I need a translation please... Several U.S. posts mention that the 'rocker panel' is a rust prone area. What is the rocker panel? Is it the sill?

So...

Hood = Bonnet(AUS)

Trunk = Boot(AUS)

Fender = Wing(UK) = Guard(AUS)

Rocker Panel = ??

The Rocker Panel is that area of the outside sheet metal right below the door between the front fender (wing/guard) and the rear "dogleg" in front of the rear wheel well.

The "dogleg" is called that because of it's shape. It is just the forward part of the rear fender sheet metal.

The Sill is that area of the rocker panel which is the transition from outside sheet metal to the inner sheet metal. This is where the aluminum sill guard goes. The sill is also where the seam on the metal for the door gasket is.

Hope this helps.

Enrique Scanlon

Thanks - great answer!

By the way, the reason it got called the "rocker" panel may be a bit of urban legend.

I've heard two stories.

The first says, that this is where the rocks you kick up from your front tires hit.

The other says that this is where some vehicles (like the old VW Bug) had these flat "steps" and they were good for standing on them and jumping up and down, thereby rocking the car up and down, hence "rocker".

I had heard the first long ago, and the second was given to me later. Personally I believe the first.

2¢

I've only previously heard 'rocker' when used in the term 'rocker cover'. ie the valve cover at the top of the engine.

'Sill' is the term I've always used to describe the panel you call a rocker panel... and everyone is correct, this panel comes in for more than its fair share of moisture, sand, gravel and other abuses that cause rusting.