63 Rocker Panels

[Collin MacDonald]

From reading previous posts I have learned the repro rocker panels are not the best and for the 63 are a few inches short of the originals. I had to purchase repros and to my eye they look OK, but can you suggest anybody in the NCRS network where I can purchase a Good Set of rocker panels. Secondly, if I should buy a pair that is original and in fair condition with some dings, can these dings be repaired. I don't think painting and cleaning them up (repolishing them) would be a problem, but do these items repair like hub caps, keep working the dent out with wood wands? How would you repair them? Thanks in advance...

For those who know me or my posts, my 63 is ALMOST finished after over 3 years of hard work and big bucks...

[Tracy C.]

Re: 63 Rocker Panels

Collin,

Originals are about 66 1/8" long. I'm told the repops are about 3/8" short. (It's best to measure off the back side so there is no interference from the curvature of the panel)

Rocker panels are age hardened or otherwise heat treated such that they are almost impossible to straighten without cracking. Most used pieces also have a significant amount of "road blast" along the bottom from debree coming off the front tires.

It takes a pretty choice set to start with to get good results but they can be done in a manner similar to other aluminum pieces (63 consoles, grille trim etc..)

The process involves chemical stripping of the original bright dip anodize, sanding, buffing and then re-application of the bright dip finish.

There are people who can do this, but most will charge an arm and a leg for an item as big as rocker panels. The tanks need to be pretty big for these but the results can look like this if done properly.

tc

[Steve D.]

Re: 63 Rocker Panels

Tracy

The console trim looks great. New 63 console and extensions in the catalogs are 1K$. Does the bright dip rework save any dinero?

Steve

[Tracy C.]

Re: 63 Rocker Panels

Steve,

My experience is about half that cost. It will always depends on how good the pieces are to start with and what final results a person is looking for.

tc