rocker panel support bracket restoration

[Robert M.]

I am looking at a 66 coupe for possible purchase. The car has correct under the car exhaust that appears to be quite a number of years old. The entire system along with hangars etc. have normal surface rust. Curiously though all the rocker panel support brackets have been cut off flush with the frame,leading me to believe the car at one time had side exhaust mounted. Neither the front or rear fiberglass shows any signs of having been cut however. Currently the rocker panel molding is attached at the front and rear,but with no brackets there is no attachment along its length. Is it possible to restore these brackets without removing the body? What would be the recommendation to give the moldings additional attach points for security and strength?

[Dick W.]

Re: rocker panel support bracket restoration

I believe Long Island Corvette Supply has a kit to replace the brackets




http://www.licorvette.com

[mike mccagh]

Re: rocker panel support bracket restoration

the brackets, as dickie stated, are available from long island corvettes and are very good repos. have used them in past. mike

[Robert M.]

Re: rocker panel support bracket restoration

What would be involved in installing the new brackets? The remaining part of the old ones need to be removed and then the new ones welded on. Can this be accomplised with the body on and not risk the paint and fibergalss?

[Scott Marzahl]

Re: rocker panel support bracket restoration

I would remove the old ones the ones I could with a spot weld cutter, it's a special drill bit that just cuts a circle around the spot weld. The side welds may have to be ground off. Then remove the bracket remains, grind the left over spot weld smooth. Depending on your welder, it may or may not have a spot weld function. If it does just locate the new brackets and weld them in. If your welder does not spot weld, I would then drill approximately 1/4" holes or smaller, in the new brackets to duplicate where the old spot welds were, which allows you to weld them in place via the holes to simulate spot welds. Then clean up the welds with a grinder if required. The fiberglass rockers don't sit against the side of the birdcage very tight in most locations, the local heat concern depends on your car. On my car, they don't fit very snug against the cage. However, if they do, you may or may not end up with local heat spots in your paint. I would insert a piece of sheet metal between the rocker panel and the birdcage as a heat deflector as a precaution. You should be able to keep your top welds under the door sill area. If you are planning on painting the car, this is a mute point.