How to fix corroded battery box?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 459
From: Lititz PA
How to fix corroded battery box?
My '73 coupe has a corroded floor in the battery box. The fiberglas floor is thin and easily damaged. I'm not sure what to do; I have VERY limited abilities with fiberglas. Can you guys offer me some tips on how I can fix this?
Thanks in advance!
John
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Thanks in advance!
John
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Racer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 430
Likes: 0
From: SIGONELLA Sicily
If i were you I would take this as an opportunity to learn to do some fiberglass work. I have been doing body work and the lines are the hard part mixing and appying fiberglass filler is easy. I would take lots of pictures and measurments then chip out the acid socked fiber glass then start building a new panal use the mating for for big gaps. After its built up do a lil sanding. I found its easy if you start with a file then move to sandpaper. worst case it looks like poo then you put the battery in and close the door and forget it. Best case you have something else to show off and a new skill to hone. Best of luck!!
CM2
CM2
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
Clean it with lacquer thinner and rough sand with 24 or 36 grit. Easier to remove the metal tiedowns.
then glass the inside first about 1/3 way up. Be sure to use epoxy resins. When cured remove foil tape and do the underside.
Will be stronger than original.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1569044222-post5.html
then glass the inside first about 1/3 way up. Be sure to use epoxy resins. When cured remove foil tape and do the underside.
Will be stronger than original.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1569044222-post5.html
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
i agree...you couldnt pick a better spot to learn fiberglass repair then in a spot that no one will ever see....there are both long strand and short strand fiber glass that you can use for this.....maybe use the long strand to initially fix the holes and create a smooth surface. i bet if you keep going over the spots and bottom of the battery box with the long strands you will create a nice repair. make sure you wash the area very well with baking soda to neutralize the area before you make any repairs
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,709
Likes: 3
From: Savannah GA
Yep... what they said. Baking soda paste, rinse with water. Clean with lacquer thinner and rough the surface with a grinder, or by hand. Get some epoxy resin from a boat repair place, a pack of fiberglass mat from your local Autozone, and a cheap 2 inch paintbrush fron Home Depot. If you're worried about the larger holes, cover them with an aluminum tape like used on A/C ductwork. Cut some pieces of mat the same size as the bottom of the tray (3 layers should do it), and read the mixing instructions on the resin. Mix some up in a cut off liter soda bottle and brush some on to cover the bottom on the tray. Lay the mat in and dab (dab not swirl) some more resin on until the mat gets translucent, then do it again with the 2 other layers. Once this dries, cut some more strips of mat to go up the sides of the tray, rough the bottom again and laminate up the sides, overlapping onto the base so it gets strong all over. Guess what???? Now you know enough to do good fiberglass repairs on your whole car!
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 459
From: Lititz PA
Wow, you guys are great! I thought the acid soaked bottom would not be fixable. I'll try the baking soda technique to neutralize any remaining acid. Then rough up the surface and give it a go!
I'll report back.
Thanks,
John
I'll report back.
Thanks,
John
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 945
Likes: 10
From: Winston Salem NC
I agree with those above too. Neutralize the acid. This is an excellent place to practice fiberglass repair. I did the same thing behind the drivers side quarter trim molding. I used three layers and lots of resin. I used gloves.
It worked beautifully. Very strong. Go for it!
It worked beautifully. Very strong. Go for it!
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 459
From: Lititz PA
I haven't begun the fiberglas work yet. I did, however, receive some Undercoat Remover made by Eastman, but I'm going to wait til Monday and maybe not have to use it. I've decided to call Comtempory Corvette and ask if they will sell me a good battery box out of a wrecked '73. If I can get a good battery box, I'll cut mine out and glass in the donor.
I'll keep y'all informed.
Thanks for checking,
John
I'll keep y'all informed.
Thanks for checking,
John
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 459
From: Lititz PA
Ok, for all of you that said "This would be a good time to learn how to use fiber glass", well YOU WERE RIGHT! I danced around this problem for a long time and finally got to it. I taped up the holes and put a layer inside. Next I tried to put a layer on the bottom. At first it was a hairy mess. I had resin dripping all over, numerous glass fibers stuck to my gloves, plus the the fiber glass matt hanging down like a big fur ball! 
But I kept working at it and finally got all the glass soaked and layed down nicely. Each piece I apply gets easier than the previous. I have to put another layer inside and then I think it will be done and better than ever.
So, I thank you all for your encouragement and advice. The next challenge I've been avoiding will be the serpentine belt setup up front. But that have to wait awhile.
Thanks again everybody,
John
But I kept working at it and finally got all the glass soaked and layed down nicely. Each piece I apply gets easier than the previous. I have to put another layer inside and then I think it will be done and better than ever.So, I thank you all for your encouragement and advice. The next challenge I've been avoiding will be the serpentine belt setup up front. But that have to wait awhile.
Thanks again everybody,
John
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,652
Likes: 80
From: Lakeland Florida
I agree that working on the battery box for the first time approach to working with fiberglass is a good idea. Its not going to be visible for others to see, and it helps with some experience levels.
Glad to hear that your fix turned out. Spray it with some black paint, maybe semi flat or satin black, and it should look good.
kdf
Glad to hear that your fix turned out. Spray it with some black paint, maybe semi flat or satin black, and it should look good.
kdf
