Rocker Panels And Cab Corners Replacement Cost

Last Updated on July 4, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Rust damage and deterioration to essential truck and automobile body components like rocker panels and cab corners often necessitates expensive repairs down the road. But what are the typical costs for properly replacing these important panels and structural pieces?

Rocker panels and cab corners, both made from sheet metal and located along the vulnerable lower body of trucks and cars, are unfortunately prone to developing rust damage over time from debris impacts, winter road salt exposure, moisture collection, and general wear and tear.

Replacing them before excessive deterioration compromises vehicle safety, structural integrity, and appearance is strongly recommended. This comprehensive guide covers typical complete rocker panel and cab corner replacement costs, the required repair processes, DIY tips, how to choose the right auto body shop, and strategies for maximizing your repair budget through smart planning.

How Much Do Rocker Panel and Cab Corner Replacement Cost?

To fully replace vehicle rocker panels, expect to pay, on average, $800 to $2,500 or more in parts and professional labor. Cab corner replacement costs from $1,500 to $5,000+ per corner in many cases. However, pricing varies widely based on the vehicle make and model, part types, repair complexity, your location, and other factors.

For straightforward rocker panel section replacements, average total costs including parts and professional labor run:

New or Used Replacement Rocker Panels – $500 to $1,500+ for both left and right-side sections depending on vehicle, part types, and panel quality
Shop Labor for Removal, Fabrication, and Installation – $300 to $1,000 or more at typical body shop hourly rates of $80 to $120
Total Typical Cost Per Vehicle – $800 to $2,500+ for a complete rocker panel rust repair job, potentially up to $5,000 or more per vehicle for extensive replacements on some models

Rocker panel prices on a per vehicle basis can certainly exceed $3,000 or more for extensive fabrication and replacement work on certain body styles and models like classic cars or large pickup trucks. Panel costs and repair complexity drive prices upward.

For completely replacing two deteriorated rear cab corners, averaged costs are:

New or Used Replacement Cab Corners – $1,000 to $4,000+ for a pair depending on truck make, model, part types, and quality
Labor for Removal, Welding, and Installation – $500 to $1,500 or more at hourly shop rates
Total Cost for Both Corners – $1,500 to $5,000 on average

Especially rusted, damaged, or complex cab corner repairs exceeding $4,000 or more per corner are not uncommon on some makes and models. Additional adjacent bodywork can also escalate costs.

According to RepairPal, the average cost for rocker panel replacement ranges from $500 to $1,200, while cab corner replacement can cost between $400 and $900. They note that these are just estimates, and the actual cost can be higher or lower depending on the specific vehicle and the extent of the damage. RepairPal also mentions that labor costs typically make up a significant portion of the total repair bill.

AutoZone provides a range of replacement rocker panels and cab corners for various makes and models, but does not list specific pricing information. They recommend that customers consult with a local repair shop or mechanic to get an accurate estimate for their vehicle.

What Are Rocker Panels and Cab Corners?

Rocker Panels – The exterior body panels running along the lower portion of vehicles below the door openings. Rockers connect the front and rear lower body sections, providing essential overall chassis strength.

Cab Corners – The rear corner areas on pickup truck cabs located immediately behind the rear doors where the cab and bed sides meet. Cab corners form core structural connection points.

Both of these body components are fabricated from coated sheet metal and are prime locations for developing rust damage over time when exposed to road elements.

Factors Impacting Replacement Costs

Major drivers that influence total repair costs include:

Overall amount and severity of rust damage present – surface rust vs perforated metal
Vehicle make, model, year, and body construction – part availability and complexity
Type and quality level of new or used replacement panels purchased – OEM, aftermarket, or salvage parts
Hourly labor rates and expertise at the auto body repair shop performing the work
Additional bodywork needed like priming, sealing, painting etc.
Your geographic location since both parts and labor rates can vary regionally

Relatively minor surface rust repairs may potentially be less expensive to fix than cases where panels exhibit large holes and require full replacement.

You might also like our articles about the cost of rack and pinion repair, throttle body service, or car hood replacement.

DIY vs Professional Replacement

DIY Rocker Panel or Cab Corner Replacement:

Parts Cost – $500 to $1,500 for panels
Materials – $50 to $300 for tools, welding rods, paint
Labor Time – 15 to 40+ hours for disassembly, cutting, welding, finishing
Skill Level Needed – Advanced welding, metalshaping, mechanical, bodywork skills
Risks – Project errors, wasted money and time, poor safety

Professional Auto Body Shop Replacement:

Total Cost – $800 to $5,000+ parts and labor
Repair Timeframe – 3 to 10 days at shop
Benefits – Manufacturer-quality work, warranties, safer

Evaluate your skillset carefully before deciding on DIY to avoid problems. In many cases, extensive rust repairs are best left to experienced professionals. But costs are much lower for capable DIYers.

Step-By-Step DIY Rocker Panel Replacement

While challenging, with sufficient expertise the average rocker panel rust repair process includes:

Supporting the vehicle securely on jack stands for access to damaged area
Removing any trim pieces, plastic clips, or components from the repair zone
Cutting out the original rusted metal rocker panel area using an angle grinder or Sawzall
Hammering and straightening any warped adjacent body metal as needed and grinding to bare clean metal
Test fitting the replacement rocker panel and trimming or fabricating for ideal fit
Clamping the new panel in place and welding it to the vehicle along the seam using MIG plug welds
Sealing unfinished metal seams and weld locations with adhesive seam sealer
Applying metal primer to any bare steel on the new panel and surrounding repair area
Applying high quality body filler, smoothing, and sanding to prep for paint
Painting the new rocker panel section using automotive spray paint matched to your vehicle’s factory color
Reattaching any previously removed trim pieces, emblems, moldings etc.
Removing the vehicle support stands to lower it back to the ground

This is generally a multi-day, labor intensive mechanical project requiring proper tools, safety precautions, patience, and advanced metalworking skills.

Choosing an Auto Body Repair Shop

Factors to consider when choosing a shop include:

Check online reviews and community reputation
Ask for personal referrals from satisfied customers
Verify mechanics hold ASE, I-CAR, or manufacturer specialty certifications
Ask about shop warranties on completed work
Have the facility provide you with a detailed written estimate upfront so no surprises
Request to see previous sample work the shop has completed (before and after photos or actual vehicles)
Inquire about their metal fabrication capabilities and panel replacement expertise and experience specifically

Taking the time to carefully choose the right auto body repair shop for your particular vehicle model prevents mistakes, saving time, money and frustration.

Preventative Maintenance

Practicing proactive preventative care best practices such as:

Regular undercarriage washing in winter to remove corrosive road salts
Having mud flaps installed to protect against gravel damage
Applying protective anti-rust sealants or undercoatings to vulnerable lower body areas
Quickly repairing minor panel dings, scratches, and damage that compromises the paint
Storing or parking the vehicle in a garage to limit environmental exposure as much as possible

Can dramatically extend the lifespan of rocker panels, cab corners, and other sheet metal body components before significant rust repairs become necessary. Catching problems early while damage is still minor saves tremendous money over the long run.

Final Words

Complete rust repair and replacement of rocker panels or cab corners on trucks and cars comes at a significant cost, ranging from $800 up to several thousand dollars in many cases.

But catching underlying rust problems early before major visible damage emerges, choosing the right repair shop, utilizing budget-friendly parts sourcing, and wise preventative maintenance allows consumers to maximize savings on essential bodywork over their vehicle’s lifetime.

Keeping your car or truck from succumbing to rust damage means understanding costs, acting proactively, researching quality workmanship, and making this important investment to protect safety, function, and value.

Frequently Asked Questions

How important are rocker panels?

Rocker panels play very important structural roles, tying the body side pillars together and providing impact absorption. Rust-damaged panels can bend and warp, leading to loss of strength and safety. Replacing them before extensive deterioration is strongly recommended.

Do you need to weld rocker panels?

Welding is definitely the preferred attachment method for rocker and cab corner replacement parts. Adhesives and rivets cannot match the strength and longevity of quality MIG or TIG welding. This ensures panels are secured to handle road vibrations and impacts for maximum life. Proper welding is a must.

Can a rocker panel be repaired?

In some cases where rust is localized and not too severe, small holes or damaged sections of panels can be cut out and patched with new metal welded in place. But for anything beyond minor surface rust, full new panel replacement is the only reliable repair option to restore structural integrity.

Rocker Panels and Cab Corners Replacement Cost