rocker channel inserts

[wgm87]

Ok, I've got the body off to repair the rockers with the inserts from Zip. The channels are in pretty good shape except for the actual mounting points. Anyway, my question has to do with securing the inserts. When they are in place, they do not rest flush to the existing channels. Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't these supposed to be spot welded in place? Do I need to grind spots down to make weld contact points. I don't think the existing channels are warped, but it is possible. I have cleaned the surface rust and prepped the metal. So, If anyone could throw a few pointers on the insert installation, I would appreciate it.............

Glenn

 

[Artsvette73]

Yes the inserts should sit flush with the channel and yes clean up the area where it will be plug welded to the bird cage. This was a job I would never take on again. Measure, measure, measure again. Pay close attention to door fit before any welding takes place GOOD LUCK

 

[wgm87]

well, after leaving it alone for a while and cleaning my safety glasses, i put a little more light on it and it wasn't off as much as i thought. i guess my glasses distorted what i was seeing and the shadows made it look like it wasn't flush. chalk another one up to fatigue. so far this hasn't been too bad. lifting the body ( or should i say dropping the frame) took some time, disconnecting everything and rechecking was time consuming, but not too bad. i've treated all the metal and primed. as far as lining up the insert, i matched up the holes on the old rocker to the new, slipped a couple of bolts in to hold it and it's ready to weld in. measurements look pretty good, everything lines up now. now that i know what to do, the other side shouldn't take as long ( we'll see ). i'm just glad the rust is limited to the rocker and 2 inches of the #3 mounts and the a-pillars at #2 are good......

glenn

 

[Peer81]

Mine has the same problem on both sides!
I'm taking out the rusty inserts witch are also point welded. It's one HELL of a job to take those old one's out. I'm not going to continue from the bottom up and cut the steel around the rusty part to take the insert out from underneath. Then make my own new inserts and put at extra piece of steel on the underside to flush it as original.
Very weird to see the rest of the chassis and birdcage has no rust at all only these two!

Greetings Peter.

 

[Fred's Vettes]

I just finished repairing both sides on my 69. Mine were from #1 all the way to #3. If you need the front tip up to the #1 mount you can buy it with the insert into the bird cage channel up past the bottom door hinge.These are not advertised but available along with the #3 short piece with the insert into the rear of the door post. Just a little info if you run into more areas of need. Fred

 

[wgm87]

I did order the front insert for the a-pillar on the driver's side as well. passenger side in good shape. I know what you're talking about as far as the 3 pieces. some places have them all as a set and others sell them individually. I got the individual parts from zip. i think volunteer vette and paragon reproductions does the same. just have to shop around for the best price for what you need. talk about a "learning" experience. at least my wife knows where i am and what i'm doing !!!!