Time for my yearly rocker panel patch job on the 96 XJ and I've decided to look into the slip on rocker panels I've been told about. What I'm wondering is if there are actual rocker panels specifically manufactured to be slipped over existing rocker panels, or do people just get another rocker panel and put it over the old one and call it a 'slip on.'

​If there are specific slip ons I'd appreciate a link as the ones I've found so far seem to be just regular rocker panels.

Thanks.

 

Never heard of slip on rockers, sorry.

you are repairing this yearly? seems it aint being done right. do it right and you may only need to do it once.
Since this is a uniframe vehicle, the rockers are part of the strength, slipping on a covering rocker over a rusted out rocker wont restore strength. The replacement should be properly welded into place.

the slip on fast and dirty solution will be metal HVAC tape. but no strength repair will be had.

 

typically, a "slip on" rocker would be designed to over top of the existing rocker at all points including the door jamb areas, front A pillar, and the rear dog leg .. A normal, weld in replacement rocker wouldn't slip over the old one without removal because it would be the exact same size as the original...What most will do is use the "slip on" part to overlap onto good metal but still weld it at the pinch weld and all areas after removing all the rusted metal that's the issue... Here's the thing for most rocker replacements : There's way more work if the backside of of the vehicle's rocker is rotted because now you need to replace that for a pinch weld to attach it to...
With that being said, the XJ doesn't have a wide back inner rocker to repair only inches...A nice, clean option would be to weld in a section of square tubing instead of just adding more sheetmetal back in there to repeat the cycle... Do a search you'll see many have gone that route with great results..

 

I've used the slip on rockers ( I think they were ebay). They require some trimming. You will need an angle grinder to remove the old rot anyway. Buy extra disks. I used automotive grade body panel adhesive to secure them with about 8 clamps until cured.

 

Repairing this yearly? Hmm, perhaps use more insulating foam and bedliner spray next time??

 

Body panel adhesives have come a long way over the years. I wasn't always a believer but don't hesitate to use them now. Body shops used to use spot welders like the one below as one way to quickly put on patch panels, and they are quick - 2 welds with 1 trigger pull. I don't know but I doubt they still do. I picked up this Porta-Spot welder over 40 years ago and I think they were on their way out then.