Rhino Lining for Rocker Panels

[pjf]

I am having my damaged rocker panels replaced. I don’t think that the new factory panels will be pre-drilled for the factory plastic running board trim. To protect the metal rocker panels from paint chips, I am considering a “Rhino Lining:”

Rhino Linings
Rhino Linings

Does anyone have any experience with this product or similar products? If so, which Rhino Lining was applied (Hardline, Tuffgrip or Solarmax)?

[Damon]

I did the Line-X on my Dodge bed and rockers. It was the best think I ever did to my truck! It's harder than the Rhino Liner and so far it's weathered the use and abuse WAY better than most of my friends linings. Can be spendy though...

[TheZuke!]

In Rochester MN I've seen a 2 door Sidekick that has the
entire painted surface covered with a Rhino lining type substance!

I haven't met up with owner yet to ask if its keeping the road salt
from eating every piece of steel on the car.

TheZuke!

[rudar]

This guy:
Heat, Rust, & Noise in VW's
used Kool Patch for the entire undersides of a VW bus, and that seems like a durable kinda thing. Not sure I'd use it on rocker panels, but if and when I do a full frame-off overhaul and engine swap, I suspect I'll look into something like that for the frame and underbody

[pjf]

What would be best on the door sill? Would a protective coating, such as Rhino or Line-X, work there? The alternative is to apply a door sill protector, such the Auto Ventshade "StepShield” (Auto Ventshade Stepshield Stainless Steel Door Sill Protector - Auto Ventshade Stepshield Door Sill Protector).

[Evil-Erik]

imho the door sill protectors aren't worth squat dirt usually gets under them and sratches the paint to bare metal and when it retains water it will rust out your rocker panel. as for a rhino lining like material i think it would make opening and closing the door a problem i have rhino lined an entire toyota truck before but we did not cover the areas near the doors or the tailgate. but it was a wonder on the trail as we neever worried about scratching the paint off and most dents popped right out on the larger areas of the body. hope this helps a little.

[pjf]

Good information. It will be weeks before the rocker panels arrive from Japan and winter is approaching fast in Colorado where I live. Do Rhino or Line-X require warm weather for application?

[Evil-Erik]

depends on how its done if its done bdealer its usually done in a nice heated shop and if you buy the roll on or spray can its best to do it indoors. i have had expierience with both my stepdad had his truck bed and nerf bars done by a shop and they have held up great for 5 yearss now and i did the roll on in the bed of an old truck of mine and it held up for the 4 years i had it not sure if it still looks good or not. just make sure you remove ALL rust before aplication or it will rust behind the liner and fixing it is nearly impossible. it will bubble and flex looking absolutely horrible causing weak spots on body panels. but if done right you wo't regret it one bit

[Damon]

I'm not sure about the Rhino...but the Line-X has a lifetime warranty. If you have any problems you just take it back and they fix it...

They do it indoors. It's heated up to some ungodly temperature and them shot on...something about how it bonds.

In truth you could pry use Herculiner or something similar for rocker panels if you don't need it to protect against dents. If you do it'd be cheaper and you can just touch it up yourself.

[paul kellam]

i used a product called pOR 15 on my rockers seems to be ok 6 months later?