Body / Glass: Rocker panel and lower fender for 50 Champion

[Guest]

I am restoring a 1950 2dr Champion. The left side is good but the right has alot of rust through the rocker panel, and the rear fender is missing the bottom 6" due to rust. I can find no place to buy a replacement rocker panel and am wondering if they sell a patch or partial piece that I can weld into the lower part of the rear fender.
There is just no way I can make or weld this rocker panel, it is just too ate up. Any ideas or other options to repair it?

[rockne10]

Dallas,
Welcome to the Forum.
If you've been unable to find a place for replacement rocker panels, I must assume you do not receive TURNING WHEELS, the monthly magazine of the Studebaker Drivers Club.
Classic Enterprises advertises in every issue. http://www.classicent.com/sedans.php

The bottom of those fenders is something you will need to fabricate unless you pick up a good one at one of the swap meets sponsored by several of the local SDC Chapters.

[Guest]

Very good link and I had actually been there but thought they only sold the rocker moldings. I found the rocker panels so thank you. I am not sure about swap meets in this area as I live in a beautiful but uninhabited part of the country. I will do a search and see what I can find, if not I think I can fabricate something. Do you recommend using a piece of galvanized sheet metal?
Thanks for taking the time,
Dallas

[rockne10]

The stainless rocker moldings are actually one of their newest offerings. They've been producing the rocker panels for years and have greatly improved the fit and finish.

Personally, I would avoid welding in a galvanized patch. It's a PITA and the fumes are considered hazardous. The galvanizing will burn off when you weld anyway so, why bother?

You have joined the Studebaker Drivers Club, haven't you?

http://www.studebakerdriversclub.com/joinsdc.asp

[Guest]

Good advice, thanks. Yes I am a member of the SDC. I haven't really done anything besides read the magazine every month, oh ya, and try to buy every Studebaker I find in this side of the country. I now have 4 and don't see myself getting them all done so am just concentrating on this 50. It was given to me by my Dad, and a 57 Transtar that I spotted in an alley one day. It needs paint but I drive it quite a bit. There may be a SDC chapter in Butte or Billings, but I have just never pursued it. I guess I really should if I need parts.