So I got a good deal on a 2004 silverado but the only downside is that it has a little surface rust on the rockers. It’s not really noticeable unless you bend down and look at it. Would I just sand it down to bare metal, prime paint and clear then? It’s not bad but I don’t want it to get bad. Any ideas much appreciated. It’s just the rockers so I figured it’s something I could do myself.
If it’s anything like my last 2 Silverado’s, it looks like surface rust… you can sand and grind it down to bare metal, except there will be no metal once you’ve got the rust gone… They rot from the inside out 
If you hear of anyone that replaces them reasonable, let me know too as I think it’s the best option. I’ve got a 99′ Silverado, under 100k miles and they’re rotting away on me 
I’m in the same boat as you guys. 97 ford with a 130,000.
Went though that also with my GMC, when u see the rust I think it’s already too late for anything but replacement. By the next spring they each had holes in them. Wonder if they make some rolled stainless covers for rockers???
Make sure it is just flaking paint and not bubbling/blistering. As an Autobody Tech, I’ve seen them both ways. If its blistering start saving some $ and have them replaced in the future.(looking at around $1,000 a side to get them replaced) Usually the inners and outers need replacing. If its just flaking paint from rock chips, your in luck. Take it in and get it re-done professionally and have them spray rustproofing wax in them. Industrial primers, sealers, and clears will hold up a lot longer than anything you can get at a local store. And remember there is usually no guarantee on rust repairs so pick your shop wisely. Find one that will do it correctly- a name worthy shop, Not a hole in the wall place that can do it cheap.
x2 I seen them done both ways too. find a good shop!!
Ok so it sounds like replacement is the way to go. Thanks for the info.
I have used a product called por-15 at work before. It’s $160 a gallon and is available in quart cans. That stuff will stick to anything and is made for rusty frames. I wonder if that would work if you don’t have a extreme case of rot?
here is what i did to mine. i sanded off and much as i could. i then used por15 all over the rockers. once that was done i sprayed all the holes with greatstuff. then once dry shaved it off and did a quick and easy coat of bondo, sanded it down, then taped it off and primered it. i then sprayed it with a few coats of bedliner spray.
its been a year now and its held up.
put the flares on it because the rear wells were getting rusty. just basically cut the rust off there and painted. with por15 there too. the stuff costed about 50 bucks the flares of the bay for 140 bucks. not bad.
i can see rust starting to come back through the bed liner just a wee bit though. if i get 2 years out of it i’m happy.
bought the truck with 90k miles on it last year for 4k. thought i got a deal.
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