Thread: Rocker Molding questions

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Alright, what the heck is going on?? Three days ago they predicted a blizzard and we got next to nothing. Now they called for no snow until Sunday night but I wake up this morning to 4" and it's still coming down hard! Crazy...

Anyway, I have a few questions about the rocker molding on my 48. I had to install after market rockers as the originals were rotted out but the new ones did not have all the little rectangular holes for the original molding clips. I really don't see any way possible to cut those; the stores seem to be fresh out of rectangular hole saws. Has anyone else gone through this and what solution did you come up with? Also, can anyone recommend someone who straightens and polishes stainless trim? My rocker molding needs some work.

Can you drill it first and use a three corner file (triangle file) to finish sizing it providing it isn`t to small ?

I guess I could but you're talking over twenty holes in each rocker. It seems like there has to be an alternative way of mounting these. Thanks for the suggestion, though.

Are the rockers open on the back side, and could you build a punch tip and use a press to punch your own...?

Falconvan
Electric knock out punches are made square. I am not sure if they are made very small though. Drilling and filing is also an option.

On another note, where did you get your rockers from?

We too got a nice 4" coating of snow over the 2" of ice we already had. As long as the power remains on, it will make for a good day in the garage.
Andy

That's some good ideas; thanks for the feedback. I'm also tossing around the idea of drilling and countersinking some holes in the molding and using stainless screws instead of clips.

I got the rockers off of eBay a couple of years ago; they were actually for a sedan but they worked out fine. I think I might head for the garage myself after lunch. My wife and I were supposed to sing at a Country Gospel Music Association jamboree but they called it off because of the snow. I believe that's the Lord's way of telling me to go work on my car.

Check out Auveco molding clips: http://www.auveco.com/product/auto.html

These are available online and at local auto body supply stores, perhaps other outlets. Some like the one pictured with the spring clip on one side will fit a variety of width trim, and only need a small round hole for clamping down. Also available in plastic. I don't think the screw through, even counter sunk, will look as "professional".

One other alternative thought to straightening and polishing, unless you're married to the idea of brightwork down low, would be to fab a peaked stip of steel and weld/mold to the rocker face. It will give you "texture", but when painted body color won't draw inordinate attention down low. As an alternative down that line you can repair the molding you have yourself and repair any roughness with normal body filler and paint that.

Put the clips on the rockers with SS screws then snap the molding over the clips - that is unless the clips are captured by that molding. Twere me, I would find a way to not install it tho

Thanks guys; I'll look into some alternative clips. I agree with both of you; my first choice was to eliminate the molding. The problem is on the 46-48 Plymouth, the molding comes down 1" past the rocker and lines up the bottom edge of the front and rear fenders. Without it, the edge of the fenders stick down an inch below the rocker. I talked to a few others who have modified the fenders to fit and both said looking back they would have stuck with the molding.

How about a couple of custom sheet metal pieces, say 24" long tapered from one inch at the fender to nothing, blending into the rocker? Moulding may be easier....