How to Do Body Work on My Car Rocker Panels

Rocker panels are the metal panels that run along the bottom of your car, between the front and rear wheels. They’re exposed to a lot of wear and tear, so it’s not uncommon for them to get damaged. If your rocker panels are rusty, dented, or otherwise damaged, you can repair them yourself with a little time and effort.

Materials You’ll Need

• Sandpaper (80-grit, 120-grit, 220-grit)
• Body filler
• Body filler spreader
• Primer
• Paint
• Clear coat
• Sanding block
• Tack cloth
• Masking tape
• Gloves
• Safety glasses

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Surface

1. Start by sanding the damaged area with 80-grit sandpaper. This will remove any rust or paint that’s on the surface.
2. Once the area is sanded, clean it with a tack cloth to remove any dust or debris.
3. Mask off the area around the damage with masking tape.

2. Apply Body Filler

1. Mix the body filler according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Apply the body filler to the damaged area using a body filler spreader.
3. Smooth out the body filler and let it dry completely.

3. Sand the Body Filler

1. Once the body filler is dry, sand it with 120-grit sandpaper to remove any imperfections.
2. Continue sanding with 220-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface.

4. Apply Primer

1. Apply a coat of primer to the repaired area.
2. Let the primer dry completely.

5. Apply Paint

1. Apply two coats of paint to the repaired area.
2. Let the paint dry completely.

6. Apply Clear Coat

1. Apply a coat of clear coat to the repaired area.
2. Let the clear coat dry completely.

Tips

• If the damage to your rocker panels is extensive, you may need to replace the entire panel.
• Be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses when working with body filler and paint.
• Allow plenty of time for each step to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
• If you’re not comfortable doing body work yourself, you can always take your car to a professional body shop.