I'm fairly new to fabrication, with limited experience from classes I have taken at school.

I have access to assistance, and a very large, robust, machine shop. What process would you recommend in building these? Also, what do rocker panels look like, behind the front part, originally? Mine are completely rusted and gone.

 

if you plan on offroading it get some 2x4 inch steel tubing and cut out the old rockers and weld that in it will act as a rockslider and rocker

 

yup that would be my rout if they are rusted just cut it right below the door sill and use the 2x4 as the new rocker

 

What do you weld to? do you need to make brackets on the back? also where do you begin to cut the old ones out?

 

*not mine, just stole pics for examples*

you weld to the bottom of the a-b-c pillars and the part of the body that connects them just above the rockers...



Supports to the "frame", some say its not needed. but I have heared of coming down on them hard enough to not allow the door to close properly without beatings it back into place....



lots of info, search "2x6 rockers" "xj rocker replacement" ect...

 

3/16 x 2 x 6
I should have pulled the B pillars in more for better door fit at closed.
Original floors and rockers were rotted. Pull your carpets way back and weld inside and out, top and bottom. Have a friend with hose and extiinguisher watch for fires while you weld. Lots of pics on my profile album.
With 3.5" lift I've got just over 19" clearance at lowest point of my rockers.
If you expect to be a real roughrider and focus on offroad, 1/4 x 2 x 8 would allow more outward positioning and lower door protection at expense of weight. Overkill for on / off road combo. I've laminated and overlapped the floor plates and welded all seams both sides, hence forgo cross tubes to tie in rockers and frame. All is now super solid.

 

Thanks a ton!! that was the best pictures and description on exactly what to do I've seen.

 

Look in "Advanced Tech" Forum under TOTM "Topic of the Month" there is a rocker boatsides TOTM lots of info.
Also link in my sig line to my rockers.
2 nd picture that they posted above.

Nitro

 

Nitro, thanks for the links in reference to TOTM and rockers.
I have new rockers I had ordered thru the local "steelership".
I don't have any fabricating skills to speak of nor am I hip to welding and all that. I'm not a bad "wrench" and have no problems with the mechanical aspects of Ol' Blackie, but the rocker panels are going to be a new adventure.
Being a new guy, and looking to learn a few things about UNI BODY constuction/destuction, your advise on the links look to be a great help.
Again, THANKS PAL,,
Dohn