rocker panel for stepdowns

RonS

Is there anyone repoping the stepdown rockers. A few days ago some one was interested in 4 door panels. Today I was introduced to a sheet metal fabricator that has done some work for some collectors in the Tucson area. He did a beautiful job fabricating a pair of 39 Lincoln Zepher rockers and running boards I showed him a 48 Commodore at a show here, and asked if he could reproduce the rockers. He said he would need a good panel to copy and mirror the opposite side. I know Green Mountain used to make them, but I heard they closed. All that are left are used ones until the supply runs out. Is there a market for these and what would be a fair price?

RL Chilton

If they were made out of metal, I would think a good starting price would be around the $300 mark, but of course it depends on what your cost would be.

RonS

He didn't discuss price yet , but said there needs to be a market for better than 10. Russ, is that 300 for a set or each side? They would be metal.

[Deleted User]

Ron, I have the molds to produce both coupe and 4 door fibreglass 48-53 rocker panels.

RL Chilton

I think metal is just as marketable as fiberglass, different type of customer is all. The $300 was meant per set, but, like I said, it would first depend on your production cost, before you can set a selling price. Personally, I don't think the majority of Hudson owners would bear much more of a selling price. Some would, but not the majority. I think for around $300/set, you could sell 30-40 over the next two years, more if you really push them and network your market. You get up in the 400-450 or more price, and you substantially lose too much of your potential customers. My opinion.

Don't listen to me too much, I'm becoming more of an old codger as time goes on. That's one of the interesting facets of the old car hobby, especially right now. The baby boomers are just now starting to sell off their classics and the younger generations are starting to pick up the classic car bug. Whereas the older generation might scoff at $300 rockers ( HA! I used to pay $20 for a truckload of those things!), the younger generation cares a great deal less about what it costs and cares more about availability. Parts are harder to find now, and should be worth more (that old supply and demand at work, as usual). I know I've paid some ridiculous prices for some of the parts I wanted for the convertible, BECAUSE I wanted a quality part and damn the price.

There is (obviously) more of an opportunity for the small supplier to make some supporting income and help offset the cost of his own restorations, especially right now.

RonS

Ken, I never heard of Kirksite. Is this like potmetal. Is Kirksite flexible like sheet metal? Is there an advantage of it over fiberglass? Lance,how are fiberglass for fit? Mine are fine, but I am just curious, as one of our forum members said that Stu Coleman had no more 4 door left. I wondered if their is a need for repops, and this fellow was introduced to me. I showed him Frank Frys' 48 Commodore as an example, on Saturday.

[Deleted User]

Ron, Mine fit great. They do not have any small holes bored for speed nuts or clips for stainless trim. That is up to the customer. . No more rust .

ski4life65

Has anyone contacted c2cfabrication (below) concerning the quality, correctness and materials used in their panels? I mean constructively, not just saying 'it sucks!'...

I purchased a set of the rockers they have listed for 48-53 (cheap enough to gamble on). They weren't 48-53. I think they were for a 54. I called them and they promptly refunded my money and told me to keep them. They continue to advertise them though. I gave them away. I think if a person were to show up with a set, they would probably give it a shot at reproducing them.

Glowplug

I agree with Ski4life65 comments about c2cfabrication.

The company manufactures a replacement rocker panel which is a match to the 1954 Hudson rocker panel in profile and material thickness. Each of the step bends at the top are correctly spaced both in depth and height. The set I have were manufactured for a 4 door sedan and are the proper length for that application. While confirming fitness for my application, I noted they would be usable on 2 doors if shortened. While this thread concerns the pre-1954 version rocker panels, the availability of 54 rocker panels is like the proverbial hens tooth. Having the C2cfabrication panels is a great load off my fiscal and time requirements.

Not needing any rocker panels at this point, I retire from posting.