Rock(er) On

[Brown_Muscle]

He could fabricate them without using much filler, I don't consider myself an expert metal worker, but with some time, bends, and welding I could do it, so I wouldn't doubt someone with more experience could not only do it, but do it better than I could. It just takes a lot of time, especially without fancy brakes and other metal shaping tools. I also understand it is a norm to slap something together and cover it in filler, shape it, and make it look right to get it out the door in a hurry. Mike, it's a shame you aren't closer, I would offer to do it for you for a lot less, especially knowing the sentimental value the car has for you, however I would also have access to spare rocker panels from a junkyard

[sly]

ok Derek... He's fixing the car. Get over it. His car... his money. Until you want to start helping him pay for it, I think you've had your say.

[DerekTheGreat]

Have you ever fabricated rocker panels? Maybe you could do better for less?

Fabrication isn't my specialty, pretreatment is. I already suggested what I'd do.

He could fabricate them without using much filler, I don't consider myself an expert metal worker, but with some time, bends, and welding I could do it, so I wouldn't doubt someone with more experience could not only do it, but do it better than I could. It just takes a lot of time, especially without fancy brakes and other metal shaping tools. I also understand it is a norm to slap something together and cover it in filler, shape it, and make it look right to get it out the door in a hurry. Mike, it's a shame you aren't closer, I would offer to do it for you for a lot less, especially knowing the sentimental value the car has for you, however I would also have access to spare rocker panels from a junkyard

Indeed, but the welds are the dirtiest and hardest things to clean and prevent from rusting. That is where it will rust out again, from the inside out.

ok Derek... He's fixing the car. Get over it. His car... his money. Until you want to start helping him pay for it, I think you've had your say.

LoL. I was done but when you post stuff like this, it only instigates more from me. Did I not already say it is his money and not mine? Where's the issue with saving money? Can people really not handle objecting opinions? Guess there's just not enough room for reality with all the unicorn piss and rainbows going around. Didn't realize people were getting butt-hurt over this, *hugs* *It gets better*

[Mike_Windsor]

Okay.

Did something awful happen in your life where you derive pleasure and/or self-validation from pissing down people's backs and telling them that it's raining?

It seems that encouragement and such is something you don't like to give. Which is fine. But don't go projecting your pessimistic outlook on life onto other people.

You gave your input. Was it somehow offensive to you that I failed to acknowledge your word as gospel?


C'mon. Don't be like this.

[Steveh66]

Also please keep in mind two things:

1) That shop rates vary lots state to state and up here in Canada. What you may get in somewhere down in the states at $37 an hour you will not get in Alberta.
2) You did not see any pictures and don't know if it is a simple as the flat bottom metal needs replacing or the sill was full of wet mud and all needs replaced - including the full rear vertical along the frame. It probably some where in between.

Good luck Mike. I hope it turns out well.

Steve

[gadget73]

I don't think the rockers are much, if any, different from 1979-1989 at least. I think the floor pan changed a little in 1990, but I don't know if that affects the rockers at all. If it does not, that gives you 1979-1991 as a window. Crown Vics would be the same through those years. Towncars are different, pretty sure wagons are different too, at least behind the center pillar. Round cars are way different.

[Mike_Windsor]

Yeah I met with the mechanic to pay him to cover his material costs today and he remained optimistic about how it's coming. I was invited out on Tuesday to take a look at the car and I might remember to snap a picture or 2 on my phone.

I'm terrible for remembering that my iPhone has a camera capability.

[79lincolnlover]

Does your mechanic work at a fully-certified shop? If so, that should give you peace of mind. I deal with a guy that has worked in the industry for many years but now he has his own shop. Labour rate is less and the quality of work is top-notch. I buy paint from NAPA and he supplies the rest of the materials for the job.

[Mike_Windsor]

Indeed he does. He's warrantying the work he's doing to the car for 3 years.

[sly]

Nice.

[79lincolnlover]

Indeed he does. He's warrantying the work he's doing to the car for 3 years.

Excellent! Have undercoating done afterwards.

[Mike_Windsor]

So I went to the place today and the rocker panels are in the process of being welded on.

I took a couple of pictures, including what was left of one of the original 1985 ones and a random picture of my right rear wheel, sans axle and related things.




It's coming.

[Tiggie]

Looks like he's just doing the outer part, which is okay as long as the inner part is good. They make a foaming paint that you can spray in there after it's all back together that will coat everything inside, then dry like normal paint. That may be a a wise investment. http://www.eastwood.com/internal-fra...nozzle-qt.html

[Mike_Windsor]

Well it's done, except for the undercoating bit:




The axles are on expedited delivery apparently.

[sly]

looks good.