I’m nearing the point where I’ll need to build rocker boxes because I’m doing a full top conversion. I’ve heard plenty of people say they’re unnecessary but I figured I might as well make some. My question is does anyone know if there’s anywhere I could get them? I doubt it because I can’t find them anywhere but it’s worth the ask. If and when I do build them, where exactly do they attach, I figure I won’t have issues making them and long as I have a general idea of the shape and know where they attach. Thanks in advance.
CK5
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Rocker Boxes
- Thread starter Jake_C_
- Start date
You definitely need to add some reinforcement to the tub, especially on a conversion, either by rocker boxes, gussets or a cage tied to the body. No one makes replacement rocker boxes so you’ll have to fab anything you do. Without reinforcing it you run the chance of the tub sagging at the door openings.
Search this forum for full top conversion threads, there are several with various pics of the boxes, cut windshield frame and templates for cutting the door frames.
Search this forum for full top conversion threads, there are several with various pics of the boxes, cut windshield frame and templates for cutting the door frames.
I’ll look around the forum although for some reason I wasn’t finding much of what I was looking for before, if you run across any send a link my way, thanks for the advice.
Cntymnty77
1/2 ton status
There’s an OEM set of 73-75 rockers on eBay right now for almost $700... ha!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/254594556499
https://www.ebay.com/itm/254594556499
Wow what a steal!
On my 74 the boxes were beyond repair.
I removed all except for the fwd and aft attach points which were ok.
I used square tubing To build a frame work. Also some thick stainless plate to support the floor to frame work.
I had existing attach points to work with and just went with it and just added until I had what I wanted.
On the 73-75’s the fwd structure is tied in to the front cab support and floor boards. The rear attach behind the door is less of a challenge.
Not the prettiest but functional.
I removed all except for the fwd and aft attach points which were ok.
I used square tubing To build a frame work. Also some thick stainless plate to support the floor to frame work.
I had existing attach points to work with and just went with it and just added until I had what I wanted.
On the 73-75’s the fwd structure is tied in to the front cab support and floor boards. The rear attach behind the door is less of a challenge.
Not the prettiest but functional.
Cntymnty77
1/2 ton status
Is this yours too?
@Jake_C_ Here’s a set of originals too if you wanted to see how they were constructed.
No, not mine. @Cntymnty77
Awesome, I’ve been collecting pictures so I can recreate them as closely as possible. Thank you.
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Yeah I don’t really like the idea of dead space that can’t really be cleaned, would it be better to close it off completely or leave a hole/holes in the bottom to spray it out?
Right, I just hate the idea of stuff getting trapped up there and not being able to clean it but if it’s welded shut it shouldn’t be a problem I guess.
The factory ones have drains in 2 locations along the rocker box, and the 2 plugs at the back where you could insert a hose to flush it. They arnt water/air tight at the top at all. I just re-did the rockers on my 73, and there wasnt enough in there that I was super worried about it, but I dont mud bog. Basically a small shovel full of fine grain dirt/sand in each one.
Given that the whole idea of the rocker box is just for strength due to it being a convertable (no A-B pillar tie in at the top) you should be able to get the same strength a couple other ways:
A) full roll cage with firewall tie in
B) full rock sliders to replace the structure (again you will want to tie in the vertical firewall structure)
C) space frame like blazer74 built.
I really like the idea of the spaceframe, as it stays easy access to clean and you could still use that space in some capacity. Look at https://ck5.com/forums/threads/72-k5-gregs-might-as-well™-build-new-parts.224462/page-317 to see the crazy outside the frame exhaust system that Greg72 is building to use that space.
Given that the whole idea of the rocker box is just for strength due to it being a convertable (no A-B pillar tie in at the top) you should be able to get the same strength a couple other ways:
A) full roll cage with firewall tie in
B) full rock sliders to replace the structure (again you will want to tie in the vertical firewall structure)
C) space frame like blazer74 built.
I really like the idea of the spaceframe, as it stays easy access to clean and you could still use that space in some capacity. Look at https://ck5.com/forums/threads/72-k5-gregs-might-as-well™-build-new-parts.224462/page-317 to see the crazy outside the frame exhaust system that Greg72 is building to use that space.
Yeah a full cage is out, and i figured if I’m going to have to build something I’d rather just build the boxes. I don’t really want to see the sliders. I’ll check out that thread.
18 or 20 gauge for the main horizontal panels. The vertical part along the frame is heavier, probably 16 gauge.
