I live in Michigan where every vehicle after 5-6 years rusts from too much road salt.

I just bought a 2000 4runner thats in good shape (mostly). The rocker panels are suffering though and I want to do something before the cancer spreads.

I got quoted by a body shop at $1000 per side!! There has to be a cheaper solution. I've already considered cutting out the bad metal to weld in new but I'm afraid there isn't enough panel left to support this job.

I've also considered cutting away 95% of the rocker panels and then having the good metal refinished and just run without any rockers, I don't know if this is a good idea. I just want to save my vehicle, It only has 126k on it, its still a baby!

 

Pics?



Andreas

 

It is a constant battle every spring .

If you can weld do what ever you like.

Remove the rocker panels and replace with custom made sliders that do double duty.

 

I cant weld unfortunately.

I also just got laid off for the winter so my budget is pretty low. I do like the custom sliders idea though. Any suggestions on where to go for that? The nearest off-road shop is a 3 hour drive from me.

 

Ill get some pics today too, its pretty bad.

 

 

How is the frame? If it's solid, I'd discuss the rocker panel repairs with a body shop.

If the frame is holed, put some Gorilla Tape over the rockers and just drive...



Andreas

 

The frame has rust but no holes. Its still solid.

And I got quoted $1000 a side at a body shop for rockers. Not spending that much on rockers.

 

Depends just how picky you are

you can pop rivet pieces on.

get fiberglass mesh and patch them then do the finish work.



$1000.00 a side sure sounds like the body shop did not want the job.

 

Im really leaning toward just cutting them off and coating the good metal with a rust inhibitor to try to get thru the winter until I am steadily employed again. Then I can go back and do custom rock sliders or stock rockers if I can find them.

Anyone posting have any body work experience? Im wondering what a more reasonable quote might be, just a ballpark figure.

 

Avoid parking on grass or any surface, leaves for example, that will retain moisture. That will for sure speed up the rot on the body and the frame.

 

I feel your pain fellow Michigander. I have some rust on my rockers as well.

 

Wow my Michigan 2000 is no where near as bad. But then again they don't put near the salt down on the roads as they do up your way.