Advice For Rusted Rockers

[Fox408]

Some of you may have read my other post, regarding power steering. If not, here's a small explanation.
I recently picked up a 4runner in hopes of flipping it, I have fallen in love with it and plan to keep it. Now I want to fix the issues that it has, rather than sell it.

Okay, so here goes.
It has rusted rocker panels. In some places they've actually rotted through, so they're pretty bad.
I've done a little bit of research, and it looks like dealerships/bodyshops have estimated the cost of repair extremely high.

In the jeep (xj) community, often people with rusted rockers will just cut them out and replace them with a square piece of tubing.
Is there anything like this that can be done for the 4runner?
I want to repair it because I hate rust, but if it's going to cost hundreds, if not thousands, then it's not really worth it to me.

Open to advice,
Thanks!

 

[Fox408]

Bump!

 

[LookAtThatDog]

Do the square tubing thing or find a rust free rocker. Or a rust free truck.

 

[Brilliant]

Id weld in a new one from a wrecked truck.

A few members part out vehicles here. You could have them cut it out, cut it in half, and ship it.

 

[kolelt]

Some of you may have read my other post, regarding power steering. If not, here's a small explanation.
I recently picked up a 4runner in hopes of flipping it, I have fallen in love with it and plan to keep it. Now I want to fix the issues that it has, rather than sell it.

Okay, so here goes.
It has rusted rocker panels. In some places they've actually rotted through, so they're pretty bad.
I've done a little bit of research, and it looks like dealerships/bodyshops have estimated the cost of repair extremely high.

In the jeep (xj) community, often people with rusted rockers will just cut them out and replace them with a square piece of tubing.
Is there anything like this that can be done for the 4runner?
I want to repair it because I hate rust, but if it's going to cost hundreds, if not thousands, then it's not really worth it to me.

Open to advice,
Thanks!

I hate rust. And feel your pain. I've been blastin fluid film inaide my rocker pannel. I can see rust through holes. Not its not rusting through yet but I fear later it will. It's shitty because its two metals fused but not water tight. And water gets in and sits there !!!! I say go for it. Cut it out. Sand the shit out of it. Harbor freight sells a sand blaster for mad cheap. Hit it and fab something.

 

[kolelt]

Check this out.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/140062-rocker-panel-replacement.html

Might want to speak with him.

 

[Colorado buff]

Some of you may have read my other post, regarding power steering. If not, here's a small explanation.
I recently picked up a 4runner in hopes of flipping it, I have fallen in love with it and plan to keep it. Now I want to fix the issues that it has, rather than sell it.

Okay, so here goes.
It has rusted rocker panels. In some places they've actually rotted through, so they're pretty bad.
I've done a little bit of research, and it looks like dealerships/bodyshops have estimated the cost of repair extremely high.

In the jeep (xj) community, often people with rusted rockers will just cut them out and replace them with a square piece of tubing.
Is there anything like this that can be done for the 4runner?
I want to repair it because I hate rust, but if it's going to cost hundreds, if not thousands, then it's not really worth it to me.

Open to advice,
Thanks!

if your rockers are really rusted then you might want to really check the frame. if the rockers are really bad chances are that it spread around.

 

[MN4runnerman]

My rockers were rusted on my 99 I did what others in this thread suggested. I cut them out and put in square tubing and now I'm gonna install sliders as soon as I get some. It won't look bad when I'm all done.

 

[kolelt]

My rockers were rusted on my 99 I did what others in this thread suggested. I cut them out and put in square tubing and now I'm gonna install sliders as soon as I get some. It won't look bad when I'm all done.

Mind sharing some pics ? Please.

 

[MN4runnerman]

Mind sharing some pics ? Please.

I didn't take any while doing it and it's at my cabin right now which I won't be at until the weekend. Sorry dude....it's just like if you were to do it to a xj tbh

 

[Fox408]

I didn't take any while doing it and it's at my cabin right now which I won't be at until the weekend. Sorry dude....it's just like if you were to do it to a xj tbh

What exactly did you send the tubing to?
I would absolutely love some pictures whenever you are able to.

I just cut out rockers and so far am stumped on what to weld the tubing to.

 

[Fox408]

Bump on this. Hoping to find anyone else who has improvised with rocker replacement.

 

[MrRoo]

Hill Billy way. Cut excess rust out. Get yourself some great stuff expanding foam. Fill the holes, let expand, sand down preferred contour and paint.

 

[Hoots Magoon]

Hill Billy way. Cut excess rust out. Get yourself some great stuff expanding foam. Fill the holes, let expand, sand down preferred contour and paint.

Down in L.A. (Lower Alabama) we called that the Deeetroit Quick-Fix.

 

[MrRoo]

I'm Surprised how well it can turn out and look when you spend a little time on it. A little filler over the foam and it smooths right out and looks good. Did it on my old 85 diesel Suburban I had.

 

[habanero]

Hill Billy way. Cut excess rust out. Get yourself some great stuff expanding foam. Fill the holes, let expand, sand down preferred contour and paint.

Thought about that but some peoples said that stuff sucks up water like a sponge...
true?

 

[Fox408]

That option is out of the question, as I've already cut out , my rockers.

 

[Fox408]

Bump for still seeking info

 

[T4R2014]

Cut rockers from a wrecked 4Runner and weld them in.

 

[Hoots Magoon]

Weld in some sheet metal. Then put on some Limited plastic covers to conceal the sheet metal.