Installing rocker panels on 46 coupe

waterboychuck

waterboychuck

Well-known member
I purchased new rocker panels from EMS for my 46 coupe. I'm replacing the center (where the door opens), and the rear panels. The center panel comes in two pieces while the rear is three pieces. This is my first attempt at doing this type of work and want to do it right. My question is do I tack weld the pieces together before I install them, or do I install them one piece at a time?

One thing that I can say about this job is it's really dirty.

Thanks, Chuck
 
I am about to do the same project. So lets stay in touch. Here is what I am planning.

1. Clean metal is key, so im cutting out the old and sand blasting and grinding the lip on the floor where the top of the inter rocker is factory tack welded.
2. My car is a 1947 Mercury convertable, so I have to find out if the rockers are the same as ford. (I believe so).
3.) I am planning on spraying my pieces with epoxy primer or "pours 50" (hope that right). I will mask off a small line where I plan on welding.
4. I plan on welding the two pieces together after priming.

The rocker panels come in three pieces. One infront of the door post; the second is the center section 2 pcs, and the third is the back piece. Door post to the rear inner fender. (3 Pieces) have not figured out the rear on yet with the top bolt on part.

Also the cenrer rocker has the "inter running board" on the top. Looks like it should be bolted.

I have to find a source first for the sheet metal.

The second and probably the most important issure of the rocker panels. Especially on the convertable is this determins the door gaps. Doing this wrong could require the rocker panels to be cut back out and redone.

So pay a lot of attention to door gaps!

Don
 
I've completed my rockers on the 46 that you in my Avatar. The front rockers were in good shape on both side so I only had to do the center and rear.

I think that is a good idea that you epoxy primer the inside. You'll also have to weld in the nuts that they will give to you before you weld the two pieces of rocker together. When doing the center once the old rocker is out you may notice that the front section of the car on that side that you're working on has sagged. When you go to weld the new rocker in prop up that section before you tack weld. In the rear rocker you will see two supports that come down the side of the car and then bend 90 degrees and are welded onto the rocker. I kept those pieces intake and then rewelded when I put the new rocker in. You will have to modify these rockers some so don't be surprised.

I used a 4 inch metal cutting wheel from Harbor Fright to cut my old rockers out. It took a long time and was dirty. If you can get a hold of a plasma cutter that will make you're life easier.

The rear rocker will have three pieces. The larger piece lays flat and goes between the rock and the outside of the body. Again you will have to modify that piece some.

Good Luck
 
If your rockers are bad you might need a little more floor also, includes rockers, wheelwells, trunk floor, bottoms of quarters, tail panel, bottom of cowl.
 

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Yes. Having the body mounted to the frame for this repair is quite helpful in keeping the door gaps and preventing the body from saging. another useful tip is to have the running boards handy to check for fit of the mounting holes. I found that, after I had spent the money on new rockers, I could have fabricated most of the parts myself with better results. In fact, we ended up not using several of the pieces and made our own. Do not assume that all three sections line up in a straight line either. look carefully at the contour of your running boards for proper alignment. Check out the pics of my 47 business coupe on my profile. :) Good luck!
 
Thanks everone, some good advise. My metal is pretty solid except for problem areas. Hey after 66 years....

One other area I have to solve is the left rear drivers hinge post. Mine is pretty bad about the bottom 3 inches.
1.) Does anyone make a patch panel for this?
2.) Also does anyone make inter quarter fender patch panels or is this better made custom.
3.) I have a 47 Merc Conv. is the front rocker box the same for a mercury as a ford. I asked EMS but no answer to date. I know that from the cowl back a Mercury uses ford parts. But the front rocker box goes forward....
 
chicagodon said:
Thanks everone, some good advise. My metal is pretty solid except for problem areas. Hey after 66 years....

One other area I have to solve is the left rear drivers hinge post. Mine is pretty bad about the bottom 3 inches.
1.) Does anyone make a patch panel for this?
2.) Also does anyone make inter quarter fender patch panels or is this better made custom.
3.) I have a 47 Merc Conv. is the front rocker box the same for a mercury as a ford. I asked EMS but no answer to date. I know that from the cowl back a Mercury uses ford parts. But the front rocker box goes forward....
Click to expand...

Every problem you have mentioned can be solved by the item shown in post 5. Ask Fran Roxas, professional restorer, in your area who has used one of my floor pans to restore a 1946-48 Convertible. NOSPARTSMAN
 
1) you can weld the rockers together if you want, but check the the holes to the running board holes first, (some variences here)

2) yes paint and rust proof the inside some before and some after,

3) body on the the frame a must, and have doors installed to check gap, this will be the worst part of the install.

4) do not forget body to frame pad kit, needed to set height of the rocker from the frame

5) all 41-48 mercurys are the same from the firewall back, merc's have unique frame and front clip

any more questions??

the ems guy
 
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