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PSA: I chose to weld a new rocker panel section instead of using a full replacement panel on a 2008 Silverado
The customer wanted the cheapest fix, but the full panel was $400 and a 12-hour job. I cut out just the rusted part, about 18 inches long, and welded in a patch I formed myself. It took me 6 hours total and saved the customer half the cost. The fit was perfect and the repair has held for over a year now. When do you guys decide to patch versus replace a whole panel?
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patricia425mo ago
Patching done right lasts just as long.
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the_ben5mo ago
Patching rust is just kicking the can down the road. You saved money now, but that seam is a perfect spot for moisture and salt to hide and start rusting again from the inside. A full panel replacement gets rid of all the compromised metal, which is the only real fix for a structural area like a rocker. The extra labor cost is for a repair that lasts the life of the truck, not just another year or two.
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victor_davis175mo ago
My old truck is basically a patchwork quilt of rust repairs at this point. Guess I'm the king of kicking that can down the road. It's a miracle the doors still shut.
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