Hello all, nice to be a member

Have a question about the metal structure inside the rocker panel ground effects on my 98 gtp. What is it called and where can I get a new one for both sides? Thanks in advance!

Did I step in something? Plenty of views, no comments? This has never happened to anyone? My wife loves this car, do I tell her it's a huge project, cant find find parts? I did find the factory rocker panels at Browns but this problem is beyond just that. C'mon guys... Not even a welcome to the land of "nobody talks to you"?

welcome to GPF, Rocker Rot is real common on these cars, My passenger side rocker is gone, but still "hanging" in there. You will have to get the rockers cut out and new ones welded in.

Thank you tex! I understand the rot issues with these cars now. I am skilled enough to take this on, my first problem is where to find the metal structure that supports the plastic section, which in-turn, mounts to the rocker panel. Without all my ducks in a row I can't give my wife an honest answer to when she could expect her baby back. Thanks for at least responding.

rockauto.com may have what your looking for,

GPTAFan, rock auto didn't have it, under my search anyway. I did however find GM has it but you need to purchase the moulding too. Here's that link 1998 Pontiac Grand prix PILLARS, ROCKER & FLOOR Exterior trim Rocker molding GMPartsCenter.net I will continue my search as that is crazy expensive.

Inner rocker panel is best to rebuild using scrap sheet metal. Also, if it is that far in, chances are part of the floor is gone, too. Take a look at the rear strut towers carefully inside the trunk. They're probably starting to pop through. As well has look for random buldges and rust stains in the front wheelwells near the frame. Ask me how I know all this. If you need examples, search IncREDi-hoopdy.

Hitman, I will certainly do that! My wife's baby my just "rust in peace"! Too bad, cool car.

There is tons of bodywork and rust repair in my car so I understand.

This is what bothers me, when I was 16/17 my friend sol me a car, a 67 firebird 350 H.O. For $300. I sold it later for the same. I had also owned a 68 roadrunner, a 66 lemans convertible w/326 4 sp, a 57 vw and others. All of which long gone and worth $$$. Am I about to make the same mistake again? If any of you has a clean, virgin GTP, live it, love it and by all means save it!

I don't think you'd be making the same mistake with this one as you did with the others. These cars were meant to rust away so you would buy a new one. Old cars were built to last and be traded in for new cars.

Hope this helps you out. Good prices too. Grand Prix rocker panels | eBay

Mit,

Sometimes its just easier to cut your losses. If you really feel up to the challenge, by all means go for it. Just as previously stated the 97-03 had really bad problems with rusting in rockers and strut towers. A good thing is a replacement Grand Prix can be had for a decent price, heck might even find one with the same color and options. One thing is I haven't really noticed hardly any rust on 04+ Grand Prixs. I could be wrong, but too new is also not a valid arguing point also. Best of luck man, and welcome to the boards! Plenty of useful information here, and if you do the challenge take photos!