Removed rocker panels, but then I found trouble

EdT82SC · 09-07-2003, 09:03 PM

I've been reading the recent thread on removing rocker panels, and I thought I'd give it a try to see how it looks. It's amazing how much dirt gets stuck in those things. After doing a real quick cleaning job I definitely like the look better without them on. But then I saw noticed a crack on the passenger side right above the jack point. So I guess it's good that I found it. I probably wouldn't have found out for quite a while longer if I hadn't been read here about removing rocker panels. Here is a pic:

Should I get this taken care of as soon as possible so it doesn't get worse? What is involved, and what will it cost me? Does anyone know a good body shop in Orange County, CA to get this fixed at?

Thanks,

lateapex911 · 09-07-2003, 11:24 PM

As I remember, the quarter and the rocker join there. I will defer to the guys who do the bodywork 24/7, but I wouldn't jump off a building in despair quite yet.

It may just be the filler flexing and cracking. I would have it looked at by a shop that has done pcar restorations. It might be a simple fix.

Lets hope, at least!

Lorenzo-SC79 · 09-08-2003, 03:42 AM

started the same for me, and now see where i am ...

... rust is away now

EdT82SC · 09-08-2003, 09:59 AM

I do feel a little better knowing there is a weld joint there. There does appear that there is probably some rust in there, but probably not anything serious. Can anyone recommend a good body shop that could handle this in Orange County, CA?

Thanks,

Kurt B · 09-08-2003, 10:29 AM

I got the exact same crack on the passenger's side. In fact, it looks exactly like yours.
If you can jack the car and that jack point doesn't bend up or flex the frame, I doubt it's much to worry about..but I would still go ahead and use a floor jack from now on and not worry about it. let us know what you fin dout if you do though.
As for me, I am just letting it go. hasn't gotten any worse, wider or changed in any way over the years since i noticed it.

EdT82SC · 09-08-2003, 11:14 AM

Hey Kurt,

I had it jacked up from the jack tube using my floor jack and a jack plate, and I didn't notice any flex at all. Same thing when I jacked it up from the front with the floor jack. Still it looks like there may be some (probably very minor) rust under there. I think it's better for me to take care of this now rather then waiting to see if it gets worse.

targa80 · targa80's Garage

That crack is from where they solder (lead) the rear body panel to the rocker panel. I believe it is not a part of the structural support for the jack point. The structural support is behind the body panel.

scottb · 09-08-2003, 11:23 AM

Do a search on the board and find contact information for "KevinP73". He's in Van Nuys, so he's not *too* far from you. He does Porsche restorations, and his work is gorgeous. (He did Jack Olsen's new car.)

I'd e-mail the picture to him and ask his opinion. At worst, you might have to drive an hour to have him look at the car. I think it would be worth the drive for the peace of mind an expert can give you.

Good luck.

EdT82SC · 09-08-2003, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by scottb
Do a search on the board and find contact information for "KevinP73". He's in Van Nuys, so he's not *too* far from you. He does Porsche restorations, and his work is gorgeous. (He did Jack Olsen's new car.)

I'd e-mail the picture to him and ask his opinion. At worst, you might have to drive an hour to have him look at the car. I think it would be worth the drive for the peace of mind an expert can give you.

Good luck.

Thanks for the advice. I PM'd KevinP73, and he had this to say:

That little crack is nothing out of the ordinary. It's where the factory joins the rocker and rear quarter panel. It's normal and an easy fix. I wouldn't worry about it.

So I guess I won't worry about it until I get the car repainted. Thanks to everyone for being so helpful.

scottb · 09-08-2003, 12:13 PM

There ya go! Now you can sleep tonight. Great result.

lateapex911 · 09-08-2003, 05:05 PM

Yup, I'm glad to see agreement. I've been in there, and the support comes fro a plate that surrounds the tube and ties to the Rocker section internally. As you live in the land of no rain, your rust worries are much less than us oin the NE! Enjoy the ride, but don't soak it too often!