02 Rocker Panel Rust Prevention
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
02 Rocker Panel Rust Prevention
I recently picked up an 02 XLT FX4 5.4l with 120K miles on it in almost mint condition (traded in my 99 XL 4.2l with 190k miles). My 99 was a zero rust truck and the only thing letting down 02 was each corner of the bed had rusted through and the running boards were rusted. I was able to find a local body guy who cut out the sheet metal, replaced, and color matched all 4 corners for only $650. While I was replacing the running boards I noticed all of the body holes on the rockers, some covered some open (I never noticed them on my 99 because I didn't need to change the running boards out). I assume that is a major factor in causing the rockers to rust out, my question is, has anyone ever considered drilling holes on the bottom of the rockers to allow for drainage? I posed the question to an Off-Road enthusiast friend of mine whom said it should help and he also suggested coating it with Eastwood Internal Frame Coating. Any thoughts or experience with this?
Last edited by kleinsak; Nov 3, 2021 at 08:43 PM.
5 Year Member
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 267
Likes: 64
I recently picked up an 02 XLT FX4 5.4l with 120K miles on it in almost mint condition (traded in my 99 XL 4.2l with 190k miles). My 99 was a zero rust truck and the only thing letting down 02 was each corner of the bed had rusted through and the running boards were rusted. I was able to find a local body guy who cut out the sheet metal, replaced, and color matched all 4 corners for only $650. While I was replacing the running boards I noticed all of the body holes on the rockers, some covered some open (I never noticed them on my 99 because I didn't need to change the running boards out). I assume that is a major factor in causing the rockers to rust out, my question is, has anyone ever considered drilling holes on the bottom of the rockers to allow for drainage? I posed the question to an Off-Road enthusiast friend of mine whom said it should help and he also suggested coating it with Eastwood Internal Frame Coating. Any thoughts or experience with this?
5 Year Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4,170
Likes: 1,203
Glad i dont deal with it.
Living below the rust belt is great from that standpoint
Back in the 1970s all cars rusted through even down here.
Rusted out body panels, floorboards etc.
Glad we got past that
Used to watch the road passing under my feet in my dad's work car. To my knowledge all they did was start coating everything better.
Living below the rust belt is great from that standpoint
Back in the 1970s all cars rusted through even down here.
Rusted out body panels, floorboards etc.
Glad we got past that
Used to watch the road passing under my feet in my dad's work car. To my knowledge all they did was start coating everything better.
Last edited by mbb; Nov 11, 2021 at 08:10 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
I'm in a similar situation. I just bought an 03 with 140K miles on it and the only serious rust is the rocker panels. I am searching this site and others for replacement ideas. The slip on covers don't appear to come up far enough to be worth it and I haven't found the replacements that match the color. Did you come up with any good solutions?
98 F150 5.4L E40D/4R100
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 28,490
Likes: 7,618
From: MI
Junior Member
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
Trending Topics
Junior Member
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
I just bought it last week and I am still figuring out all the ins and outs to the F150. SO far the only real rust I have found is in the rocker panels. The frame looks good. I took the pin stripes and decals off and just ordered a new center console. I think the rust will be my next project.
