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Well after cleaning up the 'Vette today I decided to tackle a small job -- replacing my rocker panel screws. Sounds simple, right? Seems one of the previous owners had removed the right rocker panel at some point, and instead of reusing the original screws they used these black hex-head bolts that looked they like came out of a rain gutter 
As they had started to rust and get ugly, it was time to replace them with some repops from Corvette America. Well one of said bolts had been mangled so badly that no type of screwdriver could fit into the head anymore. After trying to remove it in vain I decided that drilling it out would be my best option. BAD IDEA. Three hours and two broken drill bits later, I finally pried the damn thing out of the now-stripped hole with (ironically) a screwdriver. No job is ever easy!
As they had started to rust and get ugly, it was time to replace them with some repops from Corvette America. Well one of said bolts had been mangled so badly that no type of screwdriver could fit into the head anymore. After trying to remove it in vain I decided that drilling it out would be my best option. BAD IDEA. Three hours and two broken drill bits later, I finally pried the damn thing out of the now-stripped hole with (ironically) a screwdriver. No job is ever easy! Be the first to like this post
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Lifetime Member
Send PMApache Junction, AZ - USA
Joined: 10/15/2006
Posts: 285
Vette(s): 1982,150K,Renegade CFI,Hooker Side Pipes,85 fuel pump,Bilsteins,HD suspension, Aluminum radiator, SharkBar/w 5-Point Restraints. 3:73 gears coming soon.
No job is ever easy especially if you suffer from a bad case of the W.I.T.S (While I'm There" Syndrome).... While I'm there I might as well sand and paint the frame since I have the rockers off..... I can't even jack it up without "WITS" taking over
I have seen somekind of a repair kit for the rocker panels but don't remember what or where?? I was lucky, mine came off ok and should go back on good WHEN I finish with all the WITS tasks.
Good luck!
I have seen somekind of a repair kit for the rocker panels but don't remember what or where?? I was lucky, mine came off ok and should go back on good WHEN I finish with all the WITS tasks.
Good luck!
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Send PMModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 22720
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Click for linkJoel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
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Yep, that's very similar to the kit I bought Joel. The job is done, the rocker panel is back on and back to "original". I just have a small nick to touch up now from where the drill slipped when bit #2 broke 
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Been there PSU,
Gotta love getting the needle nose behind the panels to hold onto the retainer nuts. Glad it is over for you!
gurtz
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[QUOTE=PSU 98]................. Seems one of the previous owners had removed the right rocker panel at some point, and instead of reusing the original screws they used these black hex-head bolts that looked they like came out of a rain gutter ................. [/QUOTE]
Willis76 2007-07-03 03:14:22
................. [/QUOTE]
It sounds to me that your Bubba owner must have had a hand in mine as well 
. I have been thinking of doing the same job, thanks for making me reconsider it for awhile - the kit looks pretty good, but nay - I'm just going to drive it for a few hours instead.
. I have been thinking of doing the same job, thanks for making me reconsider it for awhile - the kit looks pretty good, but nay - I'm just going to drive it for a few hours instead.thanks for the tips!
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I just went through the same ordeal, unfortunately the kit I ordered didn't look at all like the one Joel displayed.
I eventually went with #8 one inch finishing screws from Pep Boys. Prior to reinstalling I had the panels professionally polished, it's now done and looks great.
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[QUOTE=Willis76]I have been thinking of doing the same job, thanks for making me reconsider it for awhile - the kit looks pretty good, but nay - I'm just going to drive it for a few hours instead. [/QUOTE]
Oh don't get me wrong, it would have been a very easy job IF that ONE bolt didn't get in the way!
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[QUOTE=gurtz]Gotta love getting the needle nose behind the panels to hold onto the retainer nuts. Glad it is over for you![/QUOTE]
I've got long skinny fingers, so I could get behind the rocker to hold those retainers. Getting them back out is another story
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Former Member
Send PMManteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623
Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold
1975 L48 4 speed
Yep, "BTDT". It don't take long to learn some do's and don'ts about those rocker panels. Expensive little devils 
, Lordy. For that kinda money they should add a few HP .
, Lordy. For that kinda money they should add a few HP .Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again. 
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in Forum: C3 General Discussion
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