1998 Venture rocker panel rust

[TB60]

I have a 1998 Chevy Venture, 85K miles. I keep it clean and garaged, and rarely have driven on gravel roads.

I was disappointed to find that the rocker panels on both sides of the van have rusted through in a small area about 6" in front of the rear tires. I think this is really poor quality to have such severe rust in only 7 years.

I got a quote from my Chevy dealer for $1900 to replace both rocker panels. I called Chevy's customer service to see if this would be covered by their 6 year 100k mile warranty. Got nowhere with that.

Are there any other alternatives? What about just having the rust ground out and repaired. Would this last?

Thanks, Tim

[cdru]

Originally Posted by TB60

Are there any other alternatives? What about just having the rust ground out and repaired. Would this last?

I'd visit a body shop and ask them. If it's not structural, it probably could be cleaned up and filled, then repainted although the repainting part could be expensive depending on how much they have to repaint to match the color.

[bleepster]

chevy dealerships will screw you on price. i'd get a quote from an independant place. you know the places like "Joes Auto Body Repair" (as an example)

keep in mind that the rust is coming from INSIDE the rocker. Sanding and Painting will only be a band-aid. Proper procedure is to remove and replace the rocker panel.

[Kevcules]

Don't do business at any dealership if you can help it.
You are lucky to have gone this long I think for a chev. I have a 98 as well, but had mine undercoated every couple of years , so far so good.I'll check that area the next time I get in it.
The type of repair is dictated by how much longer you want to keep it.To replace the panel is best, but fixing the area will do for now.

['97ventureowner]

I discovered a big rust hole on the driver's side rocker panel of my '97 this past winter, and I too take good care of my van, so that came to me as a surprise as well. I haven't seen any aftermarket rocker panels yet, but I think we may see them soon as this appears to be a problem in the making, especially where I live, in the middle of the "Rust Belt." I've used aftermarket rocker panels in the past on some of my vehicles, and although they aren't as good as OEM panels. the price is a lot better, and if you don't plan on keeping the vehicle long, can save you money. I have always rustproofed and undercoated the aftermarket panels before installing them on my vehicles, and make sure they are properly prepped and installed which helps them to last longer.