Rocker panel color

This is the place to discuss restoration problems, post questions or projects-complete or partial.
Post Reply
User avatar
rjkoop
Posts: 976
Joined: Thu Nov 08, 2012 6:45 am
Your car is a: 1981 Fiat Spider
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Rocker panel color

Post by rjkoop »

I had to replace one of the rocker panels on my tan colored '81. It might be difficult to match the paint and was thinking about painting them black. I saw this picture which looked really nice.

Image

Not sure the black would work with my car though.

Image

Or maybe they are down so low it would be fine. Anyone have any advice or pictures of their black rockers?
User avatar
RRoller123
Patron 2020
Patron 2020
Posts: 8179
Joined: Sun Nov 13, 2011 2:04 pm
Your car is a: 1980 FI SPIDER 2000
Location: SAGAMORE BEACH, MA USA

Re: Rocker panel color

Post by RRoller123 »

I think the black would make the car look like it was sitting higher?
'80 FI Spider 2000
'74 and '79 X1/9 (past)
'75 BMW R75/6
2011 Chevy Malibu (daily driver)
2010 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Ext Cab 4WD/STD BED
2002 Edgewater 175CC 80HP 4-Stroke Yamaha
2003 Jaguar XK8
2003 Jaguar XKR
2021 Jayco 22RB
2019 Bianchi Torino Bicycle
Holshot
Posts: 268
Joined: Fri Apr 24, 2009 2:53 pm
Your car is a: 1982 TURBO Spider 1979 Spider
Location: Baltimore, MD

Re: Rocker panel color

Post by Holshot »

I have to agree... It will make the car look higher not to mention I personally don't think it will look good on that color. I think you're better off trying to match it to the original color as best as possible. If you take it to a good body they have those scanning computers that will scan the original paint and mix up the proper color and will make it match fairly well.
Giuseppe

1979 Fiat Spider
1982 Fiat Spider TURBO
1984 Pinninfarina Spider (gone but not forgotten)
spider2081
Patron 2024
Patron 2024
Posts: 3015
Joined: Fri Jan 27, 2006 11:45 pm
Your car is a: 1981 Spider 2000
Location: Wallingford,CT

Re: Rocker panel color

Post by spider2081 »

The rocker is separated from the body by a chrome strip. So I don't think a close color would be noticed. If painting both rockers you could make them slightly darker than original color.
Some Spiders had a polished aluminum cap on the rockers. Many like that look also. So a bright silver epoxy paint might be aplealing
User avatar
azruss
Posts: 3659
Joined: Sun May 30, 2010 12:24 pm
Your car is a: 80 Fiat 2000 FI

Re: Rocker panel color

Post by azruss »

I agree with matching the current paint. have the color matched from the bottom edge of the door or the fenders. That will give you the best blend at an adjacent panel.
User avatar
rjkoop
Posts: 976
Joined: Thu Nov 08, 2012 6:45 am
Your car is a: 1981 Fiat Spider
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Re: Rocker panel color

Post by rjkoop »

K. Consensus is to match the color. Thanks for the advice everyone.
Post Reply