hello everyone! (rocker replacement questions)

[bddetroit]

hey everyone im new to the forums. i found this site using google. well long story short i got my fiance a new car and she gave me her focus for my project.

its a 2002 SE auto. ive inspected the car up and down and this is my list of what needs done.

wheel bearing
extream cleaning
pass side rocker panel.

the rest of the car is pretty much spotless


now i already know what i need tool/accessory wise to do the rocker panel and im getting that all together now. my biggest qeustions are when i cut the rocker skins off do i need to brace this some how? i wouldent think so but better ask then not to.

and can some one link me to a replacement rocker? i keep finding alot of "slip over" covers and i dont like that idea at all i want the rust gone not hidden. i found this...

http://www.car-stuff.com/2002fordfoc...t2532011792649

it seems like a real replacment rocker to me what what do you all think? and any tips/hints would be great this is pretty much my first body work attempt.


thank you very much!

[Sponsor]

[bddetroit]

oh! also what grit sand paper should i use to knock off all the old paint/rust bubbles and what grit for filler and then smooth for paint? thank you so much!

[bddetroit]

geuss no one likes my questions lol i also found http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/de...V4401241K.html doin some google work. it appears it'll work fine is that what you all think too? 2.0 Dohc 2002 SE 4 dr.

[DaWagon]

I have replaced a set of rockers on a Focus before and it was a fun project!

I did it by drilling out all of the spot welds on the rocker and removing the old rusted out one that was in there. I then welding the new one back in place using all of the factory weld in points. Smoothed the welds out and used some filler to fill the holes, used 120/320 grit paper to smooth things up. Primed then painted and done.

Took a weekend to do both sides but was worth it.

You don't need to support it when its off as its mainly a cosmetic piece. As far as what grit to use to remove the rusty spots, I usually start off with a 80 grit on bad spots then work up to something less aggressive.

[bddetroit]

awesome! thanks for replying da wagon! i appriciate it. makes me feel better about tackling this project

[nm120]

Did my rockers on my 2000 focus that were non existent due to salt and someone from factory plugging the drain holes with silicone. So they rusted right through. There's lots of places now that sell the focus rockers primed and painted black already for around 60-70 each. Definitely a larger project i cut mine out and welded the rockers in right where the door seal is so you cant see the weld points after sanding due to the rubber seal covering them. I reinforced the rockers around where the drain holes are so minimizes on bending and it's a nice solid piece then. I have pictures of the whole process with before and after if your interested pm me i can send you some pictures

[spacegravity4me]

is there a how to on how to do this?

[FORD FOREVER]

I WOULD LIKE TO SEE UR PICTURES. i BOUGHT MY SONS fORD FOCUS. A 2002 SE FOUR DOOR, AND 2005 ZX3. MY OLDEST JUST BOUGHT A 2008 FUSION. I HAVENT RESTORED A CAR IN A LONG TIME. LAST TIME I PAINTED A CAR IT WAS ACRYLIC ENAMEL. NO BASE CLEAR BACK THEN. I HAVE THE 2OO2 FORD FOCUS BACK IN MY SHOP NOW. MY WIFE AND I ARE RESTORING IT. IT WOULDN'T SHIFT FROM PARK. NO BRAKE LIGHTS, NO WIPERS, NO HEATER. ENDED UP BEING THE BROKEN WIRES AFTER THE FUSE BOX. REPAIRED AND WORKING. HAVE TO DO TIE ROD END YET. WE REMOVED THE CARPET AND SEATS FOR CLEANING AND DETAILING. CUT THE LARGE RUST HOLES OUT OF THE ROCKERS AND WAS GOING TO REPAIR THEM ( I HAD MY OWN FABRICATING BUSINESS FOR FIVE YEARS) dECIDED i AMK GOING TO ORDER AND REPLACE THE ROCKERS. tHERE ARE SO MANY OUT THERE. NOT SURE WHICH ONES TO GET. sORRY FOR RAMBLING. wOULD LIKE YOU TO SEND ME YOUR PICTURES.

[gurkpimpin]

Rock auto is a good place to get parts from or Steve from tousley ford you get a 10% discount if you mention this site

Sent from my SPH-D710 using FF Mobile

[FORD FOREVER]

Thank you. There is a place in Wisconsin, called Browns of Two Rivers. Browns has full replacement Rockers for four door focus. $79.99 each. Seems like a good price. Has anyone used a part from Browns?
There are smaller patch panels on ebay for $39. but seem like they would almost be more work to install.
Before I put the full panels on which every I decide to purchase I was thinking of undercoating
the inside of them really good, and making sure that are are good drain area for mositure to escape. Is this a good idea to under coat them on the inside before installing. It seems that therockers rusted from the inside out. The rest of the car and the floor boards are not rusting at all. Just the rockers. And they are gone.