73 Midget rocker panel end caps and door handle gaskets advise

[fordmstr]

Is there a right way to install the front and rear rocker panel end caps? The ones I've purchased have 1 hole on the flat side that butts up against the body sheet metal. Do you just install with one screw so they can be removed later to access inside the rocker panel or is it best to weld them into the body sheet metal?

Another question is about the door handle gaskets. The ones that came from Moss in a body rubber kit are almost paper thin, looking around saw some new old stock from England wondering if they look like a better seal. Not messing with the trunk handle seal, it seems in good shape and made of rubber.

 

[Bayless]

I had to replace 2 on my 67. The others were welded in so I did the same. I did shoot both sills inside with a lot of Rustoleum rusty metal primer then paint first though.

 

[fordmstr]

Thanks Bayless, wasn't sure what to do but welding does sound like the strongest way to attach them. I painted both sides of the inner sills after welding in with Por 15 and covered with black enamel spray can paint, also both insides of the rocker panels. Had to mark and grind off about a hundred spots before welding but easier than grinding down the welds were.

Noticed your Personal Page link, must have spent 3 hours there following the progress on your AH Sprite project. Looks like all your hard work is paying off, it looks show car quality now.
My wife had a 69 Bug when we first got married, my first paint job was on it. Changing it from white to similar color of blue yours was. Rented a compressor and spray gun at the time, prepped and painted it in my parents garage. Not knowing anything, mixed the paint and thinner per the recommendations 50, 50. Big mistake paint came out like cotton candy. Should have thinned it down more, sure it would have helped. But at the time I was young and dumb. Looked great if it was raining or wet but close up it sucked.

 

[Bayless]

Thanks for the complements.