2nd Gen rocker panels

[Law Dog]

Like others I’ve been looking for replacement rocker panels the Achilles heal of our 2nd Gen D50/MM trucks (that and the back of the fenders) . Looks like none are to be found in the states only custom work is an option since they were discontinued many years ago. I contacted a metal fabricator on FB that sounded interested in the project but then got ghosted by him.

i contacted another parts dealer last week that sent my request to a supplier of his replacement body parts I was surprised to even get a response honestly. I’m not looking to get into the parts business I’m looking to keep our trucks on the roads. I currently own 5 second and 1 first Gen trucks so I’m invested in them.

I’m not sure what possibilities are out there yet to consider until I make contact with the guy that can supply the panels or if it’s even doable. The hope is the stamp die is out there improving our chances at a reasonable prices quality made parts. The other idea is make simple patch panels in 24-30 inch length for easier shipping options. Most rocker rust damage seems to be in the seam area towards the middle of the rocker making a simple patch panel more universal that works on either side that way no R/L to pick from.

So I’m looking for opinions of what’s the best way to go here, patch panels to me are the simplest to make, cheapest, easiest to ship and most universal choice. Maybe the full R/L panels are the way to go if that’s the way to go let me know. The 24 or 30 inch patches could be made to butt together seamlessly if one end was flared, to cover a larger area. Just spitballing here.

I have an old scrap replacement piece leftover from an old replacement panel from when they were available then to use as a sample. That should supply the specs needed to copy the pattern so that’s a start. I’m not looking for anything from others on here just your opinions before I put out for this I’d like to get a feel for the demand first. Not holding anyone to it i just need your opinions only!

Here’s the only remaining sample I’ve seen in many years. (I’m hoping the thread jackets from the other forums will steal this idea and do the work for me.) LMAO

[Law Dog]

This is a complete old stock repair rocker that they discontinued years ago it could be used as is or trimmed to do smaller patches in the rockers so one section could do both sides. I’m getting some leads on possible places that could reproduce these pieces will see what develops.



The bottom part fits between the seams in the kick panel area on the total replacement panel. The panel shown needs to be flipped over