82Camaro355

I was looking around the engine bay of my car today, and noticed something that I didn't before. And it was a lot of rust, I posted some pictures. Does anyone think this is really bad, and what should I do. I am kinda worried about it rusting in other places, is there anything I can do to prevent future rust?

Jim85IROC

iTrader: (2)

I can't really make out what I'm looking at in the pic. If that's rotten holes that allow me to see the ground under your car, then I'd say you've got some pretty significant issues.

The only way to get rid of rust and prevent it from returning is to sand blast or chemically dip the car to ensure that all current rust is gone, and after replacing necessary panels and repainting, keep it out of salty and/or humid environments.

82Camaro355

Yeah, thats under the battery. And it is holes rusted all the way through. I will get a better picture tommorow, its raining here but I wanted to get advice ASAP.

But that means that I am pretty much out of luck then, doesnt it? Would taking a sheet of metal and welding in there at least be a good fix for the time being?

Xophertony

grind off all rustyness in that area(destroyng battery tray) then get 1/4" steel and weald it on there. POR15 it all.

now might be a good time to convert to a 4th gen coolend reservoir. it's baisicaly a tank for the coolent thats also a battery tray. https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...89#post2557789
check it out.

Toehead

they sell battery pans to replace that piece of metal.

ryane88

or if your cheap.... use a cheap grade metal if you want... weld it..... then fiberglass it...

then the rusty metal left.... wire brush it/cut it out.... t

hen undercoat everything with the can stuff or with a brush and roofing tar.

tagta189

Or you could just move the battery to the rear end and get rid of the tray anyways.never hurts to move some weight to the back on these cars.

GarageToys

iTrader: (6)

1/4" steel

A little overkill, don't you think?

Jim85IROC

iTrader: (2)

Oh. That may be a different situation then. It's very common for metal under the battery to rust because of trapped moisture and gunk, along with the acidic fumes from the battery that promote corrosion. Just because that spot is in bad shape isn't necessarily an indication that your whole car is going to fall apart. You'll need to determine that by examining other parts of the car for the normal salt induced damage.

Either way, as mentioned, you can buy new battery trays. Cut out the old area completely and make sure that what's left is completely rust free before welding the new piece in.