GEN 1 Slip on rocker panel confusion

[gusser]

I ordered slip ons from eBay, shipped out of MI. Cab is definitely the same for a Raptor and a nonRaptor of the same generation. The molded shape makes them easy to use. But I didn’t look at metal thickness.

Thanks for the confirmation dj.

The correct shape is important for sure for a tight fit and minimal trimming. I am hopeful the LMC truck slip ons provide that.

During my reserach I found a few users that complained that mill supply and some ebay vendors sold tin-can thin slip ons. I guess it's not that big of a deal since the rockers are facing the ground, but my welding skills are not finely honed yet so i was looking for a thicker slip on to prevent warpage and burn through. I am also going to use a 1/16 tig rod at lower amperage and silicone bronze fill wire (tips found on the weldersweb website IIRC) in hopes I can prevent the above mentioned mistakes.
I tried mig on an old F250 fender panel a long time ago and warped the crap out of it without realizing it until later..too long a bead putting in too much heat so will give the Tig route a go.

I believe full rockers are the thicker 19 gauge provided by most suppliers.
I ordered the LMC truck version...drivers side only (it was two bucks more if I order both sides together rather than separately. Go figure)
I'll report on the LMC panel thickness upon receipt.

 

[gusser]

2009-2014 NeverRust F150 Crew Cab Rockers w/Cab Corners – NeverRust Composite Restoration Panels

neverrust.net

^ I wonder if these would be remotely worth the pain of F'in around with install and special pannel glue and such.

Not keen on putting plastic where metal should be...but if I had no welding skills and wasn't planning on keeping the old girl until I can't drive anymore and giving to a family member, then the plastic glue on panels would be an option. I would still want to remove as much as possible and treat with rust inhibitor before installing the platic panels though...

 

[gusser]

I would be concerned about water, sand, salt and other contaminants getting into the joints where the glue/adhesive is and pushing the repair apart, whether composite will take the beating of road debris over a long period of time and the cost of the parts alone are 4x higher. Curiosity has taken me down the rabbit hole. I have asked my mechanic for his opinion and to consider the possibility of Outer Banks runs. Now I wait.

Agreed! Good points.
I've seen vids of these panels installed ad nauseum but I haven't seen any long term reliability results.
My raptor will only be used for cruise nights, evening rides and the occasional jet ski outing (if my daughter will let me borrow one of hers) and won't be exposed to salt/rain (stray thunderstorm will be the exception) while I own her, but I still want to do a good permanent fix to prevent the potential of the above mentioned issues just to be sure.

 

[gusser]

If those actually work thatd be great. Just the inner panels would be a concern then.

The far inner panel is solid. The middle panel has some rust/holes but has solid weldable surfaces and should be good enough to install the new slip ons after rust removal and a liberal application of rust preventative.
We shall see...

 

[gusser]

LMC trucks response:
Not impressed that they don't know that the F150 and raptor cabs take the same sheet metal.
However, I'll reserve judgement until i receive my drivers side slip on...

RE: Slip on panel for 2011 f150 raptor​

LMC Customer Care​	10:08 AM (10 hours ago)
to me

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out to us,

We apologize for the inconvenience; we are not able to advise the fitment of any parts on your vehicle that are not listed for it.


Dakota C.
Communication Specialist, Long Motor Corporation

 

[MurderedOutSVT]

LMC trucks response:
Not impressed that they don't know that the F150 and raptor cabs take the same sheet metal.
However, I'll reserve judgement until i receive my drivers side slip on...

RE: Slip on panel for 2011 f150 raptor​

LMC Customer Care​	10:08 AM (10 hours ago)
to me

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out to us,

We apologize for the inconvenience; we are not able to advise the fitment of any parts on your vehicle that are not listed for it.


Dakota C.
Communication Specialist, Long Motor Corporation

I'm sure Dakota C is based in the U.S. and has full knowledge of the parts that are sold....

Surely not from india

 

[dj30417]

I would be concerned about water, sand, salt and other contaminants getting into the joints where the glue/adhesive is and pushing the repair apart, whether composite will take the beating of road debris over a long period of time and the cost of the parts alone are 4x higher. Curiosity has taken me down the rabbit hole. I have asked my mechanic for his opinion and to consider the possibility of Outer Banks runs. Now I wait.

“Wouldn’t use them, properly cleaned and treated metal will last longer”
It’s just one additional opinion.

 

[gusser]

Update: Received the slip on rocker from LMC truck. It surely is not 22 gauge as it is quite rigid and will not bend without super human effort, so I'd guess it is, in fact, 19 gauge. Nice piece. Well worth the extra cost over the other vendors 22 gauge offerings.
Should provide a good, solid repair on my Gen 1.
Time to brush up on my TIG skills.

 

[ograptor]

Let's see the finished product!!

 

[gusser]

Would be happy to oblige but the welding part of the project is on the back burner until the weather warms up. I prefer to have the garage doors open to air out welding fumes...no can do when the high for the day is 30deg f with lows in the single digits. She's tucked in for a winters sleep until spring. Our roads are white with salt and anti ice chemicals so in the garage she stays with the battery tender attached...


Will update as progress is made next year.

Happy holidays.