Rocker panel install

[Paul Proefrock]

If you purchased your car less the factory body trimming/install, it will come with the rocker panels taped in place, untrimmed. Don't assume they are on the correct side of the car! There is a LH and RH panel and it isn't clear which is which.

We've all watched the video showing the rockers must go on first. We also have learned the rockers have to go to the rear as much as possible, often to the point of trimming away some fiberglass.

These pictures will help identify front and rear so you can determine which piece goes where.


Front - note amount of angle


Rear -  note flatter angle


Looking down at the right front wheel well, rocker clearance for tire. Note how it's cut back to the tangent point on the sponson

[Paul Proefrock]

2nd question that comes up is does the rocker go above or below the belly pan. There is a channel formed by the sponson and it seems the natural spot. I am told it is a builders preference. If you're in a hurry, it mounts much easier below the belly pan. RCR uses four screws thru the fiberglass into the aluminum pan.

But if you're after a little more, it can be installed above the pan. It is a much cleaner look. I mounted the rocker in place after trimming the inner edge so it lapped into the channel area about 1". I then used a 1/8" drill to mark 8 holes, equally spaced, drilling thru the aluminum and the fiberglass. Use a Cleco to hold it in places as the holes are drilled.

Once drilled, I used panel adhesive and fiberglass to mount #10-24 nuts on the inside of the rocker panel. I drilled and countersunk each of the holes in the aluminum for a #10-24 x 3/4" flat head screw. When assembled, it's a nice clean look.

Paul