Rocker panels literally hold your vehicle together. They can be original to your car or truck or a fancy after-market addition. Either way, they are essential to the safe operation of your ride. When those rocker panels start to show significant rust or damage, it’s time for a thorough inspection and possible replacement.
Dependent on the Extent of Damage
The million-dollar question is always “What is the cost to replace rocker panels?” Many factors determine the final bill. The first is the extent and type of damage. Inspect your rocker panels for any of the following:
- Severe rusting
- Holes or weak spots in the material
- Cracks or dents significant enough to bend or warp the material
Minor rusting can be sanded and patched with auto-body filler. This is an inexpensive repair and perfect for the DIY gearhead. Afterward, the rockers must be primed and painted.
If the rocker panels are full of holes or are cracked, you will need to replace them. This is typically handled by an auto body shop. However, if you have sufficient space and enjoy working on your ride, you can replace rocker panels yourself.
If you choose to do it yourself, you will only pay for the replacement auto parts and any tools you need. Rocker panel prices start around a hundred and go up from there. Your cost will depend upon the options you choose.
Research Your Year, Make & Model
Of course, the year, make, and model of your car come into play. Replacement parts for certain imports will always be more expensive. Also, mechanics may charge more to work on expensive, luxury cars or cars that are not as common where you live.
The make of your car is the name company that built your car. If you are unsure, just look for the company logo on the front or rear of the car. It can also be found in the owner’s manual. The model is the second name given by the company, such as Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic. Once again, this info is on the back of the car and in the owner’s manual.
The year can be a little more tricky. Your registration paper and your insurance document both list the year. You can also look at your VIN, the vehicle identification number. This is found on the dash of your car, close to the bottom of the windshield. Use that VIN to search online and you’ll discover charts that give you the year.
Knowing the year, make, and model allows you to order GM replacement parts, for example. The more specific you can be, the better the fit will be to your vehicle. You can also compare OEM to aftermarket parts for cost and reliability. Go with the best you can afford while staying within your budget.
Is it time to replace your rocker panels? Start looking today for the rockers that will meet your needs. Whether you go strictly utilitarian or decide to add some glam, affordable rocker panels are within reach.
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