cab

[the_legend_1981]

how necessary is the bracket towards the front of the rocker that connects to the fender and how hard is it to fix?

[HAULIN IT]

Legend, You may be talking about the front portion of the rocker or possibly the  front cab mount. The rocker steps in behind the fender with the hole for the lower fender bolt, but is part of the entire inner/outer rocker. The cab mount runs from above the rubber bushing out to the rocker.It is just behind the fender/door gap below the floor. If this is what your speaking of, it is important. It holds up the front corner of the cab. You can go to the 73-87 Chevy truck.com online catalog & look them up to see what part/parts you need. Good Luck, Lorne

[the_legend_1981]

just the fender bolt part is rusted/rotted.

[HAULIN IT]

Ok, That's not too bad. If you have minimum skill & access to a welder you can fix it up, no problem. Cut off the old rusty stuff. Cut out a piece of heavy sheet metal (16-18 gauge), cut another one for the inner (back to the cab mount) & sandwich them together, drill  a few holes around the edges in the top piece & weld them together. Weld it into the old rocker,drill a hole for the fender bolt. All done after a little paint & undercoat. Have Fun! Lorne   

[JJSZABO]

Where the fender bolts to the rocker, actually bolts to interior foot well piece that is sandwitched between the outer and inner rocker.  I had to replace my drivers side foot well, inner and outer rocker.  See this thread for pictures :
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=5661.0