Can the Car Rocker Panel Be Replaced if It's Rotten?
1 Answers
The rocker panel of a car is an area that is prone to scratches and damage while driving, especially for models with lower chassis. Sand, mud, and rainwater constantly erode the rocker panel. Car rocker panels are generally made of aluminum or plastic, making them relatively easy to repair. As long as the damage is not severe—such as dents, paint peeling, scratches, or rust—it can usually be repaired on the original part without needing replacement. Repairing Rusted Areas by Cutting and Welding: For metal rocker panels, rusted areas can be repaired by cutting and welding. Use a grinder to cut out the rusted section of the rocker panel, then weld a similarly sized piece of sheet metal in its place. Smooth and flatten the weld points with the grinder, and finish by repainting. Whether it's rust on the rocker panel or other metal parts of the car, it is advisable to address it as soon as possible. Rust acts like an infection in a car, spreading continuously until the entire part corrodes. When a part rusts, the paint may bubble, wrinkle, or even peel off. Treatment Methods: Dents in the rocker panel are also relatively easy to handle. For plastic panels, pouring hot water over the dent may help it pop back out, or specialized pulling tools can be used. For metal rocker panel dents, they can be pulled out using a dent puller. If pulling doesn’t work, the damaged section can be cut out and a new piece welded in place.
