Piper645

So I got the good old rusty rocker panels and I want to fix that.
But I also want to get some of the jcr stage 2 sliders. Would it look bad to just cut out the old rocker panel, prep and paint, then install the sliders?

I know everyone likes to replace the panels with a 2x6 that can double as a slider, but I like the look of the jcr sliders.

Any ideas on the matter? Will the lack of a rocker panel be structurally bad, or are they just cosmetic?

s14unimog

I hate to say it man but this one has been beat to death. Just take a minute and search this one out; it's a long winded subject full of opinions and different idea's. If you have significant rust damage, I would pull the trigger on a weld in style.

Gee oh Dee

X2

nitro450exp

The answer to the question in the OP.
Yes no rocker = BAD.
A unitized or unibody design relies on inner and outer members
being welded together to form closed box sections.
No outer, leaves and open C section that is weak and flexible.

Nitro

Piper645

Dangit not what I wanted to hear lol but thanks guys.
Do you guys have any idea how much it would probably run me to have a 2x6 welded in there if I cut out the old myself?

s14unimog

you really wouldn't want to move the truck, especially under power on the road, with that much of the body removed

Hoooper

it will cost less to get a cheap/semi cheap welder, teach yourself to weld, and do it than it will to get it done

bigvig

Yeah. I just bought a Lincoln for $284. It doesnt get much cheaper than that as far as rocker replacement goes. Youre going to pay a shop more than that to do the welding.

Piper645

Maybe its time to buy a welder then. Will it be too difficult to do as my first welding project?

bigvig

Not if you get some scrap and practice first. I would NOT recommend trying to do it as your first welding experience.

This is what I just picked up. You can add gas to it (comes with regulator, nozzle and hose) and its a name brand so youll be able to get support and parts for it. Great small job welder.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...1&blockType=G1

Gee oh Dee

Will a cheap welder be enough to bond the thick 2x6 to the rest of the rocker?

Hoooper

yeah, I got a 90 amp from northern industrial and it worked great for the rocker replacement (great meaning it worked and the sliders are stuck on and the metal is fused, not great like a $2k welder would have done). At high heat, you can still burn through 3/16 steel with that welder if you arent doing it right

bigvig

I dont think inexpensive equals "cheap". Buy a welder from Harbor Freight and youre talking cheap welder (most of them anyway). Buy an inexpensive name brand and its an entry level product. Youre not going to weld 1/2" plate with it and youre not going to weld for an hour straight with it, but once you learn how it works and how to use it, it'll do what its recommended for.

Hoooper

yep, I havent heard many good things about the harbor freight machines, but not long ago I know they were just rebranded Chicago Electric welders.

With a welder like this, you definitely CAN weld 1/2" plate, you just have to bevel the material and make multiple passes.

helmut

Go for it. You already told us that your rocker panels are rusty. Therefore cutting them out does not weaken the unibody. The unibody is already weak. Its not like your rockers serve any purpose right now that they are rust. I cut mine out on my previous cherokee with a grinder and drove daily with no problems.