Rocker Panel Cover Function

LUFTKUL · 09-26-2016, 12:29 PM

Are the rocker panel covers purely cosmetic? The sole factory purpose to hide the oil lines and AC lines?

Do they keep water and road gunk off the bottom of the body rocker panel or just trap more in?

I had my covers off for a while and recently put them back on and can't decide which look I like better. My black car with mostly black oil lines makes them blend more than a contrasting color.

RSBob · RSBob's Garage

Totally cosmetic to match the chunkiness of the bumpers. They serve no function other than adding needless weight and deterring a couple of rock chips to the rear flanks. They also act as insulators to the oil lines which can potentially trap heat. Pre-74 cars didn't use them and you will see a number of post 74 cars without. Mine runs without.

RSBob · RSBob's Garage

A pic for reference.

puddy · puddy's Garage

I love the early 911 look without rockers but my car has 964 style bumpers and I found it looked to skinny in the middle without the 964 style rockers so I just keep them on.

pmax · pmax's Garage

I would believe there are airflow improvements at high speeds with the panel, mostly irrelevant of course on US highways, so delete away at will.

CCM911 · 09-27-2016, 10:51 AM

On the other side of the coin, I think that removing them really makes your car look like hell. Like it is unfinished.

Mick_D · 09-27-2016, 11:20 AM

I use IROC bumpers front and rear. The original IROC cars didn't use them, but I think I might, if i can find all the right fasteners to put them back on with.

uwanna · 09-27-2016, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RSBob

Pre-74 cars didn't use them and you will see a number of post 74 cars without. Mine runs without.

Not quite true, I owned two pre-74 cars with rocker covers. They came with unfinished polished aluminum rockers. I think it was a 911S trim package along with the wider front and rear bumper Deco trim.