I have a 2002 Focus LX 4-door with the infamous rusted-out rocker panels.
A solution involving welding is an option.
But I'm having a hard time finding good information. The factory service manual that I have from the library does not address the components, construction or repair of the rockers. So I'm not sure what my options are. I want to do something like a proper repair.
Jdetzel in comment #5 at http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=300112 says:
When I search for replacement rockers, I find a few $350-$450 items like http://www.ebay.com/itm/BRAND-NEW-OEM-LH-PASSENGERS-SIDE-BODY-ROCKER-PANEL-2000-2007-FORD-FOCUS-/231154081687?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item35d1db5f97&vxp=mtr
or
P/N 10128 for ~ $450 in this pic from fordparts.com:
http://www.fordparts.com/Commerce/RenderIllustration.ashx?id=287003286&f=3&n=YS4Z5410128AA
Then there are $40-60 items like http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Focus-Rocker-Panel-4-Door-Right-2000-2007-/281403848656?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4184f9f7d0&vxp=mtr
That brings me to another difficulty. The $40 eBay item I just linked to has some of the better pics I've seen, but I'm still having difficulty figuring out what a replacement rocker covers. This is of interest especially in the back wheel well where it joins to the rocker. Where the well liner was fastened at the rocker, that metal has rusted away. And I'm wondering if that rusted-away metal is part of the rocker (which a replacement would happily provide).
Can anyone provide or point me to good, detailed information?
A solution involving welding is an option.
But I'm having a hard time finding good information. The factory service manual that I have from the library does not address the components, construction or repair of the rockers. So I'm not sure what my options are. I want to do something like a proper repair.
Jdetzel in comment #5 at http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=300112 says:
They are a very important structural member. They are designed to provide structural rigidity and more important crash protection.
They are a 3-piece member with on outer panel, an inner reinforcement and an inner panel. Cosmetic damage on the outer can sometimes be straightened,improper repair will effect the structural integrity of the vehicle.
I think removing the outer rocker and not replacing per manufacturers instruction would not be a good idea.
They are a 3-piece member with on outer panel, an inner reinforcement and an inner panel. Cosmetic damage on the outer can sometimes be straightened,improper repair will effect the structural integrity of the vehicle.
I think removing the outer rocker and not replacing per manufacturers instruction would not be a good idea.
When I search for replacement rockers, I find a few $350-$450 items like http://www.ebay.com/itm/BRAND-NEW-OEM-LH-PASSENGERS-SIDE-BODY-ROCKER-PANEL-2000-2007-FORD-FOCUS-/231154081687?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item35d1db5f97&vxp=mtr
or
P/N 10128 for ~ $450 in this pic from fordparts.com:
http://www.fordparts.com/Commerce/RenderIllustration.ashx?id=287003286&f=3&n=YS4Z5410128AA
Then there are $40-60 items like http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Focus-Rocker-Panel-4-Door-Right-2000-2007-/281403848656?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4184f9f7d0&vxp=mtr
That brings me to another difficulty. The $40 eBay item I just linked to has some of the better pics I've seen, but I'm still having difficulty figuring out what a replacement rocker covers. This is of interest especially in the back wheel well where it joins to the rocker. Where the well liner was fastened at the rocker, that metal has rusted away. And I'm wondering if that rusted-away metal is part of the rocker (which a replacement would happily provide).
Can anyone provide or point me to good, detailed information?