Should I plug the rocker panels holes?
 

I've heard two "opinions" on pluggin up the access hole in a rocker panel. I'm
not talking about the drain holes along the bottom. I'm talking about the large
hole in the front of the rocker.

One opinion is that you want to plug up the hole to keep out water and dirt.
The other is you want to leave this open so that air will come down the cowl
and dry out the rocker panels.

The truck I bought to restore had the holes plugged and the rockers were
completely rusted though. But that doesn't mean that was the cause of the rust.

What's your opinion?

From what I have seen, it is better to have airflow through the rocker panel to help keep it dry. Drain holes need to be cleaned periodically anyway and I don't think the open end will add to the dirt problem.

Jim

Put the plugs back in. If you keep the drain holes clean you will allow the moisture to escape. If you leave them open then road splash and grit will have a much easier access. ebfabman had a great process for coating the inside of the rockers with POR15 or whatever sealant you want to use. These were not adequately protected from the factory...that is why there really is not such thing as a "rust free" cab! Moisture in the air will always have access to the inside of the rockers. Nice looking rockers...just the same.

I be very liberal with rustproofing in there if you decide to plug it up.

"Plug the holes" PLEASE" think about it :crazy: NO WAY

GARY

yep, I agree with stllookn. Coat the inside of those rockers good then plug em.