General 2013 Fiat 500 Rocker panels, etc

[ChristmasFover]

I haven't posted in just about a year. The last post related to Radio codes. Well, my Fiat is rusting on the driver side under the door and on the front part of the rear fender.

I am trying to find out exactly what to look for as when I search for Rocker Panels, it brings up things like Clip-On or Snap- On Trim. And they are usually plastic. I need to get steel panels for this and want to make sure I am getting the correct parts. My nephew works for a Custom Auto Shop, and he would be able to do the work, but if he has to get the parts fabricated or even order them himself, I could cost me a lot more. I have had a few places look at this and it is worth fixing as the floor panels are solid. My car only had 57k on it too and I couldn't get another car for the 2k it might cost to fix this.

I have tried eBay Mopar and Amazon, but when I put in 2013 Fiat 500, then I have to choose a trim, i.e. 500 Abarth Hatchback 2-Dr, or Pop Hatchback 2-Dr. etc., Some results say it may or may not fit. I don't really think that there is much difference in body panels for this, but I could be wrong. I am a newbie for owning a Fiat, and I truly love it.

It has great pep and gets pretty good mileage. So, I would love to keep it as long as possible. I don't know if this is a good result or not, but I am able to go from 0-60 in about 12 seconds and that is not even pushing it. Or not in Turbo mode. Not that I want to break any speed records lol. It just is a really nice car.

The passenger side is just starting to rust at the same space on the rear fender, but not too concerned about that yet.

I thank everyone in advance. If possible, maybe links to the correct information. Sincerely, Susan

 

[John202020]

I think something like this is what you're looking for, "sill" it's called here, as for the fender/rear quarter panel this will require bespoke repair

Weld-In Panel - RH - Outer Door Sill - fits Fiat New 500 (312_) 2010- | eBay

Outer Door Sill. We will always help you to have a 100% positive happy buying experience.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[ChristmasFover]

Thank you. Sadly this vendor doesn't ship it the USA. At least now, I have a better idea of what to look for.

Also, this may sound like a stupid question, is there a difference on body parts for 500 Abarth Hatchback 2-Dr, or Pop Hatchback 2-Dr. etc., or would this be the same for the panels on these models? I do realize that there are some different things such as trim, turbo engine and so on.

 

[John202020]

As far as I know the "shell" of the car is the same, some panels do change over time/facelift

 

[jrkitching]

That is an almost unbelieveable amount of sill corrosion for a 10 yr old 500; I've not seen one in Europe, of any age, anywhere near as bad as this.

European bodyshells are galvanised; are the North American cars not similarly treated? Or do they just use a phenomenal amount of salt on the roads in Vermont?

Another possibility is a substandard prior accident repair using cheap aftermarket panels.

Whatever, if the rest of the car is in similar condition, I'd have serious concerns about its structural integrity; that would be an instant MOT fail in the UK.

If this were my car, I'd be putting a borescope into the sills, and if there were evidence of widespread corrosion, I'd scrap the car on safety grounds.

 

[ChristmasFover]

Hello, here in New England, Vermont, they use a salt/sand mix, so that deteroates the metal if a car hasn't been undercoated. But surpisingly, it is only below the drivers side door and rear fender well. The floor is pretty solid. Also, if the rust wasn't actually through the body, it would pass Motor Vehicle Inspection. My guess is if it doesn't let outside air into the vehicle, it would be fine. They just don't want exhaust to get in. So, for 2k American, it would be worth fixing as the interior is in excellent condition and when I bought it in June 2023, I was surprised how well it was maintained. Even a vehicle with a cracked windshiled/windscreen, would pass as long as the crack was below your field of vision.

Not sure about the UK, but we have CARFAX for vehicles and if a mechanic is reputable, all repairs are submitted so one could see what was done in maintaining the vehicle, as well as Department oF Motor Vehicles records. i. e. previous owners, accident records etc. So, in my case, it is worth repairing as I wouldn't be able to get another vehiclle for 2k without going throug a dealer and have to finance it for at least 5 years.

My car was manufactured in Mexico and has an American Chrysler motor in it, Not sure if anything is actually from Italy or not, being Fiat is Italian.

It is odd how some foreign vehicles are actually made in America. I remember years ago when Volkswagon stopped making the air-cooole beetles, that you could still get them from Mexico for many years later, but they didn't meet the air pollution standards, so it would cost a lot to have them modified before you could register in the the USA.

 

[jrkitching]

My guess is if it doesn't let outside air into the vehicle, it would be fine

If you are involved in a serious crash, it could mean the difference between living or dying.