How to Repair Rocker Panel Rust (Mazda Miata Mx-5)

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1,678,760Views

2015Jul 29

UPDATE: So 4+ years later this quick repair appears exactly the same. The car has seen plenty of miles, salt, and track time with no ill effects. Obviously, if you have a nice/valuable car go get it professionally repaired but I've been busy enjoying this crappy Miata! Let's fix my beater Miata. Keep in mind this car cost $1000, so no this isn't a professional repair. However, this video should guide you through the basic process of repairing rusty rocker panels (or sills) on a NA Mazda Miata (Mx-5) or similar vehicles. Disclaimer: Remember, I'm just a guy in a garage that likes to mess with cars...not a trained professional. Use tools and this guide at your own risk. Due to factors beyond my control, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user.

Transcript

Follow along using the transcript.

AlanWrenches

3.66K subscribers

How to Repair Rocker Panel Rust (Mazda Miata Mx-5)

Key moments View all

Example Vehicle: 1992 Mazda Miata

Example Vehicle: 1992 Mazda Miata

Example Vehicle: 1992 Mazda Miata

Lift the rear of the vehicle and

Lift the rear of the vehicle and

Lift the rear of the vehicle and

Remove the rear wheels for access.

Remove the rear wheels for access.

Remove the rear wheels for access.

Clear out loose metal and debris.

Clear out loose metal and debris.

Clear out loose metal and debris.

Grind trouble areas to identify extent of rust damage

Grind trouble areas to identify extent of rust damage

Grind trouble areas to identify extent of rust damage

Use a centerpunch on each spot weld and then use the spot weld cutter.

Use a centerpunch on each spot weld and then use the spot weld cutter.

Use a centerpunch on each spot weld and then use the spot weld cutter.

Use a prybar (or crappy screwdriver) to separate the layers of metal.

Use a prybar (or crappy screwdriver) to separate the layers of metal.

Use a prybar (or crappy screwdriver) to separate the layers of metal.

Start forming a patch panel.

Start forming a patch panel.

Start forming a patch panel.

AlanWrenches

How to Repair Rocker Panel Rust (Mazda Miata Mx-5)

Comments 467

Key moments

Example Vehicle: 1992 Mazda Miata

Example Vehicle: 1992 Mazda Miata

Example Vehicle: 1992 Mazda Miata

Lift the rear of the vehicle and

Lift the rear of the vehicle and

Lift the rear of the vehicle and

Remove the rear wheels for access.

Remove the rear wheels for access.

Remove the rear wheels for access.

Clear out loose metal and debris.

Clear out loose metal and debris.

Clear out loose metal and debris.

Grind trouble areas to identify extent of rust damage

Grind trouble areas to identify extent of rust damage

Grind trouble areas to identify extent of rust damage

Use a centerpunch on each spot weld and then use the spot weld cutter.

Use a centerpunch on each spot weld and then use the spot weld cutter.

Use a centerpunch on each spot weld and then use the spot weld cutter.

Use a prybar (or crappy screwdriver) to separate the layers of metal.

Use a prybar (or crappy screwdriver) to separate the layers of metal.

Use a prybar (or crappy screwdriver) to separate the layers of metal.

Start forming a patch panel.

Start forming a patch panel.

Start forming a patch panel.

Description

Key moments View all

Example Vehicle: 1992 Mazda Miata

Example Vehicle: 1992 Mazda Miata

Example Vehicle: 1992 Mazda Miata

Lift the rear of the vehicle and

Lift the rear of the vehicle and

Lift the rear of the vehicle and

Remove the rear wheels for access.

Remove the rear wheels for access.

Remove the rear wheels for access.

Clear out loose metal and debris.

Clear out loose metal and debris.

Clear out loose metal and debris.

AlanWrenches

Transcript

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Key moments

Key moments