<VV> who has info on making/welding braces on LM convertibles for rocker panel replacement

[Tony Underwood]

At 05:14 hours 05/17/2006, Brad Hall wrote:
>Neil,
>When I replace the rocker panels on a convertible, I measure the 
>door opening at the top and use a hydraulic jack with extensions to 
>maintain that dimension when I'm welding in the new rocker 
>panels.  The bottom length doesn't change because there is an 
>"internal" vertical "rocker panel" which likely does not need 
>replacing, although it may need to have some patches welded over a 
>small amount of corrosion.  Naturally, I only do one side at a 
>time.  Convertibles also have an internal stiffener inside the 
>rocker panel; I use a piece of 3/16" steel welded into the new 
>rocker panel to replace the factory "Z" section.  I think the steel 
>piece is 4" wide, but you can easily check what you want on your new 
>rocker panels.  I also spray a coat of zinc "galvanizing compound" 
>on all of the internal surfaces.
>I hope this helps.
>Brad Hall...............Corsa Ontario




It's worth mentioning that a Corvair convertible doesn't really "sag" 
when the structure is compromised.  It "bows".    The rear of the car 
drops...  been there done that.   Last time I was welding on 
something that was producing threats of breaking in half, I was 
supporting the back end under the motor mount with a jack to keep 
from ending up with a gap at the top of the doors.

Unfortunately, late model ragtops in *good* shape will oft times show 
some body flex if you pick one up under the rear motor mount (I know, 
NEVER do this ever, but others have done it as I watched...).

More than once I've had my left arm pinched enough to make me go 
"Damn!" while aggressively backing out of a driveway unevenly, 
rocking the car as it rolls onto the street.    I avoid laying the 
arm across the door gap when I'm turned to the left to watch while 
backing up...   last time it left a blood blister under my upper arm 
shaped like a grain of rice.    Made me start thinking of ways to 
stiffen a late ragtop without resorting to a 6-point rollbar.


tony..