Brushed Alu rocker panel coverings

[domtoni]

I had my rocker panels replaced a good 15 years ago, and the chap who did the job didn't re-install the rocker panel covers (brushed aluminium). He didn't want to make holes in the new panels. Fair enough.

I'd like to have them re-installed now. From a Stoddard picture, it appears the out rocker panels do not have pre-made holes to accept screws.

To re-install the panels, do we have to drill the rocker panels and does anyone have any advice on what to do?

Thanks and Best
Dom

[Gary71]

I’m going to fit mine using 3M tape rather than drilling holes.
They are rust traps at the best of times (but make the look of the car) so I’m not giving them a head start this time around by drilling rivet holes in my brand new panels!
Not quite sure how to hold the end caps on yet, but again it will be tape or an adhesive like tiger seal rather than rivets.

[domtoni]

Thanks Gary, makes sense. The alu panels I have are the originals, so not quite so nice as new ones. I guess the new adhesives are very good and should hold up. I'd hate to be driving down the road and have something come loose.

[911hillclimber]

Tapes are used by many new cars I think and can resist repeated car washes etc, so must be good!
Chat to your local car paint shop I think for a suitable tape, but Gary must have access to an enviable data base!
Some internal plastic trim on my Boxster are factory located by squares of Velcro.

As an aside, I made some simple grit guards for the leading edge of my rust prone Boxster sills that are just behind the grit blasting front tyres. Made luxuriously from white ABS (actually Davids Isopon spreaders) and adhered to the front sill edge (not unlike a 911 sill cap) using Gorilla double sided tape which has to be experienced to be appreciated...

Both been there for 3 years and solid and doing the job well of protection.

I drilled my Dansk sills for the trim covers (door plates) and indeed they will rust, but that was 30 years ago, and only surface rust when removed 2 years ago for the r-spray. Used screws again as the holes were there but assembled using wax oil equivalent as the screws were introduced and tightened as I did all that time ago.
Outer covers may be far more vulnerable but you have a huge contact area on your side.

[domtoni]

Thanks Hillclimber !!

[domtoni]

The chap who did the paint job (won't call it restoration) used wax oil in the inner sills, so perhaps even drilling holes in the rocker panels will be OK given the wax oil?

[911hillclimber]

Yes, back then I drilled several 10mm holes to get inside.
Lots of info on this in the 911 restoration book by Lindsay Porter.
I injected my outer via the drain holes and poked them clear a week later when the oil had settled and set. Did it all again 2 years ago after the re spray.