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rocker panel compatibility

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Old Nov 15, 2011 | 10:30 PM
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Default rocker panel compatibility

I have a '78 C3 and I have a chance to buy lower rocker panels that fit a '76. Although there may be a 1/4 inch difference in length, do you think I will have a problem or should I take a pass? Thanks in advance!
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Old Nov 16, 2011 | 09:39 AM
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I can't answer your question..

.BUT I can tell you I used the Rocker Panels off my 79 after I put ground effects on the car (20+ years ago) on my 76 which were a little scratched up....

IF there was a 1/4 inch difference in length I sure never noticed it..

Bob G
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Old Nov 16, 2011 | 10:37 AM
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Suggestion for you, I would go look at a vendor catalog, Corvette America, Ecklers, Mid America and see what year interchangeability is the 76 rocker panel. I think the 76 rocker panel interchanges with a number of years. but maybe not.
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Old Nov 16, 2011 | 02:21 PM
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70-79 rocker panels are BASICALLY the same and are pretty much interchangeable with the exception of 78/79 being painted and the earlier ones polished.

The slight difference in length occured in 78 because of the optional larger 255 tires.
In 78 there were 3 different part numbers for them.

No. 1 was for use with the standard 225/70X15 tires and is the slightly longer one like used from 70-77, BUT with the painted finish.

No. 2 & 3 were for use with the 255/60X15 tires and were slightly shorter to accomodate the fender/rocker trimming that took place for the larger tires. Let's say no. 2 was for regular production and painted while no. 3 was for the Pace Car only and polished.

80-82 are about 1" shorter.
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Old Nov 16, 2011 | 05:37 PM
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70-77 were the same. I think the length of the 78-82 panels is the same (shorter than the earlier units, but the bolt pattern is the same), but different years are painted differently.
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Old Nov 17, 2011 | 12:49 AM
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KapsSA and 7T1vette,
THANK YOU very much for the feedback! I appreciate your knowledge and will go ahead with the purchase.
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Old Nov 17, 2011 | 05:49 PM
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Maybe you've looked at this thread, but I thought I'd post it anyways. He was doing a '71, but you may have the same problem with your year fitting.
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