Cracked rocker panel
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Pro
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 688
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From: Long Beach SoCal
Cracked rocker panel
I took my car in for a tire repair and they cracked the rocker panel underneath by the jack hole (that's what I'd like to call them).They didn't charge me for the repair.
What are the chances the crack will keep extending? If this has happened to you, and you didn't have it repaired, what was the long term result? Did it get worse?
I'll probably just take it in to get an estimate.
Thanks
What are the chances the crack will keep extending? If this has happened to you, and you didn't have it repaired, what was the long term result? Did it get worse?
I'll probably just take it in to get an estimate.
Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,517
Likes: 160
From: Lafayette Louisiana
I've heard replacement is an issue. Seems the company that made the C5 rocker panels went out of business and no one yet has come up with an after market. Also I've heard they are difficult to impossible to remove due to the adhesive used to attach them. So that could be a problem if looking at salvage parts. Hopefully they did a good job on the repair! Good luck!
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Pro
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From: Long Beach SoCal
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Louisville, KY
drilling
You may try drilling a small 1/8" hole or so maybe an 1/8"-1/4" in front of the crack. Once the crack gets to the hole it should not crack beyond that point. That works on metal cracks.
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Not sure that the crack will continue to lengthen, but I would want it fixed anyway. Problem is that the rocker panel is glued onto the body and removal to fix it is nearly impossible - hard to get off in one piece.
A while back this info was posted on the forum about replacement rocker panels:
• C5 Rocker Panel Piece – made by Automotive Enterprise in California. Bob is contact at 650-592-7141.
Not sure if this is the same place that is referenced in a post above about being out of business.
I also thought there was a post a little while back stating that some rocker panels were now in stock in the GM supply system, but there were only a few available at that time. Might want to check with someone like Gene at gmpartshouse.com to see if any are available.
And here is a link to a previous thread on the possibility of the crack spreading on the rocker panels:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...=Rocker+Panels
A while back this info was posted on the forum about replacement rocker panels:
• C5 Rocker Panel Piece – made by Automotive Enterprise in California. Bob is contact at 650-592-7141.
Not sure if this is the same place that is referenced in a post above about being out of business.
I also thought there was a post a little while back stating that some rocker panels were now in stock in the GM supply system, but there were only a few available at that time. Might want to check with someone like Gene at gmpartshouse.com to see if any are available.
And here is a link to a previous thread on the possibility of the crack spreading on the rocker panels:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...=Rocker+Panels
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Tampa Bay Area, U.S.A. (Zombie Nation)
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Just an observation but if you stop drill the hole it'll prevent the crack getting bigger but is that what you want? I'd push for a panel replacement. If the crack is stabilised the tire shop could say that a repair will fix the issue and you'll get a "fill and paint".
As Jack says, the rocker panels are bonded to the car and are a major job to replace.
As Jack says, the rocker panels are bonded to the car and are a major job to replace.
