How To Install Slip on Rockers, 2001 Silverado
With this video, I switch gears a bit from home repair to vehicle repair. It certainly qualifies as a DIY project. I attempted to make this to the point and as short as possible and still convey a good description of how I moved through the installation of slip on rocker panels on my 2001 Chevrolet Silverado. Slip on panels are manufactured to be applied over the existing rusted out areas. As explained in the video, there are several way to attach these panels. I did purchase a flux core welder specifically for the project, and even with that expense feel that I am well below what it would have cost to have a professional do the work. As close I can figure, I have about $300.00 in the project. This includes the welder. I suspect that it would cost that much for just one side if I had paid a professional. Please check out my Tool I Use store at: www.budmanproductions.com .
Allow me to do some clarification on welders. A professional will always choose a MIG over a flux core welder. As I mentioned in a previous post my first welder was a Millermatic loaded with .023 wire and Argon/CO2 gas. However, I am retired and may not ever use this flux core welder again. By my using plug welds, it cut down on the amount of heat and there was absolutely no warpage. The welds were certainly not the professional quality I would have gotten from a proper MIG but it suited me just fine. So if you're a young fellow and thinking about doing some body work or a restoration, spend the money and buy a MIG.
+Ron Budman Very nice video. Informational, yet to the point. Would love to see more.
+Ron Budman I always cut the rusted parts out and weld the new parts in with TIG and do the spot welds with a spot welder.
IVE USED FLUX CORE DOING QUARTERS..ROCKERS..ETC...PROPER PREP AND EXTRA CLEANUP BUT WORKS JUST FINE...EXTRA HEAT TO DEAL WITH BUT PATIENCE HELPS...
Ron Budman e
Im new to a welders. So is there a MIG who works only with electricity? I mean without gas?
I worked for this man right out of high school, and he ran the most respected body shop in 3 counties. Best bodyman and teacher I've ever known. I'm an Ase master tech,and it was Ron that encouraged me to keep striving for perfection. It's been over 40years, but each time I do a job, I remember how he took time for me, and now,years later, he's still teaching. Thanks for the memories, Ron!
Thanks George
Sadly, Ron passed away earlier this year. He was so talented,in so many ways, l wish everyone on this forum would have met him. And, he was a great guy to boot. I ran into him a few years ago, and he was busy as ever,with projects, but always had time to chat. l am grateful to have known this man,and I know he will be missed. R.I.P. Ron, and thanks for the memories!
@@georgeedinger4157 He does appear to be a decent human being. Sad to learn of his passing. I only knew him from these youtube videos. Makes me wonder if he got COVID or if he had health issues due to the workplace hazards of the auto industry.
My Dad passed away from cancer. It was a sarcoma. Stage 4 lung cancer. He fought it hard for 4 years. I am proud of the legacy he has left on this channel and the many kind words. Glad to see he is still helping people. I am now the admin for this channel and will continue to watch him touch people. Thanks George for the kind words. - Jason Budman
@@RonBudman RIP
Ron passed 8th of January 2021 rip thanks for helping me repair my Rocker panels
I am so impressed that a man of your age would take on a project like this. Great job.
Hey pal, he ain't that old.
@@jimself9395 I’m 60, and getting up and down on concrete isn’t what it used to be. Just showing the gentleman some respect. I understand he has now passed on.
@@kennethjohnson7807 sorry to hear that. 66 here, still wrenching, like you, up and down on the concrete. You're right, doesn't get easier, but it keeps us going. Good luck to you sir. 👍
All Backyard Mechanics do what they gotta do and they do it with what they got or what they can afford...the finished product seemed fine to me. Nice job.
I agree not everyone is rich and do with what they have to save money
I have to say, this is such a professional quality tutorial. You did a great job explaining what steps you took, why you took them. The camera work was excellent, and the voice over works very well. I don't normally comment on quality of videos, but this one blew me away. I wish all tutorials were this well put together.
Agreed
totally agree on that 4 years later ha ha
Still Agree, even after 7 years lol
I hope when I'm this guys age, I'm still messing around with rust. Great video sir
I dont. When im that age i want to buy a vehicle that is nice and live some where there is no salt
You’ve given me confidence that I’ll be able to repair my dad’s rusty old 2002 Chevy Silverado someday. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and your work on this video!
Great Video! I wish everyone would post the cost of the projects stuff like this! It's way easier to get into a budget minded job this way. really appreciate this one.
Fixing rockers to get thru a state inspection. Once again I am glad I live in Indiana.
This is the first time I've ever heard of such crazyness!!! They have the ulgy police!!!
Yeah, even here in California they don't make you do this. Silly.
Pennsylvania wont pass a vehicle with rusty holes. And some inspectors wont pass a vehicles patch job using rivets and sheet metal. I dislike living in the saltbelt. Pa/ny border, I Bought a jeep for 3k and had it on the road for yr and half. It got so rusty it had to go to the crusher wont pass inspection.
@@rebeccarainharrod but they force you spend hundreds of dollars to fix emissions.
Man I'd have to move what kinda law is that I've seen 3 year old trucks rust wtf
This was simple to watch, and i learned a lot. I appreciated how you were clear to understand, and how you took your time with every part of the process. Good job!
Just a quick note. When people post and name call and use foul language, I immediately delete the post.
Get a life Andrew Beaudry! TROLL!👹
New Usurname Just calling his bluff.
andrew beaudry Looks like it worked, lol!
Belteshazzar XXL Still here
Ron Budman you forgot to mention that you have to remove your battery terminal on your truck to weld because otherwise you can mess up your computer
Just found this video while looking for some good instructional vids on rust repair. My daughter and I are rebuilding a 1989 Honda Prelude that suffers from some pretty extensive rust on the rockers and quarter panels. I like that you showed the practice welding and figuring the best hole size :) The comment below you added about the heat build-up from the flux core welder was really helpful too! Thank you!
This is old skool and all the better for it. What I like about this tutorial is that you are describing _why_ you are doing the steps and not just _what_ you are doing. Far better to improvise a cost effective repair using reason and logic than to blindly follow the expensive industry practice when your circumstances are different.
Nice job, I can see the precise details, nice to see people taking the time to measure holes and give it proper attention, most just drill anywhere.
I would just like to know .... to all you experts with your negative comments and foul language ... how many videos do you have with over a million views? (cricket noises) That's what I thought. Get your act together and do something with your lives, you might just become something to be proud of one day.
They have none,
Beautiful work Sir! I'm definitely going to do my own repairs to my 2004 Avalanche. "severe frame and rocker panel rust" Thanks for sharing your information.👍
Thank You Ron for taking the time to share your talent and posting this great video.
One of the most best videos I’ve watched in a while very informative love the fact that you put pricing on their no one really does that and also what a great way to repair the rockers I’m definitely doing this
Ron , I love how you convinced yourself you needed a welder so you created a need for one , ( I do it all the time ) LOL
Good job Ron! As one retired guy to another, these young guy's don't seem to be able to get it through their head's that living on A fixed income precludes buying everything under the sun with all the latest bell's and whistles!! I'm surprised they didn't complain that you didn't run out and buy A new plasma cutter!! Hey!! the money tree died!! Besides, as you were working outside the shielding gas would blow away and your welds would have been much worse! You did A fine job with the equipment you had. I use an oxy/acetylene rig with A year old set of Smith torches I inherited from my uncle. Works for me! Take care!
+Gary Ronan I really appreciate your comment. You are certainly are right about the younger generation. I put the cheap hundred dollar welder on a shelf last spring after finishing this job and haven't touched it since. And yes, the money tree did die, or I wouldn't be driving around in a fifteen year old pickup.
I know the feeling! I was in the building maintenance trade for 28 year's with my last employer and had to retire in June of '14 because of arthritic knees. I'm driving A '01 F-250 that the Minnesota tin worm is eating nicely. Luckily Minnesota has no vehicle inspection so you can drive them until the body fall's off! Have A nice Christmas and A happy and prosperous New year!
no it will not blow away unless steady strong breeze turn up the cfh
+Jon A using flux core will introduce inclusions keep this in mind when doing bodywork
Thanks for the comments. It has been well over a year since I completed this project and have only used the welder once to stick together several pieces of angle iron.
That turned out a lot better than I anticipated with that style of rocker and not doing body filler or using the "right" welder. Still looks nice and clean in the end. Not hacked up and no rust!
As a professional welder it kills me to see this done with FCAW process. But. Flip side is, it came out BEAUTIFUL! excellent job done with what you had on hand. My hats off to you sir!
This is how you do the the work right. Sir this was a joy to see and learn from Many thanks All the best to you and yours.
Hands down the best how-to video I believe I've ever watched, you have perfected the production & clarity. I was brave and cut away my rusted parts before I really knew how I was going to tackle my 2000 Sierra's rust issue, had thought of a fiberglass-only method because I've never welded in my life, but I'm taking the high road due to your video and using metal ... thank you.
+Rich Edwards Rich, Thanks for the complement. This kind of post makes it all worth while. And I thank you . . . Ron
Thank you for taking the time to make this great video. It has been a huge help to me replacing my rocker panels.
I've been a viewer of youtube since 2006 and i've noticed something interesting. When it comes to how to videos one of two things happens. Either everyone and the mother makes one and keeps making them if new and innovative ways are show on how to do things. Else, an extremely educational video is posted by someone filled with wisdom and few, if any videos follow it. This is the later. Thank you and well done! This video will surely go down in history as being informative, with good visuals and audio!
Man, what a great video. I'm retired too, and have a ford van that needs some body work. This is just the kick in the butt I need to actually do it. Thanks.
Great job Ron. I’m just learning how to do this kind of stuff. With three kids in college your video is super helpful.
You made a nice job of that truck and saved a shed load of monny well done old timer kind regards to you all the best ron😊
Looks like a good repair to me. I've done a bunch of similar repairs over the years and the advice in this video is solid. Good work!
Thank you, I have decided to do exactly what you did for my 2001 Silverado 2500 HD tow vehicle. I don’t have the time to do a fender removal and your job looks great!
Inspirational work. Nice to see such attention to detail and good craftsmanship - thank you!
For years I have been squirting oil into closed panels like the rockers, doors, hoods, trunk lids and wheel housings, fuel and brake lines. The oil prevents oxidation and creeps all over inside. Panels always rot out from the inside to the outside because of condensation (and around here the brine on the road during winter). Lately, I have had access to cosmoline at no cost, and mix some oil into it to help it wick more. It gets sprayed on the underside and in frame work. There are businesses that do oil based rust prevention. Regular oil eventually gets dirt absorbed on exposed panels, and is messy / needs to be redone every few years, but the difference is amazing, especially if you are starting with a vehicle that has already started to rust. Great vid though Ron. Remarkable number of views. Mike
This was a great video thanks it was very detailed and precise
Good video. I can tell you are enjoying retirement through your enthusiasm
Just received my slip on rocker from Classic 2 Current Fabrication. This video is great. I have a Yukon so the repair is a bit larger. I live near Classic 2 Current Fabrication so I just went over to buy my slip on rockers. They are a really great!
This is 10 out of 10. I love seeing things done the right way. How could a at home video be any more professional? SERIOUSLY?
thank you for this well put together video . I am getting ready to start the same project on my 97 chevy . It gave me some insight on a few things i was unclear as how i wanted to go about . keep up the good work .
Cool to see this old man do some work. No disrespect. Great Job.
Thanks for the information it will help me to fix my truck may the Lord bless you and your family
This is a fair and reasonable repair .. looks good ! I would recommend weld thru primer on the weld areas though.. not that big of a deal here but it really helps with contamination
I like how you coverd all details good job.
Nice job, I will be doing this next spring! Very helpful!
Thank you for the informative video. Will be doing a job soon on my truck and will use some of your tips.
Nice job Ron....thank you for your time posting...excellent post
Good video. I too have an 01 Silverado with 294k miles and I want to fix my rockers before they look like yours did. Now I have an understanding of what I will need to do. Thanks.
nice job ron .great description of what you did
Great job. I need to do this and your video will certainly help me get it done. Thankyou for posting.
Ron, Found this while looking for replacing a rocker panel. You're doing it exactly as I planned. Great specific explanations! Thanks. I even subscribed. LOL!
I work at classic 2 current. It’s awesome to see parts I made being put to use 😁
I'm inexperienced with auto body repair. Are they sold as Vehicle specific or are they General use? I own a 1979 Subaru Brat which needs rust repair of the Rocker panels & Wheel wells. Or would it be best to find a Body Shop to professionally perform these repairs?
I knew I should not have looked at the comments! 🤦🏼♂️ Why do people have to be so damn mean and ugly? Sir, you did a great job, you explained very well, I’m thinking I can replace my rockers on my Dodge because of this post! Thank you for sharing your experience
this video helped me a lot I'm fixing the rust on my 2011 dodge caliber I had to make a few adjustments but other then that everything went smoothly thanks a lot.
The only thing I can suggest to those of you looking for slip on parts for other vehicles is to google it. I got the rockers through Amazon "Classic 2 Fabrications".
Thank you for the video its got alot of great info. Im getting ready to replace the rocker panels on my van and some other sheet metal work this info will come in handy
Great video, thanks for sharing that. I am about to do the same repair to one of our cars once the weather gets better, Oswego NY winters are brutal.lol
Nice work. Very thorough. Not many people on KZhead take the time to make sure all steps are covered. You had some nice editing too.
Thanks for your kind words. Ron
Thanks for the clear concise information.
Still a good video on the subject in 2022. Thank you.
This was really helpful now I can fix mine. Gotta love Chevy rust
Well done I wanted to see how this welder worked as I need to do my rocker and was worried this welder would not weld clean enuff but looks good enuff thanks
I really enjoyed your video. Well filmed, well narrated, and what looked to be (albeit to my layman's eyes) a very professional job. I don't think you'll have any problems with the inspection now.
I can see what looks like dents on the door from prying out old metal between the before and after pics. I need to do this to my truck. Thanks for the helpfull video
Nice work Ronnie!!
Great video transfer sides during the plug weld process reduces warping and then also metal working time spent great pointers though ty
THANKS TO YOU AS WELL BOSS THE SHOW WAS JUST AMAZING & ON THE POINT :)
Good job. A little patience and time always makes the difference.
Very informative video and i like the chris fix style video
Impressed. Really well done. thanks for making this.
Ron, enjoyed your video, especially since I have the same problem on my 2000 GMC Sierra. I have been researching alternatives to welding and came up with a 3M epoxy system that has been used by auto shops for years to resurface door skins and various panels. On the basis of what I learned about Classic 2 Fabrications ant by viewing your video, I feel I have arrived at a pretty good non-weld system. I'll keep you informed how this works. This repair is the first step I plan to do that involves repainting, lowering, engine swap (V6 to V8) and wheel upgrade. All on a budget and, hopefully with the help of my grandson.
Peter, having spent my life's work in many different facets of the auto body trade, I am very familiar with the 3M system. When my clients first started using it, it caused quite a stir within the industry as to whether or not the repair met OEM standards. With that said, I considered it' use and because of the inner rocker having to be rebuilt, glue was not an option. Plus, until I purchased both the adhesive and the applicator I was almost up to the cost of my $100.00 welder. If you have a good substrate with which to bond to, it will work just fine. I know when gluing a door panel on we used to have to place at least one brass weld at the corners. Of course, that's been years ago. Thanks for your comment and good luck.
I think you did a great job I'm going to try to do mine just like you did yours well done sir
That was a great video! Looks like i have a project to do! Thanks for posting.
After watching several other videos- yours is the best I've seen. Some I had to give a thumbs down because they were using spray foam, which retains moisture. That is time and materials wasted, and will fall out as you drive over bumpy roads. I recently purchased a flux core wire welder and appreciate your tips on improving performance. I will be attacking my 2005 Chevy Express AWD in a few weeks. Weather here in Wisconsin is still pretty cool. Thanks again Ron. I did like and Subscribe, Hit the bell too!.
this was an awesome video to watch, thank you, I am going to do this on my chevy express 1500
Thank you, This helped me out SO MUCH!!!!
Old man has a young voice.you did a nice job
Thanks sir for the video i just ordered the set slip on rockers for his 04 chevy watch your video couple time and be rip into it
Nice job, detailed, and to the point
Looks great man about to try my first set now 👍 And same goes for me with a welder I have one at work but not of my own
Not bad for a 200 dollar welder and flux core,,,it was doing as well as my 800 dollar Miller with gas shield. Nice job,,,thanks for rivet tip
thank you for this video. my 99 silverado practically has now rockers left. I was looking for a way to replace them without spending an arm and a leg. Thanks
Thanks for the lesson Ron!
Nice job! I have an old GMC needs some metal replacement! on a cold come winter night you can always here a GM rust! Thanks for video.
Thank you so much for the video. I live in PA too near Lancaster and my 04 with 310K on it needs a left side panel and a bumper for inspection. I am stopping by a few other videos to see what other folks are doing with the cavity issue. I see you chose to use undercoater which I know pollutes the welds, and, it burns off as fast as you were welding on that piece. I also see you went with over lapping metal and plug welds rather than butt welds. I also see you did not use a welding primer. As I have been collecting info, it seems best to use Acetone to prepare the metal , to cut to fit for butt welds, to pray with weld primer, and to follow the welding with Cavity wax through a 1/8" hole in each end of the rocker then fitted with a rubber plug. Your video helped me to envision the area under the rocker which helps me better prepare for the job. Thanks again.
I've done lots of fixing like this. I actually have a very similar welder. I'm Realy picky so i usually follow with a thin layer of bondo to realy make things look smooth
They make really good body panel adhesives now days. Welded areas rust out quiker anyway. You just slap on the glue, line up your new panel, screw it down till glue sets, take out screws and bondo in holes👍
Where could I get that adhesive
Iv been debating on coating the entire bottom like the rocker panels in rino liner to avoid the rust
Thank you for the excellent tutorial. It is the best I have seen on the subject so far.
Thanks, Ron
Great video Ron! Well informative and put together:)
Very good info and direction . Very helpful Ron thank you
Thanks man. Gave me a little hope of getting this done right. 👍
thanks man ! great job !
Whoa! Great video Ron!
good job Ron, thanks for sharing sir
This is awesome! My trucks rockers were replaced once and are just now slowly starting to go.. I'll definitely be attempting this at some point.
Cody Rosa I'd recommend getting them rino coated so they don't go again.lol
Did you actually watch the video? I did go to extremes with acid etching primers and undercoating. New vehicles are well protected from the factory. I would never recommend that anyone have an aftermarket rust coating applied to a new vehicle . . . in fact, I wasn't aware that they were still doing it. However, if I were wealthy enough to afford a new truck, I would seriously consider a bedliner coating. As for my pickup, I am sure these rockers will last as long as this 73 year old is going to need it.
I want to replace the rockers on my 2001 Astro van. They are covered with plastic covers, so I just need them to be solid to attach the plastic panels back on. Nice video!
Nice job Ron!
Very informative. Thank you for this video Ron
MUY BUEN TRABAJO MR.RON LA EXPERIENCIA PUESTA EN PRACTICA,GRACIAS POR CONPARTIR SU CONOCIMIENTO!👍👍👍😉
Great video -really well explained!
Sr, You are a REPAIR MASTER!