When rust starts creeping along the lower edge of your vehicle’s doors or paint begins to bubble near the rocker seams, it’s a problem that can’t wait. Rocker panels reinforce the body’s structure, especially on trucks and SUVs that rely on them for stiffness. Once corrosion takes hold, it spreads fast, eating through the metal and weakening the frame. At that point, patching no longer works. The only lasting solution is to replace the panel.
Delaying the repair only adds to the cost. As rust advances, it reaches the cab corners and floor pans, turning a simple job into a full restoration. Replacing panels early prevents that escalation. A new panel restores strength, improves appearance, and protects the rest of the body from salt and road grime.
Aftermarket replacement rocker panels are as durable as their OE counterparts but they’re more affordable, which means you can get the same quality while saving money. Check out high-quality replacement rocker panels at CarParts.com today.
The 6 Best Rocker Panel Brands
These six brands stand out in the aftermarket because they deliver consistent quality and good fit. Each has its own focus. Some specialize in restoration, others in heavy-duty protection or everyday replacements for modern trucks.
JC Whitney
JC Whitney has been a trusted name among vehicle owners for more than a century. Established in 1915, it became known for offering a wide selection of parts at accessible prices. Today, it continues to serve both professional mechanics and do-it-yourselfers with OE-style panels that fit popular makes and models. Its rocker panels are known for consistent fit, reasonable pricing, and wide application coverage.
Key Features
- Price range from $10 to $310, depending on cab style and whether you buy single panels or multipiece sets
- Available for driver, passenger, and combined sides, with inner, outer, and front or rear sections for specific repairs
- Sold individually or in sets of two, with bundle options for both sides
- Made of coated steel with a primer-ready black finish that suits welding or bonding
- Fits domestic trucks from Ford, GM, and Dodge/Ram in multiple cab lengths
- Offered in slip-on and full-replacement designs to match the extent of rust damage
Our Score: 9.7/10
Key Parts
Key Parts specializes in stamped steel panels that bring back the vehicle’s original structure and look. Founded in 1992, it became a top choice among collision repair shops for its die-stamped panels made from high-quality steel. Its products are known for aligning precisely with factory body lines, which saves time during installation.
Key Features
- Prices from $20 to $390, covering outer skins to extended-cab panels
- Available for driver, passenger, or both sides, with inner and outer options clearly labeled
- Sold individually or in pairs, with full-length or sectional configurations for various vehicles
- Built from die-stamped steel that matches factory contours
- Covers a wide range of Chevrolet, GMC, Ford, and Dodge/Ram vehicles
- Favored by professionals for accurate dimensions and consistent material thickness
Our Score: 9.5/10
Replacement
Replacement offers OE-grade quality at a cost that fits most repair budgets. Distributed by CarParts.com, this brand covers many vehicle types, from classic pickups to modern SUVs. Its rocker panels are known for precise fit and clean finish, making them a practical choice for quick, dependable repairs.
Key Features
- Prices range between $30 and $290, with bundles for two-door and four-door configurations
- Provides panels for driver, passenger, and both sides, including inner, outer, front, and rear variants
- Sold individually or as sets of two, with convenient multi-piece kits available
- Made from electro-deposit primer (EDP)-coated steel that can be welded or bonded and prepped for paint
- Verified fit through CarParts.com’s vehicle selector tool
- Includes 30-day returns and a price match policy
Our Score: 9.4/10
Brothers Trucks
Brothers Trucks earned its reputation by focusing on Chevrolet and GMC restoration parts. Since the mid-1990s, it has supplied enthusiasts restoring classic pickups from the late 1940s through the 1980s. The company became part of Holley in 2021, gaining broader reach while keeping its attention on authenticity. Brothers is a trusted name for restorers who care about original body lines.
Key Features
- Average price between $20 and $130
- Offers both driver and passenger side options made for older Chevrolet and GMC trucks
- Coated steel finish that is ready for welding and paint
- Coverage for 1947 to 1987 GM trucks, with a few later applications included
- Supported by Holley’s nationwide distribution network
- Preferred by restorers for its accurate body contours and fit
Our Score: 9.2/10
Husky Liners
Husky Liners approaches rocker protection differently. Instead of replacing rusted steel, it shields the surface with thick thermoplastic covers. Its Trail Armor series guards against chips and scratches while concealing cosmetic rust. Made in the US, these protective panels suit newer trucks and SUVs that face rough terrain or winter roads.
Key Features
- Priced around $250 per kit, covering both sides
- Constructed from impact-resistant TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin)
- Sold as complete kits with 3M adhesive backing for quick, no-drill installation
- Matte black finish that complements factory trim and resists scuffs
- Covers from door sill to pinch weld, hiding corrosion and adding protection
- Backed by a lifetime warranty for the original owner
Our Score: 9.0/10
Scott Drake Classic
Scott Drake Classic is known for precision reproduction parts for vintage Fords. Mustang enthusiasts love this company’s accuracy and quality. Its rocker panels fit classic Mustangs and early Broncos, maintaining correct dimensions and body lines. The brand’s Ford licensing ensures its panels match factory specifications.
Key Features
- Prices range from $100 to $290, depending on model and configuration
- Available for driver and passenger sides on 1960s Mustang and early Bronco models
- Made from stamped steel with a black EDP coating that’s ready for paint
- Designed for factory-correct fit and trim alignment
- Commonly used in high-quality Ford restorations
Our Score: 9.1/10
Our Recommendation
JC Whitney is the standout choice for rocker panel replacements. It offers a combination of affordability, coverage, and consistent fit that few brands match. The panels arrive ready for paint, available in slip-on or full-replacement options, and fit a wide variety of domestic trucks and SUVs. For drivers who need dependable, straightforward replacements that restore structure and keep costs low, JC Whitney delivers excellent value and long-term reliability.
Looking for a Replacement Rocker Panel?
Here’s what to consider:
Application
Start by confirming your vehicle’s exact body configuration, such as standard, extended, or crew cab. Determine whether you need an outer panel for minor corrosion or both inner and outer panels for structural repair. Outer skins handle surface rust, while inner sections are required when the damage extends deeper. Brands like JC Whitney and Key Parts clearly label inner and outer options, while Husky Liners covers both sides in a single protective kit.
Quality and Construction
JC Whitney’s rocker panels are made from coated steel and offer both slip-on and full-replacement options, giving flexibility for different repair needs. Key Parts focuses on precision stampings for OE-level accuracy, while Replacement maintains consistency across newer truck applications. Meanwhile, Husky Liners uses heavy-duty TPO plastic for surface protection. Each approach suits a different situation, from structural repair to corrosion prevention.
Installation Method
Slip-on rocker panels work well when the original metal is mostly intact, saving time and welding effort. Full replacements require cutting and welding but restore full structural strength. JC Whitney offers both designs, making it easy to match your project’s scope. Husky Liners’ Trail Armor uses adhesive strips for a quick, no-drill install, which suits newer trucks that need protection rather than full replacement.
Finish and Prep
Most steel panels arrive coated in black EDP primer. Scuff, prime, and paint before installation, then apply seam sealer along welds and cavity wax inside to stop future rust. JC Whitney’s panels arrive primer-ready for quick paint prep. Brothers Trucks and Scott Drake Classic also supply steel panels that require minimal finishing before painting and assembly.
Budget and Value
Slip-on panels often start below $50, while full cab sets can cost up to $250 or more. JC Whitney’s pricing runs from around $10 for single sections to more than $300 for complete sets, keeping costs manageable while maintaining quality. Husky Liners’ polymer kits cost about $250 for both sides, while Key Parts and Replacement steel sets typically fall between $150 and $280. CarParts.com often lists driver-and-passenger bundles that lower the overall cost and deliver complete coverage.
If you’re ready to stop rust before it spreads, buy rocker panels and protective kits for your vehicle here at CarParts.com. Use our vehicle selector to confirm fit, compare trusted brands, and order with fast shipping. Replace worn panels, protect your paint, and keep your truck or SUV strong for years to come.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
