My one rocker panel on the driver side is shit, rotted out.l just ordered a new one.It looks like the panel includes the area that is inside the door that you step on.How would l come around to attatching this before welding and getting the old one out?
only problem is theres nothing left of my old panels, so nothing to bondo.my dad had the truck for 20 years and has always done work on it, and since l got it we've done all the work ourselves.l have a friend who can weld.its not going to cost much for the paint job, l just need to know how to get the old one out so l can do as much as l can myself

Find a bodyman.

They need to be cut out and welded in.

Labor is about 15 - 20 hours a piece and that does not include paint.

It is a big job that might cost more than the whole truck is worth. Unless you're dead set on spending a ton of money on this truck you should see if you can return those panels in exchange for a can of bondo.

this may sound tacky but l just drill holes threw the panels & throw a screw in there to hold it in. You can also try rivets. then get some bondo & fill the sides so it can blend in. & being that it will be on the rocker panel which is the lowest part of the body it isnt to much noticed.

and being that its an older truck u can just get some spray cans at a auto parts store & they come out good as long as u r not doing a high gloss or metallic paint.

save ur money & do it yourself.

If there is actually nothing to weld to sounds like ur inner rockers r also gone & possibly part of the floor pans. Cut out the old outer rockers & see what is left. You can not tell how bad the inner rocker panels r until u the get the outer panels out of the way. There should be numerous spot welds on the bottom of the outer rocker crimp seam, if there is anything left of it. A few near the cab corners, & a few more near the front fenders. Lay the new rocker over the old one, mark it for reference, & cut the old one out. Make sure u leave enough of the old panel to either step flange the remaining sheetmetal or so u have enough material to slowly work ur way to the mark for butt welding. Panel replacement is not exactly a DIY project & it is rather difficult to explain, but l hope this helps some.