Rocker channel inserts
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 186
Likes: 6
From: Lebanon Junction KY
Rocker channel inserts
I need words of wisdom here. On my 73 I have the body off and need to replace the rear section of the rocker channel (both sides) where the #3 body mount is. The front and the long middle section are good, only the very rear is bad.
I have ordered and gotten the rear inserts that seem to common to all the vendors. There are no instructions included. I have found a description in somebody's web site that says basically to cut away the bad metal insert the new part up into vertical part of the birdcage and assemble the mounts and put the body back on and shim it as needed then to weld the new insert to the vertical channel.
I sort of get this, but not real sure how or why to do it this way. Can anybody who has changed this part only and not the other parts of the channel give any advice on this project?
I had been thinking to measure on the frame the distance from the center of the #2 mount to the center of the #3 mount and transfer that measurement to locate the new channel insert.
Like I said, any advice is appreciated. I did a search but most if not all the posts included changing the other parts of the channel as well as the rear, so they don't exactly fit my situation.
Thanks in advance, BTW-HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Mark
I have ordered and gotten the rear inserts that seem to common to all the vendors. There are no instructions included. I have found a description in somebody's web site that says basically to cut away the bad metal insert the new part up into vertical part of the birdcage and assemble the mounts and put the body back on and shim it as needed then to weld the new insert to the vertical channel.
I sort of get this, but not real sure how or why to do it this way. Can anybody who has changed this part only and not the other parts of the channel give any advice on this project?
I had been thinking to measure on the frame the distance from the center of the #2 mount to the center of the #3 mount and transfer that measurement to locate the new channel insert.
Like I said, any advice is appreciated. I did a search but most if not all the posts included changing the other parts of the channel as well as the rear, so they don't exactly fit my situation.
Thanks in advance, BTW-HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Mark
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,754
From: Charlotte NC
Mark,
Does this part slip inside the original rocker channel at the #3 body mount???...BECAUSE you wrote: 'inserts'.
A lot depends on how bad the vertical section of the 'B' pillar is rusted away.
This can become a very time consuming task...and that is even with removing some of the fiberglass panels so a good weld can be achieved....and welded at the correct points.
Because leaving out some critical welds is dangerous....and knowing structure of a car and were to weld and how many welds need to go in places...because I have been to classes on how to make sure that welding repairs on some of the new cars is IMPORTANT and are not to be taken lightly...and leaving otu some welds can be a problem that will show up later.
DUB
Does this part slip inside the original rocker channel at the #3 body mount???...BECAUSE you wrote: 'inserts'.
A lot depends on how bad the vertical section of the 'B' pillar is rusted away.
This can become a very time consuming task...and that is even with removing some of the fiberglass panels so a good weld can be achieved....and welded at the correct points.
Because leaving out some critical welds is dangerous....and knowing structure of a car and were to weld and how many welds need to go in places...because I have been to classes on how to make sure that welding repairs on some of the new cars is IMPORTANT and are not to be taken lightly...and leaving otu some welds can be a problem that will show up later.
DUB
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,968
Likes: 44
From: East TN
I installed all 3 pieces on both sides (I have the instructions from my install). I believe they are made by Caledonia Corvettes in Michigan if I remember correct. Contact them for instructions. Good luck.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 505
Likes: 25
From: Buxton Maine
I believe you're right. Gary at Caladonia used to make the original rocker channels too (not just inserts) but no longer does. I tried to talk I'm into starting up again. He said maybe he will but for now he only has inserts. Rick
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 186
Likes: 6
From: Lebanon Junction KY
I have cut away the bad metal on the left side and fit the insert into the channel. It has a plate that seems to fit against the front vertical piece. When the insert is flat against that front piece the measurement between the center of the #2 mount and the #3 mount is about 41" which matches the distance as measured on the frame.
It appears when you have rusted/bad metal in the rocker channel and you remove that to fit the repair insert, your strength will have to come from welding the insert to the front vertical piece on the bird cage.
The remainder of the strength will have to come from the pieces that you fabricate to fill the voids in the channel where the bad metal is removed and their attachment to the insert.
Basically the insert gives a firm basis to attach the mount and to connect the channel to the vertical parts. I can't imagine doing this with the body on the car.
Mark
