Dodge Challenger Rocker Panel Problems

[79 300]

I was at our local dealership yesterday to get my truck's state inspection and emissions test done. I looked at a 2012 leftover redline SRT, and the driver's side rocker was cracked at the front. I also noticed the wavy quarter panel on the driver's side, and some slight roof dents as well. They had 3 other Challengers as well, and those rockers were good yet.

[TA340]

Yanked off the plastic rockers before they cracked. Very poor design. Decided to go with Carbon Fiber. Have had them on for about 1.5 years and seen some serious drag racing and they are still perfect and I even think they look better than black plastic. My 09 had plastic rivots that were used to hold on the rockers panels and they have to be cut off.

[Bornin69]

TA340 those carbon fiber rockers look great and I like your exhaust tips too!!


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[samlab]

To the post before this on on the cutting of the panel.....first the carbon fiber above post they look fantastic on your car!

I am not sure if you are aware of what is right under the plastic panel you have cut.....there is some sound deading insulation, not water coated and in fact your (metal) rocker panels interior. You will need to get back in there if you have not done so and use some form of waterproof silicone to coat that open exposed area.

Otherwsie if water can seep in there and it will....your going to have a rust problem. If you have seen what is under that panel with it not being there your eyes will roll in the back of your head.....you might as well through in a wet towel. The insulation will wick the moisture and then let the problems begin.

The reason they crack is that the portion of the rear and front rocker where the two screws go are not at 90 deg. they are more like 110 deg so when they tuck the rocker by those screws the over extend, are bent inwards causing the rockers to stretch thus splitting down the exterior joint.

The simple solution is to back out these self tapping metal screws so there is no tension, no they will not fall or back out, and have them set so they just barely meet the plastic and the problem is solved. Also be aware that on the rear of the rocker covers are three plastic clips that set the rocker cover into the rocker panle and two adhesive pads that secure them too. They are not going to fall off, it's good to make sure you covers are also snapped properly as they have arrived with them not being snapped in place sometimes
Just back out the screws and the problem is resolved.

[OhioKirk]

Well it figures, my 2010 has just started to crack on both these panels, (from the change in temperature) not under warranty anymore, so I'm out of luck there, where can I get these replacements in that CF or did you fab those?

[STINGER392]

Originally Posted by TA340

Yanked off the plastic rockers before they cracked. Very poor design. Decided to go with Carbon Fiber. Have had them on for about 1.5 years and seen some serious drag racing and they are still perfect and I even think they look better than black plastic. My 09 had plastic rivots that were used to hold on the rockers panels and they have to be cut off.

Your car looks great. Where did you get the carbon fiber pieces. I would like to also replace my front spliter. the lower plastic parts on these are really cheapen them up.

Nice job!

By the way my OEM ones are still without cracks.

[TA340]

^Thanks, couple others have asked as well. Manufacturer is Seibon SEIBON CARBON « Carbon Fiber Aero Systems but I do not think they sell to public but they will refer you to a vendor they work with (was that way when I bought my parts). You can also go on Ebay and search Challenger carbon fiber and there is a number of stores that sell the Seibon products. Be aware they are not cheap but they are nice quality parts and fit well with minimal modifications. I installed on my own but could be challenging for someone with minimal wrenching skills.

[mattpiper]

Is there anything behind the rocker panel that could cause a rattle? I have a terrible rattle that can be heard inside and outside of the car when moving, and it appears to be coming from around the front of the rocker panel if I had to guess... Thought about removing it, but didn't know what might find or if it would go back on once removed...

[Westcoast R/T]

i went to my Dodge dealer today to have a look at the rocker panels that were ordered in....they look newer and slightly wider compared to my 4 year old ones that obviously have signs of wear and appear slightly warped....the rivets that were ordered in are the same ones that came with my R/T back in 2008....yet the panels on the 2013 Challengers on my dealer's lot have what appears to be bolts holding them in place....the dealer tech and i agreed we will wait until the weather warms up to change them out....

[TampaBay_2012RT+]

Originally Posted by TA340

Yanked off the plastic rockers before they cracked. Very poor design. Decided to go with Carbon Fiber. Have had them on for about 1.5 years and seen some serious drag racing and they are still perfect and I even think they look better than black plastic. My 09 had plastic rivots that were used to hold on the rockers panels and they have to be cut off.

That is a thing of beauty my friend! Thanks for sharing the pics with us. That color pops with the metal flake!