Rocker panels are some of the most vital components of a truck’s body, and they take a beating from daily use and the elements. Rusted-out rocker panels can expose your vehicle’s frame rails, accelerating corrosion in this area. That means they need to remain in solid, rust-free shape throughout ownership.
Rocker panel replacements come in two styles — slip-on and full. Slip-on panels go over the top of an existing rocker, while full rocker panels are meant to be a replacement. Both have pros and cons, and choosing the right panel for your needs and capabilities is important if you replace them yourself.
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Longevity of Panel Repair
When it comes to replacements, what matters most for durability is the quality of the repair job and the thickness and strength of a given set of slip-on or full rocker panels. At Raybuck Auto Body Parts, we offer rocker panels made from superior, heavy gauge steel. Our level of quality ensures your panels have the tensile strength to withstand different elemental conditions.
The longevity of the repair doesn’t solely hinge on the panels. It is also about the technique of the repair.
A properly welded full rocker panel provides a flush finish that restores your vehicle’s structural integrity. Welded panels offer a durable repair that withstands elemental exposure and daily wear and tear. Choosing to weld the panels will give you a factory-level repair and restore your vehicle’s unibody strength.
With proper installation and a superior adhesive, slip-on panels can also provide a lasting repair. However, they will not offer the same durability as full weld-in panels.
Installation Difficulty
Slip-on rocker panels are the easiest and fastest repair option for covering up rust or other structural damage to the rocker panel. The slip-on rocker panels don’t require specialized knowledge or excessive cutting compared to the welded option. You will need to be handy with a grinder and drill, but nothing most DIYers don’t already own.
Welding rocker panels does require prior experience with a MIG welder. It doesn’t have to be extensive, but you need to have a basic understanding of the right heat level and pacing for the appropriate thickness. A light weld may cause the panel to come off sooner, whereas long welding beads could warp the metal.
Although both methods require removing accessories connected to the existing panel, welding is more labor intensive. You will need to cut off most of the existing panel when welding, compared to only removing affected sections with a slip-on.
Tools Needed for Installation
Most of the tools needed for one rocker panel style can also be used for the other. For example, clamps and hammers are necessary for both types of installations.
Here is an overview of the tools necessary for each type of rocker panel:
- Fasteners: Screws and adhesives are typically used for slip-on panels, while a MIG welder is used in welded rocker panels.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE): Both styles require standard PPE equipment like gloves, glasses and masks.
- Grinders: You will need an angle grinder to smooth out any unevenness for the slip-on and welded rocker panels.
The Cost of Slip-On vs. Welded Rocker Panels
Slip-On Rocker Panels
The least expensive rocker panels are generally slip-on varieties. Slip-on panels can be installed on or in place of older, rusted panels. It is generally best to remove the worst parts of an older panel before installing the replacement.
Prices vary, but a set of rocker panels typically costs between $175 and $350, depending on the vehicle and where you purchase them.
Full Rocker Panels
Since full rocker panels are designed to replace the old panels completely, they typically cost more than the slip-on version. As with slip-on panels, the price for a full rocker panel set depends on the model or age of a given vehicle and the vendor. Full rocker panel sets generally cost $250 to $350.
Vehicle Appearance
When new panels are installed on an old vehicle, there may be inconsistencies between the new replacement part and the preexisting body. Achieving a seamless blend for a new panel with an old auto body takes patience.
If you are handy with a welder, the full rocker panel replacement provides a more flush finish. There may still be noticeable bumps along the seams, but you can correct them with an angle grinder and/or seam sealer.
Since a slip-on rocker goes over an existing panel, it will show the most inconsistencies. The style of fasteners used in your repair work may also contribute to the bumps. Using a body filler can make them less noticeable, or removing them and filling the holes once the adhesive cures is an option.
Replacement Rocker Panels From Raybuck Auto Body Parts
Choosing the perfect rocker panel for trucks, cars, or Jeeps comes down to preference. If you want a fast repair at the most affordable price, the slip-on rocker panel is a better option than the welded rocker panel. However, the welded rocker panel is the best solution for the most durable repair with a better aesthetic appeal.
At Raybuck Auto Body Parts, we offer high-quality rocker panels that are perfect for any repair job. Our catalog has a wide selection of both welded and slip-on rocker panels. Shop for a rocker panel today or contact us if you have questions.
Interesting. And very good advice. Looking for slip on rocker panels for 2004 Tahoe LT. GM is known for their rust buckets made from about 1998 to 2006 across all small trucks and SUVs. Thus, the busy rocker panel replacement business.
I have a 2010 ford F150 with the extended cab. Both of my inner rocker panels have rusted out. The passenger side is so bad that the rear door catch fell out. Do you carry the replacement panels. Mine would have to be cut out and rewelded. I’m trying to find the correct panels.
Thank you for your help
Yes, we sell a replacement rocker for this truck. You can find it here https://raybuck.com/product/2009-2014-ford-f-150-pickup-super-cab-rocker-panel-passenger-side/
Hello, can you point me in the right direction for weld in rocker and cab corners for a 1999 Sierra 2500 classic… its the same body as the 1998 sierra and was not the new body in 1999 that the 1500s got. I assume i just need the 1998 sierra 1500/2500 version.
Yes, sounds like you just need rockers and cab corners for the 1998 Sierra. Here’s a link to rockers https://raybuck.com/?s=1998+chevy+pickup+rocker. Here’s a link to cab corners for it https://raybuck.com/?s=1998+chevy+pickup+cab+corner
I just received the slip-on rockers for my 2003 Chevy S10 regular cab 2 door. I’m curious about the extended length area on the end that interferes with the cab corner. It has a large hole in that end. Is that for hanging for painting or ???. Do I trim that area off if not replacing my cab corners as they are in good shape?
Please advise. Thank you.
That tab would tie into the cab corner area if necessary. If you’re not replacing the cab corner, then you can just cut it off.
I bought slip on rocker panels to take care of rust through on the passenger side and driver side of my 2000 Excursion. The panels were too small. Won’t make that mistake again.
Hello . I have a ford focus 2001 SE 4 doors. I would like to install rigth and left rocker panel. I don’t need a nice refinished, just cover the area( Welding ) I know that you are professional. But I just need the labor very simple. How long would you take to install this? How much would be the estimate?
Thank you
Jorge Romero
Sorry Jorge, but we only sell the parts. We do not install them.
I have a 2004 Ford f350 crewcab with the 6.0 diesel. My inner rockers rotted out where the running boards attached, and welder wanted 3-5 thousand to replace. Do you have slip on inner rockers that will hold the weight of the running boards?
Sorry, we don’t have slip-on inner rockers. We only carry weld-in inner rockers. The inner rocker is usually a much easier replacement than the outer, though.
What would you recommend for fixing the rockers on a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix? The brackets that hold the plastic cladding on have started to rust/ break off. What would the cost to repair be approximately? Thank you in advance for your response.
Hi Lee. You can find rocker panels for your Grand Prix here https://raybuck.com/?s=2002+pontiac+grand+prix. It’s hard to give much advice without seeing the vehicle, but it sounds like you may want to have the rockers replaced and then get some new clips to help re-install the plastic cladding.
i read all the threads in this forum. thanks for all the info. do you have slip on rockers to fit a 2012 f150 supercrew? and … are they made of steel and what guage are they?
Hi Brad. Unfortunately we do not have slip-on rockers for a 2012 F150. We only have OE-style, weld-in rockers.
What comes with slip on panels?
The panel. You can apply them with adhesive, screws, rivets, welding, etc.
Do you sell “slip on” rocker panels for a 2004 jeep liberty?
sorry, we do not
Are slip on rockers available for 2001 Chevy S10 3 door?
Hi Ernest. The only slip-on rockers that we carry for the S10 are for a standard cab, or the passenger side of the 3 door model (covers the door area).
I just had a “professional” weld-on a slip-on rocker panel and the electronics are now fried. The car is junk now and the “professional” stated that it’s “just a coincidence” that it won’t start now. Is there a way I can prove that he caused the damage to the car’s electrical system?
Hi Kevin. Sorry to hear that. I’m not sure if there’s any way to prove that his actions caused the damage since it sounds like everything is toast, but if the car went into the shop without issues and then couldn’t drive out, I think that speaks for itself. When welding panels onto a vehicle, it’s highly recommended to at least disconnect the battery. Not sure if you could have the battery tested, or if you could get a code off of the onboard computer to help your case.
Is there a highly recommended rust prevention coating to apply to the rocker panels to extend their life?
Also, do you recommend rinsing the underside of the truck with water or some other solution at the end of the day?
Thanks for your help!
Hi James. There are several types of products that can help prevent rust from forming on the underside of the rockers. A rust-inhibiting paint, such as ZeroRust, will help provide a barrier to salt and the elements. You can apply an undercoating as well. Another option is to use a product like Fluid Film (https://raybuck.com/product/fluid-film-11-75oz-aerosol/) which can also be used on the exterior of panels. A good wax applied to the exterior of the rockers, or even a spray-on, or film, chip-guard will also help extend their life. I wouldn’t wash the underside on a daily basis, but it is good to clean it frequently if it’s exposed to excessive dirt, mud, salt, etc. If you use a product like Fluid Film to coat the undercarriage, you’re actually better off rinsing it less frequently so as not to rinse the protective coating away.
very imformative. I first installed slip on rockers on my 02 Silverado 4 dr. extended cab, but after thinking about how bad the originals were I am going to replace with full rockers. I may become a rocker expert before it is over. thanks.
I have a 1999 Chevy express van,do you have slip ons to fit,and perhaps point me toward a DIY video for installation ,thanks
Hi John, sorry, we do not have slip-ons for the Express van at this time.
I am a professional body man I always use the full panel and I always use the glue from 3m the impact resistant formula the only welding I do is at the very back under the cab corner and using the glue I totally glue the cab corner long or short used your cab corners on a 95 Chevy the best fit I’ve ever used plan on buying your panels on my 99 Chevy extended cab
I would like to put some slip-on’s on my Silverado crew-cab. I figured on welding them in but I’m sceptical on how to weld the bottom side. I’ve seen a lot on how to weld the top side but not the bottom. Any advice? Thanks.
Hi Rick. Yeah, the problem with welding the bottom is that there usually isn’t much of anything to weld to down there because it’s rusted away! Your best bet is to put in a few spot welds from the back side wherever possible. You could also get some flat stock and weld it to the bottom of the rocker and then weld the other side of it up into the floor area or another support area, depending on what’s left under your truck. Good luck, Steve
I plan to replace the rocker panels on our ’04 Expedition with the slip-on rockers. What type of adhesive do you recommend or is that a subject you do not care to reply to? Thanks! mike sutton
Hi Mike. We sell a one-part adhesive/sealer called Silaprene that we recommend for adhering slip-on panels. You could also use a 2-part epoxy if you prefer to go that route. We do not carry a 2-part right now, though. Thanks, Steve
So what do you do with the closer to doors closing gap from bottom of the doors to the top of the rocker panel? Glue panels creates a lift.
Most doors have enough of a gap that putting a slip-on rocker will not affect how they close. If there is weatherstripping in that area it may need to be trimmed a bit, though. If the gaps on your door are really tight, then the panel would obviously need to be trimmed back, but typically these rockers will fit without issue.
Good tips!
thanks for this informative article
link
A good read….Gave me some new ideas
Thank you. Good info.
i like the slip ons!