TheSamba.com :: View topic

Sun Aug 31, 2025 1:28 pm

Bought this 74 a few weeks ago. Knew is had some questionable body work. Not looking to restore just clean up for a runner. While removing rust and body filler, I noticed some daylight along the body lines (not sure what you would call the horizontal extrusions). Anyway…
a bit of grinding and exploration and the whole piece came off. Did not appear to be welded or riveted. Anyone see this before? Not replacing the whole rocker, just looking to clean up the prior work. I guess I will either tack weld or rivet/fill?

Sun Aug 31, 2025 1:38 pm

Shade tree body work. Looks like someone riveted a replacement lower horizontal rib on the rocker.

Mon Sep 01, 2025 1:41 pm

Yeah sometimes restoration just isn't the viable option, however it will be fun to drive no matter what you do. I guess if you're not wanting to replace the rocker your choices are cut out the bad bit (but could be the whole rocker?) or fill and clean it up for now. Maybe you don't need the rib (my word for it) being only cosmetic in your case? Things missing the ribs after repair are not uncommon. If it's there on the other side I would probably be compelled to OCD it back on. If it was an old jeep it would have a piece of diamond plate riveted there. :wink:

Tue Sep 02, 2025 7:00 pm

Probably gonna strip that rocker (beliow the top rib) and see how much metal is there. If I can, my OCD is thinking I can use panel bond to reattach the lower rib and body filler any seams. Might be able to clamp the rib in place till it sets. Saw one on marketplace with the diamond plate…not a fan.

Wed Sep 03, 2025 7:31 am

Although I brought it up I actually share your opinion of the diamond plate. I'll be curious to see how it turns out, I'm sure it will be fine. Keep us posted!

Wed Sep 03, 2025 7:55 pm

Mine has a ton of bondo and I don't see ever doing a frame off on this car since we have other projects. Sometimes it is all about having fun with em.