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General Discussion => Q & A => Topic started by: gssizzler on February 27, 2019, 11:18:44 AM

Title: Straighten out a rocker panel
Post by: gssizzler on February 27, 2019, 11:18:44 AM
Need some hints on  pulling out a rocket on my convertible! The driver door
Got banged in and pushed the rocker in about 1/2 to 3/4 ! I see no damage to cowl ! I have access to the rear of the rocker as the floor is out! I have a door on the car that is good and clean , fits but doesn't close all the way! I could weld a piece of angle iron to the outside for a good pull! My biggest concern is
that I don't tweak the body shell! I can and will brace it but still scary situation!
You can see a little bit in the photo where the top of the rocker sticks out at the bottom of the door and door doesn't close all the way! Thanks for any help , advice etc..!

Title: Re: Straighten out a rocker panel
Post by: Loren At 65GS on February 27, 2019, 04:04:35 PM
Jon, is the issue at the back of the door / rocker area ?
Since there is no floor in it, maybe using a porta-power to push it from the back side.

  Loren
Title: Re: Straighten out a rocker panel
Post by: gssizzler on March 01, 2019, 08:11:42 AM
It is pushed in mainly in the front! If you go from the middle of the door it tapers in from that point, with the front of the rocker being the worst! A porta power is a good option if I can get it up against something solid!
Title: Re: Straighten out a rocker panel
Post by: yachtsmanbill on March 01, 2019, 08:54:04 AM
Just got my new Assembly Book. Want me to copy some pages for replacement of the rocker panel? Probably a few dozen spot welds to drill out. Then it will be in yer hands to massage and make perfect. Let me know!  Bill
Title: Re: Straighten out a rocker panel
Post by: schlepcar on March 01, 2019, 09:58:44 AM
Find someone with a stud welder and heat up the deepest part of the dent with a propane torch and slowly work it out. It is time consuming,but easier than cutting into it and having to finish off new welds.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Magna-Spot-stud-welder-Kit-Motorguard-J01000/132106648179?epid=655491759&hash=item1ec22b7a73:g:e~EAAOSw~bFWJ5lZ (https://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Magna-Spot-stud-welder-Kit-Motorguard-J01000/132106648179?epid=655491759&hash=item1ec22b7a73:g:e~EAAOSw~bFWJ5lZ)
Title: Re: Straighten out a rocker panel
Post by: gssizzler on March 02, 2019, 08:43:10 PM
Hey guys Thanks for the advice! My body work experience is so limited! Now if   I can get my cars out of the frozen ice and snow inside the garage I'm paying rent on :angryfire:I swear I'm going to turn on the small kerosene heater full blast shut the door and kill every living thing in it!
Title: Re: Straighten out a rocker panel
Post by: option B9 on March 03, 2019, 02:07:02 PM
   I agree with Schlepcar. Try to find someone with a stud welder, that would be the best, Or If you can find someone with a Mig welder try this..I ran across a similar problem with a 64 Riv years ago. I used my Mig welder and welded some scrap 1/8 inch rod together to form a T, I made 4 or 5 T's and welded them along the area and heated the area with some Propane gas and very slowly worked out the damage by pulling the rods.   I had a pair of welding gloves on as those T rods were getting HOT. Once the damage area was pulled out enough I cut off the T rods, ground down the high spots and board sanded the area with 80 grit paper then added a skim coat of body filler to hide any imperfections. Then finish off with 150 then 220 paper then give it several light coats of primer.  This work is very time consuming, so plan a full day to do the work. Keep the work area clear of anything not related to what you are doing and make sure any combustibles are away or outside of the garage. Working safe is a priority #1  :thumbsup:
    DO NOT use MAAP or Oxyacetylene gas as they are too hot and will burn thru the metal and cause major damage.

    Tony
Title: Re: Straighten out a rocker panel
Post by: WkillGS on March 03, 2019, 04:07:42 PM
....
Since there is no floor in it, maybe using a porta-power to push it from the back side.

  Loren

That's what I would recommend. Put the hyd cylinder on the opposite frame rail and push against the rocker.
I've tried using a stud welder and pulling a bend out, but rockers are rather thick and tough to move.