sounds like if beating on it is an option, it must not be too very long. Without seeing what you've got there, I would consider grinding it if it is just a scosch too long. Full disclosure.... I am a bit of a hack when it comes to metal fabrication/body work, but I've been able to get good results with parctice.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out. Pics would be good too and we would all apreciate you becoming a contributor to this site.

 

[markatherton]

cut off end. remove section; reweld end back on. common problem

 

[BronCowie]

cut off end. remove section; reweld end back on. common problem

That sounds more like it!

 

[Scoop]

Can you adjust the front fender forward a bit? Just did both sides on my 72 and the repop rockers fit fine.

 

[Madgyver]

Blend it in past the door seam.
My fabricated rockers are made of 20 guage sheetmetal. It extends into rear quarter and welded.

 

[BronCowie]

Blend it in past the door seam.
My fabricated rockers are made of 20 guage sheetmetal. It extends into rear quarter and welded.

That is awesome Mad, but it depends on if the OP has a welder/welding skills. If not, Scoops option might be the best way to go.

 

[Torkman66]

More info required. They may in fact be made too long and will require modification. But this may also be a sign of something else wrong. Are both pillars original and untouched? Is body off frame? Pics and exact measurements will help. You don’t want to keep moving a problem forward.

 

[Wyattman2015]

Hi, Pillars are original. The body is not off the frame.
I am less than an 1/8 inch off. I could force it in but didn't want to have it bow out or in.
If they are to be modified which I think that is the case do I cut/ grind the ends or is there a different way to do it ?

Thanks for any help.

 

[Wyattman2015]

Can you adjust the front fender forward a bit? Just did both sides on my 72 and the repop rockers fit fine.

Thanks for the input. Would I loosen the bolts and tap the fender and try and move it up that way or should I take the whole thing off ?
Much appreciated !
Robert

 

[Scoop]

Thanks for the input. Would I loosen the bolts and tap the fender and try and move it up that way or should I take the whole thing off ?
Much appreciated !
Robert

I would try loosening all the bolts on the door post and along the top of the inner fender and see if you get any movement. It would be worth a try as compared to shortening the rocker.

 

[Torkman66]

When moving the fender forward the gap between door and fender will increase by the amount you move fender forward. Without a picture of your current gaps, hard to know if that will be ok. What is the door gap at the qtr panel and door? Point is that when you move fender forward, door gaps may need to be adjusted to look right.

 

[Wyattman2015]

I would try loosening all the bolts on the door post and along the top of the inner fender and see if you get any movement. It would be worth a try as compared to shortening the rocker.

Thanks,
I took the front fender off and it gave me a tiny bit of room. I will need to grind a bit off the rocker but thanks for the idea.

 

[Wyattman2015]

When moving the fender forward the gap between door and fender will increase by the amount you move fender forward. Without a picture of your current gaps, hard to know if that will be ok. What is the door gap at the qtr panel and door? Point is that when you move fender forward, door gaps may need to be adjusted to look right.

Thanks for the input, much appreciated. I replaced the front fender and have the door off so I do not know what the gap is yet. Will keep you posted after I get it on and will take a picture of the door gap.
Thanks
Robert