VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 1941 Rocker Moulding Repair Panels ??

I am interested in ID sheet metal parts {2} I need for my 41, Special Deluxe Coupe. {See picture} The parts are rusty and I need to R&R them. There is one on the Left & Right side.

Best I can describe the sheet metal panel's are some what Triangular shaped and are under the car, welded to the Inner Rocker Panel & The Floor and sit at an angle. They are located at the rear section of the inner rocker panel, in front of the REAR wheels. They measure {aprox.} 8"x 24" x 10"

They are NOT typical floor braces, as shown or noted in any of the sheet metal parts catalogs I have seen to date.

I have been told they can be created by a sheet metal co's but if I can find "stock" replacements I would much perfer that path.

As always, any and all help is greatly appreciated.
Michael41

Michael,I can't find your picture and do have Chevs of the 40 catalog.If they are not shown there they are not available.
The floor braces were not serviced by Chevrlet when the cars were new.They were only available with the floor panel as a unit.

Any of my fellow 41 owners know of these 2 parts ????? {please see first post}

I have pictures of these parts, if you send me a private email I will send them to you.

Sorry, but I could not get the pics to load on this site...my weakness not chats.
Micahel41

Hi,

I am well familiar with these parts. In all likelihood you will be forced to fabricate the two pieces.

(I will deny ever saying this, but your best solution is to remove them permanently).

Posted as a favor.

Michael41
I found an old book I got a long time ago from a Co, in vermont snail mail style. They show it as a section of floor bracing I will try to get the pic scaned in for you. it has all the bends and specs on the fabrication of replacement parts.

It has been suggested that if I am unable to find replacement parts, and decide to NOT have them made by a sheet metal shop, that I may be able to patch them.

So 2 questions:
1. What are the best procedures, methods and products to repair rusted areas ? {Remembering I will be in my back, under the car, straining for any sort of human dexterity}

2. What is the best way to remove them from my car ?

I've used Por15 Paint before and had good luck. But the "rusted" areas {holes} in these panels are MUCH larger than I have tackled. I see that PORS has a "filler" to be used before the paint, but have not used this product.

I want a nice, clean job and as close as possible "stock" looking rocker panel {s} when I am done with the "repairs."

Thanks for all the help so far,
Michael41

The mothod of removal I would use is to clear all wiring and floor mats from the opposite side to the shown photos and drill the spot welds around each panel so that all the weld is removed (generally 5/16" or 3/8" drill). This will allow the panel to fall off with little distortion for copying or patching.
To refit clamp replacement panel into place and reweld through the holes previously drilled and grind smooth.
I have done many replacement patches and panels this way.
Tony

Mike41
I sent you the pict of the blue print on the part
good luck!

I got your info THANKS.

What I can not see is the phone number on the drawing. I'd like to find out of that co. still exists and makes the parts in question.

If you could give me there name or any other info on the I would sure appreciate it.

Thanks so much for all the help, why this part {and others} of VCCA is Not marketing as extreme VALUE is a brain stomp.
Michael41

Sunday 2-11-07 Update

So far I have struck out in finding replacement parts. Tried chevsofthe40,obsolete chevy, Filling station, various Hot rod sheet metal co's, EMS sSheet Metal Co., and several others listed in Hemmings, G&D or other mags.

If any one knows of a possibly source please let me know.

Doesn't seem as if it would be a difficult part to make, not that many bends etc {?} Providing someone has years of sheet metal experience, about $2,000.00 worth of metal bending, stamping equipment, etc. etc.

In all seriousness I have found a local shop that thinks they can make them, but I'd kind of like to find OEM parts, or close....

Thanks for all the assistance so far, very helpful.
Michael41

Hi Mike41,

I noticed an earlier post mentioned a supplier in Vermont. I found some pages from a catalog for parts from a Vermont supplier. I believe some parts for my 48 Fleetline were bought there, but it was back in about 1996 or so. I don't know if they are still in business or not and if they are if they have the part you are looking for...............but you are starting to sound a little bit desparate, soooooooooooooooo here's the name, address and phone number


GREEN MOUNTAIN PARTS
RT. 22A
ORWELL, VERMONT 05760
802 948-2086

Give 'em a try, and good luck. :)


Just looked 'em up in the phone book......they are still listed, but with a phone number of 802 948-2038.

Maybe, huh???

Thanks Ken, nice of you to pass this along. I gave them a call & left a message, but thus far it sounds like a private party and that they are "out right now"

Now just how desperate I am has more to do with my Irish willed determination, than desperation. Once on a quest we are wildly determined !! Unless we run across a pub :}

Fortunately my car looks and runs great...and I know I want to fix/replace these parts asap.

Thanks again Ken, and everyone else who has helped,
Michael41

PS: I sent out several more inquiring emails to various "Sheet Metal Co.'s."

Mike,

Did you try the second number I posted? I think we were both posting at the same time.

802 948-2038 is currently listed as Green Mountain Parts in our newest phone book.....Orwell, VT is very rural and my guess is that while the parts are probably of good quality, they're probably fabricated in a pole barn and the "business" is probably in Mom's kitchen!!! My guess is they're out ice fishin' right now.