Rocker Panel Question
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,892
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From: Springfield Illinois
Rocker Panel Question
On some the original rocker panels is there a part that is wavy on passenger side? The reason why I ask is because I have a NOS rocker panel that has this wavy area about the size of a nickel. I just saw a pair of rockers for sale and I believe the are they originals and they look as if the have a wavy spot in the same area. I am assuming that this rocker is not a repro because it has GM wrapping paper around it. I could take pics if it would help.
Also, do original rockers have a part #. I cant seem to find a part # anywhere. I only have the right side and I am missing the left (maybe the part number is only on the left?)
Any info would be great thanks!
Also, do original rockers have a part #. I cant seem to find a part # anywhere. I only have the right side and I am missing the left (maybe the part number is only on the left?)
Any info would be great thanks!
Le Mans Master
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From: Omaha NE
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I replaced my left rocker, which I kept & it doesn't have a number on it...
I didn't notice any waves on my right one. Just where is it at?
I didn't notice any waves on my right one. Just where is it at?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,892
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From: Springfield Illinois
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
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2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I have 72 original rocker panels with the tabs on front out of the car (frame off restoration) and there are no wave & no part #.
I think that from 1973 the rockers come without the tabs at front.
What rocker you have?
Avner
I think that from 1973 the rockers come without the tabs at front.
What rocker you have?
Avner
Last edited by avner; Dec 22, 2007 at 11:26 AM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Springfield Illinois
Le Mans Master
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From: Omaha NE
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I just checked mine and guess what? I have two small waves just past the next to last screw. And since I bought mine new & I know it's never been damaged it had to come like this....
The repo I got on the left side is perfect.....
The repo I got on the left side is perfect.....
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Crossville TN
The factory parts can have some wavy areas in them. The aluminum panels were stamped. When they are stamped, the metal is stretched and heated...more so in some areas than others. My '71 had original panels [until I accidentely trashed one and had to replace it], and both had a couple of small wavy areas in them at the same general location.
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Springfield Illinois
Very cool! When I first saw the 2 waves, I was a little disappointed and kind of POed. Since it came like that from GM, I am actually happy that its there(weird, huh?). I guess this is one way you can tell if you have authentic GM RH rocker panel. I wonder if NCRS judges know to look for this
So, the left side has them too?
So, the left side has them too?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Springfield Illinois
I am now having doubts if there is anyway you can tell if you have a NOS item or a repro panel. I looked at my dad's '73, and he replaced the panels in '82 and there was no wave. At this time the NOS parts were new replacements. Would NCRS judges take points off for having or not having the wave?
Le Mans Master
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From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
Very cool! When I first saw the 2 waves, I was a little disappointed and kind of POed. Since it came like that from GM, I am actually happy that its there(weird, huh?). I guess this is one way you can tell if you have authentic GM RH rocker panel. I wonder if NCRS judges know to look for this
So, the left side has them too?
So, the left side has them too?
Le Mans Master
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From: Omaha NE
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Thread Starter
Drifting
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From: Springfield Illinois
I bet if the auto workers would have known it was a good thing to put defects into making a corvette, they wouldn't have put any care into building them at all. What has this come to ? Overspray is good, dents are good ? Next someone will be duplicating dents in the right side rocker panels and selling them on ebay for $500.
), I am going to make sure I get the rockers with absolutely no dents. When I get that car done, I plan to restore my DD back to NCRS since it so complete and is virtually all original then I would install this rocker. My '73 DD still has the visable seams and is supposed to have the original paint (which I don't believe it does). Thats a defect from the factory, do I like them there? (rhetorical question - answer is no for if didn't know) However, I am glad that they are there because it is "correct." We have to admit that these cars didn't come from the factory perfect. Not all the doors, hood, and etc. line up as nice as the do on the C4's C5's and C6's. Hope you understand what I mean..On a side note, do the rocker panels not have a part #? I find this rather strange..
Team Owner
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From: Crossville TN
I'm sure the rocker panels have GM part numbers assigned. However, in that era, GM wasn't so concerned with aftermarket companies "stealing" their replacement parts business...they were the only game in town. So they didn't put part numbers and logos on all parts like they do today, but only on the parts that could be marked during their normal processing (casting, injection molding, etc). If they had done so on the rocker panel, the number would have been stamped into the front surface [not too attractive]. Today they have laser etchers which ID everything on non-cosmetic areas.
Melting Slicks
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From: Nevada City California
Yes, there is an ink stamped part # on the inside of the body sill mouldings. It is very faint, lightly stamped, and difficult to see/read with corrosion that occurs on the inside surface of these mouldings from age/climate elements. The numerals are about 1/2 inch tall. They are located about 4 inches from the end side that is closest to the front of the rear wheel well.
Burning Brakes
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2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
