Rocker Channel Question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 153
Likes: 2
From: Belle Mead, N.J., U.S.A.
Rocker Channel Question
In the middle of a body off which includes replacing the rusty rockers. I welded the rear seat belt guide plate to the rocker channel and test fit it to my frame on the passenger side. It seems to be too close to the fuel lines where they are attached to the inside of the frame. Is there a cushion or sponge that protects that area when the body is mounted similar to the front section? Seems like are are destined to rub against the fuel line. As always thanks for the help.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 971
Likes: 45
From: Middlesex NJ
I installed my rocker channels and inserts last year. Mine is a 69 with fiberglass floors (not sure what year yours is).
Did you remove your old channels or weld the new to the old and did you install the inserts as well?
I would think that the new channels welded to the old channels would actually raise the body about an 1/8th" higher if you used the same shims and bushing counts that were there in the first place.
I have not put my body back on yet.
Did you remove your old channels or weld the new to the old and did you install the inserts as well?
I would think that the new channels welded to the old channels would actually raise the body about an 1/8th" higher if you used the same shims and bushing counts that were there in the first place.
I have not put my body back on yet.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 153
Likes: 2
From: Belle Mead, N.J., U.S.A.
My rockers were rusted out so I got a pair of good used rockers. I got new inserts and welded them to my new used rockers. I haven't welded the rocker to the bird cage yet and was test fitting the rocker on my chassis and noticed that the insert appears too close to the fuel line. My frame is also replaced so I do not have a spacer or shim count. However, your question has perhaps enlightened me. I had not considered that I will be using spacers/shims when the body gets reinstalled and that may raise the channel insert off the fuel line. Does that sound right?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 971
Likes: 45
From: Middlesex NJ
I still don't know what year your car is.
I forget when they went to rubber body mounts. Either way you will have a gap between the rocker channel and the frame mounts due to either the rubber or aluminum body bushings and shims.
I don't know how close the interference is but I would test again with the proper year mounts and shims.
You also say the frame is not the original so there could be some differences there as well. I am also guessing that a different frame would indicate different brake a fuel lines so you may need to check how you routed them as well for your year body.
The fuel and brake lines are definitely in an ugly place by the rear kickup and crossmemeber. You don't want them up too high in the frame or the floorpan/ seatbelt and seat mount plates (for fiberglass floors) could come very close.
I forget when they went to rubber body mounts. Either way you will have a gap between the rocker channel and the frame mounts due to either the rubber or aluminum body bushings and shims.
I don't know how close the interference is but I would test again with the proper year mounts and shims.
You also say the frame is not the original so there could be some differences there as well. I am also guessing that a different frame would indicate different brake a fuel lines so you may need to check how you routed them as well for your year body.
The fuel and brake lines are definitely in an ugly place by the rear kickup and crossmemeber. You don't want them up too high in the frame or the floorpan/ seatbelt and seat mount plates (for fiberglass floors) could come very close.
