The rocker panel on my 83 F150 is completely shot/rusted out. You can see day light underneath the door. The rocker panel is hanging on by a few strips of metal. The area to be patched is from the front of the door opening all the way to the back of the cab (regular cab) And about 6 inches into the cab of the truck. First off is it worth my time? (I would have to either borrow/rent tools or else pay someone to do it) And second if I decide to proceed can I find a new patch panel? If so where? Third, do I just torch of the old rocker panel, (or what is left of it) prep the metal around the patch and mig weld it on or is it more complicated?

TIA,
ORB

 

I don't think you will have a problem finding a replacement rocker panel. Some places to try off the top of my head would be mill supply, dennis carpenter, and cross canada. Lots of places make rust repair panels for some older vehicles. I've always just made my own rocker pieces out of some cold roll steel and welded them in as they usually ain't too bad to make. To replace you would need to drill out the spot welds or them away where it attaches to the pinch wled area, inside door jamb and wheelwells. Clamp it into position, then spot weld the new piece in after treating the overlapping areas (epoxy primer) and backside of the repair, and grind away where your new spotwelds will be and spray a weld though primer on them. You may want to get the new piece first to make sure it looks correct and to better see what it all will replace and help locate where it would be spot welded in. It shouldn't be overly difficult to do. Also check the condition of the inner rocker after you cut it out and replace or fix and treat it while you have good access. You would need a small welder, grinder, some clamps, and equiptment to spray some rustproof coating or epoxy primer for the most part.

 

LMC truck has all the parts for your truck