Originally Posted By: Ethan1
The inner rocker panel and any rocker reinforcements are certainly very strong; however, the outer rocker is not solely cosmetic. Actually, all of the sheet metal has to work together as a system.
Besides, if you can see rust on the outer panel, the inners are probably already shot.
Looked at a 94 Corolla where much of the rocker was gone, but the inner metal was mostly there--maybe at the very bottom, at the seam it might be wicking upward, but only the outer curved area was gone. Did not think much of it. Next time I look at clunkers I'm going to have to look more closer, as now I'm curious if the inners are as destroyed as you say.
Originally Posted By: eljefino
OP is talking about the part you'd step on if you were a 4-year old climbing into the rear seat. It curves around and down but then just stops.
Yes, that area is where I'm talking about.