riveted rocker panel

[jmcmath]

When attempting to remove the rocker panels to clean out the debris trapped behind them
I discovered that the driver side panel is riveted from the top to the bottom of the door jamb. However on the passenger side the panel is fastened from the top by a series of screws.

Anybody have any word on this and how the driver side panel can be removed?

Thanks

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[7391417]

Removing the rivets is easy, just get a drill bit that is the same diameter as the shaft of the rivet (not the head) and drill it out. If you are not sure how big to use then start with a smaller bit and work your way up.

Hope that helps!

-Brent

[rich]

The rivets are the factory means of attaching the panels. Be sure to use aluminum rivets when reinstalling the panels. They pull down easy and remove easy.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

The rivets were used by the factory to hold the top of the rocker cover in place. The bottoms were held on by screws.

If the right-hand side rocker cover is held on by all screws, I would say that chances are reasonable that the right longitudinal has been repaired or replaced.

--DD

[Gruppe5]

If you remove it, then replace the rivets with screws, then you will be able to always get in there easily when "concourse" washing your car. Which is a very good thing to do at least once or twice a year....

And don't forget to keep the mechanicals clean too! Keep those brakes clean and keep the brake dusting off your suspension components, If you use semi-metallic pads at all this will induce rusting of those components.

Keep it clean guys!

[Ascaris]

FWIW, use a 1/8" drill bit to drill out the old rivets if you have to. You can replace with standard aluminum pop rivets.

I painted mine with good old Testers black model paint to match the original color.

[Alpine]

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to remove the screws from the bottom of the rocker panels? The last time I tried to remove these flat head screws they didn't budge and it was difficult to get any penetrating fluid on them so I gave up before I stripped the heads. The screws look like they have been on there for a very long time. Do you think heating and cooling the screws with a handheld propane torch would loosen them up?

Thanks,
Alpine

[72_914]

Alpine-

This might sound crude, but hammer or tap on a socket over the screw. Then gently remove it (use plenty of penetrating oil first! at least a day or two). If that doesnt work, drill it out and tap it. I would also sugest replacing the old screws with new. Any local hardware should have them. After I removed mine I went ahead and painted them with corless (rust paint from The Eastwood Company) and then re-painted them flat black before putting them back on.

[JP Noonan]

The socket thing can work, 12 point ones "bite" better, but I don't think the screw head is deep enough.

It requires jacking the car up for access, but I would use a $20 impact tool. It looks like a fat screw driver, and you hit it with a hammer. Works like the air-driven impact tools, but dosen't strip as easily.

If it is striped try getting a new, sharp, set of Vise-Grips on it. Don't know it there is any room to do it though.

Or try an E-Z-Out or screw extractor. Just be careful, these things aren't magic. They can break, and when they do it is next to impossible to drill them out. It is like drilling a drill bit with a drill bit.

Put bolts (not screws)on next time with anti-seize.

[rich]

Back when the american car market use chrome wheel opening trim on every model, I was forced to learn how to remove the fasteners. Here in the salt belt, even after the fasteners are removed corrosion locks the trim on like it been welded. Get a good standard screw driver and small hammer. Strike the screw on the side of the head. First on one side then the other. This works, believe me.

[Alpine]

Thanks guys for the suggestions on how to remove the rocker panel fasteners. I'll try them all until I find one that works.

Alpine

[jmcmath]

Thanks to all for helpful comments.
It seems the reason I have
screws on the top side of the
passenger side rocker panel is
due to dealer-installed A/C which
required running coolant hoses along
the longitudinal.