1963 Reproduction Rocker Panels

[Richard G.]

Who makes the best 1963 Reproduction Rocker Panels?
I noticed one vendor lists theirs as Offshore reproductions and are not returnable.
Others list older reproductions as a satin finish not original like the GM part.
Any input will be appreciated.
Rick

[Harry S.]

Re: 1963 Reproduction Rocker Panels

Rick, if your car is a driver and will not be judged then a reproduction rocker is fine, others will comment on quality if they have used them. If you plan to judge the car look for NOS originals as there is a night and day difference between them. Yes, they will empty your wallet a bit more but at the end of the day you will be much happier. Just remember the original look mostly the same but some vary in length by 1/4 to 1/8 inch.

[Edward J.]

Re: 1963 Reproduction Rocker Panels

Rich, There is one quality reproduction that is correct as the finish is concerned Keen parts I believe makes them, its been a few years since I brought mine, there were flawless as far as the finish, and judged at all levels.

[Frank D.]

Re: 1963 Reproduction Rocker Panels

Rich, There is one quality reproduction that is correct as the finish is concerned Keen parts I believe makes them its been a few years since I brought mine, there were flawless as far as the finish, and judged at all levels.

The current repros are much nicer than the older ones that came from Corvette Pacifica (Chinesium IIRC) -- those were satiny and nothing like the bright dip anodized originals. I think even the newer repros will lose some points on the way the ends are formed but I'd have to check my judging sheets.

My originals are on the shelf but need to be restored...

[John D.]

Re: 1963 Reproduction Rocker Panels

Bobby Gregory judges exteriors for '63-'64. Back in 2006 or so when my 63 was judged at Marlborough, Mass he gave me a lesson on '63 rocker moldings. My car had NOS (service replacement) rocker moldings on it. They are not correct folks.
They are pretty but not as the car came down the assembly. Line. The ends are shaped differently.
So after the show I compared the service replacement to my crappy original and saw the difference.
You '63 gurus know this.
What's person to do? Have your originals restored. Unless you are OK with repros or NOS service replacements. John

See my post or reply on September 1, 2007 on same subject. Pretty much repeated the what I said above.

[Richard G.]

Re: 1963 Reproduction Rocker Panels

I will likely purchase a set of rocker molding from Keen parts. This was interesting as I know about many of the Corvette parts re-sellers but had never even heard of Keen before. My originals are worth restoring and are not badly dented like some. I will likely restore them for show only.
The 63 looks pretty sad without them installed.

Rick

[John D.]

Re: 1963 Reproduction Rocker Panels

Richard. Another minus factor about NOS covers. The length of them varies. I had 4 of NOS covers. Stood them up on end in the shop and they were all different lengths. Go figure. John

[Frank D.]

Re: 1963 Reproduction Rocker Panels

I will likely purchase a set of rocker molding from Keen parts. This was interesting as I know about many of the Corvette parts re-sellers but had never even heard of Keen before. My originals are worth restoring and are not badly dented like some. I will likely restore them for show only.
The 63 looks pretty sad without them installed.

Rick

Keen is one to put on your 'short list', very good parts, service and highly regarded. They are the first to finally reproduce the split window rear window stainless...these parts were delayed going to production because the company was adamant about their quality. Haven't seen them but some have told me they are excellent. They thoughtfully include modified clips to deal with the fatter, reproduction rubber moldings if needed as well:

http://keenparts.com/news/2017/12/the-most-iconic-part-of-the-most-iconic-corvette-courtesy-of-keen-parts/

Its up to you but one trick to get the rockers on without scratching up paint is to install small (#8) washers on the screws between the horizontal retainer bar and the car's body. This 'stand off' positions the bar outboard a tad so slipping the rockers on doesn't require so much drama. A John Hinckley trick and indiscernible with the rockers installed.. Even so, a little blue tape never hurts.

I believe Andy Cannizzo will restore original rockers; he does 63 shifter consoles and horns too...

[Bob W.]

Re: 1963 Reproduction Rocker Panels

Richard Please post back about fit and finish as their has been a lot of issues with early repo's. I didn't keen was now making their own.


Bob